ACIM Review
ACIM is a modern spiritual self-study course. It consists of a workbook, a text, and a manual for teachers. The central philosophy of ACIM is based on an idea of free will.
The concept of acim free will is the answer to many common questions about this course. Watch this video to learn more about the metaphysics of acim free will.
What is ACIM?
ACIM is a self-study curriculum that promotes a radical change in the way one perceives reality. Its teachings focus on forgiveness as a moment-by-moment process that transforms attitudes, behaviors and relationships.
It was written by Helen Schucman, who claimed that she channeled what she heard from an "inner voice" identifying itself as Jesus. The Course was later closely edited by William Thetford (1923-84) and Kenneth Wapnick, both of whom were Jewish converts to Catholicism.
Despite its re-interpreted Christian terminology, the Course is not a Christian spiritual text but an Eastern metaphysical and psychological approach to achieving enlightenment. It is a very different type of spiritual teaching than the world has known in the past.
The Course's main idea is that the physical world we see around us is a dream, and that we can transcend its illusions through the practice of forgiveness. This is an extremely powerful and life-changing message.
But it is not without its limitations. For many persons who are deeply involved with ACIM, the Course can easily become a very limiting and restrictive thought system.
This is a shame, because the Course does have some really important and useful things to teach. In fact, if you take it seriously and are willing to work hard at the Course, you can make great progress in overcoming your fear and repression of your true nature.
However, the Course can also be a dangerous path to follow, especially if you are new to spiritual study or if you have a distorted sense of your own free will. It has been criticized as a cultic practice, and its adherents can easily fall into a state of mind where they are completely isolated from other forms of spiritual wisdom and devotion.
Moreover, the Course's use of language and ideas is often problematic for proponents of nondual spirituality. For example, it posits a creationist theology that sounds very dualist and, at best, qualified nondualist, like India's philosophic/theological tradition of "visishtadvaita."
The Course also makes some controversial and often erroneous statements about free will. For example, it teaches that there is no such thing as "sin," a doctrine that directly challenges the core teaching of Christianity. It also argues that Jesus did not suffer or die on the cross, which is another significant challenge to many of the tenets of traditional Christian religion.
What is the Course about?
One of the more fascinating aspects of ACIM is its ability to reveal the divine mind in the form of the student’s own thought process. Taking the time to do so not only results in a more enlightened experience of our surroundings but also in a more receptive attitude toward life’s challenges.
In particular, the Course teaches that we are all one in mind with no distinction between ourselves and others. This is a concept of the utmost importance, and it takes time to understand and a willingness to practice it.
For instance, did you know that you have the ability to manifest your own personal deity (or doppelganger) in your own mind? This may sound esoteric, but the results are undeniable.
As a matter of fact, it has been my experience that those who have given the most attention to this subject are the most able to tap into it and reap its rewards.
The best way to demonstrate it is through a series of fun and enlightening activities.
A simple trick is to write down all your class meetings on a flip chart and label each one with a different color post-it note. Then move them around in order to find the right balance of time to mark and return student work, give students the opportunity to integrate feedback, and leave a few minutes for those special moments of serendipity that can come up unexpectedly.
What is the Course about free will?
Free will is an awe inspiring and challenging topic in metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy. It has been a subject of debate among philosophers and theologians for centuries, and is a central theme in ACIM. The Course addresses the topic from several different angles: first, it offers an overview of the history and scope of free will; second, it identifies some of the more enduring misconceptions about free will; third, it presents a number of practical and useful methods for enhancing one’s innate abilities to exercise free will; fourth, it explores the possibility of utilizing free will to achieve enlightenment. It also discusses some of the more esoteric aspects of free will, including: causation, laws of nature, time, substance, ontological reduction vs emergence, and the nature of human motivation.
What is the Course about miracles?
One of the most popular books in the esoteric world is A Course in Miracles, written by Helen Schucman and first published in 1976. It is a self-study spiritual curriculum, consisting of three books: Text, Workbook for Students and Manual for Teachers. The Course teaches that the experience of divine love is the only source of true freedom from self-limiting beliefs and patterns of behavior.
The Course uses Christian terminology, but evokes universal, non-dual themes that are found in many religious traditions and Eastern spirituality. The Course is a thought system that incorporates an intellectually sophisticated understanding of the nature of mind, belief and defense systems, perception and identity. The language of the Course is rich and profound, combining poetic elements with deep psychological insight.
A Course in Miracles is a major influence on the so-called "spiritual but not religious" movement, a growing segment of people who are looking for a more enlightened spiritual path but not willing to join a church or other organized faith community. It is the Bible of this movement, so to speak, and has influenced many millions of people worldwide. However, a careful reading of the Course will reveal that it is not the only alternative spiritual teaching. It is a very challenging curriculum, and it requires serious study and practice. But it does offer a practical, step-by-step approach that can help people find their way to a higher consciousness.