Changing Lives Via a Course in Miracles

Because the title implies, a course in miracles is really a teaching device. It teaches us what's real and what is unreal, and leads us towards the direct experience of our personal Inner Teacher.

The program is arranged in three parts: a text, a workbook for college kids and a manual for teachers. The writing presents the concepts underlying the program. The workbook contains 365 daily lessons giving students the opportunity to apply and experience the concepts on a practical level. The teacher's manual is presented in the question and answer format, addressing typical questions that a student may ask; it also provides a clarification of terms used throughout the Course.

On How it All Began

The Course was written by Helen Schucman and Bill Thetford, two highly trained and successful Professors of Psychology at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons in New york. Helen was the scribe for that Course, writing down in shorthand the interior messages she received. Bill typed what Helen wrote. It took as many as seven years to finish a Course in Miracles, which was first published in 1976 in the usa. Helen wrote additional pamphlets. Her Song of Prayer was published in 1977 as well as the Gift of God in 1978.

Over the past 34 years, the popularity of A Course in Miracles has exploded and spread worldwide. It is often translated into 18 different languages and much more translations are in the works. Across the world, people gather with like-minded students to read the Course together in order to better view the Course's message. In this era of electronic and social networking, A Course in Miracles can be purchased in e-book format, on CD, and through iPhone Apps. It is possible to interact with other Course students on Facebook, Yahoo Groups, Twitter, and various other websites.

That great Course

The Course was created to be a self-study tool. However, many students find that their first interaction with the material is difficult and overwhelming - the change in perspective that it offers is despite traditional thinking. Taking an introductory class having a trained facilitator or teacher permits a gentler opening to those new ideas plus a more fulfilling experience.

There are lots of classes and courses of study based upon the philosophy of your Course in Miracles, and also specific classes on key Course concepts, including True Forgiveness or Expected outcomes. Such classes give students the chance to experience the theory and using specific material more deeply. Through such deep experience, all students find the reassurance of inner peace as well as the joy of knowing the Inner Teacher.

"This Course is really a beginning, not an end... Forget about specific lessons are assigned, for there is no more demand for them. Henceforth, hear but the Voice for God... He will direct your efforts, suggesting exactly what to do, how to direct your mind, when to come to Him alone, asking for His sure direction and the certain Word (Workbook, p. 487).