"A Course in Miracles" Study Group

I am what may be called a "seeker" because I keep seeking for answers about how to live a life filled with more love. peace, and joy.  I have read and listened to many, many books, tapes, audio downloads, and CDs in search for nuggets of wisdom that I can apply in my life and also share with others. One of the books that I came across was a book called A Course in Miracles and I was intrigued by a quote in the introduction of the book.  The quote said, "Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists.  Herein lies the peace of God."  That quote led me to order the book and accompanying audio tapes (yes, cassettes.  Remember them?)  That was in 1998.  My first attempt to read the book proved to be difficult, so it went on the shelf.  I have revisited it again several times between then and now, getting a little more out of it and understanding it a little more each time.  Last January, I resolved to read portions of it every morning and make it part of my morning inspiration.

This time, I stuck with it, and finished the text in November of this year.  As I read it, the thought kept coming to me that this book was so Spiritually consistent, that i needed to share it with others.  I also got several requests from people who know that I was reading it, to lead a study group.  Well, I submit.  I committed to lead a weekly study group beginning January 5, 2014.  The Study Group will meet weekly on Sundays from 5 - 7pm at 2708 Grand Avenue, 4th floor in Des Moines, Iowa.  Drop by, or let me know if you have questions. No need to buy a book right away (you can access it online).  Come and see if you like what you see.  You'll be glad you did.

What It Is (from the preface of the book)

As its title implies, the Course is arranged throughout as a teaching device. It consists of three books: a 669-page Text, a 488-page Workbook for Students, and a 92-page Manual for Teachers. The order in which students choose to use the books, and the ways in which they study them, depend on their particular needs and preferences.

The curriculum the Course proposes is carefully conceived and is explained, step by step, at both the theoretical and practical levels. It emphasizes application rather than theory, and experience rather than theology. It specifically states that “a universal theology is impossible, but a universal experience is not only possible but necessary” (Manual, p. 77). Although Christian in statement, the Course deals with universal spiritual themes. It emphasizes it is but one version of the universal curriculum. There are many others, this one differing from them only in form. They all lead to God in the end.

Here are some additional quotes from the book that might inspire you to join us:

"It is not intended to become the basis for another cult. Its only purpose is to provide a way in which some people will be able to find their own Internal Teacher."

Miracles occur naturally as expressions of love. They are performed by those who temporarily have more for those who temporarily have less. (p. 1)

Perfect love casts out fear. If fear exists, then there is not perfect love. (p.12)

Corrective learning begins with the awakening of spirit, and the turning away from belief in physical sight. (p. 22)

The ego cannot survive without judgment. (p. 54)

Love will immediately enter into any mind that truly wants it. (p. 55)

Anger involves projection of separation, which must ultimately be accepted as one's own responsibility, rather than being blamed on others. (p. 84)

When you meet anyone, remember it is a holy encounter. As you see him, you will see yourself ... for in him you will find yourself or lose yourself. (p. 132)

A therapist doesn't heal, he lets healing be. (p. 161)

The world is only in the mind of its maker. Do not believe it is outside of yourself. (p. 207)

If you did not feel guilty, you could not attack. (p. 220)

God calls and you do not hear, for you are preoccupied with your own voice. (p. 232)

You have so little faith in yourself because you are unwilling to accept the fact that perfect love is in you, and so you seek without for what you cannot find within. (p.293)

Heaven is not a place or a condition. It is merely an awareness of perfect oneness. (p. 359)

It is impossible to seek for pleasure through the body and not find pain. (p. 386)

Give faith to one another, for faith and hope and mercy are yours to give. (p. 394)

Seek not to change the world, but choose to change your mind about the world. (p. 415)

The memory of God comes to the quiet mind. (p. 457)

The miracle comes quietly into the mind that stops an instant and is still. (p. 547)

No one who hates but is afraid of love, and therefore must be afraid of God. He knows not what love means, he fears to love and loves to hate, and so he thinks that love is fearful, hate is love. (p. 563)

Let forgiveness be the substitute for fear. This is the only rule for happy dreams. (p. 590)

Only the self-accused condemn. (p. 606)

The holy ones whom God gave you to save are everyone you meet or look upon, not knowing who they are, all those you saw an instant and forgot, and those you knew a long while since, and those you will meet yet, the unremembered and the not yet born. (p. 618)