A Course in Miracles (ACIM) and Christianity have long been viewed as somewhat incompatible, yet adherents of both often feel they have found spiritual nourishment in each of them. ACIM, founded by Helen Schucman, seeks to replace fear with love and forgiveness; an idea that can be viewed in both ACIM and Christianity. The purpose of this article is to examine how, although from different sources, these two beliefs can co-exist, without one crucifying the other for all eternity.
To start with, ACIM and Christianity share the same moral goal: to live a life of spiritual liberation. The course emphasizes world-forgetting forgiveness: it calls us to forgive those who have wronged us and those who have not, while Christianity affirms forgiveness through Christ’s atoning sacrifice. Furthermore, ACIM believes that external pressures or temptations come from the ego while Christianity considers sin as the source.
Yet, there are some notable differences between ACIM and Christianity. Christianity teaches love and mercy, yet also exacts promise as part of a contract between God and man. As part of the contract, if a person does not follow God’s commandments, then they can be punished. ACIM, however, does not feature a system of reward and punishment, and instead encourages the practice of unconditional love.
Furthermore, ACIM emphasizes the inner spiritual journey, while Christianity focuses on the practical outcome of a person’s spiritual search. Where Christianity has its codes of ethics for followers, ACIM focuses on the “internal experience of the One Mind, beyond illusions, to the experience of Spirit, “God”. This view raises questions about how far Christianity’s moral mandates should be followed in practice, or if they should simply be used as a guide while still allowing the individual to choose her own spiritual path.
Another difference between the two beliefs is that ACIM dedicates itself to transforming the world, while Christianity comforts those who suffer on Earth. ACIM encourages us to be our own source of love; to balance our emotions and to be consciously aware of our thoughts, feelings, and behavior. As morality is an individual decision and choice, this view promotes personal freedom in contrast to traditional Christianity’s rules and regulations.
In contrast, Christianity is based on faith in God, his Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is based upon stories and symbols in the Bible, and actively preaches the importance of prayer and service. Each religion does have one thing in common, however: both offer us the chance for salvation through embracing a higher power.
Christology & Parallels
The Christology of ACIM is distinct from that of Christianity. According to ACIM, “The Son of God [is] a Transcendental Being,” which emphasizes the power of an individual to access the Source of Consciousness, reflected in the sacred Scriptures of Christianity. Jesus is the protagonist of ACIM such that his role is not necessarily to punish or be punished, but instead to be the example of true spiritual liberation.
Despite their differences, some qualities of ACIM and Christianity appear very similar. For example, both religions exhort people to love God and their neighbor; to forgive sins; to give to the needy; and to practice altruism. The respective Scriptures of each also echo the same etiquettes and make similar demands on their respective adherents, such as to practice truthfulness and abstain from lust and greed. These two can be seen as slightly different paths to the same goal.
ACIM and Christianity also share some spiritual ideas. ACIM encourages pure thoughts and unconditional love, which is also an important part of Christianity. It also emphasizes the power of individual choice and promotes a sense of personal autonomy – something Christianity also upholds. Similarly, the way of holy living is given special importance in both religions, with Christianity focusing on scriptures, and ACIM involving transcending all earthly desires.
Overlap of Ideas
There are significant overlaps between the teachings of ACIM and that of Christianity. They both connect to the power of love and the importance of forgiveness and self-reflection. A Course in Miracles embraces the idea of self-acceptance, which intersects with the Christian tenet of making peace with God and loving one’s neighbor.
ACIM is not intended to replace Christianity, however. For example, ACIM may call God the same thing, but there are important distinctions between religious denominations and beliefs. ACIM is not a religion per se: it is a tool to help find and maintain inner peace.
Nevertheless, ACIM and Christianity offer a more optimistic approach to spiritual development and moral life. Both encapsulate the divine light that is present within the universe, and both use the power of forgiveness to heal from the wounds of the past.
Discordances & Convergences
Perhaps the greatest divergence between ACIM and Christianity is in the concept of sin and guilt. Christianity considers salvation to come only through faith in a divine figure, while ACIM focuses on personal liberation. As previously mentioned, ACIM does not recognize the system of reward and punishment of Christianity, and instead suggests that we should be our own source of love and forgiveness.
Despite their distinct approaches to sin, ACIM and Christianity also seem to coalesce on some spiritual beliefs. Both promote the power of love and encourage personal growth. They both use the principles of love and forgiveness to create a more meaningful life. Ultimately, both religions strive towards spiritual perfection, which, according to their teachings, is available to anyone who is willing to accept the challenge.
Moreover, ACIM redefines sin as an act against one’s true nature, which infringes on the divine aspect of the individual. Though it’s unclear if it is a complete replacement for the traditional notion of sin, it can be seen as an alternative view which is helpful and enlightening.
Analysts’ Perspectives
Experts in the spiritual field have mixed opinions about ACIM and Christianity. Some point out that, while the two appear very different, they share certain truths which point to a common origin in divine revelation. Other spiritual teachers, however, are quick to point out the major discrepancies between them. Regardless, both religions can work together to guide people in pursuit of spiritual teachings.
Dr. Jack H. Jersawitz, a religion professor at the University of California, says of the relationship between ACIM and Christianity: “It is possible for an individual to reconcile the teachings of ACIM and the Christian faith if one considers the issues from a more dynamic perspective […] both call attention to the possibility of a more profound individual spiritual life and an enriched moral universe that is based not on fear and punishment but rather on love and healing.”
In addition, Anne Calhoun, a prominent speaker and author of books on spiritual transformation, implies that both ACIM and Christianity are based on the same divine truth, stating, “At their core, A Course in Miracles and Christianity address the same spiritual truth: that the world is not real, and the path to spiritual awakening is love and forgiveness.”
Synchronicities in Practice
Ultimately, the teachings of ACIM and Christianity do not need to be at odds with each other. Through understanding each other’s differences and searching for the core of our spiritual journey, we can create synchronicity and harmony between the two. Achieving this can not only bring greater peace within each person, but also in the greater world.
Several individuals have found so-called “spheres of spiritual compatibility” between the two traditions. For instance, Robert, a 29 year old from California, tells the story of how he blended the teachings of ACIM with scriptural knowledge to create a bridge where both compliments the other. He says, “It’s like both [ACIM and Christianity] giving me a lift to experience a higher level of awareness. By combining the two in my daily practice, I’ve been able to create a sense of connectedness.”
Individuals such as Robert are creating harmony between the two spiritual paths and in doing so, they are finding a better understanding of their spiritual journey. Ultimately, the reconciling of ACIM and Christianity is not too difficult if we are willing to look beyond their differences and explore the areas where they can supplement one another.
Disciples’ Experiences
In its essence, ACIM is an exercise of patience and endurance. It teaches us to accept our earthly reality, learn from it, and then plan for the next step in our spiritual journey. Christianity, in comparison, preaches the importance of following directions and trusting in a higher power, both of which can lead to a more meaningful life.
Rosa, a 45-year-old devotee of both, finds solace in each respective faith. She says, “ACIM grounds me when I’m feeling overwhelmed and lost, while Christianity provides me strength and encouragement. This dual practice reminds me that I’m afforded the opportunity to discover my true purpose and ultimately move towards my end goal: to become a better version of myself.”
Meanwhile, Asif, a 25-year-old Cambridge graduate, believes that “ACIM and Christianity have facets that directly overlap, but also have specific principles that are distinct. For example, ACIM teaches us to be conscious of our thoughts and intentions, while Christianity focuses more on discipline and faith. Both, however, encourage me to pursue valuable life skills such as meditation and self-awareness.”
Conclusion
In the end, ACIM and Christianity are two spiritual paths that strive towards similar goals. With the right attitude and understanding, people can benefit from both traditions, and take the necessary steps to become their best selves. These spiritual paths can be seen as a balancing act of sorts, where individuals rely on both ACIM and Christianity to find the greater answers to life.
