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Why does it seem harder than ever for us to talk across our differences? Why are so many feeling lonely, disconnected, and dissatisfied despite unprecedented focus on personal growth and self-care? And what role might love, forgiveness, and compassion have to play in healing our culture? In this episode of Exploring A Course in Miracles, Emily sits down with bestselling author, spiritual teacher, and former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson for a thoughtful conversation about politics, spirituality, relationships, and the challenges facing our world today. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a revised hardcover*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In a world that constantly demands our outrage, most of us have never stopped to ask whether our anger is actually working – or whether it's working against us. In this episode recorded at a recent Sunday Gathering sermon, Emily Perry looks at what A Course in Miracles teaches about the true roots of anger, and why the Course makes the radical claim that anger is never justified. If you're tired of carrying anger you don't know how to put down, this message is for you. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a revised hardcover*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
Send us Fan MailPodcast DescriptionWhat if the entire spiritual framework of guilt, payment, and sacrifice is based on a misunderstanding?In this ACIM Deep Dive, Hope Johnson explores one of the most radical teachings in A Course in Miracles: sacrifice is completely unknown to God. From there, the conversation unfolds into a profound examination of fear, guilt, mercy, self-victimization, and the hidden ways we continue sacrificing ourselves in the name of love, spirituality, responsibility, and service.Why does fear block learning? Why do guilt-based teachings ultimately fail? What does it mean to be merciful to yourself? And why does Jesus say that anyone unable to leave the requests of others unanswered has not entirely transcended egocentricity?This deep dive challenges some of the most cherished spiritual assumptions, including the belief that suffering proves sincerity, self-denial earns worthiness, or giving until it hurts is evidence of love.Topics include:• Fear as the foundation of sacrifice• Why guilt creates aggression and projection• Mercy versus punishment• Self-victimization and spiritual martyrdom• The hidden ego in people-pleasing and rescuing• Edgar Cayce and the cost of self-sacrifice• Guidance versus obligation• Why true giving never feels like depletion• Atonement without sacrifice• The difference between the crucifixion and the resurrectionThroughout the discussion, Jesus' teaching remains consistent: innocence does not need payment, love does not require sacrifice, and God's Will for you is perfect happiness.From Chapter 3, Section III: "Atonement Without Sacrifice" in the Complete & Annotated Edition of A Course in Miracles.
In this special Ask Us Anything episode of Exploring A Course in Miracles, Robert and Emily respond to real questions submitted by members of our Course Companions community. In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore questions such as: If the world is ultimately an illusion, how should we understand injustice and suffering? What responsibility do we have for our behavior toward others? Can a holy relationship become special? How much responsibility do we carry for healing a difficult relationship? What does the Course say about self-esteem, people-pleasing, and childhood trauma? How can we see the innocence of political leaders who appear to be causing harm? Does the Course have a view on diet and nutrition? Why do many Course students hesitate to tell others they study A Course in Miracles? Where did the "tiny mad idea" come from? Can we communicate with loved ones who have passed on? Why is guidance sometimes so difficult to hear? How should we approach legal disputes, self-defense, war, and military service? Is there a connection between thoughts and illness? And yes—we even answer questions about our own relationship and how we navigate everyday disagreements. Whether you're a longtime student or just beginning your journey with the Course, this episode offers practical wisdom, thoughtful reflection, and honest conversation about applying these teachings to real life. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a revised hardcover*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
What does it look like when someone really shows up for you? And when did that become so rare? In this Sunday Gathering sermon, we're exploring what A Course in Miracles says is at the root of our loneliness, our division, and our inability to get back to each other - as well as the surprisingly simple prescription it offers. We hope you'll plan to join us for our next Sunday Gathering. Access is included with our Course Companions membership. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a revised hardcover*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
The Course has a very specific answer to the question "Who are you?" - and it's an answer that, if you really let it in, changes everything. Join Robert and Emily Perry for this discussion of "Wake Up to What You Are," which will include what A Course in Miracles says is your true identity, the ego's case of mistaken identity, and what becomes possible when you stop asking the world who you are and start taking God's word for it instead. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a revised hardcover*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this Sunday Gathering sermon, Robert Perry explores How to Be Truly Wise, that is, the relationship between innocence and wisdom in A Course in Miracles. He looks at how true wisdom comes from a deeper, clearer way of seeing and considers what it means to let go of the belief in evil and begin to see with the eyes of innocence, where only truth and perfection are recognized. If you're longing for a more peaceful way of moving through life (especially the times in which we live), this episode is for you. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a revised hardcover*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
A Course in Miracles has its own form of psychotherapy—a complete approach to healing the mind rooted in its spiritual thought system. In this conversation, we explore the Course's approach to therapy, covering: What the Course teaches about psychotherapy Why therapy plays such a central role in its thought system How it compares to approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Why the Course emphasizes changing perception over analyzing the past The role of forgiveness in true psychological healing What a "holy relationship" between therapist and patient really means At its core, the Course's version of therapy is about shifting our emotional worldview—from fear, guilt, and defensiveness to a deeper recognition of innocence, safety, and love. This episode is also a preview of our training: Miracle-Minded Therapy Level 1. If you're interested in learning more or participating, you can find details at this link:
Send us Fan MailThe crucifixion has been used for centuries as a lesson in sacrifice but what if that “lesson” is exactly what keeps us afraid of God? I take a close, line-by-line look at A Course in Miracles (Complete and Annotated Edition) and land on a simple correction: suffering is not salvation, and pain is not proof of love. The resurrection points to something far more liberating, that nothing real can be harmed and nothing needs to be paid for.From there, we explore how an upside down frame of reference can make devotion feel like loss and surrender feel dangerous. I talk about how sincere Christians and devoted ministers can pass along an interpretation with real tenderness and still be repeating a distortion, that God permits suffering, especially for “good” people. ACIM calls out the downstream effect clearly: fear of God. When the mind believes God uses punishment or sacrifice, trust becomes impossible, and the heart hesitates right at the doorway of intimacy.I also bring this into daily life: how to respond when something feels false without attacking anyone. “Protect the truth” becomes a practical instruction for relationships, online arguments, and inner conflict. And we end with a powerful compass for discernment: if you have to twist your whole frame of reference to justify a belief, you don't need to accept it.If this brings you relief or challenges something you've carried for years, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find ACIM teachings that lead to peace.Support the show
So many of us have learned that, in spiritual community, disagreement is a problem. We're supposed to be positive. Be loving. Anything else is ego. But what if complete agreement is not actually what love requires? In this Sunday Gathering sermon, we share a message called "Rethinking Disagreement in Spiritual Community," where we explore a powerful question: Is disagreement really unspiritual—or have we misunderstood what love looks like when something isn't right? If you've ever felt the tension between being loving and being honest, this message is for you. Want to join us for a Sunday Gathering? Access is included with a Course Companions membership. References: The Strange Taboo Against Disagreeing https://circleofa.org/library/the-strange-taboo-against-disagreeing/ The Chain of Miscreation https://acimce.app/book/Cameo-14#Cameo-14:1 3Chapter 9, Section III The Correction of Errors: 2 When you correct a brother, you are telling him he is wrong. ²He may be making no sense at the time, and it is certain that if he is speaking from the ego, he will be making no sense. ³But your task is still to tell him he is right. ⁴You do not tell him this verbally if he is speaking foolishly, because he needs correction at another level, since his error is at another level. ⁵He is still right, because he is a Son of God. ⁶His ego is always wrong, no matter what it says or does. [CE T-9.III.2]) ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a revised hardcover*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
What if one of Christianity's core teachings is actually holding people back from love? In this episode of Exploring A Course in Miracles, Emily and Robert Perry sit down with Brian Recker, author of Hell Bent, to explore how the doctrine of hell shapes belief, behavior, and our image of God—and why it undermines a truly love-based spirituality. Brian shares his journey from a fundamentalist upbringing to becoming an evangelical pastor to ultimately questioning the fear-based theology he once preached. Together, they discuss the lingering impact of early religious conditioning, the hidden role hell still plays in modern Christianity, and what it could look like to rebuild the Christian story on a foundation of love. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a revised hardcover*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
Everywhere we look in our world there are so many tragedies it's easy to ask, "Where is God in all of this?" Does He even know about our suffering and, if He does, why doesn't He do more? These are the questions that cut right to the heart of our deepest doubts and struggles with religion and spirituality. But this is also where A Course in Miracles can help, because the Course offers a series of teachings that - when you put them together - provide an answer to this long-standing question that actually makes sense. If you've ever wondered how a loving God could allow so much pain, you won't want to miss this Sunday Gathering message from Emily Perry. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a revised hardcover*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this episode of Exploring A Course in Miracles, Robert and Emily explore the meaning of Holy Week through the lens of A Course in Miracles. Holy Week marks the final days of Jesus' life—from his entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, to the crucifixion on Good Friday, to the resurrection on Easter Sunday. It's a week that didn't just shape Christianity—it changed the course of human history. But what does it mean for us now? In this conversation, we explore: The deeper spiritual meaning behind the events of Holy Week How A Course in Miracles reinterprets the crucifixion and resurrection What it looks like to live these teachings in your own life ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a revised hardcover*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this episode of Exploring A Course in Miracles, Robert and Emily Perry explore an often overlooked dimension of the Course's history: the influence of Black voices and Black religious culture. Recorded during Black History Month, this conversation brings forward connections that have rarely been discussed in the Course community. From Helen Schucman's early spiritual formation in a Harlem Baptist church to the appearance of African American cultural influences within the Course itself, the episode uncovers surprising threads woven into the story of A Course in Miracles. Among the topics discussed: The profound influence of Idabel, the Black Baptist housekeeper who helped shape Helen Schucman's early spiritual life How an African proverb entered the Course through a remark by an elevator operator The connection between the Course and James Weldon Johnson, a Harlem Renaissance writer and civil rights leader Helen Schucman's poem "Glory Train," inspired by the tradition of Black spirituals What the teachings of A Course in Miracles may offer in conversations about equality, healing, and spiritual liberation This episode also reflects on the unique way the Course presents a vision of radical spiritual equality—a vision that rejects hierarchy and affirms that everyone without exception is equal in God's eyes. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a revised hardcover*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
Send a textOne ACIM line changes the whole direction of the journey: “The next step… does involve the direct approach to God Himself.” We take that sentence seriously and follow its implications all the way through. I'm reading from the Complete and Annotated Edition (2021), and Wayne and I unpack why miracles are not about polishing the dream. Miracles correct perception, reduce fear, and stabilise the mind so it stops getting hooked by the same mechanical ego patterns on repeat. When the turbulence drops, receptivity becomes possible. Then we sit with ACIM's rare caution: starting the direct approach without “very careful preparation” is unwise, because awe can be confused with fear. We talk about what preparation actually is (undoing guilt, relinquishing specialness, forgiving, letting the mind get quiet) and what it is not (spiritual performance, rituals, chasing peak states). The key distinction is interpretation: the same expansion beyond the separate self can feel like home or like annihilation, depending on how much fear the mind still defends. The second anchor is even simpler: “Healing is of God in the end.” That line cuts through two ego traps at once: trying to earn awakening through effort and trying to opt out of practice because “God will do it.” We explore the middle way ACIM teaches, plus why revelation may occasionally show the end but the means are still needed to reach it. Forgiveness interrupts the chain of miscreation, restores innocence, and keeps the path grounded in real mind training. If this helped you, subscribe, share it with a friend who's tired of spiritual pressure, and leave a review so more people can find these ACIM deep dives.Support the show
My guest today is Eric Weiskott, Professor of English at Boston College. Eric has previously published Meter and Modernity in English Verse, 1350-1650 (U Pennsylvania Press, 2021) and English Alliterative Verse: Poetic Tradition and Literary History (Cambridge University Press, 2016), as well as a chapbook titled Chanties: An American Dream (Bottlecap, 2023). Eric is also a co-editor for the Yearbook of Langland Studies. Today, we are discussing two of Eric's recent books that share a connection to the fourteenth-century English poem Piers Plowman. The first is Cycle of Dreams (Punctum, 2024), a poetry collection that uses motifs, literary devices, and themes of William Langland's surreal poem as a springboard to meditate on the equally surreal experience of political and social life in the twenty-first century. Cycle of Dreams is published by Punctum Books. The second book we are discussing is a new edition of the A-version of Piers Plowman: A New Annotated Edition of the A-Text (U Exeter Press, 2025) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
My guest today is Eric Weiskott, Professor of English at Boston College. Eric has previously published Meter and Modernity in English Verse, 1350-1650 (U Pennsylvania Press, 2021) and English Alliterative Verse: Poetic Tradition and Literary History (Cambridge University Press, 2016), as well as a chapbook titled Chanties: An American Dream (Bottlecap, 2023). Eric is also a co-editor for the Yearbook of Langland Studies. Today, we are discussing two of Eric's recent books that share a connection to the fourteenth-century English poem Piers Plowman. The first is Cycle of Dreams (Punctum, 2024), a poetry collection that uses motifs, literary devices, and themes of William Langland's surreal poem as a springboard to meditate on the equally surreal experience of political and social life in the twenty-first century. Cycle of Dreams is published by Punctum Books. The second book we are discussing is a new edition of the A-version of Piers Plowman: A New Annotated Edition of the A-Text (U Exeter Press, 2025) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literary-studies
My guest today is Eric Weiskott, Professor of English at Boston College. Eric has previously published Meter and Modernity in English Verse, 1350-1650 (U Pennsylvania Press, 2021) and English Alliterative Verse: Poetic Tradition and Literary History (Cambridge University Press, 2016), as well as a chapbook titled Chanties: An American Dream (Bottlecap, 2023). Eric is also a co-editor for the Yearbook of Langland Studies. Today, we are discussing two of Eric's recent books that share a connection to the fourteenth-century English poem Piers Plowman. The first is Cycle of Dreams (Punctum, 2024), a poetry collection that uses motifs, literary devices, and themes of William Langland's surreal poem as a springboard to meditate on the equally surreal experience of political and social life in the twenty-first century. Cycle of Dreams is published by Punctum Books. The second book we are discussing is a new edition of the A-version of Piers Plowman: A New Annotated Edition of the A-Text (U Exeter Press, 2025) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/poetry
In this sermon, Emily Perry explores the difference between true forgiveness and spiritual denial. When Course ideas like "this world is an illusion" or "there is nothing to forgive" are used casually, they can sound like avoidance—or even cruelty—in the face of real suffering. So how do we hold the Course's lofty metaphysics without bypassing pain, suppressing emotions, or dismissing injustice? Drawing on key passages from the Text and Workbook, Emily offers a practical three-stage framework that is an invitation into a mature, grounded spirituality: one that looks directly at what hurts, refuses to camp in it, and opens to the Holy Spirit's genuine healing. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a revised hardcover*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
Overeating and food addiction are often hidden struggles—wrapped in shame, secrecy, and the exhausting cycle of "this will fix it" followed by guilt. Drawing on restored material from Helen Schucman's notes in the Complete and Annotated Edition of A Course in Miracles, Robert and Emily Perry explore the one powerful passage in the Course that directly mentions overeating—and what it reveals about the "scarcity fallacy." This episode is for anyone who has ever felt stuck, ashamed, or alone around food—and for anyone facing any form of addiction. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a revised hardcover*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In a time when empathy is increasingly being framed as a weakness—even a danger—this sermon asks a deeper question: what happens to us when we stop listening to one another's pain? Drawing on current cultural trends and the teachings of A Course in Miracles, Emily Perry explores the difference between conventional empathy, which often bonds us through shared suffering, and what the Course calls true empathy—a way of relating that does not join in pain but instead recognizes and strengthens the truth in one another. True empathy invites us to step aside and allow the Holy Spirit to relate through us, offering a form of compassion that heals without binding us to the past. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a revised hardcover*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this episode of Exploring A Course in Miracles, Robert and Emily Perry explore one of the Course's most challenging and liberating teachings: love without sacrifice. Drawing especially from Chapter 15 of the Text, this conversation looks at how many of our relationships are quietly shaped by what the Course calls demands for sacrifice. We often believe that love means giving things up for one another—but according to the Course, this pattern can lead to resentment, guilt, hidden anger, and a cycle that keeps both people trapped. Together, Emily and Robert unpack: How we unconsciously equate love with sacrifice Why sacrifice inevitably breeds resentment and guilt How guilt becomes the hidden currency in our relationships Why we demand that others not leave us—and what that costs us How this dynamic shows up in real relationships, including a moving story from the Circle community The Course's radical alternative: releasing others from our demands so that both can be free The episode closes with a powerful practice from A Course in Miracles for releasing loved ones from our demands and stepping into relationships grounded in forgiveness rather than control. If you've ever felt burdened by your relationships—or sensed that something called "love" didn't actually feel very loving—this conversation offers a deeply hopeful way forward. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a revised hardcover*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this Sunday Gathering sermon, "Choosing Love in Violent Times," Emily Perry draws on Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Birth of a New Age" sermon and A Course in Miracles to explore how love, forgiveness, and nonviolence can become powerful tools for personal and social transformation. This message reflects on King's call to reject bitterness, choose redemption over retaliation, and help bring forth a new world grounded in courage, spiritual maturity, and love. We hope you'll plan to join us for our next Sunday Gathering. Access is included with a Course Companions membership. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a revised hardcover*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this Sunday Gathering sermon, Emily Perry explores how A Course in Miracles understands grief and loss and what it offers us when the pain feels overwhelming. Drawing on lived experience, psychological research, and the Course's teachings, Emily examines why grief often comes in waves, how grief differs from depression, why healing does not come from "moving on" but from integrating a new reality, and the Course's radical idea that grief arises not from loss itself but from how loss is interpreted. If you are grieving, walking alongside someone who is, or simply seeking a deeper spiritual understanding of loss, this sermon offers a perspective rooted in the assurance that love is never truly lost. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a revised hardcover*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this episode of Exploring A Course in Miracles, Emily & Robert Perry sit down with New York Times bestselling author and Sirius XM host John Fugelsang to explore his insightful new book, Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds*. John has spent years unpacking how the teachings of Jesus have been distorted by Christian nationalism—and why reclaiming Jesus' message of love, justice, and human dignity is more urgent than ever. Along the way, there is a reflection on the surprising overlap between John's biblical insights and the message of A Course in Miracles—especially the emphasis on refusing to meet hatred with more hatred. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
As a new year approaches, many of us feel a deep longing for a true fresh start—not just a change in circumstances, but a real release from the past. In this sermon, given on December 28, we explore a powerful and often overlooked teaching from A Course in Miracles: how entering the holy instant can give birth to a year of genuine joy and freedom. Drawing from the final sections of Chapter 15, this talk reframes Christmas and the New Year as the "time of Christ"—a time not only for reflection, but for profound inner change. At the heart of this change is a radical idea: that freedom comes from releasing others from our hidden demands for sacrifice. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this conversation about Jesus's First Instructions on How to Live A Course in Miracles, Robert and Emily go back to the earliest days of the dictation of A Course in Miracles, when Jesus was first speaking to Helen Schucman and laying out—right from the start—how this Course was meant to be lived. The night before Helen heard the words, "This is a course in miracles. Please take notes," and in the weeks immediately afterward, Jesus gave direct guidance. He described what to do, how to approach this path, and how to live it—before the Course even fully took shape. In this episode you'll hear: What Jesus said to Helen and Bill in the earliest dictation How those instructions frame the entire Course Why the beginning matters for how the Course is lived today If you've ever wondered whether there's something essential in the way the Course was introduced—something that still matters for students now—this conversation is for you. ✨ Continue the Journey with Course Companions If this teaching resonated and you feel called to truly live A Course in Miracles in the new year, we invite you to join Course Companions. Course Companions is our guided membership designed to support a year of living the Course, with: • Ongoing teachings from Robert & Emily Perry • Structured spiritual practice and application • A supportive, miracle-minded community
A Course in Miracles invites us to imagine a year unlike any we've lived before—one devoted to genuine spiritual change. In this webinar, Robert Perry explores five Course teachings about the new year and what it means to, as the Course says, "make this year different." Together, these teachings offer a clear and practical vision for dedicating the year to higher goals—and for actually living them. ✨ Continue the Journey with Course Companions If this teaching resonated and you feel called to truly live A Course in Miracles in the new year, we invite you to join Course Companions. Course Companions is our guided membership designed to support a year of living the Course, with: • Ongoing teachings from Robert & Emily Perry • Structured spiritual practice and application • A supportive, miracle-minded community
In this episode of Exploring A Course in Miracles, Robert and Emily Perry take a deep look at the Course's system of practical application—the concrete, daily instructions Jesus gives for meditation, guidance, forgiveness, prayer, miracle-mindedness, and the steady practices that allow the Course's promises to become real in our lives. The Course is not vague at all—it tells us exactly what to do—but most of us don't realize how practical it truly is, or how much power is hidden in doing what it asks. If you've ever thought, "If I really applied myself, I know I could live this teaching more fully," this episode is for you.
In this sermon, Emily Perry explores A Course in Miracles' radically different vision of gratitude—not as a reaction to circumstances or a comparison of blessings, but as a way of seeing grounded in the unchanging gifts God has already given us. Drawing on Lesson 195 and the powerful list of promises in Lesson 123, Emily examines why our usual forms of gratitude are so fragile, and how a deeper, steadier gratitude arises when we recognize our true identity, God's constant love, the Holy Spirit's guidance, and the shared holiness of everyone we meet. This message is an invitation to let gratitude become a way of being and ultimately a "song of thanks" that transforms how we see ourselves and the world. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this episode of Exploring A Course in Miracles, Robert and Emily Perry take on one of the most influential ideas in all of spirituality: the Last Judgment. They explore what the Bible says about it, how this concept has shaped Western culture and our view of God, and the enormous harm created by the traditional "saved vs. damned" framework. Most importantly, Robert and Emily show how A Course in Miracles offers a radically different and healing perspective – one that replaces fear with an invitation to deeper trust in a God who has never stopped loving us. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this Sunday Gathering sermon, Emily Perry explores one of A Course in Miracles' most beautiful and foundational teachings: your true identity as God created you. Not the self defined by the ego, the world, or the body—but the self that is holy, boundless, joyful, and eternally one with God. Drawing on powerful passages from the Workbook and Text, you will learn: • Where we currently seek our identity (and why it never satisfies) • What the Course says is actually true about us • The subtle ways we lose sight of who we are • The practices that help restore our awareness of our holiness • How knowing our true identity naturally leads to healing, forgiveness, and miracles If you've ever struggled with doubt or self-judgment, this sermon will help you reclaim a vision of yourself grounded in God's love, not the ego's limitations. Watch now to reconnect with the Self that is complete, healed, whole—and forever held. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
Is the spiritual journey a solo project? Some students think the Course means "no one out there," so caring, helping, or addressing suffering isn't really part of our awakening. In this conversation, Robert and Emily Perry make a practical case—straight from the Course—that others are real, essential, and central to our path home. What you'll learn: Why "the world is an illusion" doesn't equal "people aren't real" How the Course speaks about "others," "brothers," and "minds" (hundreds of times!) The line that's often quoted—"there is no other"—and what it actually means in context The fruits of an other-oriented practice, including love, joining, forgiveness, service, and miracles ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this sermon Emily Perry explores A Course in Miracles' powerful social vision — a blueprint for how inner healing spreads outward to reshape communities and our world. Discover how the Course's recurring imagery (deserts, gardens, temples, etc.) combine to form step-by-step guidance for building a more loving, just society. Referenced article: The Social Vision of A Course in Miracles by Robert Perry ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your podcast platform of choice, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this episode of Exploring A Course in Miracles, Emily Perry is joined by Jer Swigart of Global Immersion to talk about what it means to live as an everyday peacemaker in a time of deep global division. Together they explore how to engage (and when to disengage) from difficult conversations with love, what nonviolent peacemaking looks like today, and how to discern what is yours to do now. Emily first spoke with Jer a year ago about peacemaking as a spiritual practice—but as conflict and polarization have only intensified, this follow-up conversation feels even more urgent. Join in for a timely and hope-filled conversation about mending the divides that separate us—and extending love where it's needed most. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
What if A Course in Miracles really does give us the meaning of love—just not in the way we expect? In this message, Robert Perry shows how the Course offers a lived recognition of love as purely giving—changeless and equal for everyone. You'll learn the subtle ways we confuse love with attack, specialness, taking, and guilt, and then trace the Course's remedy: not manufacturing love, but removing the blocks through forgiveness and holy instants where judgment falls away. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the “CE”), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
Why do so many relationships that begin with such promise end in conflict, disconnection, or despair? In this episode of Exploring A Course in Miracles, Robert and Emily Perry look at the ego's version of love—a love rooted in self-focus rather than true joining. Inspired by David Brooks' New York Times article, “The Wrong Definition of Love,” Emily and Robert unpack how our culture's shift from shared moral and spiritual frameworks to individualistic, therapeutic ones has shaped our understanding of love. What happens when self-love and self-expression replace devotion, service, and shared purpose? And what can the Course teach us about returning to love as the cure for our self-centeredness and division? In this conversation, Robert and Emily explore: How our culture's definition of love became centered on the self What A Course in Miracles says about love vs. the ego's imitation of love Why the decline of shared values has left us fragmented and isolated How real love “de-centers” the self and joins us in something larger This is a profound and timely discussion about rediscovering love as a path out of our collective disconnection. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the “CE”), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this Sunday Gathering sermon, Emily Perry explores what A Course In Miracles says about our God-given power and how to reclaim it. If you've ever wondered whether you can truly change more than just your outlook—if you can help change the world itself—this message is for you. Discover how the holiness within you can reverse the laws of the world and bring real healing where it's needed most. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the “CE”), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
Join Robert and Emily Perry for a conversation with longtime Course teacher Jon Mundy as he shares personal stories of his time with Helen Schucman, the scribe of A Course in Miracles. Jon knew Helen for many years and was even the inspiration behind her completing the Psychotherapy supplement. In this episode of Exploring A Course in Miracles, you'll hear rare insights into Helen's life, her relationship to the Course, and what it was like to witness the Course's journey into the world firsthand. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the “CE”), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
Too Christian for New Age, too New Age for Christians—where does A Course in Miracles really belong? In this episode of Exploring A Course in Miracles, Robert and Emily Perry take a closer look at one of the most common and controversial questions about the Course. Many Christians see ACIM as “unbiblical” or even dangerous, while many spiritual seekers view its Christian language as outdated or off-putting. So where does the Course really stand? In this discussion, we explore: The Course's use of Christian language—God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, forgiveness—and how it reinterprets those terms. Key differences between ACIM and traditional Christian doctrine. Surprising compatibilities that go beyond language into the heart of the message. How the Course might be “more Christian” than its critics (and even many of its students) have realized. At the Circle of Atonement, we believe ACIM and Christianity are not opposites, but conversation partners—each with something to teach us on our shared path to God. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the “CE”), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this Sunday Gathering message that draws upon the work of James Baldwin and the teachings of A Course in Miracles, Emily Perry explores how hate functions like a spiritual cancer—growing silently within us until it erupts into division, violence, and despair. If you've ever wondered how to confront the hostility in our world—and in yourself—without losing sight of love, this message will encourage you to look honestly at your own heart and discover the freedom that comes with letting hate go. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the “CE”), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this episode of Exploring A Course in Miracles, Robert and Emily Perry dive into one of the most important questions of the spiritual journey: Who is God, really? How we see God shapes everything. If we see Him as hostile, we live in fear. If we see Him as indifferent, we feel alone. But if we know Him as gracious and loving, we can live with peace, trust, and the deep assurance that we are never alone. Drawing on insights from A Course in Miracles and the work of theologian Marcus Borg, Emily and Robert explore how our image of God profoundly impacts the way we experience life. Along the way, they share why the Course's vision of God as a deeply personal and unconditionally loving Creator may be one of its greatest contributions. If you've ever wrestled with your image of God—or wondered what A Course in Miracles really teaches about Him—this conversation is for you. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the “CE”), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this Sunday Gathering message, Emily Perry invites you to explore one of the most important questions on the spiritual journey: Who is your path calling you to become? Through real-life examples, practical guidance, and the wisdom from the Course, you'll see how trust, honesty, gentleness, joy, and open-mindedness are not just ideals—they are the daily practice of awakening. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the “CE”), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this episode, Robert and Emily Perry dive into the content and the backstory of “The Journey Into Fear”—a newly restored Text section in the Complete and Annotated Edition of A Course in Miracles. The message of this section is as radical as it is liberating – to uncover the love in us, we must first face the hate in us – but it's also uncomfortable. So uncomfortable, in fact, it was removed from the original publication of the Course. Why would A Course in Miracles ask us to look at something so uncomfortable? And what happens when we do? We hope you'll join Robert and Emily for this deep, honest, and ultimately hopeful conversation. You will learn: Why we believe this material was removed – and why it was restored. The cost of keeping your hate buried. How facing our hate frees the love within us. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the “CE”), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this Sunday Gathering sermon, Emily Perry draws inspiration from Frederick Douglass' powerful 1852 speech “What, to the Slave, is the Fourth of July?” to examine the gap between the high ideals of faith and the painful realities we see around us. Through stories of figures like Maximilian Kolbe, Martin Luther King Jr., and her own personal experiences, Emily explores how A Course in Miracles offers a new vision of faith—one that is not blind or hollow, but grounded in love, equality, and trust in each other's holiness. You'll learn: Why the Course teaches that God has perfect faith in you How we misplace our faith—and how to redirect it toward healing What it means to place faith in others and call forth their true nature How faith can become a living force for compassion, courage, and transformation If you've ever struggled with the concept of faith or wondered what it truly means on the spiritual path, this message is a call to embody the world we long to see. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the “CE”), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this episode of Exploring A Course in Miracles, Robert & Emily Perry dive into what A Course in Miracles teaches about parenting—and how those teachings have shaped their own parenting journeys. You'll learn: What the Course says about the true role of a parent Three powerful ways to get parenting right—and three common ways we go off-track Why children need wisdom, love, and safety to thrive How Course principles apply to step-parenting and spiritual parenting What to do if you want to share the Course with your children Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, or simply someone called to support others' growth, this episode offers deep insight and encouragement grounded in the Course's teachings. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the “CE”), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this sermon, Emily Perry explores A Course in Miracles' radical redefinition of justice—not as punishment, but as love itself. In a world where justice is seen as people getting what they deserve for what they do, the Course teaches that real justice is about getting what you deserve for who you truly are as God's beloved child. We'll look at how the world's idea of justice often masks vengeance, how the Course reframes justice as restoration rather than retribution, and how we can embody this higher justice in our daily lives. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the “CE”), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this special Q&A episode of Exploring A Course in Miracles, Robert and Emily Perry dive into the central teaching of the Course—forgiveness—and answer your questions about how to truly live it. What does the Course say about forgiveness? How do we forgive when we're hurting, when others don't change, or when we need to protect ourselves? Together, we explore: What Course-based forgiveness actually is (vs. conventional forgiveness), Why forgiveness is not spiritual bypassing Boundaries, abuse, and real-world relationships Forgiving without an apology—or even contact What to do with anger, grief, and fear Forgiving groups, the government, the world Forgiveness and codependency What it means to forgive the deceased, and much more We also talk about why Course-based forgiveness isn't just inner work—it's about seeing others as truly innocent and extending love in response. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the “CE”), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this episode of Exploring A Course in Miracles, Robert and Emily Perry explore one of the most misunderstood themes in the Course: our role in the world's healing. While the Course teaches that form is an illusion, it also affirms that minds are real, God has a plan to save the world, and each of us has an essential part to play. This conversation addresses common objections—like “seek not to change the world”—and reveals the deeper vision the Course offers: not detachment, but active love. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the “CE”), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links
In this message, Emily Perry explores the hidden “frame of reference” we each bring to everything we see—and how A Course in Miracles invites us to shift from the ego's frame of distortion to the Holy Spirit's frame of love. Drawing on stories from daily life, Course quotes, and the concept of “reality testing,” this talk reveals how our current lens shapes our world—and how we can choose a new one. ___________________________ Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the “CE”), which is available as a paperback*, ebook*, and via Audible. Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world. You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/ Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/ To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate. *Amazon affiliate links