who write the course in miracles

by Major Ebert V 9 min read

A Course in Miracles
A Course in Miracles, Combined Volume, Third Edition as published by the Foundation for Inner Peace.
EditorHelen Schucman, Bill Thetford, Kenneth Wapnick
AuthorThere is no author attributed to ACIM, although it was "scribed" by Helen Schucman
CountryUnited States
SubjectSpiritual transformation
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When was the Course in Miracles written?

Overview. The Pocket Edition Text contains the complete and unabridged Text portion of A Course in Miracles - Original Edition as it was completed by Helen Schucman and Bill Thetford in 1972.

Does Eckhart Tolle follow A Course in Miracles?

In this teaching Eckhart explores A Course in Miracles, a widely popular book of universal spiritual teachings. Don't lose your mind in the concepts of reality, it's time to become the moment. In this teaching Eckhart explores A Course in Miracles, a widely popular book of universal spiritual teachings.

What is the main message of A Course in Miracles?

The Course emphasizes healing our interpersonal relationships as a means of awakening, as the relationships we have are a projection of the unconscious relationship we believe we have with God. Forgiveness is the primary spiritual practice in the Course.

WHEN WAS A Course in Miracles first published?

1976A Course in Miracles / Originally published

How many A Course in Miracles books have been sold?

Since it first became available for sale in 1976, over 2 million copies of A Course in Miracles have been sold worldwide and the text has been translated into sixteen different languages.

How Does A Course in Miracles define a miracle?

A Course in Miracles calls such change of belief and changes of perception- from false ones to a correct one - A Miracle. “Miracles rearrange perception, and place the levels of perception in true perspective. This heals at all levels, because sickness comes from confusing the levels”

Did Jesus write a course in miracles?

For copyright purposes, US courts determined that the author of the text was Schucman, not Jesus.

What does ACIM stand for?

ACIM. Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Is a course in miracles a good book?

A Course in Miracles Made Easy by Alan Cohen is one of the best spiritual books readers will ever come across. This book takes its reader into a wonderful journey from Fear to Love, that ultimately leads to the discovery of the “self”.

What is the foundation for inner peace?

The Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP) is the original publisher of A Course in Miracles (ACIM) and the only organization designated by the scribe, Dr. Helen Schuman, to “publish, distribute and discuss” the Course. FIP is a public charity. We have published the authorized edition of A Course in Miracles since 1975.

Where did the words of the course come from?

The words of the Course claim that they in some sense come from the individual known as Jesus of Nazareth.

How do we view the authorship of the course?

How we view the authorship of the Course makes broader statements about life in this world. If Jesus can author the exact words of the Course, this implies that spirit can reach all the way down to our level, helping us very actively, specifically and personally. If Jesus cannot author a book in this way, then the opposite is implied: Spirit will not translate itself down to our level and so we will have to do what Helen supposedly did. We will have to hike ourselves up to its level and make contact with it. And then we ourselves will have to translate its abstract light into specific forms that suit our needs. This may in fact be the case, but to me this is a cold and comfortless picture. It amounts to nothing less than the idea that we have been left alone and have to get back home on our own.

What happens when Jesus awakens?

Many believe that if Jesus has truly awakened, then he no longer exists as an entity that can act within time and space. When his body and his ego vanished, the individual character we knew as Jesus disappeared as well. Now “he” is merely a seamless part of the transcendental whole, a whole which is void of any trace of personal identity, including that of Jesus.

Is the course in Miracles written in the first person?

Almost the entire text of A Course in Miracles is written in the first person, where the “I” is clearly identified throughout as Jesus (p. 97).

Is it so hard to answer Helen and Bill?

The great thing about this question is that it is not so hard to answer. Clear answers are communicated in the Course itself. And extremely clear answers are communicated in the personal guidance to Helen and Bill which did not make it into the Course. Much of this guidance, as many Course students know, was published in Ken Wapnick’s Absence from Felicity.

How does Jesus' relationship with us affect the course?

Now, this relationship can occur whether or not Jesus wrote the Course. Yet how much the Course itself can facilitate this relationship is affected by how directly and specifically we think he wrote it. If he wrote its words, then by simply reading those words we are contacting him, we are touching him. If he didn’t write its words then we are that much more removed from him, and will have to find some other way to bridge the gap between us and him.

Why does the course carry less weight?

The reason is simple: We as a race do not trust Helen Schucman as much as we trust Jesus Christ. You may think it should not matter to us where the Course came from, that it should carry weight based strictly on the merit of its words. Yet even so I suspect that if you truly imagine that its specific words came from Jesus, you will find yourself feeling differently about the Course. In evaluating words and ideas, we humans always consider the source.

What is the point of a miracle?

The point should read “A miracle reawakens the awareness that the spirit, not the body, is the altar of Truth. This is the recognition that leads to the healing power of the miracle.”

Who believes that Helen supplied the form of the course?

Even Ken Wapnick, who believes that Helen supplied the form of the Course, admits that Helen’s experience was different: “Helen’s experience, as we have seen, was that Jesus used her particular talents and abilities” (p. 482, italics mine). Yet this was not only Helen’s experience, it was what the words she heard claimed. And it was a specific application of the overall thought system she heard. This, then, will be our ninth conclusion:

How did Helen's willingness affect her?

Helen’s willingness not only affected the accuracy of the words she heard , it also affected the quality or level of thought that was able to come through her.

What is the sharp ascent upward in thought which the development of the notes shows?

The sharp ascent upward in thought which the development of the notes shows, and it is astonishing in human terms how steadily they evolve toward unity, is due to only one sign of assent. I asked her to take notes, and she did (p. 294).

Where did Helen hear the words of Jesus?

(1) The words Helen heard in some sense come from the individual known as Jesus of Nazareth. (2) Jesus, though awakened, has remained with us in a personal way and thus is able to do things within time and space, such as author a book. (3) He has remained with us as some kind of distinct identity, who is one with all other (physical and non-physical) saviors, yet is still in some way distinct from them and is their leader. (4) He carefully chose the specific English words of the Course, which is reflected in the acute awareness of words that he displays in the Course. (5) In the case of the puns he makes, the specific content expressed depends on the multiple meanings of particular English words, suggesting that he formulated both the content and the words together.

Why was Bill a scribe?

In the common view, Bill was a scribe because it was his joining with Helen that gave birth to the Course, it was their joining that the Course specifically came to shepherd and heal, and it was their physical collaboration that brought the Course into written form–she took shorthand notes and he typed them up. In this typing he even fulfilled a literal scribal role, albeit of a secondary sort.

What language did Jesus use in the course of Helen?

In order to reach her, Jesus intentionally shaped his content into a “language” familiar to Helen. That explains why the Course uses so many of Helen’s forms (English language, Christian symbology, psychodynamics, curricular format, and Shakespearean blank verse).

What is a course in Miracles?

A Course in Miracles is a mind training system. This differentiates it from many religions which appear to spend more time focusing on physical behaviour than inner mental practice. From the perspective of ACIM what you do in the world is irrelevant but what you do with your mind is everything.

How many pages are there in a course in Miracles?

A Course in Miracles is a thousand-page self-study guide to spiritual awakening. It includes a yearlong marathon consisting of three-hundred-and-sixty-five psychological exercises, one for each day of the year. The tome is said to have been dictated over a seven-year period in the 1960s and 70s by the spirit of Jesus Christ through a skeptical New York psychologist, Dr. Helen Schucman. Schucman was assisted in the transcribing of the dictations by her work associate, Dr. William Thetford.

Who is the author of Ecclesiastes?

Ecclesiastes is attributed to Qoheleth, Son of David (9th century BCE). This has traditionally been taken to mean that the author was Solomon. The word Qoheleth is traditionally rendered as preacher, though teacher is most often used. The name Qoheleth is used eight times in the book, sometimes with the definite article which suggests that the name may be a title or epithet. Indeed, Qoheleth is depicted as a teacher and a sage rather than a king.

How many miracles did Jesus perform?

Centuries later, the four Gospel writers described some 35 miracles performed by Jesus. In fact, their words suggest that he performed even more supernatural feats than those they report. Are these reports fact or fiction?b​— Matthew 9:35; Luke 9:11.

What religions believe in miracles?

The Encyclopedia of Religion explains that the founders of Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam held diverse views about miracles, but it notes: “The subsequent history of these religions demonstrates unmistakably that miracles and miracle stories have been an integral part of man’s religious life.” This reference work says that “the Buddha himself was sometimes led to work miracles.” Later, when “Buddhism was transplanted to China, its missionaries often resorted to the display of miraculous powers.”

What is the irony of Marianne Williamson?

And another irony, how people like Marianne Williamson, who became wealthy from such garbage with her own condensed version of the Course called A Return To Love, does not even follow the very spiritual tenets she so blatantly promotes. Marianne is a ‘social justice warrior’ who appears to have little problem with promoting feminism (which is based from women’s oppression) and racial politics. The irony in all of this is that how two postmodern ideas, critical theory and new thought, are actually diametrically opposed to each other but yet somehow adherents of both schools of thought have found a way to merge both of those ideas.

What does Paul say about gifts of prophecy?

But Paul explained that these gifts would pass away once they were no longer needed. “Whether there are gifts of prophesying, they will be done away with; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will be done away with. For we have partial knowledge and we prophesy partially; but when that which is complete arrives, that which is partial will be done away with.”​— 1 Corinthians 13:8-10.

Who wrote the course in Miracles?

A Course in Miracles was “scribed” by Dr. Helen Schucman through a process of inner dictation that she identified as coming from Jesus. A clinical and research psychologist and tenured Associate Professor of Medical Psychology, she was assisted by Dr. William Thetford, her department head, who was also a tenured Professor of Medical Psychology at the Medical Center where they both worked.

What is ACIM course?

A Course in Miracles. A Course in Miracles – often abbreviated ACIM or simply called the Course – is a complete self-study spiritual thought system. As a three-volume curriculum consisting of a Text, Workbook for Students, and Manual for Teachers, it teaches that the way to universal love and peace—or remembering God—is by ...

What is a manual for teachers?

The Manual for Teachers is written in question-and-answer form and provides answers to some of the more likely questions a student might ask. It also includes clarification of a number of terms the Course uses, explaining them within the theoretical framework of the Text and for their practical application through the Workbook.

How many lessons are in a workbook?

The Workbook for Students consists of 365 lessons, an exercise for each day of the year. This one-year training program begins the process of changing the student’s mind and perception, though it is not intended to bring one’s learning to completion. As stated in the Preface to the Course, “At the end, the reader is left in the hands of his or her own Internal Teacher, Who will direct all subsequent learning as He sees fit.” (Pre: ix-x) You can study the Workbook’s daily lessons in both text and audio in English; also available as text in Dutch , French, German, Italian , Portuguese and Spanish.

Is Course in Miracles a non-denominational course?

Consequently, even though the language of the Course is that of traditional Christianity, it expresses a non-sectarian, non-denominational spirituality.

Is Miracles a religion?

A Course in Miracles, therefore, is a universal spiritual teaching, not a religion. The Text presents the theory of the Course and has built into its study the development of the experience of forgiveness that is the Course’s goal for the student.

Who wrote the course in Miracles?

By: Sharon Lee Giganti, 2008©. A Course in Miracles is the name of a book that was written by a channeled spirit, who claimed to be Jesus. Described as “spiritual psychotherapy”, it’s been widely promoted by Oprah, and as of January 2008, she now has Marianne Williamson, the Course’s leading spokesperson, teaching this “Course” on her world-wide XM ...

What is the meaning of "course in miracles"?

A Course in Miracles asserts again and again that: A sense of guilt for having done “wrong” is an illusionary invention of our own minds, and is to be downplayed or overlooked as much as possible.

Can you study Course in Miracles?

I’ve publicly stated my opinion, that “You cannot study A Course in Miracles without seriously jeopardizing your faith, and putting your mental, physical, and spiritual health at risk.”

What is the danger of studying Miracles?

EVEN FOR THE NON-CHRISTIAN, THE VERY REAL DANGER of studying “A Course in Miracles” can clearly be seen in what the Course asks you to believe: Claiming that physical life on Earth is really just a “nightmare” the collective human race is having while in a state of psychic sleep, (text pg. 18 and throughout) the Course teaches that: everything you see around you is an illusion, (lesson #14 and throughout) that sin and guilt are not real but, “solely an invention in your own mind” (lesson #70) that, you can neither hurt others, nor be hurt (text pg. 96 and throughout) … that “ you can and should deny any belief that error can hurt you” … the false promise that: if you see your neighbor as sinless, “ you will be released entirely from all effects of sin” (text pg. 474) that “ the reality of everything is total harmlessness” (text pg. 158) … that you alone are the sole cause of anything hurtful that’s ever happened to you (lesson #23, #304, and throughout) … that, “ The world you see has nothing to do with reality. It is of your own making, and it does not exist.” (lesson #14 and throughout)

Does the course in Miracles have discernment?

The teachings of A Course in Miracles have FAILED many, if not all, of the standard “tests of discernment” the Church has used for centuries, to distinguish a true and Godly spirit from a false one.

Who said a course in miracles has served to undermine authentic Christianity?

This is unfortunate, because many of the Church’s most trusted Catholic leaders-such as Fr. Mitch Pacwa and Fr. Benedict Groeschel - (Who has been quoted as saying, “A Course in Miracles has served to undermine authentic Christianity, more than just about any other work I can recall.”) — have warned the faithful for years, to stay away from this false teaching for the following reasons:

Is the course in Miracles real?

The Course teaches that sin and guilt are not real, and therefore, neither are any of their “seeming effects”. Marianne Williamson believes that A Course in Miracles can, and does generate real and lasting peace.

Who wrote the course in Miracles?

Answer. “A Course in Miracles” is a self-study curriculum written by a woman named Helen Schucman (1909—1981), a research psychologist raised by Jewish but non-religious parents. From 1958 through 1976, she was a professor of medical psychology at Columbia University in New York.

What is the teaching of A Course in Miracles?

The fundamental teaching of A Course in Miracles is the “atonement principle,” which states that separation from God through sin did not happen . The course further teaches that sin is the absence of love and nothing more. It denies that sin is an act against God. The principal purpose of A Course in Miracles is to “restore to one’s awareness ...

Who wrote a course in Miracles?

The seminal event which led to the scribing and eventual publication of A Course in Miracles took place on a June afternoon in 1965 when Dr. William Thetford made his now famous and impassioned statement to Dr. Helen Schucman: “ There must be another way! ” Bill was specifically addressing the ongoing conflicts that he and Helen experienced between themselves, as well as with other colleagues and professional associates, at the prestigious Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City where Bill was Director of the Psychology Department while at the same time holding a faculty appointment as Professor of Medical Psychology at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Helen began her professional career at the Medical Center as Bill’s research associate, later also to become a tenured Professor of Psychology at Columbia University.

When did the course in Miracles start?

We begin by presenting the sequence in which A Course in Miracles evolved into its present form, originating with Dr. Helen Schucman’s shorthand notes begun in 1965. Helen took down her internal dictation in notebooks, and regularly dictated these to her colleague and collaborator, Dr. William Thetford, who typed out her words. This original typing of the three books came to be called the “urtext,” a word denoting an original manuscript. 6

What was Helen and Bill's job?

Sometime earlier, Helen and Bill had become consultants to an interdisciplinary research project at the Cornell University Medical Center, Bill’s former employer. Their responsibilities included an hour-long meeting every week which grew to epitomize all that was wrong in their personal and professional lives. The meetings were characterized by the same back-biting if not savage competitiveness and anger they were accustomed to in their own Medical Center, not to mention in their own relationship. Helen and Bill hated going, feeling both uncomfortable and angry, yet believing that professionally they had no choice.

What did Joe do after mastering the computer?

After mastering the computer, Joe began a website dedicated to the Foundation’s work of teaching A Course in Miracles and fulfilled this important appointed task with his excellent literary skills, intelligence, and wit.

Who wrote the book Absence from Felicity?

1. Absence from Felicity: The Story of Helen Schucman and Her Scribing of A Course in Miracles, by Kenneth Wapnick, Ph.D., © 1991, 1999, Foundation for A Course in Miracles, Temecula, CA, 92590

When did Helen Schucman turn A Course in Miracles over to the Foundation for Inner Peace?

Specifically, in 1975 when Helen Schucman turned A Course in Miracles over to the Foundation for Inner Peace, she also explicitly instructed the Foundation to have the Course copyrighted. When Judith Skutch at the time asked why A Course in Miracles —a spiritual document—had to be copyrighted, Helen replied: “Because he says so.”

When did we find out the who in Miracles?

Finally, in the early spring of 1975 we had a completed manuscript of A Course in Miracles that awaited we knew not what (or whom). We found out the “who” on May 29, when we met Judith Skutch…” 7

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The Role of Helen

  • Now we will turn to Helen. What was her role? What part did she contribute? Whereas the role of Jesus is clearly communicated in the words of the Course itself, this is not so with Helen’s role. To ascertain her role, we will have turn outside the Course to personal guidance that is recorded in Absence from Felicity. 6. A scribe As we saw in Part I, the Course’s author called Helen (as well …
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The Role of Bill

  • This concludes my exploration of Helen’s role as scribe. My last points will explore a truly significant aspect of the Course’s scribing, yet one which has, to my knowledge, been completely ignored. This is Bill Thetford’s role. He, too, was a scribe. Jesus called him that, as we saw in Part I in his “just scribes” remarks (conclusion #5). But how was he a scribe? In the common view, Bil…
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The Role of Jesus

  • (1) The words Helen heard in some sense come from the individual known as Jesus of Nazareth. (2) Jesus, though awakened, has remained with us in a personal way and thus is able to do things within time and space, such as author a book. (3) He has remained with us as some kind of distinct identity, who is one with all other (physical and non-physica...
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The Role of Helen

  • (6) Helen was his “scribe,” which implied that she was copying down his words. (7) He would introduce “word/idea packets” into Helen’s mind. If her unconscious mind was unable to join with these, she would consciously hear a distorted version, in which her words had replaced his, distorting his content. He, however, would be aware of these scribal errors and try to correct the…
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The Role of Bill

  • (10) Jesus also shaped the Course’s special language to reflect Bill’s language. (11) Bill’s willingness, like Helen’s, was able to affect the quality of the material coming through Helen, at least at times. (12) Apparently Bill’s unconscious mind, like Helen’s, could also distort Jesus’ words, causing Helen to hear Bill’s words instead of Jesus’. Thus, Bill’s mind was to some degre…
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Implications

  • By now you can tell what my opinion is. I believe the view that I have distilled in this article. I buy every word of it. The human mind has a hard time thinking that spiritual realities are real and immediate. Our tendency is to either dismiss them entirely, or better, to make a compromise in which we maintain that they are real but very far away. Perhaps the hardest thing of all is to belie…
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