ACIM Definitions

ACIM Definitions

ACIM is a term that can have many different meanings. This article will explore some of the possible definitions of ACIM.

Often the entry will begin with a conventional or Christian meaning, followed by an ACIM interpretation of that meaning. The latter is sometimes called a root meaning because it is the one that is most directly related to the Course’s use of the word.

A Course in Miracles

A Course in Miracles is a self-study spiritual thought system that offers profound psychological insights. Its blending of reinterpreted Christian language and modern psychological thinking gives it a unique combination of depth and breadth. It also incorporates Eastern metaphysics and has a mystical flavor. It is often referred to as a “modern spiritual bible,” and it has acquired an almost scriptural status for many readers.

The Course was written as an alternative to traditional Christianity. It is a curriculum that consists of three books: the Text, which lays out its concepts; the Workbook for Students, which has 365 daily lessons that emphasize experience rather than belief in a theology; and the Manual for Teachers, which provides answers to questions that frequently arise. The Workbook has been translated into more than 25 languages.

Its ecumenical approach is what makes the Course so appealing to many people from different religious traditions. Although it uses Christian terminology, it does not claim to be the only way to God. In fact, it clearly states that there are thousands of paths to God and that all of them lead to the same end.

While its ecumenical appeal makes the Course popular with people from all backgrounds, it has also been controversial. The controversy is mainly over its alleged authorship and its challenge to Western religious tradition.

In addition to the textbook, there are several audio CDs and a number of other books that support the teachings of A Course in Miracles. Many of these books are written by acim instructors and are meant to help students understand the Course’s concepts. They can be found at bookstores and online.

The most widely used book is the Standard edition of A Course in Miracles, which has sold more than three million copies. Its publishers, the Foundation for Inner Peace, have a worldwide distribution network and a network of local chapters that meet in person to study the Course. The Foundation also oversees a number of other translations of the Course.

The New York Times described A Course in Miracles as an “esoteric bible that has gone mainstream.” It is considered the bible of the so-called “spiritual but not religious” movement and is a major influence on those who think of themselves as spiritually inclined but do not want to join any religion.

ACIM Study Group

ACIM is a spiritual thought system that calls on students to practice its teachings day-by-day. This practice re-patterns one's thought system and sense of values, leading to a new point of view about life and this world. ACIM does not teach a new religion, but it requires a commitment and faith just as do many other religious and spiritual practices.

The ACIM Study Group is a supportive community where all members are seen as both teachers and students. Students are encouraged to ask questions and share their insights as they journey through the course. The group follows the reading schedule of the ACIM Text (Volume 1), which takes about 18 months to complete. This schedule includes 33 Cameos, which help to bring the Course to life with practical stories taken from Helen Schucman's notes.

Our ACIM Classes, taught by Jennifer Feiereisel, focus on total comprehension of the Course teachings. She uses passages and clues from all 3 parts of the Course (Text, Workbook Lessons, Manual for Teachers) to provide a comprehensive learning experience. The class format allows Jennifer to meet the consciousness of the group and take leaps forward in understanding as Spirit directs. The classes are offered each Tuesday evening at the Pathways of Light Center.

ACIM Classes

ACIM classes are practical, day-to-day applications of the Course's teachings. The Pathways of Light staff offers daily lesson insights, which incorporate the reading and commentary from the A Course in Miracles Workbook for Students.

The Course draws heavily from Hinduism, especially Advaita Vedanta. Similar ideas of form and illusion are discussed, as well as the concept that reality is beyond our perceptions.

In addition to the ACIM Text and Workbook, two ACIM Supplements are also available: Psychotherapy: Purpose, Process and Practice and The Song of Prayer: Forgiveness, Healing and Liberation. These teach further application of the Course, especially in the field of psychotherapy. David Hoffmeister speaks from Awakened Mind and gives profound commentary on one section of the Text or a lesson in the Workbook each day.

ACIM Teacher Training

The Course offers a step-by-step approach to unwinding the ego thought system and releasing fear. It is a radical idea, and one that can be uncomfortable at first. But once it is understood, it is very effective. It is often described as being like relearning your native tongue. You haven’t forgotten it; you just forgot to speak it.

Unlike many New Age teachings, ACIM insists that the practice of forgiveness is central to its message. It also calls for a complete shift in perception, urging acceptance of spirit as the only reality and the physical world as a mass illusion (similar to Buddhist and Hindu notions of samsara and maya).

It is estimated that the Course has sold over 3 million copies, with an annual sales rate of about 100,000 per year. It is the Bible of the “spiritual but not religious” movement, which has grown steadily in recent decades. Its heady mix of reinterpreted Christian language, modern psychological thought, and Eastern metaphysics makes it different from any other spiritual teaching before it.

While no one keeps track of the number of ACIM students, it is thought to be in the millions worldwide. It has influenced a wide range of authors and spiritual teachers, including Marianne Williamson, Eckhart Tolle, and Gabrielle Bernstein. It has also been cited in psychotherapy textbooks and by prominent spiritual counselors.

A Course in Miracles consists of three books: the Text, the Workbook, and the Manual for Teachers. The Text contains the core philosophy, while the Workbook includes daily lessons in applying the principles of the Course to our lives. The Manual for Teachers provides additional teachings and exercises to deepen the application of the Text and the Workbook.

While there are a few different versions of the course, most ACIM students follow the edition edited by Helen Schucman and published by the Foundation for Inner Peace. It is commonly referred to as the standard edition of A Course in Miracles, and it is available in many different languages. It is possible to purchase the Standard edition from a number of online retailers, and it is also available in bookstores and libraries around the world.