A Course in Miracles Study Groups

Having a study group is not essential to studying A Course in Miracles. However, many people find it helpful.

Some groups focus on secondary materials like the writings of a specific Course teacher. Others directly engage the Course material—Text, Workbook Lessons, Manual for Teachers, and two supplements. We recommend the latter.
Having a Study Group

A Course in Miracles is designed for individual study but many people find it helpful to have a group with which to journey. There are a number of different ways that a study group can be formed. Some groups focus on reading only the Course, some read secondary material (such as the writings of a specific Course teacher), and some are devoted to discussion and practice. It is recommended that a group be dedicated to studying the Course itself, directly engaging the material in each group session — reading passages from the Text, Workbook Lessons, Manual for Teachers, and the two supplements.

Some study groups may choose to have a teacher, or a group leader, who facilitates discussion and helps everyone understand the material. The role of the teacher is not to tell anyone what the material means, but rather to keep the discussion on track and to gently correct misinterpretations of the material as they arise (while being open to new understandings offered by other members of the group).

Some groups may also agree to a set of ground rules for their group that are based on the teachings of A Course in Miracles. These ground rules might include things such as not using the group for personal therapy, avoiding gossip and judgment, and being respectful of each other. If someone does not follow the rules of the group, it is sometimes appropriate (depending on the inner guidance of each person) to ask them to leave.
Finding a Study Group

A Course in Miracles is a self-study spiritual thought system that offers an effective way to let go of fear and conflict. It is designed to teach you how to choose more peaceful thoughts and remove the obstacles that keep you from experiencing love’s presence in your life. It has many similarities to other popular spiritual teachings of today, but it is unique in its uncompromising message and its use of the healing power of forgiveness.

While the Course can be studied independently, it is extremely helpful to have a study group to share your experiences and gain clarification for some of its deeper concepts. This is especially true for those who are tackling the lengthy text and daily lessons that make up the Course. A study group can help you learn how to be more accepting of others’ opinions and experiences, and it will also help you to practice forgiving yourself and others.

If the interactions between members of a study group become tense or heated, the facilitator can call for a few moments of silence to help everyone step back and allow the Holy Spirit to lead the way. In this way, the group can slowly learn to defer to the Holy Spirit’s direction rather than their own. Then they can begin to experience the freedom that comes from learning to “let their words be chosen for them by ceasing to decide for themselves what they will say.”

In some groups, students may not spend much time directly reading and engaging with the Course’s material, which consists of a 669-page Text, a 488-page Workbook for Students, and an 192-page Manual for Teachers. Some groups focus on secondary materials, such as the writings of a specific Course teacher, and they may not spend much time at all in the actual text itself. We recommend that groups focus on directly studying the Text, Workbook, and Manual (or their two supplements) in each meeting, as well as encouraging their members to engage with this material on a daily basis outside of their study group meetings.
Choosing a Study Group Facilitator

Choosing the right study group facilitator is key to a productive and efficient study session. A well-trained leader can lead the group in discussion that is relevant to course materials and can also introduce new study methods to members. In addition, a qualified leader can help identify what topics the group should cover in each session. Candidates for the role may be found in association newsletters, professional journals, Education Week book reviews or by contacting fellow group members.

Once a group has been established, the members should agree on a time to meet that works for all of them. Using a scheduling website such as When2Meet or Doodle can help make this process easier. Ideally, groups should meet at a public space that is quiet and conducive to study. The space should be large enough to accommodate everyone in the group.

The group should also agree a course in miracles
on a time to end the session. This will keep the group from dragging on too long and from becoming unproductive. It is important that group members commit to studying the material prior to each session. In addition, each member should identify specific topics they are having difficulty understanding or need clarification on.

As the group meets, they should work together to discuss the reading material and highlight points that need more attention. The group should then spend a portion of the session working through difficult or unclear concepts. The group should conclude the session by identifying what they will study the next time the group meets.

While many students dread the idea of having to participate in study groups, it is an effective way to master course material and prepare for exams. By following the tips above, you can set up a successful study group that will enhance your learning experience and improve your grade in the class. In addition, many classes offer built-in study groups through the use of learning assistants and Supplemental Instruction leaders. Students who are interested in this type of learning environment should seek out these classes when selecting courses for the semester.
Choosing a Study Group Schedule

The Course in Miracles is a self-study spiritual thought system that combines psychological insight with spiritual inspiration. The book is complex and challenging to read, but the underlying message is simple: God is Love and all that is wrong with this world is the result of a false belief in separation. The book was written in 1976 by Helen Schucman, who claimed that she had received it word for word from Jesus. She did not allow her identity as the author to become public until after her death in 1981. She also created an appendix called the Clarification of Terms, which serves as a glossary for some of the key terms used in the book.

A number of different study groups have formed around the book, many of them based in Unity churches. Typically, they follow a set book study schedule and meet in person at regular times each week. This format works well because it gives people a regular group to meet with, as well as an opportunity to share their experiences and discoveries with one another.

If you are interested in joining a study group, check with the church where you attend. There may be a group already meeting outside of the book study time frame, and the church staff will be able to connect you with those groups. There are also online resources that can help you find a group to join.

Choosing a study group is essential to getting the most out of the Course. The text is dense and often confusing, so having a supportive community to discuss it with can be very helpful. The discussion can be guided by a teacher, who will keep the conversation on track and correct any misunderstandings of the material. In addition, the teacher will guide the group in a practice that applies the lessons to the daily life.

The metaphysics of the Course are compatible with Unity teachings, and the course is a powerful tool for spiritual growth. Its popularity is due to its claim that it is a message from Jesus and its challenging stance against the traditional beliefs of Christianity. It is a popular choice for those who consider themselves to be “spiritual but not religious.”