Living with Miracles

May 1, 2011

A Course in Miracles (ACIM) is a fascinating, popular, and hotly debated phenomenon in contemporary religion, received as a kind of spirit communication by Helen Schucman from the mid-1960s through early 1970s and first published in 1976. It has functioned as a kind of supplement to the Christian Bible. Its best-known exponent now is Marianne Williamson, but as ever there is debate about the meaning of the message and its best messengers. Miller (Old Testament theology, emeritus, Princeton Theological Seminary; Understanding A Course in Miracles) is now the de facto "authorized" historian of the movement. Less a guide to that ambiguous text than a companion to the practice of reading it, Miller's book offers many stories as evidence of its beneficial effect in users' lives. VERDICT Although apt to be frustrating to those new to ACIM, Miller's book is an intriguing new chapter in the progress of this new offshoot of Christian spirituality; excellent for its students.

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2011
Anyone whos delved into A Course in Miracles (3d ed., 2007) knows its dense, difficult, and frustrating. Described here as a modern spiritual teaching . . . that leads students to a radical view of reality, its made up of the basic text, a workbook of daily meditations, and a short manual for teachers. ACIM (the acronym for both the program and the book) maintains that people are spiritual beings, that the material world doesnt exist, and that only love is real. Once these precepts are understood, the pupil achieves the peace of God. Buddhism? Not exactlythe texts narrator calls himself Jesus. ACIM practitioner and historian Miller offers practical guidance through the course. Written in simple language (unlike ACIM proper), his book summarizes each chapter, emphasizing key points about such topics as recognizing reality, transforming special relationships, and most importantly, forgiving yourself and others. A gentle teacher, Miller understands that ACIM can be a wearying study, and his encouraging approach will be welcomed by Course newbies as well as those who have been working through it for decades.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)