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The Message of 'A Course in Miracles': All Are Called, Few Choose to Listen

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A COURSE IN MIRACLES says, "The name of Jesus as such is but a symbol. But it stands for a love that is not of this world." The Course also says that, "A Symbol must stand for something other than itself." Further, the Course says, "Words are symbols of symbols, thus they are twice removed from reality." In Course theory, reality is a non-specific, completely abstract state where no time, no form, and no individual identity exist.

Built upon this metaphysical framework, the student comes to realize that Jesus as spoken of in the Course is only a symbol. This is not the literal Jesus of the Christian era. When the "scribe" of the Course said it was channeled from Jesus, what she meant was that the Course is channeled from that place of infinite love within her mind. That place exists within all of our minds. The "scribe" of the Course chose to call that place of love within her mind "Jesus." But the scribe of the Course never meant it literally. The Course metaphysics are based upon the idea that no individual identity exists, so how could it literally mean that Jesus (someone with an individual identity) channeled this Course? What it really means is that Jesus is a symbol, and the word "Jesus" is twice removed from reality (in reality, as defined by the Course, there are no names). But in this physical and temporal world we do have names, and many of us have suffered because of or are afraid of the very word "Jesus." It could be said that more healing is needed regarding that very name "Jesus" than any other name in the world. And that is why the Course uses that name, so that we will confront the name and come to terms with how much pain it causes so many of us. And upon confronting that pain, we will heal from it. And we will come to realize that what Jesus stands for in A COURSE IN MIRACLES (non-judgmental and abstract love that does not die and knows nothing but Itself), is actually within us. "Is he the Christ? O yes, along with you.(Clarification of Terms, page 87)"

A COURSE IN MIRACLES distinguishes two levels of reality: Level One, and Level Two. In Level One there is no time, no matter, no form, no individual identity. There is only the abstract presence of Love as God. Level Two, however, is this physical world that we live in. Within this world there certainly is evil, hatred, war, and anger, and the Course would never deny that. But in Course theory this entire world - the entire world! - is an illusion (not just the "bad" things in the world are illusions, but everything in the world. Anything that changes, grows, or dies, is an illusion in Course theory [and everything in this world does]). But it is while living in this illusory world that we learn the lessons of forgiveness that will lead us back to our awareness of Level One (Heaven).

This book, THE MESSAGE OF A COURSE IN MIRACLES, expands on these very complex concepts. In this book Kenneth Wapnick talks about the fact that A COURSE IN MIRACLES is a "perfect non-duality." The Course teaches that God and only God is real, and everything else illusory. Further, God has nothing to do with this physical world which is the domain of the ego. God doesn't even know that we exist as individuals.

I would recommend these books to students who have been studying the Course for about a year or more, but not necessarily for beginners. Some terribly complex ideas are covered in these two books. For a beginner, perhaps the book THE MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT A COURSE IN MIRACLES, also by Kenneth Wapnick (along with his wife, Gloria Wapnick). My own personal opinion of these books? I love them! They are a little slice of heaven for me.

I don't know of a better resource for the serious ACIM student than this book. While not a quick and easy read (like the Course itself) the student is brought closer to understanding the metaphysics of the Course as well as avoiding mistakes common to all Course students.

For twenty-eight years the author of these two volumes has been intimately associated with "A Course in Miracles." He was a close companion of the woman who channeled ("scribed") the Course, Helen Schucman. To my mind he is the most authentic teacher of the Course. Those who know him as I do know that he teaches both by example as well as through his writings and classes.

I read the disparaging comments by another reviewer and know that this reviewer belongs to an organization which seeks to discredit Dr. Wapnick. The claim about finances is totally inaccurate. Ken and Gloria started the "Foundation for A Course in Miracles" in 1984. It is a non-profit Foundation which has received income from donations, the sale of books and tapes, and from the classes and workshops it offers -- all moderately priced. Over the 16 years since its inception this Foundation has grown and has acquired assets which include 90 acres of lakeside property in the Catskill mountains of New York where its study and retreat center has been located. This property inlcudes ten buildings and the equipment necessary to maintain them. A 1998 financial statement indicated that this non-profit Foundation had $9 million in assets. It's officers, which include Ken and Gloria, are paid a salary.

Wapnick's teachings are thoroughly documented in the Course and are designed to help students better understand and study it for themselves. This is a very important and valuable two-volume set for any serious student of ACIM. I highly recommend it.

A MUST FOR THE SERIOUS STUDENT WHO WANTS A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE COURSE. KEN GETS YOU THERE WITHOUT STUMBLING ON EGO ROAD BLOCKS.

The book is GREAT! It helps to explain the Course in Miracles in a way that I needed. Every thing that I have bought from this guy Kenneth Wapnick is great for any one wanting to understand the Course in Miracles better All A's for this one. Thank you! This is two books in one with a hard cover holder

I've read everything, and I mean everything written about ACIM. And yes, I am a student, but nontheless, in additional to the text, daily lessons and workbook for teachers from the book, Ken has a way to bring the abstract of true spiritualism to the forefront for ALL of us to understand like none other. There are other good authors out there who attempt to interpret the Course, and I believe do a very good job, but no one and I mean no one does it quite like Ken Wapnick does. He's in a certain league that I wouldn't call all his own, but he has a Jesus type quality about his teaching style that makes the Course easier to understand, study, evolve from and aspire to.

Thanks Ken!

I am in the process of reading this material, I'm about mid-way through Volume One "All Are Called".

I've been studying and applying the Course's principles since I first came in contact with the material in 1998. "The Course", more than any other spiritual work, has impacted my life in a positive way. The material can seem complicated, ACIM can be somewhat of a difficult read in regards to deeply understanding the Course's message. I learn more about the message in ACIM (and thus myself) with each passing moment. As I more deeply understand its message, I more deeply understand who I am (love) and "the world" around me.

This work by Kenneth Wapnick quite simply outstanding. He has given me new insight into the Course's message and help clarify some of the lingering questions I had about ACIM. I am grateful for his insight and I would highly recommend this title to anyone who is studying ACIM.

To anyone studying and trying to understand A Course in Miracles, this book - I cannot express strongly enough - is for you an essential guide and unparallelled tutorial companion.
Because of Kenneth Wapnick's devoted involvement with the ACIM and the Foundation for Inner Peace, it's probably the very best of them all. I'll go as far as to say that he is one of the very few people on earth who actually fully understand A Course in Miracles and I'm so grateful to him for devoting his life to helping others to equally understand.
I'd read ACIM three times before I brought Kenneth's, The Message of a Course in Miracles, and now during my fourth read I'm finally really understanding the message of the Course. I believe Kenneth's book has saved me years of struggle and frustration.

Make sure you get the box set if you can; The Message of a Course in Miracles, volume one, All Are Called, and volume two, Few Choose to Listen. They come together. They probably can be bought separately, but it's best you know that they are intended companions.

Love, Peace and Joy to you my Friend.

Kurt (kurtwrebel@hotmail.com)

I was allowed to look over the two volumes of this set and it was amazing. Well written and to the point it expressed alot of what the course said in concise language. It is the ideal companion to A Course in Miracles main book. I will be adding this to my collection of serious reads.

If your a fan of A Course In Miracles I need say any more! I can say from personal experience that this has been a life changing experience for me, I would never go back to where I was in this life before this. You can't put a price or a review/comment on the validation of your true existence! All the what's, why's and how's are given so clearly through A Course In Miracles! I have also read several other books that are linked to A Course In Miracles. They all help and put you on a different level of understanding every time you read you experience another revelation! Once you start and its your time you can never go back to who you were before you read the COURSE! We all are here on a different journey so therefore we will all get it at a different level of understanding. When you reach your area of understanding you will know it! Believe me there is no mistaken when words start to become reality and validation starts to play a big role in your everyday life. All it takes is to make the choice to choose again! Jesus will become your new best friend from this day forward! I send my love to you all...