A Catholic Convert Looks At A Course in Miracles

My daughter Felicia visited us and skillfully gave this opportunity to record a conversation about the meeting ground of Catholicism and A Course in Miracles. It is completely unscripted and touches on the supportive place that ACIM can occupy in any formal religious context, despite general opinions [on both sides] to the contrary. Time Stamps 0:00:00 TV Intro opening the topic of Christianity ACIM interface K Wapnick says there is no mixing ACIM with any other practice, Phil suggests this is a mistake--ACIM is a non-dualistic lens that will benefit any 'dualistic' practice. 0:08:10 "Any stated truth is from the Holy Ghost." Felicia gives her experience of using ACIM/forgiveness as a way to resolve ritual forgiveness and reconciliation in Catholicism. ACIM also provides tools for every momentary experience. The apparent conflict between dual and non-dual understanding of suffering and death is apparent. 0:18:48 Catholicism provides many tools for external formation, internal transformation is left to the individual--enter ACIM as a way for depth transformation. The 'special-self' has its 'perfect moment for forgiveness' even when the possible miracle is always present. 0:24:20 Valentines Day and the necessary external, superficial symbols for our internal expression. 0:29:44 Good Work can provide a sense of personal dignity--respect for form is a way of communicating dignity to others. ACIM has to remain a covert practice in any traditional religious context, out of respect for those forms. 0:33:48 Why Felicia chose Traditional Catholicism. Her desire for community guidelines for simple good behavior. The difference between 'the sonship' and fellows in the pew--personal transformation vs conventional formation. Discussion on guilt and mixing levels. 0:40:55 Joanna discusses 'grounding' and the risk of spiritual chaos in eclectic religious practice. True authority vs accepted authority. Risk of grandiosity with an acceptance of guiltlessness. Concupiscence, the attractions of the flesh, as compared to a false sense of immunity to the body's tendencies. What is 'original sin' in fact?--the separation? 0:52:39 Phil proposes a comparison between the fruit of the fall [Adam] and the Eucharist, or communion of the body and blood, as the fruit of duality solved by the fruit of Union, or non-duality. Guilty compulsions and freedom. ACIM at the level of individual spiritual direction. 1:00:23 Attraction, repulsion and uncomfortable forms provide the basis for practice. 'Forced to do good practices' motivation by guilt can be transformed into acceptance of the Savior [in the hated other]. Felicia discusses mutual suspicions about practices from the traditional side vs ACIM. 1:09:00 Miracles and happiness--the risk of self-serving interpretations of ACIM. An integrated 'Church of ACIM' is no longer possible because of the loss of copyright by FIP. Apparent problems in ACIM interpretation is because of 'bad faith readings' of the content. 1:15:20 Joanna loves her 'personal Jesus' which she finds in a traditional context and not in ACIM readings and exercises. Magic is allowed in ACIM if it is recognized as such--a crutch. The crutch can be a segue out of fear. 1:23:15 Felicia's opinion-advice to ACIM students. Honesty about 'sacred space.'