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A Primer of Psychology According to A Course in Miracles

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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

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?

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.

A PRIMER OF PSYCHOLOGY ACCORDING TO A COURSE IN MIRACLES by Joe R. Jesseph PhD. is an educational overview of Course principles. Jesseph is a former staff member of Foundation for A Course In Miracles, the copyright holder for the Course and perhaps the most prolific teaching organization for the Course. Therefore, it goes without saying that the author writes authoritatively.

What I found most intriguing and rewarding about this book is Dr. Jesseph's passion for the subject matter, which is very evident in his writing. I particularly appreciated his personal stories about his interaction with other students of the Course. In some aspects, particularly the early chapters, it feels as though this book is a memoir of Dr. Jesseph's study of the Course, and I found this very interesting.

A Course In Miracles presents a unique approach to spirituality. It uses psychology to explain the crazy life we lead with our mind, and gives us a way out of our insanity through the practice of forgiveness. Both forgiveness and psychology are treated differently in the Course than what you usually expect. It is the psychology and forgiveness of Jesus.

Dr. Jesseph's Primer focuses on the unique aspects of how the Course treats psychology and how it makes forgiveness work. In spite of all the books, tapes, and workshops produced by Dr. Kenneth Wapnick and the Foundation for A Course in Miracles, he has not dealt individually with this necessary topic. As any sincere Course student knows, the psychology and forgiveness that Jesus proposes is available through the Course books. However as a long-time (since 1982) student, I appreciate the clarity and simplicity of the way Dr. Jesseph presents this vital topic in his book. He makes the psychology of Jesus easier to assimilate.

While this book is no substitute for the hard work of studying the Course's books, it is a wonderful reference to understanding "projection," "dissociation," "guilt," "denial," and all the other psychological terms that are used in the Course. In addition it ties the practice of forgiveness to the effective use of mind.

If you are a serious student of the Course I suggest you purchase this book. You will find it a powerful reference tool and an effective addition to your library.

- Gene Fessenbecker

For me, Joe's book is way more than a "primer" or introduction for beginners. This "primer" is more like a translation into language I can read and comprehend. It is as if Joe allowed himself to be a messenger or voice for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit meets us where we are on our spiritual journey and speaks to us in language we can understand. That is what this book did for me.

The language of the Course remains confusing and often incomprehensible for me. So I am profoundly grateful for this "translation."

Taking my time, at times just one or two pages a day, devoting myself to careful study, including underlining and written notes and conversation with study partners, deepened my experience of A Course in Miracles. With Joe's help, I experienced healing and forgiveness at a much deeper level.

Joe sets a wonderful example for application of the teachings of the Course, reminding the reader to be vigilant for ego resistance. He writes about his experience with resistance, especially while writing chapter four on the ego.

Near the end of his book he writes this:

"Finally, before we end this chapter let us consider what it is that stands in the way of healing---i.e., let us take a further look at 'the blocks to the awareness of love's presence' (T.in.1:7) that psychotherapy, healing and forgiveness will encounter and must remove. It was another contribution of Freud's keen insight to observe the phenomenon of resistance to healing on the part of those who had asked for help. And it would be surprising if the reader who has persisted this far in our primer had not already encountered some form of resistance to Jesus' psychology as we have been describing and explaining it; also not surprising if resistance had led many others to put this book down..." (page 283-84)

The resistance I experienced did not cause me to "put this book down." Instead, resistance allowed me to know that Joe was taking me further along this road. I experienced both agitation and excitement.

Finally, for those considering the purchase of Joe's book, and for those who "put the book down," I wholeheartedly recommend taking the time to make a careful study of this book. Go at a pace that is comfortable for you.

Oh, and one more thing. I had the help of study partners. Learning, healing, and forgiveness is greatly facilitated when we can both write and speak our understanding as we make this journey. This is why Jesus urges us, again and again, to share our understanding and experience with the Course. This is how we learn. Teach to learn.

For whatever reason, I have never been able to keep a journal or write just for myself. The only way I can write is with an intention to share what I am thinking and experiencing. So I am especially grateful for my study partners: Jude, Nancy and Anna-Lena.

What makes some people believe in miracles? "A Primer of Psychology According to A Course in Miracles" is a scholarly reference that gives a solid introduction to the thought system used in the 1975 psychology book "A Course in Miracles", which has been translated into eighteen different languages. Accessible to both early psychology students and non-specialist general readers, "A Primer of Psychology According to A Course in Miracles" is an informed and informative piece sure to answer many common questions, and a fine choice for community library psychology collections.

As a student of ACIM for about five years, I have found this book to be extremely beneficial. It is very comprehensive and there is so much information in it, that I have read it more than once; there is something new to be found with every study. I especially like the appendixes; and my personal favorite is the index which will lead me to exactly where I want to go in the book. As a matter of fact, just reading the index, takes me on a journey as I follow through with what piques my interest on any given day. Dr. Jesseph offers very thorough explanations and descriptions of very consequential information that is found in the Course. His "Summary and Conclusions" at the end of many of the chapters as well as his final "Summary and Conclusions" serve as an excellent review and overview of the information presented. This book can serve as an informative abetment to many of the concepts presented in "A Course In Miracles" as well as a companion to be read with the Course itself. Any person interested in ACIM as well as one who has been a student of The Course for many years will find this book to be very substantial.