A Course in Miracles (ACIM) is a book that claims to be a new revelation from Jesus Christ himself. However, from an orthodox Christian perspective, there are several issues with the teachings presented in ACIM that contradict biblical truth.
Overview of ACIM
First published in 1975, A Course in Miracles was authored by Dr. Helen Schucman who claimed she received the content by “inner dictation” from Jesus Christ. Schucman was an atheist Jew who had no previous background in Christianity. The book aims to help readers achieve spiritual transformation by emphasizing inner miracles through forgiveness and love rather than outward miracles. It teaches that the physical world is an illusion and that the only truth is love.
The core teachings of ACIM include:
- God did not create the physical world – it is an illusion
- People are not sinful – they are simply mistaken about their true spiritual nature
- There is no need for salvation – people just need a shift in perception
- Heaven and hell do not exist – there is only one unified spirit
- Jesus is not the unique Son of God – he is simply a model for everyone to follow
- The crucifixion did not atone for sins – it merely served as an example of complete love
The course uses Christian terminology but redefines the meaning of many key theological terms. It aims to correct people’s misperceptions through a process of forgiving oneself and others.
Key Problems from a Christian Perspective
While ACIM appropriates Christian language, it contradicts essential Christian doctrine on several key points:
1. The authority of Scripture
ACIM claims to be a new revelation that corrects and completes the Bible. However, the Bible claims that Scripture is the full, complete, and authoritative Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible warns against adding to or contradicting Scripture (Revelation 22:18-19; Galatians 1:8-9). As Hebrews 1:1-2 explains, God’s full revelation is found in Christ and the witness of the apostles recorded in Scripture.
2. The nature of God
ACIM teaches that God did not create the physical world. However, Genesis 1-2 clearly describes God’s work of creation. The Bible upholds God as sovereign Creator of all things – both physical and spiritual (Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:16-17).
3. The nature of humanity
ACIM denies human sinfulness and the need for salvation. But Scripture teaches that all people have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Ephesians 2:1-3 describes people’s natural state as being “dead in transgressions and sins.” People are in moral rebellion against God and require His salvation.
4. The person and work of Jesus
ACIM rejects Jesus as the uniquely divine Son of God and the only Savior. But Scripture presents Jesus as the eternal Word who took on human flesh (John 1:1, 14). Jesus claimed to be one with the Father (John 10:30) and the only way to the Father (John 14:6). His death on the cross accomplished the forgiveness of sins, redemptive work that only God Himself could accomplish (Mark 10:45; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 9:11-14).
5. The reality of heaven and hell
While ACIM teaches that heaven and hell do not exist, Jesus spoke about them extensively as literal places (Matthew 13:40-43; 25:41-46). Scripture consistently upholds the eternal reality of heaven and hell (Revelation 21:1-8).
Evaluating ACIM by Biblical Standards
Second Timothy 3:16-17 declares, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” God’s Word equips Christians with sound doctrine and the ability to discern truth from falsehood (Hebrews 5:14).
Based on Scripture’s warnings about false teaching (2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1), Christians must exercise caution with mystical revelations claiming to come from Jesus Himself. The contents of such alleged revelations must be carefully compared against God’s revealed Word in the Bible (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22).
When evaluating ACIM by these biblical standards, the contradictions with essential Christian teaching are clear. While ACIM uses Christian terminology, it presents a radically different conception of God, humanity, sin, salvation, and other core theological topics.
A Biblical Response
Given the fundamentally unbiblical teachings of ACIM, Christians must approach it with discernment and caution. However, interacting thoughtfully with ACIM can present opportunities to share the authentic Gospel message with ACIM adherents.
Some biblical principles for engaging ACIM include:
- Pray for discernment and insight through Scripture (Psalm 119:66, 99-100).
- Avoid arguing just to win debates; instead, speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
- Ask sincere questions to understand their beliefs and background.
- Listen respectfully to their journey and motives for following ACIM.
- Look for common ground to have fruitful conversation.
- Ask permission to share biblical perspective at appropriate times.
- Focus on Jesus’ person and work from Scripture.
- Invite them to consider Christ and the Gospel for themselves.
- Trust the Holy Spirit to convict and convince them of truth.
As Colossians 4:5-6 instructs, Christians must make the most of opportunities to interact with grace and wisdom. Their hope rests in the power of God’s Word – not their own arguments (Hebrews 4:12). With prayerful discernment and Christlike love, Christians can lovingly share the exclusive hope found in Jesus Christ alone.
In summary, A Course in Miracles makes several claims that contradict essential biblical truths about God, humanity, sin, salvation, and eternity. Christians should approach ACIM with caution, discernment, and prayer. However, opportunities for outreach may arise through thoughtful interaction. Christians’ main hope is anchored in the life-changing message of new life through Christ alone, as revealed in God’s Word.
The Bible presents Jesus Christ as the one and only Savior sent by the one true God to redeem humankind from the consequences of sin once and for all through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection. Scripture must remain the authority by which Christians evaluate all teachings and spiritual claims. When examined closely, the message of ACIM departs significantly from the revelation of God given in His Word and fulfilled in Christ.