Category: A Course in Miracles

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Discovering Reality

November 29, 2023 Joseph Dewey

Discovering Reality

The Course advises us several times to focus on the content of what is being said rather than the black and white words. It corresponds the content to a picture and the symbols used to convey it as the frame. It tells us that if we only look at the frame, we will miss the picture/content.

I see numerous occasions where disagreements occur as to the meaning of the Course when one or more involved in the conflict only look at the frame and not the picture/context.

The problem is that when we are in the ego we cannot see the correct content for “It (the ego) is capable of asking questions but not of perceiving meaningful answers.” T-3.IV.3

The ego does not want meaningful answers and will alter the meaning of the form to suit its purposes. On the other hand, an important purpose of the Holy Spirit is to translate the form so the correct meaning is preserved. We are told this:

“A conflicted mind cannot be faithful to one meaning, and will therefore change the meaning to preserve the form. The Holy Spirit’s purpose in translating is exactly the opposite. He translates only to preserve the original meaning in all respects and in all languages… The meaning of His message is always the same; only the meaning matters.” T-7.II.4-5

In that same text it tells us that “a good translator (such as the Holy Spirit), although he must alter the form of what he translates, never changes the meaning.”

The need for translation of the form causes conflict between students because the form changes within the Course, or “he must alter the form” for the purposes of emphasizing the point under discussion.

To some this is seen as contradiction, but to others the apparent conflict is seen as merely emphasizing points of truth.

For instance, sometimes the Course talks about this world as if it does not exist and never happened, yet other times discusses it as if it is real and has happened.

The ego picks a side in the apparent conflict, but the students relying on the Holy Spirit will not see the conflict and will not need to pick sides, but will see how the apparent contradictions do not contradict at all, and instead are two points of emphasis to help us see the whole and true picture/content.

The real meaning or content of the Course is difficult for many to perceive because some apparent contradictions are caused because Course has its own definition of a number of Key words such as real, reality, truth, forgiveness, judgment, creation/made, salvation, knowledge, and others.

If one student uses the dictionary definition and another uses that of the Course, then they are likely to disagree because of lack of communication.

Understanding the Courses’ use of the word “real” is one that is of great importance for it differs significantly from that of our dictionaries. In this world something is real if it can be perceived by the senses or experienced, but not so with the Course. According to it anything perceived by the senses is not real and does not exist.

This gives us a good summary of what real is:

“Whatever is true and real is eternal and cannot change or be changed.” OE Tx:1.68

The idea of that which is real is that which is eternal is reinforced here:

“Forgive the world, and you will understand that everything that God created cannot have an end, and nothing He did not create is real.” M-20.5 “What God and His Sons create is eternal” T-8.VI.3

That which is real in the Course then are things eternal created by God and Sons. That means that everything we perceive with our senses is not real, as nothing we see is eternal. Even the earth, the sun and the stars will end someday.

Since everything with form has a beginning and an end then nothing with form is real as the Course defines it. What then is real?

What is real are things beyond form such as our thoughts:

“Thoughts are not born and cannot die. They share the attributes of their creator, nor have they a separate life apart from his. The thoughts you think are in your mind, as you are in the Mind which thought of you.” T-30.III.6

So the thought of a lightbulb would be real but its manifestation in the world would not. The life of a lightbulb will end but the thought cannot be destroyed. Neither the thought or the idea of a lightbulb could be destroyed but the bulb itself will have an end.

Ideas are created by thought so they are also eternal for we are taught of “of ideas that are eternal.” T-9.IV.4 and “ideas are of the mind.” “And Everything is an idea.” T-5.I.2 Even “you are an idea.” T-15.VI.4

The mind which created thoughts and ideas is also real: “the mind is real, because only the mind can be shared.” T-6.V.A.3.

Spirit is also real for it is eternal: “Spirit is immortal, and immortality is a constant state.” T-4.II.11

Joy is also real: “Pain is illusion; joy, reality. Pain is but sleep; joy is awakening. Pain is deception; joy alone is truth.” W-pI.190.10

True peace is also real and eternal: “For the instant of peace is eternal because it is without fear.” T-15.II.2 “Reality brings only perfect peace.” W-pI.52.1

That which is most often spoken of as being real is love. Even love in this world is real:

“Every loving thought that the Son of God ever had is eternal. The loving thoughts his mind perceives in this world are the world’s only reality. They are still perceptions, because he still believes that he is separate. Yet they are eternal because they are loving.” T-11.VII.2 “Love is real” T-13.III.8 “Only perfect love exists.” T-1.VI.5

Does the fact that we can experience love, peace and joy while in this world mean that it does indeed have some type of existence, but an existence that does not strictly fit in with some of the Courses’ statements concerning what is real?

Are we seeing the picture or the frame, the content or the symbols, when some insist that we are not here when it is obvious we are having an experience, and at times feel love, joy and peace?

Interesting food for thought.

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The Rebellious Sons

November 21, 2023 Joseph Dewey

The Rebellious Sons

(Note: This account is written to paint a picture of the separation, conforming as closely as possible to the teachings of A Course in Miracles.)

In an instant very far back in creation all the Sons of God lived and created in peace for there was no time as we know it. There was no past or future, but only an unchanging and eternally expanding now. When an expanding instant occurred, and new Sons were created, all the Sons saw them as always existing with no beginning and no end because they only saw the eternal present.

In this far away instant one particular Son was contemplating existence and shared his thoughts on the “arc of golden light that stretches as you look into a great and shining circle. And all the circle fills with light before your eyes. The edges of the circle disappear, and what is in it is no longer contained at all. The light expands and covers everything, extending to infinity forever shining and with no break or limit anywhere. Within it everything is joined in perfect continuity. Nor is it possible to imagine that anything could be outside, for there is nowhere that this light is not.” T-21.I.8

Then he thought of the center of the circle where he felt the love of the Creator Father pulling all creation toward Itself in oneness. The Sons revered this powerful pull toward the one center and saw it as love for it was a source of great joy to feel the desire of the Creator to draw all creation to Itself and share the oneness of Life, Mind and Spirit.

This Son contemplated the joys of the life his Creator had provided. Every thought, every idea and every feeling had by one Son was shared by all, and all of creation was understood and experienced by every Son. The united life of all the Sons was called the Sonship. There was the one mind of the Creator that was extended and shared by every Son. It was as if all Sons were Father Creator except for one thing. The Father created them – they did not create the Creator.

As this Son was basking in the eternal love and joy a thought crossed his mind. “Here I am in eternity with everything, having no limitations. What would it be like if I was limited and had to struggle to attain anything of value?

This thought echoed through the entire Sonship and most of the Sons laughed at the idea, for they thought it was amusing. After all, who would want to trade everything for that which is not everything?

But some of the Sons did not laugh and went on to expand upon the idea to see where it would lead. Here were some of their thoughts supporting the idea.

“Here in heaven, we all join in with the will of the Father. It would be fun to be able to create our own destiny following our own desires.”

Another gave this thought: “We could also play games with winners and losers. Think of how great it would feel to excel and to win at various games and enterprises that could be devised.”

And another: “Each of us could be a distinct individual, different from every other Son. The variety would be interesting.”

Still another: “We could create a universe of time and space with unlimited forms therein and then each of us could occupy one of these forms and explore our creations. Instead of living where all is known we would be exploring the unknown. That is kind of an exciting thought.”

These thoughts reverberated through the entire Sonship and attracted the interest of many. The rest were concerned that such an idea could even be entertained and replied:

“You know not what you are considering for to execute this you would have to be separate from your Creator and that is impossible.”

The other Sons replied that nothing is impossible so they presented their ideas to the Father, hoping to receive affirmation.

To this the Father responded: You know not what you ask, for all that I create is eternal, and if I support this idea then the universe you create and the bodies you occupy would never die and then you could be separated from your true home forever. Because I love you I cannot support an idea that would separate us.

The Sons felt rejected, were downcast and gathered together to share their rebellious thoughts. “Never in any instant had a Son been denied anything by the Father,” they thought.

“We do not agree with the Father’s refusal,” thought others.

“But wait,” said another. “Do we not share all the powers of the Father? Has He not said that all that He has is ours? What is to stop us from using these powers and creating a limited world on our own, even without permission?

“I do not think that even the Father could or would stop us,” said another. “After all, we have the promise of free will.”

“But what would happen if we try and create contrary to the Fathers’ will?” one asked.

This question reverberated through the Sonship and a reply was heard:

“Nothing happens contrary to the will of the Father. If you use the powers of creation contrary to His will then you will create that which is not real, but you will be under the illusion that it is real.”

The rebellious Sons thought long and hard on this reply. Finally, one spoke and said, “But we can still make a world of time and space, and even though it will seem to be separate from heaven, we can make it seem as real to us. If we choose to forget our true home and identity the new world will be as if it were a true reality to us.

Some asked this, “But, if we forget our true identity how will we return?”

“It’ll be like a dream from which we will naturally awaken,” said others.

This thought seemed to pacify most of them and they moved forward and planned a universe of time and space.

As this plan was conceived many of the Sons, as well as angels faithful to the will of the Father tried to warn them of the dangers of their endeavor. They would be entering a world of separation where there would be pain and death. “The price you will have to pay to play your games will be much more than you realize and you may never awaken from your illusion.”

“Many Souls offered their efforts on behalf of the Separated Ones but they could not withstand the strength of the attack, and had to be brought back. Angels came, too, but their protection was not enough, because the Separated ones were not interested in peace. They had already split themselves, and were bent on dividing rather than reintegrating.” UR T 2 B 43

Thus did a large part of the Sonship enter the illusion and embraced a dream of forgetfulness.

Upon seeing this the Father said, “My children sleep and must be awakened.” T-6.V.1

The problem was that if the Father entered the dream in an attempt to awaken them, He could be trapped there and the dream would then last forever. He saw that the Sons would need help to awaken and without that help they may never return so He “created the Holy Spirit as the Mediator between perception and knowledge. Without this link with God, perception would have replaced knowledge forever in your mind. With this link with God, perception will become so changed and purified that it will lead to knowledge.” W-pI.43.1

Thus within that instant long ago did the Sons enter into the illusion and within that same instant was created the Holy Spirit that would insure their awakening and return.

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Discerning Content

November 19, 2023 Joseph Dewey

Discerning Content

The Courses’ teachings on the frame and the picture as related to content are interesting. The first couple times I read the Course I overlooked the value of this analogy, but when it finally dawned on me what was being said I began to appreciate the illustration.

To appreciate this teaching one must look at the problem it is attempting to solve which is related to communication in this world.

In the heavenly realm communication was instantaneous and perfect. There was complete understanding.

However, in this world we must use our bodies as communication devices along with symbols called words. This imperfect means is a cause of imperfect communication of one mind to another. Lack of full understanding in communication is the cause of much of the conflict in this world. The spiritual communities of the planet are afflicted by this problem just as much as other groups and ACIM students are no exception. The Course states, “I have made every effort to use words that are almost impossible to distort, but it is always possible to twist symbols around if you wish.” T-3.I.3

Even though the Course was presented as clearly as possible in symbolic words there are still many students at variance with each other as to the truth of different teachings.

This problem also occurs in general communication with associates. Most arguments are caused by imperfect communication. Think of the last argument you were in and you can probably recall something you said that was just not correctly understood.

This is where the Course’s analogy of the frame and the picture comes in.

The picture represents the true content of what is being presented and the frame represents the imperfect symbols that have to be used in this world. A problem occurs when the student focusses on the frame, or the symbols, rather than the picture or true meaning. When this happens, it is as if the frame grows to overwhelm the picture so all we see is the frame, but little or nothing of the picture, or the real truth.

So it goes when we study the Course. If all we do is register the black and white symbols without seeking all the meaning behind the symbols then the study of the Course becomes like the guy merely looking at a picture frame, but seeing no picture.

Take for example the argument among students as to whether there is only one Son of God, or many Sons. The truth of the matter is represented by the picture, but if a student interprets by only the black and white symbols of the words, he will see only the frame and miss the truth. The problem is that both sides will insist they are seeing the true picture or content but “What you consider content is not content at all. It is merely form, and nothing else.” T-14.X.7

The trouble is that “The ego is incapable of understanding content, and is totally unconcerned with it.” T-14.X.8

What is the concern of the ego then?

The concern of the ego is with the frame, or outward symbol only but “when two or more join together in searching for truth, the ego can no longer defend its lack of content.” T-14.X.8

And that is the key. There must be a sincere search for truth and the sharing thereof. The student will never receive correct communication from either a book or individual unless he sincerely desires to correctly understand what is being said.

Again, think back to the last argument you had where you were misunderstood. Do you feel that the other person really wanted to understand how you saw things?

Probably not.

The solution to the problem is simple. All involved must have a sincere desire to correctly understand what is being communicated and look at the content or the picture, and not the frame. This is an obvious first step yet ignored by many who just want to pick a side and argue that it is right.

“Truth can only be recognized and need only be recognized.” T-7.IV.1

“Truth can still set you free. Look as the Holy Spirit looks, and understand as He understands.” T-5.III.11

“Take not the form for content, for the form is but a means for content. And the frame is but a means to hold the picture up, so that it can be seen… Without the picture is the frame without its meaning. Its purpose is to set the picture off, and not itself.” T-25.II.4

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The Mad Idea and Games

November 15, 2023 Joseph Dewey

The Mad Idea and Games

Another reason the Sonship was attracted to the mad idea is their desire to play games. Maybe the old adage that life is a game has more truth in it than realized.

After all, there are no games in heaven, for there is no duality or competition and sons especially want to play games. The Course tells us that the desire to play games was one of the motivations for the separation:

“The dream of judgment is a children’s game, in which the child becomes the father, powerful, but with the little wisdom of a child.” T-29.IX.6

We are told that heaven is a “place where truth abides and games are meaningless.” W-pI.153.14 And heaven is a realm “where losing is impossible.” W-pI.129.4

It only makes sense then that there is always a percentage of the Sonship who want to play games which are not available in heaven.

Just look around you and witness the great attraction that we as humans have for games. We pay our sports heroes many millions and they are idolized by many. Most everyone at one time or another either plays or watches a game and finds it a source of great pleasure even though there are winners and losers – which the Course says is contrary to the order of heaven. It is also of note that various wisdom teachings tell us that we are attracted to the game aspect of material life and even call this existence “the playground of the Gods.”

Indeed, even many spiritual writers are avid sports fans and like to attend or watch games in their free moments. Many also play games with friends and family when visiting.

We enjoy games because of the limitations, for if we knew each move in advance it would be no fun.

I submit that it is the thrill of playing games was one of the main attractions that caused the separation. A large number of the Sons of God wanted to create a universe where we could struggle to win, and when we win with a risk of losing, we experience a positive feeling unlike any available in the world of non-duality.

Life itself with its limitations is like a challenging game. You set goals for personal achievement and then you set out to realize them, or to win at the game of life. Then when you are successful, you get a positive feeling that is not achieved any other way.

If you think about it, this giving up the fun connected with games may be the largest obstacle in the way of entering ACIM heaven for many. Part of the problem is that many students have not realized what the Course teachings are on this matter. Lesson 79 needs to be applied: “Let me recognize the problem so it can be solved.”

If the desire to play games keeps us grounded in the illusion, then perhaps our attraction to them is something we need to focus on more than is realized. This aspect of the world may be the most difficult for many to transcend.

The Problem of the Happy Dream

Earlier I presenting teachings from the Course on why we chose to participate in the separation that led to a dream state of life in a world of illusion.

In seeing the answer as to why we made such a decision it is interesting to impartially examine how the Course portrays this world and the decision to come here. First of all, it calls the original decision a “mad idea” and us as being insane for going along with it. With few exceptions it emphasizes the negative aspects of this world, such as the pain, disease, fear, suffering and death that occurs here. It sums it up by calling our separation, “Your wildest misperceptions, your weird imaginings, your blackest nightmares.” T-13.XI.7

I can see why it does this as it wants to instill a desire in us to go home. If we are happy with the world then we will have little incentive to leave it. On the other hand, we are told this:

“Seek not escape from problems here. The world was made that problems could not be escaped.” T-31.IV.2

In other words, just reading about how bad this world is and seeking to escape, does nothing. Instead, we must find the truth and “the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

Standard thinking about escaping our problems does nothing to take us home. Instead, we must focus on the whole truth of the matter. The Course emphasized the negative aspects of the world to catch our attention, but sooner or later we must see the whole picture rather than the part.

Part of the whole picture is that there are a great many people who are happy with their lives and want to continue in the world as long as possible. They enjoy the beauty of the world such as, “Each bird that ever sang… And every flower that ever bloomed has saved its perfume and its loveliness for you.” T-25.IV.5

They enjoy their special relationship with their spouse, children and friends. They enjoy the beauty of the earth itself and go out of their way on vacations to enjoy it. Many enjoy their work, especially if it allows them to be creative.

Has it occurred to students that the way to escape or wake up is not to hate and loath the world for “The world was made that problems could not be escaped.” T-31.IV.2

Instead, we are to turn this problematic world into what the Course calls a “happy dream.”

“Your first exchange of what you made for what you want is the exchange of nightmares for the happy dreams of love. In these lie your true perceptions.” T-13.VII.9

Thus, if we develop true perception, we can see things as they are. So, even though this world offers much pain at times the student who has turned the dream into a happy one and is enjoying his or her life is steps ahead of one who feels he is in a nightmare and just wants to escape.

This creates a new problem. The student who has a horrific life is happy to leave, but first he must learn to perceive correctly, and when he does, he enjoys his life or the happy dream. But when one is happy in his situation, he has less incentive to leave. In other words, the student is almost home, but enjoys love, life and beauty and isn’t complaining about staying in the dream.

Think about it. When you dream a really good dream at night, you do not really want to wake up do you? I know that sometimes when I wake up before the good dream is over, I try to go back to sleep and continue the dream.

If your experience in this world is presently a happy one, this means that you have corrected many perceptions and are on the threshold to waking up.

But to go the final step takes a powerful act of will with a realization of the whole picture and that the true reality offers much more than the ups and downs of the world of illusion.

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Why We Embraced the Mad Idea

November 14, 2023 Joseph Dewey

Why We Embraced the Mad Idea

The Mad Idea, as it is called by A Course in Miracles is a subject if great interest to many. One question many have is this. Since the idea to make this world where here is pain and distress is presented as “mad” and “insane” by the Course then why would we, of our own free will, have volunteered to participate in it, as we are doing right now in this world?

“This mad direction was your choice, and by your faith in what you chose, you made what you desired.” T-21.III.5

I thought it would be interesting to present actual quotes from the Course giving us insights as to why we made the decision.

The first quote above affirms that entering the illusion was our choice and we made this world because we desired it.

“The world is an illusion. Those who choose to come to it are seeking for a place where they can be illusions, and avoid their own reality.” W-pI.155.2. This was “the tiny, mad desire to be separate, different and special.” T-25.I.5

Apparently, we knew we were entering an illusion and we wanted to “be illusions” to avoid reality. One would indeed wonder why we wanted to avoid the peace, security and love in the eternal world called heaven. Did we have too much of a good thing? Were we bored and wanted a little risk and excitement? We definitely wanted “to be separate, different and special.”

Then we are told this:

“This sense of separation would never have arisen if you had not distorted your perception of truth, and had thus perceived yourself as lacking.” T-1.VI.2

So, the Course tells us in reality we were not lacking but we distorted the truth and perceived ourselves as lacking. What do you suppose we thought we were lacking in within a realm that has everything?

The Course expands on this thought:

“The inappropriate use of extension, or projection, occurs when you believe that some emptiness or lack exists in you, and that you can fill it with your own ideas instead of truth. This process involves the following steps:

“First, you believe that what God created can be changed by your own mind.

“Second, you believe that what is perfect can be rendered imperfect or lacking.

“Third, you believe that you can distort the creations of God, including yourself.

“Fourth, you believe that you can create yourself, and that the direction of your own creation is up to you.” T-2.I.2

Sounds like we developed a number of beliefs that were not in alignment with the true reality including the belief that we can create ourselves as discussed earlier.

As the Sonship acquired distorted beliefs “You chose to forget your Father but you do not really want to do so, and therefore you can decide otherwise.” T-12.VI.2

This is an interesting quote which seems to tell us that we didn’t really want to forget our Father, but we chose to do so anyway. Probably because it was the only way to enter the fantasy of our own making. Perhaps the forgetting of our Father was the beginning of the manifestation of sacrifice.

Concerning this world it says, “It is clearly not the world you saw before you slept. Rather it is a distortion of the world, planned solely around what you would have preferred… For the dream of your ability to control reality by substituting a world that you prefer is terrifying.” T-18.II.1

So this world we saw ourselves enter was one planned around that which we preferred over heaven. We wanted to “control reality” even though we would be in a terrifying world. This was probably the beginning of fear. To control reality in our fantasy we had to encounter terrifying situations.

Apparently, we were also seeking treasure:

“He would sacrifice his own identity with everything, to find a little treasure of his own. And this he cannot do without a sense of isolation, loss and loneliness.” T-26.VII.11

Sounds like we knew all the pitfalls, but we thought there was treasure to be found in the experience.

We as Sons decided “To establish your personal autonomy you tried to create unlike your Father, believing that what you made is capable of being unlike Him.” T-11.VII.3

Our dreams “are your protest against reality, and your fixed and insane idea that you can change it.” T-18.II.5

As a result our “Dreams show you that you have the power to make a world as you would have it be, and that because you want it you see it. And while you see it you do not doubt that it is real. Yet here is a world, clearly within your mind, that seems to be outside.” T-18.II.5

So, what was there about reality that caused us to “protest against” it? Did we have a need to feel special that we felt was not possible in heaven? That seems to be a part of the problem. These quotes from the Course paint a partial picture, but it would take assistance from the Holy Spirit to see the whole picture.

It is interesting to consider that some of these reasons for the separation are found in each of us or we wouldn’t still be here within a body. Perhaps doing a little introspection and reflection on these quotes will reveal our next step and speed our awakening.

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Mad Idea or Not?

November 12, 2023 Joseph Dewey

Mad Idea or Not?

The actual separation and the mad idea are often briefly referenced as just something crazy that entered the mind of the Sonship for an instant and then was no more. Since the idea was mad and crazy leading to nightmares it just came and went instantly.

I submit that such was just not the case.

The beginning of time after the initial separation “goes backward to an instant so ancient that it is beyond all memory, and past even the possibility of remembering.” M-2.3

In our time this would be billions or possibly many trillions of years.

Yet even though the instant began and ended in that ancient time the effects are still with us for “it is an instant that is relived again and again and still again, it seems to be now. … What happened long ago seems to be happening now.” M-2.3 & 4

We just can’t seem to let that instant go for “that one instant still called back, as if it could be made again in time. You keep an ancient memory before your eyes.” T-26.V.5

So, if the idea was so obviously mad and crazy, as students assume, then why is it, of our own free will, “still called back” by us and relived because it “is looked upon as a new thought, a fresh idea, a different approach”? M-2.3

So, we here in present time are trying to make “again in time” this idea with the thought we can do it better than was done in the original attempt. We are recalling that ancient instant and reliving it. It was so meaningful to us that we wanted to “keep and make (it) eternal.” T-26.V.4

The ancient instant is over, but us recalling it and living in its effects is as if it is real to us and not over. After all, this is why A Course in Miracles was given to us.

Billions of Sons of God native to this planet have of their own free will accepted the mad idea, and that’s just a drop in the bucket. There are over 200 billion star systems in this galaxy and trillions of galaxies in the universe. All the inhabitants would equal many trillions of Sons within the Sonship who chose separation.

To those who made the choice the idea must have not sounded that crazy. Has anyone ever stopped to really think of what the attraction was and still is?

I submit that understanding the key elements of the attraction of the idea is essential to waking up. After all, one has to understand what he is leaving behind before he can let them go.

So, the question is this.

What is so attractive about the mad idea that we have gone to such great lengths to experience it and even try to make it eternal?

The first reason covered in the Course is the idea of creating ourselves. I think this is an important subject as it reveals one of the core reasons we entered the illusion and if we understand what brought us to this point of separation then we will have a great advantage in returning.

If you get lost in the woods, it is very help to be able to understand how you got there so you can retrace your steps and return to your camp.

That said, I think it would be helpful to give in a nutshell how I interpret creating ourselves from the Course.

When I first read the course, I thought it was an odd statement for I couldn’t imagine that which does not exist creating itself. But a close reading of the Course reveals this is not the meaning

Concerning our creation by God the Course says

“You cannot separate your Self from your Creator, Who created you by sharing His Being with you.” T-7.V.6

Several times it makes the point that creation is done through sharing and God shared himself with us in our creation. If we are as God created us then we share His mind and being.

BUT we got the mad idea to break off from the shared creation and create ourselves which meant that we wanted to see what it was like to use our own ideas to create our identity which would be different from God and every other Son.

We see this desire to create our own separate identity play out in this world in that everyone wants to be unique. We dress differently, have different homes, cars, friends, bodies, personalities, desires for food and drink. The ingredients that make you distinct as you create yourself is different than any other individual.

It is different in heaven as we all share the same mind and come to the same conclusions for there the truth is obvious and no other choice is said to make sense.

Thus a great step forward in our journey home is to be able to let go of all of our desires to be different and sand out and be willing to accept oneness once again. This I believe is easier said than done as our egos place great value on being unique and standing out as superior in some way to others.

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Heavenly Instants

November 2, 2023 Joseph Dewey

Heavenly Instants

Haven’t seen anyone closely examine what A Course in Miracles says about an instant. Yes, I know that there have been many comments made about the “holy instant,” but little has been commented on about the idea of the instant itself.

When the text of the Course is examined, we find the word is used in three ways.

The first is the common usage as defined by the dictionary which is: “an extremely short period of time.” Here is one of the many examples of that from the Course:

“Remember to apply today’s idea the instant you are aware of distress.” W-pI.33.4.

The second is the “holy instant.” Concerning this the Course says

“The holy instant is a miniature of Heaven, sent you from Heaven… The holy instant is a miniature of eternity. It is a picture of timelessness, set in a frame of time… the whole of Heaven lies in this instant, borrowed from eternity and set in time for you.” T-17.IV.11

The holy instant is an awareness, realization, or recognition, that comes to us in a flash, of the joy that resides in our true home. When we negate the past and still the mind the instant can be experienced:

“The holy instant is the interval in which the mind is still enough to hear an answer that is not entailed within the question asked.” T-27.IV.6

The third use of “instant” in the Course describes how it is experienced in heaven. This is more difficult to understand as we are in time and space here, but life in heaven is not subject to time as we know it. Only the present has meaning there. “The present is the only time there is.” W-pI.164.1

A holy instant occurring in this world of illusion is a recognition of the quality life in our true reality; whereas an instant in heaven involves a creation event. We thus have instants of recognition and instants of creation. (see T-21.II.8) An instant in heaven can span zero time or millions of years for we are told that:

“Only an instant does this world endure. And we give thanks today the world endures but for an instant. We would go beyond that tiny instant to eternity.” Lesson 300

So this world which has been here for billions of years is only reckoned as a span of a “tiny instant.”

From the beginning to the end of the separation is also said to be only an instant:

“Merely a tiny instant has elapsed between eternity and timelessness. So brief the interval there was no lapse in continuity, nor break in thoughts which are forever unified as one.” W-pII.234.1

Notice though that this instant was called an “interval.”

To have intervals involves change yet the course tells us that there is no change in heaven. But then we have this:

Whenever we move from one instant to the next, the previous one no longer exists. UR T 3 C 34

So, in heaven there was an instant where the separation took place, but then the solution was created and we moved to the next instant and it was as if “the previous one no longer exists.”

What is it that moves us from on instant to the next? This can be answered by another question: What is the main thing we do in heaven?

Answer We create

Except you share it, nothing can exist. And you exist because God shared His Will with you, that His creation might create. T-28.V.2.

“He (God) created you (the Son) as part of Him.” T-24.VI.1 and “You were created only to create” T-14.I.4

That which we create are additional Sons of God adding to the Sonship:

“There is no end to God and His Son, for WE ARE THE UNIVERSE” and we are to “See His creations as His Son.” T-11.I.5. “The universe consists of nothing but the Son of God,” W-pI.183.10

How can one instant of creation pass and be replaced by another if there is no change in heaven?

To get the answer we must closely examine what the Course means when it says heaven is changeless.

“What is timeless is always there, because its being is eternally changeless. It does not change by increase, because it was forever created to increase.” T-7.I.7

This statement explains how there can be movement in heaven from one instant to another whole adding newly created Sons of God yet still be considered in a changeless state. All there is “was forever created to increase.”

In other words what does not change is the eternal expansion of creation, or the universe. Or you could say what does not change is the continual change caused by creation expanding the universe.

We are clearly told that heaven itself is in this eternal state of increase:

“Beyond the body, beyond the sun and stars, past everything you see and yet somehow familiar, is an arc of golden light that stretches as you look into a great and shining circle. And all the circle fills with light before your eyes. The edges of the circle disappear, and what is in it is no longer contained at all. The light expands and covers everything, extending to infinity forever shining and with no break or limit anywhere.” T-21.I.8

So, heaven is encircled by “an arc of golden light that stretches…The light expands and covers everything, extending to infinity…”

All heaven itself, or all there is, forever increases by stretching and expanding to infinity.

As one instant of creation passes another takes its place and because only the present exists in heaven our entire focus is in the new instant of expanded creation. The current instant would include all creation from the previous instants so even though the previous instants are replaced they are not lost.

The instant where the mad idea surfaced “passed away in Heaven too soon for anything to notice it had come.” T-26.V.4

But even though that instant had passed it is still recalled and acted upon by Sons of God. It is called “The tiny instant you would keep and make eternal.” T-26.V.4

Normally the inhabitants of heaven focus on the current instant but some (which would include us) focus on that instant from the ancient past where the separation occurred. When this happens the dream is entered again and “in every judgment and in all belief in sin, is that one instant still called back, as if it could be made again in time. You keep an ancient memory before your eyes.” T-26.V.5

We are told that “the holy instant is eternal”. T-16.VII.6 This would apply to all instants in heaven for as life moves from one instant to the next all that was in the previous instants would remain.

Understanding the creation process as it proceeds in instants helps us to see the changelessness of heaven yet also relate to God’s statement in the Book of Revelation where he says: “Behold, I make all things new.” Rev 21:5

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Creating Sons of God

October 31, 2023 Joseph Dewey

Creating Sons of God

In my recent post we established that the original “instant” where the separation occurred was a very long time ago, “an instant so ancient that it is beyond all memory, and past even the possibility of remembering.” That would have to be beyond the age of the universe which has a built-in memory of 13.8 billion years since its beginning. “Yet because it is an instant that is relived again and again and still again, it seems to be now.” M-2.3

Many students maintain that the separation was over in that ancient time and nothing is happening now for we are not even here. This text is often cited:

“We but undertake a journey that is over. Yet it seems to have a future still unknown to us…. For we but see the journey from the point at which it ended, looking back on it, imagining we make it once again; reviewing mentally what has gone by.” W-pI.158.3-4

This idea that the mad event passed long ago gives way to two strange interpretations that never made any sense to me, for if the event is passed then why are we experiencing it now?

Here are the two explanations:

[1] We are reviewing the event like people watching a movie, but just became so involved we think we are really in the movie. In this interpretation there is complete predestination. Every word you speak and action you take has already been filmed and all you are doing is exactly repeating the script. This would mean you have no free will, for every little detail of your life has been decided.

[2] If that idea is not strange enough interpretation two is even stranger which is: The separation is indeed over and you are not even here and nothing is happening or has happened. To one not familiar with ACIM this sounds like crazy talk, but for many students the declaration of “I am not here and nothing is happening” is praiseworthy insider lingo.

Neither one of these interpretations ever made any sense to me. If this world is such a nightmare, as the Course says, and we have free will, then why would we choose to relive the dream as if it is real? If you were burned alive in a particular life, would you choose to make it real again? I don’t think so.

And as for the nothing is happening idea – whether this is a dream or not we are definitely undergoing an experience in time as the Course itself verifies: The separation is a system of thought real enough in time, though not in eternity. All beliefs are real to the believer. T-3.VII.3

Since neither of the two orthodox interpretations make sense to many, the question arises as to whether there could be another one that does make sense that has just been overlooked.

To this I give a positive “yes,” but before we solve the mystery the student must understand that, according to ACIM, when the separation first occurred that not all the Sons of God participated. In fact, some tried to prevent it.

The parable of the Prodigal Son, referenced in the Course, relates that there were two sons. In fact the earliest references to it called it “The Story of the Two Sons.” In this account one son went into the world, but the other stayed home with the Father.

It is interesting that an account received by Helen Schucman corresponds to this:

“The Atonement actually began long before the crucifixion. Many Souls offered their efforts on behalf of the separated ones, but they could not withstand the strength of the attack and had to be brought back. Angels came, too, but their protection did not suffice because the separated ones were not interested in peace.” UR T 2 B 43

Many souls, or sons, along with angels, tried to bring back the separated ones but were unable to and had to be “brought back.”.

Understanding that only part of the Sonship separated is essential to seeing the full picture of the separation in a way that makes sense.

So how does this piece of knowledge help us understand the teaching that the separation instant “is relived again and again and still again”?

The answer is fascinating indeed.

The Course indicates a number of times that the returning sons are in heaven to stay and “there will be no Call to return.” T-5.I.5

So, what do the returning sons do in heaven along with the sons who never left?

We are told this: “He (God) created you (the Son) as part of Him.” T-24.VI.1 and “You were created only to create” T-14.I.4

As a Son you are to “accept your rightful place as co-creator of the universe.” W-pI.152.8 for “all His extensions are like Him” (the Father). T-12.IV.6

The Course clearly tells us that the Son of God (us) will have sons just as the Father had Sons.

“Without your Father you will not know your fatherhood. The Kingdom of God includes all His Sons AND THEIR CHILDREN, who are as like the Sons as they are like the Father.” T-7.XI.7

There you have it. The Sons of God will have “children, who are as like the Sons as they are like the Father.”

This idea is reinforced here:

“His joy lay in creating you, and He extends His Fatherhood to you so that you can extend yourself AS HE DID. You do not understand this because you do not understand Him.” T-8.VI.6

It is certainly true that many students do not understand the Father and Son concept, but it is further clarified here:

“the Son gives Fatherhood to his Creator, and receives the gift that he has given Him. It is because he is God’s Son that HE MUST ALSO BE A FATHER, WHO CREATES AS GOD CREATED HIM. The circle of creation has no end.” T-28.II.1

It is pretty clear then that eternity consists of an endless and ongoing creation process that creates additional Sons of God.

The returned Sons have satisfied their curiosity and would have no desire for further illusions, but what about the newly birthed Sons who have never known the separation? Does it not make sense that some of them would be curious about an experience so different than what they have in heaven? Would they not share some of the same ideas their fathers once had?

And when the parent warns the child of the perils of making a world separate from heaven, is it not true that the child does not listen? Concerning us as prodigal sons it is written:

“What has been learned and understood and long ago passed by is looked upon as a new thought, a fresh idea, a different approach.” M-2.4

So, even though the original separation has been over and done we thought that we could use “a new thought, a fresh idea, a different approach,” and revive the original instant and make a much better world than did our parents.

Isn’t that typical of children? They always want to do things differently, but often wind up making the same mistakes as their parents.

It is interesting though that there was only one separation in one eternal instant, but because all instants in heaven are eternal, they can be revisited, and this is obviously what we did as created Sons.

We are now living in that instant, called the “unholy instant” by ACIM and have taken on a lot more pain than we planned. Now the call is to enter the holy instant and return to heaven.

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Reliving the Separation

October 29, 2023 Joseph Dewey

Reliving the Separation

I’ve been getting some pushback on some of the teachings from A Course in Miracles I present, as some run contrary to that which is presented by orthodox teachers of the Course. When the typical student hears something that runs contrary to a group mindset it is common to automatically reject it without trying to see the reason and thought behind it. I assure you that the ideas I present are not only logical, but supported by the Course itself, for sometimes one must carefully examine the wording to get the full truth.

The problem with the idea of ideas and thought being eternal is that this would include the mad idea of separation and students just want everything wrapped up neat and clean and not ever think of having the problem again. BUT if it is true that the mad idea repeats it will be important to know, for whatever is true is a piece of the whole picture that will be needed at some time or another.

That said let us look again at a key passage.

“Time really, then, goes backward to an instant so ancient that it is beyond all memory, and past even the possibility of remembering. Yet because it is an instant that is relived again and again and still again, it seems to be now.” M-2.4

The first sentence tells us that time goes back to an “instant” extremely ancient past all memory and “In that unholy instant time was born, and bodies made to house the mad idea and give it the illusion of reality. And so it seemed to have a home that held together for a little while in time, and vanished. For what could house this mad idea against reality but for an instant?” T-20.VI.8

The mad idea then was given a home with the illusion of reality for an “instant” and then vanished, but not completely “For we but see the journey from the point at which it ended, looking back on it, imagining we make it once again; reviewing mentally what has gone by.” W-pI.158.3

This aligns with the second sentence of our first quote: “Yet because it is an instant that is relived again and again and still again, it seems to be now.” M-2.3

This brings up a question rarely asked by students, but to me it is the elephant in the room.

If the separation ended long ago then why are we still experiencing it.?

If there is to be “no Call to return” T-5.I.5. then why have we returned and decided to relive the separation?

Why are we of our own free will reliving the separation “again and again and still again”?

Why are recalling the instant of the separation and reliving it when we are told that we will not even remember it in heaven after we return?

“You will not remember change and shift in Heaven. You have need of contrast only here.” T-13.XI.6 “Memory, like perception, is a skill made up by you to take the place of what God gave in your creation.” T-28.I.2 “Nothing that you remember now will you remember. “T-19.IV.D.6

Seemingly contrary to that the Course says “What happened long ago seems to be happening now.” M-2.3

The conundrum comes down to this. On one hand we are told the separation came and went long long ago. A total solution was created by God and we are safe at home with no call to return. It is as if nothing happened for the separation was not a part of the true reality in heaven.

On the other hand, it speaks of “that one instant still called back, as if it could be made again in time. You keep an ancient memory before your eyes.” T-26.V.5

If the dream of separation was a nightmare that any sane Son would not want to repeat then why are we now of our own free will in the dream repeating it?

Since we have free will we had to choose to dig up an old memory and relive it. That would really be madness for someone who suffered great pain in the separation.

The answer to all this is quite simple.

In an ancient interval there was one eternal instant in heaven where the thought of separation occurred. After God rejected the idea, then part of the Sonship went ahead with the it. Immediately God created a plan of Atonement to bring the Sons back. After a long cycle of time, but just an instant in heaven, the world disappeared, the prodigal son returned which was “So very long ago, for such a tiny interval of time, that not one note in Heaven’s song was missed.” T-26.V.5

But fast forward to another cycle where we are and “is that one instant still called back, as if it could be made again in time. You keep an ancient memory before your eyes.” T-26.V.5

So here is what I present. There is no contradiction here because indeed the instant wherein the idea of separation occurred passed long ago, but nothing is lost in heaven and every instant that ever occurred there can be accessed and experienced. Sons of God who never experienced the world of time and space recalled this instant and decided to experience it.

Who are these Sons who did not participate in the initial separation, but are reliving it now?

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