A Course in Miracles

"This is a course in miracles. It is a required course. Only the time you take it is voluntary. Free will does not mean that you can establish the curriculum. It means only that you can elect what you want to take at a given time. The course does not aim at teaching the meaning of love, for that is beyond what can be taught. It does aim, however, at removing the blocks to the awareness of love's presence, which is your natural inheritance."

These are the intriguing words that begin 365 lessons, text and manual for teachers known as "The Course in Miracles." Published in 1975, the course was the created through a relationship of Helen Schucman and William Thetford, professors of medical psychology at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Over the years these teachings have spawned some noted teachers, such as best-selling author Marianne Williamson (A Return to Love and Illuminata), who credits the course as underlying all of her work. Classes now exist in every major city throughout the country.

It's a course in psycho-spiritual healing. Its teachings maintain that changing our perceptions can heal our minds and body: "Healing is release from wrong-mindedness." One of the primary teachings is that there are only two emotions, love and fear. If we're not operating in a state of love, then we're motivated by fear. Changing our thoughts to love will change the way in which we perceive our world, and ultimately that will lead to healing.

"The Course in Miracles" is offered Tuesday evenings at the Kemper Road Swedenborgian Church by Rev. Pat Barker, retired minister of New Thought Unity Church. For details, call 513-489-9572. ©