Foundation for A Course in Miracles

A beacon for spiritual transformation through forgiveness and the teachings of Jesus.


Introduction

The Foundation for A Course in Miracles (FACIM) is a teaching and learning center dedicated to the spiritual text “A Course in Miracles” (ACIM). Founded by Dr. Kenneth Wapnick and Gloria Wapnick, FACIM serves as a pivotal institution in the study and dissemination of the course’s teachings, emphasizing the application of its principles to daily life. ACIM itself is a spiritual work that emerged in the mid-20th century, offering a unique system of thought centered around forgiveness, love, and inner peace.

History and Purpose

The foundation was established in 1983, evolving from a Teaching and Healing Center into a multifaceted institution that includes an Academy of Learning and an Institute for Teaching Inner Peace through ACIM. The vision for FACIM was inspired by a symbolic image shared by Helen Schucman, one of ACIM’s scribes, envisioning a teaching center as a place where the essence of Jesus and his teachings in ACIM would be manifested. This vision aligns with the belief that ACIM was provided by Jesus to correct the errors of traditional Christianity and to emphasize the importance of forgiveness and a personal relationship with a loving and gentle teacher.

The Wapnicks’ dedication to ACIM was not only intellectual but deeply personal, applying its teachings within their professional lives in psychotherapy and education. Kenneth Wapnick, who played a crucial role in editing ACIM, had been intimately involved with the course since its early days, collaborating closely with Schucman and William Thetford, ACIM’s co-scribe.

Evolution and Relocation

Over the years, FACIM expanded its reach, adapting to the growing interest in ACIM’s teachings. This expansion included the establishment of a West Coast branch in La Jolla, California, and later a move to Temecula, California, emphasizing electronic and digital forms of teaching. After Dr. Wapnick’s death in 2013, the foundation moved to a smaller facility in Henderson, Nevada, continuing its mission to deepen students’ understanding of ACIM’s thought system.

Educational Programs and Resources

FACIM offers a broad spectrum of educational programs and resources aimed at facilitating a deeper understanding of ACIM’s principles. These include workshops, seminars, and online resources that cater to both new students and long-standing practitioners of the course. The foundation’s goal is to help individuals apply ACIM’s teachings of forgiveness and love in their lives, thereby becoming more effective instruments of these teachings.

ACIM’s Origins and Impact

“A Course in Miracles” itself was scribed by Helen Schucman in the 1960s through a process she described as “inner dictation” from Jesus Christ. The course consists of three sections: the Text, the Workbook for Students, and the Manual for Teachers. Since its publication, ACIM has become a significant spiritual resource, translated into multiple languages and fostering a global community of followers. It emphasizes the transformation of the mind through the correction of errors and the realization of oneness with God and each other.

Reception and Controversies

ACIM and by extension, FACIM, have not been without controversy. Critics have ranged from labeling ACIM as “New Age psychobabble” to “a Satanic seduction.” However, its teachings have also been embraced by millions worldwide, seeking spiritual growth beyond traditional religious doctrines. The course’s emphasis on love, forgiveness, and inner peace continues to resonate with a diverse audience, contributing to its enduring impact and relevance.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *