Spiritual teaching and A Course in Miracles
QUESTION: Masters, I wonder why there are so many different spiritual teachings available now. The most serious ones do not claim to be “the only one” or have “the right answers” – most of them have the same basis, with just a little difference between them. Many of them talk about that we are here on Earth to live out our tasks, and then return to Source. But what about A Course in Miracles? There it`s all about forgiveness? No matter what we are here to learn? ~Anne, Norway
ANSWER: Your world was once a place where communication was conducted face to face, and those living great distances away never knew of your existence. Now news media, radios, televisions, and particularly the Internet, make those on the other side of the planet your neighbors. Travel has allowed people you would never have met to come visit in your locale and share their beliefs.
With the large amount of information available now, it is hard for someone to try to teach a system of religion or spiritual beliefs that the masses aren’t easily able to question, or that is inapplicable to the needs of people today. The masses are now very educated and not gullible at all. Most importantly, you have learned about your freedom of choice, and can think and decide what you want as pieces of your reality.
In the past, religious teachings were the only way an illiterate population learned anything, and they were used as a means of controlling the populace. Most of the rules were constructed by the hierarchy to achieve their desires. The people felt comfortable because they knew what was required of them and they didn’t have to take responsibility for their lives. Both sides were fairly content.
Spirituality is a means for you to understand why you are here, connect with the unconditional love of Source, bring past-life learning forward, and establish the belief system that feels right to you at any time. If the various systems you’re thinking about are based on reincarnation and the journey of the soul, they will have the same features.
A Course in Miracles (ACIM) was originally channeled material that came at a time of transition away from organized religion. The material has been somewhat modified to fit the circumstances of editors and publishers. Forgiveness is an Earth concept that arises from the duality of positive and negative choices. Spirituality directs you to leave the negative completely and go into the positive of self-love. ACIM is a stepping stone to prepare some for their first big leap away from negativity.