A Primer of Psychology According to A Course in Miracles [Paperback]

Joe R Jesseph (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 3, 2008

Reader Comments

"For those interested in learning about the integration of psychology and spirituality, Dr. Jesseph's book, is excellent. It also presents in a unique way an overview of the principles and metaphysics of A Course in Miracles."
- Ruth R. Gillman, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Temple University; student of ACIM since 1989

"In this book Dr. Jesseph gives us a clear and concise understanding of the basic themes taught in A Course in Miracles, and how Freud's insights are relevant to these teachings. This is an excellent book."
- Martha Street, Moderator for Course Talk, an ACIM discussion group on the Internet; the Course has been her path since 1980

"Joe's patiently thorough style answers questions even before they arise, making this work an invaluable learning aid and reference guide for beginners and advanced students of ACIM alike. I was exposed to his writings beginning in 2003. The years since have been the most astoundingly pivotal years of my life."
- Barb Beaven, Moderator for Course Talk and student of the Course since 2001

"This 'Primer' clarifies Jesus gentle use of psychology in removing the ego's blocks to love. As a student of the Course since 1996 and a former psychology major, I am grateful to Dr. Jesseph for educating me without boring me."
- Tom Smith, Assistant Moderator for Course Talk and dedicated student of the ACIM path

"This 'Primer,' focusing upon the psychology of A Course in Miracles, is just what a struggling student needs! Here is a clear and complete treatment of how modern psychology and Jesus' psychology come together in the practice of the Course, and how they also remain different in the way they approach correction of our problems. If you are a new student or an old-timer as I am (since 1982), you will gain from Dr. Jesseph's patient and useful explanation of what the psychology of the Course means as we seek to gain the peace promised by the Course."
- Gene Fessenbecker, long-time, dedicated student of ACIM and founder of the Construction Contracting Academy; author of 16 books

"This book not only stands on its own as an informative and inspiring read about the psychology of A Course in Miracles, it also serves as an introductory explanation and prelude to the Course itself."
- Melody Vantucci, serious student of the Course since 2003

"For several years I have had the pleasure of studying Joe Jesseph's manuscripts, essays and posts on the Internet regarding A Course in Miracles. His grasp and clarity of explaining the Course have been central in my understanding of it. This 'Primer' is insightful and especially helpful in the continuation of Joe's teachings."
- John G Steiner, student of the ACIM path for over 20 years

"For someone who does not have an educational background in psychology, this book is a god-send. It offers a topical view of psychological theories and concepts with the spiritual interpretations of ACIM. If you are new to the Course, be assured you will be well informed. If 'Jesus' is a prickly word to you, fasten your seat belt."
- Sarah Favret, ACIM student for 22 years, 15 years as study group facilitator

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

A Course in Miracles has elements in common with certain eastern spiritualities, representing a non-dualistic path whose metaphysics, theology and psychology are carefully integrated with its central, practical teaching of forgiveness.

Although it is called a "Primer," this book is actually a thoroughgoing introduction to the psychology of forgiveness which is integral to the thought system and teachings of A Course in Miracles. As such, it is also an introduction and overview for the Course itself. In addition, this book's extensive index renders it a helpful reference work for both students of the Course and those who are not familiar with it, but who have an interest in the relationship between psychological and spiritual thought.

ACIM requires what Socrates referred to as the "examined life," as the key to finding a "better way" from the conflict and misery that has characterized the condition of humanity throughout its history. An earnest desire for a better way of living and relating led to the scribing of A Course in Miracles, and it is forgiveness that represents that "better way," yet we find in the Course that forgiveness is not what we have thought it to be, nor are we whom we have thought ourselves to be.

About the Author

I was born in Denver, Colorado in 1934 and for most of my life I would say that I was rather out of step because I "heard a different drummer;" more so as I grew older. And as I matured I became more and more a spiritual seeker. My path led through a considerable amount of literature about metaphysics, parapsychology and psychic phenomena, finally to lead me to A Course in Miracles which represented the end of my seeking, but the beginning of another journey. As is written at the end of the ACIM Workbook: "This Course is a beginning, not an end."

This book which I have now published represents a kind of way station on my continued journey: the summarization of my 25 years as a student of the Course for which my professional education in psychology prepared me along with what I had learned from looking into various non-traditional aspects of psychology and spirituality.

I hope that this book will be of some help to others who journey and who seek: "From the heart may it go to the heart" - Beethoven.

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Outskirts Press (May 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1432716735
• ISBN-13: 978-1432716738
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #915,750 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Primer of Psychology According to a Course in Miracles, July 9, 2008

By 

Tracy Roberts (Nova Scotia, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Primer of Psychology According to A Course in Miracles (Paperback)

A Course in Miracles is a three volume work first published in 1975. It teaches a radical non-dualistic spirituality utilizing terms and concepts from Christianity and modern psychology, but redefining those terms and concepts so that they are applied in a unique, non-traditional way. While the official version of the Course has not been actively marketed and promoted, still the authorized English edition has found its way into the hands of over two million readers, while it has been translated into 17 other languages with more translations currently underway.

In his Primer of Psychology According to A Course in Miracles Dr. Joe Jesseph has undertaken to explain the system of psychology which is an integral part of the Course thought system. He points out that this system of psychology employs a concept of mind that is unlike anything found in traditional psychologies. Jesseph explains that in A Course in Miracles "mind" is regarded as an aspect of spirit outside of time and space. The Course itself says mind is "the activating agent of spirit," and teaches that it represents our true identity as contrasted with our false identity as ego self and body. In the Course, Jesseph further explains, the ego and body are illusions born of the false idea that it is possible for a creation of God to separate from its Source, Whose essence is Oneness and all-embracing Love.

According to Jesseph, the Course teaches that to have a physical life apart from God and spirit would be to have a life apart from Love. Thus, it is this belief in separation, that has spawned the conflict and pain which has characterized the human condition throughout its history.

Jesseph explains that A Course in Miracles invites its students to discover their true Identity as spirit and mind which replaces their false identity as body and brain. As the creation of God and the mind's "decision maker" we have the power to choose whether to be guided by the ego's wrong-minded thought system of separation or the right-minded thought system of oneness represented by Jesus who is a "manifestation of the Holy Spirit." This choice is fundamental to the miracle of forgiveness that is a primary goal of the Course's psychology.

In this book the author goes into great detail regarding how the ego develops and represents a world view which determines our perceptions, therefore determines a way of life characterized by guilt and fear. Jesseph explains that forgiveness, as the goal of the Course's psychology, also represents a state of mind and a way of life, but one which is characterized by peace and love. Such a state of mind and way of living eventually leads to spiritual awakening so that the truth of God and Oneness finally dawns on our mind which, having chosen the ego, has fallen asleep to dream of separation along with the conflict, guilt and fear which inevitably follow.

Thus, Jesseph asserts, forgiveness is the proper goal of psychotherapy. Basically this means that the therapist must be engaged in the process of undoing his or her own ego attachments to separation, guilt and fear.

Interestingly, there is a supplementary pamphlet for the Course entitled Psychotherapy: Purpose, Process and Practice. This supplement is included in the most recent Third Edition of A Course in Miracles and basically summarizes the entire body of Course teachings, but does so in the context of psychotherapy. Like Jesseph's book, this pamphlet is most likely to be helpful to those who already have a fairly well developed familiarity with the Course itself. In fact, Jesseph's book is primarily intended for students of the Course although it should also be of value to those with an interest in the relationship between spirituality and psychology.

A Primer of Psychology According to a Course in Miracles is a well crafted and detailed introduction to a form of spiritual psychology that seeks to teach us how to discover our true identity as mind, and then to train our minds through spiritual practice to think and perceive with Jesus' thought system of love and oneness, rather than choosing to be guided by the ego. This book is packed full of information requiring careful study. Since it includes spiritual elements not addressed in traditional systems of psychology and psychotherapy, it may well be rejected by many professionals schooled in traditional viewpoints, while it may be welcomed by others.

This book will challenge you to examine your beliefs and to reflect on your perceptions of life. It is highly recommended as an introduction to a blending of spiritual and psychological thought.


Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful supplement to A Course In Miracles, September 20, 2008

By 

Shelagh Cosgrove (Columbus, Ohio) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Primer of Psychology According to A Course in Miracles (Paperback)

I have been studying A Course in Miracles for two years, and am delighted to come across Joe Jesseph's book. It is very straitforward and accessible in its language and style, and is filled with great examples of the application of the Course to our daily lives. Few would deny that the Course presents a very different teaching compared with what most of us have grown up with, and even compared with the work of that master of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. It's understood that Freud made a great contribution to the study of the mind with his examination of the workings of the ego--but as a pure scientist, he never went beyond that. The Course takes us much further with the recognition of the need for defenselessness, forgiveness, and thus enters a profoundly spiritual realm. In a clear and gentle way, Joe illumines this comparison--never forgetting the essentially human nature of the material and the application of it to all our thinking and doing.
I would strongly recommend this as a valuable reference for anyone serious about studying the Course, as well as anyone interested in psychology per se.
It would be interesting to see such a comparison of the Course's teaching with that of Carl Jung, who seems to me to have had a greater grasp of our "collective unconscious" (oneness of mind?) and the emphasis he placed on our creative nature. Joe? Another book?

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good read if you're a Course student and like psychology, January 22, 2009

By 

Peter J. Ceccarelli (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Primer of Psychology According to A Course in Miracles (Paperback)

If you have never been introduced to A Course in Miracles, you would probably want to skip over this book. It won't make any sense to you. If you are a student of the Course, I believe a more than casual interest in psychology would be advised. Although the Course completely deals with psychology as it teaches us how to undo and apply new theories, this book goes into specific detail in regard to psychology, Freud, Jung, etc., and it might not be everyones cup of tea. Read anything by Ken Wapnick instead as company to ACIM if psychology isn't your thing.

Mr. Jesseph obviously knew his stuff, and then some. I did find quite a bit of his writing a little tedious at times, and he referenced the Course much more than I think he needed to. But as a student of the Course and someone who has studied psychology, it was very well written and offered many of the same concepts that Ken Wapnick does in his body of work, but with just a little differnt twist. I don't necessarily "understand" the Course any better for reading this. And it didn't create a deeper experience for me when I do study the Course. It was just plain interesting and another way to view and absorb the vastness of ACIM. So it's worth the read as I highly recommend it if you have the time and the patience for quite a bit of Course repetition.