Frequently Asked Questions

The Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP) is the original publisher of A Course in Miracles (ACIM) and the only organization designated by the scribe, Dr. Helen Schuman, to “publish, distribute and discuss” the Course. FIP is a public charity. We have published the authorized edition of A Course in Miracles since 1975. The Foundation currently publishes and distributes the following books and materials. See the FIP store for details.

• The third edition of A Course in Miracles (Combined Volume) which contains:
  • Preface
  • Text
  • Workbook for Students
  • Manual for Teachers
  • Clarification of Terms
  • “Psychotherapy: Purpose, Process and Practice.”
  • “The Song of Prayer: Prayer, Forgiveness, Healing”
  • A comprehensive numbering system for easy referencing
• Over two dozen translations of the Course
• E-books of the Course in English and other languages
• The Gifts of God, a collection of inspired poetry by Helen Schucman
• MP3 Audio recordings of the entire Course on CD and USB Flash Drive
• Apple and Android Workbook Lesson Apps with reminders
• A Daily Lessons page on our website with the Workbook lessons in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish
• CDs: ACIM excerpts Read by Bill Thetford and Gerald Jampolsky, Readings from A Course in Miracles, What It Says
• DVDs: The Cave Vision, Memories of Helen & Bill, Rare Interview with Helen Schucman, Recollections About Dr. Helen Schucman, What It Says
• A comprehensive ACIM search program (EACIM)
• Other related materials, such as:
  • Journey Without Distance by Robert Skutch
  • The Story of A Course in Miracles (DVD video)
  • Choose Once Again, Selections from A Course in Miracles in blank verse form, compiled by Dr. William Thetford

A Course in Miracles is a universal, metaphysical, self-study program of spiritual psychology. Its goal is to awaken us to the truth of our oneness with God by removing the obstacles that block our awareness of love’s presence, which is our natural inheritance from God. The Course uses Christian terminology to express this idea, teaching that we are nothing less than “the Son of God.” To quote the Course, “God is but Love, and therefore so am I.” You and God are one because you share the same essence: Love. The obstacles that block us from knowing God and Love are many and the Course’s curriculum is designed to undo them in a highly individualized manner under the direction of our Inner Teacher, the Holy Spirit, whose gentle, caring help is always available whenever we make the decision to ask for it.A Course in Miracles is not intended as the basis of a religion or a cult. Nor does it claim to be the only path back to God. It is a self-study program that requires nothing more of us than a willingness to learn and practice its ideas. Its goal is neither worship nor intellectual understanding, but the living experience of our oneness with God and all human beings. Once this is achieved, we experience a pervasive sense of peace that’s unaffected by external circumstances, what the Course calls “the happy dream.”

A Course in Miracles began with the sudden decision of two people to join in a common goal. Their names were Helen Schucman and William Thetford, Professors of Medical Psychology at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. They were anything but spiritual. Their relationship with each other was difficult and often strained and they were concerned with personal and professional acceptance and status. In general, they had considerable investment in the values of the world. Their lives were hardly in accord with anything that the Course advocates. Helen, the one who received the material through a process of inner dictation, describes herself as follows:

“Psychologist, educator, conservative in theory and atheistic in belief, I was working in a prestigious and highly academic setting. And then something happened that triggered a chain of events I could never have predicted. The head of my department unexpectedly announced that he was tired of the angry and aggressive feelings our attitudes reflected, and concluded that, ‘there must be another way.’ As if on cue I agreed to help him find it. Apparently this Course is the other way.”

Although their intention was serious, they had great difficulty in starting out on their joint venture. But they had given the Holy Spirit the “little willingness” that, as the Course itself was to emphasize, again and again, is sufficient to enable Him to use any situation for His purposes and provide it with His power.

To continue Helen’s first-person account:

“Three startling months preceded the actual writing, during which time Bill suggested that I write down the highly symbolic dreams and descriptions of the strange images that were coming to me. Although I had grown more accustomed to the unexpected by that time, I was still very surprised when I wrote, “This is a course in miracles.” That was my introduction to the Voice. It made no sound, but seemed to be giving me a kind of rapid, inner dictation, which I took down in a shorthand notebook. The writing was never automatic. It could be interrupted at any time and later picked up again. It made me very uncomfortable, but it never seriously occurred to me to stop. It seemed to be a special assignment I had somehow, somewhere agreed to complete. It represented a truly collaborative venture between Bill and myself, and much of its significance, I am sure, lies in that. I would take down what the Voice “said” and read it to him the next day, and he typed it from my dictation. I expect he had his special assignment, too. Without his encouragement and support I would never have been able to fulfill mine. The whole process took about seven years. The Text came first, then the Workbook for Students, and finally the Manual for Teachers. Chapter titles and subheadings have been inserted in the Text, and some of the more personal references that occurred at the beginning have been omitted. Otherwise, the material is substantially unchanged.”

The names of the collaborators in the recording of the Course do not appear on the cover because the Course can and should stand on its own. It is not intended to become the basis for another religion or cult.

A Course in Miracles is intended to be a comprehensive self-study program, which is why it includes a Text, Workbook for Students and Manual for Teachers. Although there are now many conferences, teachers, workshops, and study groups available to support students, none of these is required to study the Course. In fact, A Course in Miracles says very little about how it should be studied, other than the instructions given in the Introduction to the Workbook for Students. The Text lays out the philosophy and metaphysics of the Course and provides the foundation for what follows in the Workbook lessons. Some students prefer to start at the beginning of the Text and read through at their own pace; others browse the Text and read where they feel guided. Some find the Text too difficult or abstract initially; for them, the Workbook or Manual for Teachers may prove to be a better place to begin. Only in the Workbook does order matter. The lessons should be practiced in sequence and at a rate of no more than one per day. Perhaps most important of all, the Course encourages you–again and again–to identify and follow your Inner Teacher by asking for guidance. This can be as simple as closing your eyes and requesting clarification or direction or silently asking for help. The answer may come to you through a creative idea, a casual conversation with a friend, something you “happen to” read or hear about, an unexpected coincidence, or perhaps even a passage from the Course itself that jumps out at you. To the extent that you are willing to hear, an answer will be given. Remember, your Inner Teacher is always present, patiently waiting to help. With such guidance, you are certain to succeed, no matter how or where you begin, and no matter what obstacles may arise.

No, there is no exact correspondence between chapters in the Text and lessons in the Workbook. The structure of the Text is more akin to that of a symphony than a traditional textbook where the subject matter progresses in order of difficulty. The Text’s major themes and sub-themes arise and subside, fade and then resurface in slightly different variations throughout. Therefore, sections, paragraphs, and even individual passages could correspond to many different lessons or parts of lessons, and vice-versa. This turns out to be a very effective means of teaching because it sidesteps the ego with its predilection for opposition and debate.

The line numbers are a method of reference. Paragraphs and sentences within paragraphs are numbered with superscripts to help students reference specific sections or passages quickly and easily, no matter which edition or format of A Course in Miracles they happen to be using.  This same numbering system also holds true for the many translations of the Course, allowing for cross-referencing of passages between different languages. The first edition of ACIM did not contain the line number referencing system. It was included for the printing of the Second Edition.

The ACIM Annotation System of A Course in Miracles provides a method for students of the Course to reference a specific passage within the Course and its Supplements.

Here is an example:

“You will first dream of peace, and then awaken to it.” (T-13.VII.9:1)

• T = Text
• 13 = Chapter 13
• VII = Section VII (of Chapter 13)
• 9 = Paragraph 9 (in Section VII)
• 1 = Line 1 (of Paragraph 9)

Another example:

“We say ‘God is,’ and then we cease to speak, for in that knowledge words are meaningless.” (W-pI.169.5:4)

• W = Workbook
• pI = part I (of the Workbook)
• 169 = Lesson 169
• 5 = Paragraph 5
• 4 = Line 4 (of Paragraph 5)

Another example:

“Forgiveness is the final goal of the curriculum.” (M-4.X.2:9)

• M = Manual for Teachers
• 4 = Section 4
• X = Part X (of Section 4)
• 2 = Paragraph 2 (of Part X)
• 9 = Line 9 (of Paragraph 2)

Additional abbreviations:

• In = introduction(s)
• r = Review (workbook)
• FL = Final Lessons (workbook)
• C = Clarification of Terms (in the Manual for Teachers)
• Ep = Epilogues (end of Workbok and Clarification of Terms)
• P = Psychotherapy: Purpose, Process and Practice
• S = The Song of Prayer

You may find it comforting to know that you are not the only one who has experienced frustration with the Course‘s language. There are several reasons why students may find the Course difficult. First, it is a direct challenge to the ego and its thought system. The ego retaliates by attempting to distort, change, or outright reject the meaning of the Course at all levels including its language. Second, much of A Course in Miracles is written in blank verse, a meter known as iambic pentameter, often found in the work of William Shakespeare. As a result, the form of the language is more poetic, but at times might seem more difficult to understand.

Third, the Course uses Christian language which can be challenging for some people. Its scribe, Dr. Helen Schucman, explained that she was specifically instructed to use Christian language because the Course is a restatement of Christianity and its principles. Therefore, the Course gives new meaning to traditional Christian words such as forgiveness, Atonement, sin, Christ, salvation, creation, and, of course, miracles.

Perhaps most importantly, the Course was not designed to be breezed through and comprehended in one reading. Built into its very structure is the necessity to linger, to question, to dive beneath the surface, to wrestle with language and meaning, and then return and read it yet again. The Course is not learned by the intellect alone. Indeed, it speaks to the deepest place of knowing in us, to the part of the mind that has always felt that there must be “something more,” the part that longs for peace, for true connection, for Home. Its Author understands our longing and our resistance, and patiently, steadily, leads us along a seemingly meandering path which continually doubles back on itself, so that what was previously seen as a trail strewn with obstacles is in time recognized as the sure, smooth path to peace.

The worldview taught by the Course is quite radical. It challenges all of our usual assumptions about who we are and why we’re here. It takes time, willingness and practice for these teachings to begin to take root in our minds and hearts. Therefore, despite the difficulty you may be having, we strongly encourage you to persevere.

An Inner Voice dictated this material to Dr. Helen Schucman and she took it down faithfully. When she asked the “Voice” why the masculine gender was used throughout, the reply she received was that this Course is a reinterpretation of Christianity, and to correct an error it is important that the same language be used. Therefore, the Course follows the patriarchal Judeo-Christian religious tradition by referring to God and His Creations with masculine pronouns. Although the Course‘s words reflect this tradition, its content is truly and thoroughly gender-neutral because Spirit has no gender. As the Course itself states, “This Course remains within the ego framework, where it is needed… It uses words, which are symbolic, and cannot express what lies beyond symbols.” (C.In.3:1,3) Many students have objected to the Course‘s use of masculine terms and pronouns. A few have opted to substitute “she” for “he” or render all terms gender-neutral. We ask that students keep in mind that the Course‘s teaching represents a direct threat to the ego, which will attempt to defend itself by pointing out any number of possible objections to the Course and its ideas in hopes of dissuading us from studying it. Furthermore, if we are not bodies but spirit (as the Course reminds us frequently), then how does a category like gender ultimately matter? Will focusing on it prove helpful in any way to our acceptance of the Atonement and our awakening from the dream of separation? Perhaps then the best way to deal with the Course‘s patriarchal language is to ask the Holy Spirit for help in seeing it as yet another opportunity to release our judgments and practice forgiveness.

The Course was designed as a self-study program and therefore requires nothing beyond the books and your own willingness in order to become an effective student. However, many students find that studying in a group is helpful. The Foundation does not recommend any specific classes, groups or teachers. If you are searching for a study group in your area, the Miracle Distribution Center maintains a database of over 2,000 autonomous study groups around the world. Find a study group.

As publisher, the Foundation for Inner Peace does not provide study group guidelines or teaching materials. Nor do you need permission from the Foundation or any other organization to start a study group. Study groups are run in many ways. Some study and practice the Workbook lessons in sequence. Some read aloud and discuss the Text and/or the Manual for Teachers. Others hold general discussions on topics like forgiveness, projection, holy relationships, miracles, etc. We suggest that you ask your Inner Teacher for Guidance. The Miracle Distribution Center has a suggested study group outline.

Yes, you may certainly quote from the Course, especially for studying and teaching purposes. But because of copyright considerations, you may need permission from us, depending on how you intend to use the quoted material. We have a very liberal permissions policy for print. Audio recordings, videos and all commercial products using Course quotations will always require our written permission. For details, please see the Foundation for Inner Peace Copyright and Permissions Policy. For any questions or requests for written permission to use material, please go to our Contact Page to send a message.

A Course in Miracles began in 1965 with Dr. Helen Schucman hearing a Voice that said, “This is a course in miracles. Please take notes.” And take notes she did, for seven years. She recorded what she heard in stenographers’ notebooks, using her own personal form of shorthand. She would then read the material aloud to her colleague and supervisor, Dr. Bill Thetford, who would type everything on his typewriter. The material came through without titles, punctuation or paragraphs and Helen made rather arbitrary decisions about where these should be placed. This early first draft of the Course is known as the “URTEXT” (from “ur,” meaning “original” in German.)

Helen re-typed the manuscript twice, correcting errors and, as per instruction by the Voice of Jesus, removing passages that did not belong, such as discussions related to the field of psychology or material that was personal to her and Bill. This included answers they received to questions they had asked of the Voice. This material, located mostly in the first five chapters of the Text, had been helpful to them early in the process but was clearly never intended to be part of the curriculum. The editing process was always performed under the guidance of “the Voice” of Jesus, who specifically told Helen what to remove.

In 1972, Helen and Bill prepared a copy of this first, fully edited draft and gifted it to Hugh Lynn Cayce, who had been very encouraging to Helen in the early days of her scribing. (Hugh Lynn was the son of “sleeping prophet” Edgar Cayce and succeeded his father as president of their organization, the Association for Research and Enlightenment or A.R.E.) It was made clear to Hugh Lynn that this manuscript was not to be shared and he agreed to store it in a locked vault in the A.R.E. library. This draft of the manuscript came to be known as the “HUGH LYNN CAYCE VERSION” of the Course (or “HLC”).

Bill and Helen initially regarded the scribing of the Course as a response to their personal needs, and therefore considered it private and for their own use only. But as they began to share it with a few other trusted individuals, it became clear that the Course‘s appeal was broader than they could have imagined. It dawned on them that perhaps the Course might be of benefit to others, which meant that it would need additional editing in order to produce a better organized, more easily readable work. Dr. Kenneth Wapnick (who would become a well-respected teacher of the Course and the founder of FACIM, the Foundation for A Course in Miracles) was shown the “Hugh Lynn” draft in 1973. After reading it through twice, he agreed that some additional editing was in order, particularly with regard to Helen’s rather idiosyncratic capitalization and chapter determinations.

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The Foundation’s view is that any version of the Course can bring about the mind-change and shift in perception that is the Course‘s goal. A student who is sincere in the desire to learn the inspired message of A Course in Miracles will do so with the help of their Inner Teacher, no matter which version of the Course they use. Do we believe that our Foundation edition is the form of A Course in Miracles that Jesus intended to go out into the world? Yes, we do, as did its two scribes, Helen and Bill. They fully approved the publication of the first edition. Bill studied and taught from it for the next twelve years, right up to his death in 1988.

Proponents of the other versions contend that the editing process eliminated valuable information and somehow degraded the Course‘s teaching. Some have actually counted up the number of words edited out of each edition, as if the word count were the most valid indicator of authenticity. But the question we ask every student to consider is this: After spending seven years faithfully scribing the Course according to the exacting instructions of Jesus, why would Helen and Bill suddenly decide to “reverse course,” defy His Voice and misrepresent Him in the final, fully edited edition? Doesn’t it make more sense that in the beginning Helen was anxious and new to the process and made some errors? Also, that she and Bill asked many questions about matters such as psychology and their own personal circumstances that were extensively answered, but were never intended to be part of the Course proper. This would explain why most of the significant changes from the earlier drafts are to be found in the first hundred or so pages of the Text. The majority the Text, along with the Workbook and Manual for Teachers remains practically identical across all versions.

All that said, we are well aware that the world of form is but illusion and that, as the Course itself says, “… words are but symbols of symbols.” (M-21.1:9) It is not the form that matters, but the content.

“[T]hose who seek controversy will find it. Yet those who seek clarification will find it as well.” (C-In.2:1-2)

The specific function that Jesus assigned to the Foundation for Inner Peace in 1978 was to “publish, distribute and discuss” A Course in Miracles. It is not our purpose or our practice to endorse or pass judgment on any other teachings. The Preface to A Course in Miracles states that it is “… but one version of the universal curriculum” (Preface, ix). Each of us must discern which path best supports us on our journey back to God. However, to assist those who have questions about the compatibility of A Course of Love with A Course in Miracles, we have compiled a selection of direct quotes from each to give students a basis for comparison. Every effort has been made to ensure that quotations were not taken out of context, so the student can feel confident that each Course has been allowed to “speak for itself.” It is our sincere hope that students will always ask the guidance of their Inner Teacher, the Holy Spirit, in discerning which teachings will best serve their learning. (All quotes from A Course of Love are from the Combined Volume, Copyright © 2014 and referenced according to the publisher’s guidelines as well as by page number.)

THE BODY

ACOL:
“The body is now the embodiment of the true Self, the embodiment of love, the embodiment of divinity.” (D:6.26)(p.440)
ACIM:
“The body was not made by love.” (T-18.VI.4:7)
“[T]he body is a limit on love.” (T-18.VIII.1:1)
“God cannot come into a body, nor can you join Him there.” (T-18.VIII.2:3)

ETERNAL LIFE OF THE BODY

ACOL:
“I am calling you to everlasting consciousness even while you still abide in form.” (T4:4.12) Once the return to unity has occurred in form, the decision to continue in form or to not continue in form will be yours.” (T4:4.15) It is only in the relationship of matter to the divine that matter can become divine and thus eternal.” (T4:4.15)(All from p.374)
“What this treatise is saying to you is that if the physical experience appeals to you, and if you create the union of the human and divine as a new state of being, this choice will be eternally yours … a choice of your creation.” (T4:4.18)(p.375)
ACIM:
“Why should the body be anything to you?” (T-19.IV.B.i.14:1)
“Is it not strange that you should cherish still some hope of satisfaction from the world you see?” (T-25.II.2:1)
“When your body and your ego and your dreams are gone, you will know that you will last forever.” (T-6.V.A.1:1)

THE HOLY SPIRIT

ACOL:
“[T]he time of the Holy Spirit, the time of a need for an intermediary between yourself and God is gone.” (D3:35)(p. 507)
“The time of the Holy Spirit has passed. The time of the intermediary is over.” (A.19)(p.668)
“The ‘time’ of the Holy Spirit has now ended because the time of illusion is now called to an end.” (T3:17.8)(p.331)
ACIM:
“God can communicate only to the Holy Spirit in your mind, because only He shares the knowledge of what you are with God. And only the Holy Spirit can answer God for you, for only He knows what God is.” (T-14.IV.10:3-4)
“The Holy Spirit is God’s Answer to the separation …” (T-5.II.2:5)
“The Holy Spirit is God’s Answer to the ego.” (T-5.III.5:3)
“[A]sk the Holy Spirit everything, and leave all decisions to His gentle counsel.” (T-14.III.12:6)

THE NATURE OF GOD

ACOL:
“Not only is man God. But God is man and woman and child. God is.” (D:32.14) “And yet, God could not be all that is, or God would not be in relationship…. God has been referred to as the All of All. How could God be the All of All and not also be man?” (D32:15)(Both from p.623)
“[God speaking:] You will realize as you enter union by means of our direct relationship that you will not leave your humanity behind…. you will no longer see me as an inhuman God. You will know I am as human as are you and that you are as godly as am I.” (D:39.44)(p.653)
ACIM:
“God is All in All in a very literal sense. All being is in Him Who is all Being. You are therefore in Him since your being is His.” (T-7.IV.7:4-6)
“Do not endow [God] with attributes you understand. You made Him not, and anything you understand is not of Him.” (T-14.IV.7:7-8)
“[T]here are no separate parts in what exists within God’s Mind. It is forever One, eternally united and at peace.” (T-30.III.6:8-9)

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Originally there was only one organization, the Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP), established with the specific function of publishing and distributing A Course in Miracles. However, in 1978 Dr. Helen Schucman scribed a personal message of guidance for the Foundation (from the same “Voice” that dictated the Course, that of Jesus) in which the Foundation was assigned the additional task of “discussing” the Course. Dr. Kenneth Wapnick was designated as the group member who would be primarily responsible for taking on this teaching role. With this goal in mind, Ken and his wife, Gloria, established the Foundation for A Course in Miracles (FACIM) in 1983. Together they taught the principles of the Course through workshops, books, a newsletter called “The Lighthouse,” and numerous online resources. The two organizations worked together on the second and third editions of A Course in Miracles. They co-produced a Concordance of the Course, which necessitated the development of an annotated referencing system (see FAQ 6) now in wide use throughout the Course community. FACIM also joined with the Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP) to facilitate the translation of the Course into other languages. FIP handled the administration and supervision while FACIM carried out the training of translators. Since Ken’s passing on December 27, 2013, FIP has taken on all aspects of the translation process. FACIM continues under Gloria Wapnick’s leadership with a new mission: to preserve Ken’s extensive body of work and keep it available for students. Meanwhile, the Foundation for Inner Peace continues to fulfill its role as trustee of the Course by publishing, distributing and now discussing the Course as well—all as originally assigned by “the Voice” back in 1978.

The Foundation for Inner Peace has never trained, certified or authorized any teachers, counselors, ministers, or group leaders. It is not within our mandate to do so. The Course was scribed as a self-study program and truly needs only one’s Inner Teacher or Guide to help learn it and teach it. There are many opportunities and options available for studying the Course and many who have come forward as self-designated Course teachers and ministers. The Foundation is not in a position to endorse any of them. There is no licensing or credentialing agency to certify Course teachers, even if some make claims to the contrary. Should a particular teacher appeal to you, then by all means feel free to learn from them. But do not lose sight of the only Teacher you really need, the One who will guide you consistently, directly and intimately, and Who lives within you. The Course makes clear that we are all both students and teachers. The only criterion for becoming a teacher is completion of the Workbook lessons. The Course does not advocate for official titles of any kind. Indeed, these would merely introduce an element of hierarchy and judgment that runs counter to the Course‘s central message on specialness and could become an obstacle to learning.

Lastly, the Manual for Teachers reminds us that we are all engaged in teaching, all the time, whether we’re aware of it or not. We do so by our example. Which thought system do we choose to live by: the ego’s or the Holy Spirit’s? Whichever we choose, that is what we teach.

“The question is not whether you will teach, for in that there is no choice. The purpose of the Course might be said to provide you with a means of choosing what you want to teach on the basis of what you want to learn.” (M-in.2:4-5)

The universal applicability and appeal of the Course‘s teachings made it inevitable that the Course would eventually find its way into many languages other than the original English in which Dr. Helen Schucman took it down. As the Course became better known, multilingual students began translating portions of it into their native tongues in order to ease their own studying and teaching efforts. However, it soon became clear to the Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP), as stewards of the Course, that such informal translations risked misinterpreting or misstating the Course‘s original message. Though unintentional, these novice translations often lacked consistency, thereby confusing both the meaning and intent of Course principles. Due to this widespread international interest and a growing demand to read the Course in a number of languages, the Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP) established a translation program in 1982 under the joint direction of Dr. Kenneth Wapnick of the Foundation for A Course in Miracles (FACIM) and Dr. William Whitson of the Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP). The first translation, a Spanish edition published in 1992, was soon followed by editions in German, Portuguese and Hebrew. Those early translations paved the way for the worldwide dissemination of the Course.

The collaboration between the two foundations continued until Dr. Kenneth Wapnick passed away on December 27, 2013. Dr. William Whitson passed away on February 8, 2018. The Translation Program is now under the sole direction of the Foundation for Inner Peace.

The Foundation has now published translations in over two dozen languages. Each translator has a remarkable story. Read about each translation here:

You can obtain copies of the translations at our Store.

Effectively translating material from one language to another is a challenging task under any circumstances. This becomes especially true when translating A Course in Miracles. It requires experienced translators with special qualifications and skills, including a thorough understanding of Course principles and an ability to convey its concepts and meanings with minimal distortion or error. The translator must have great patience, dedication, insight, and perseverance. You may be surprised to learn that translations of the Course normally take from five to seven years to complete — in some instances even longer — depending on the difficulty of the language and the time available to the translator. We learned early on that qualified translators must be totally prepared for such a monumental task and willing to commit to it for at least five years. Our translators are all dedicated students of A Course in Miracles who have worked with the material intensively and have translated other spiritual writings into their native language. Before the Foundation can authorize someone to produce an official translation of A Course in Miracles, these qualifications must be met:

1. The candidate must have already studied the English Course for at least three years—preferably longer;
2. He or she must submit a Curriculum Vitae to the Foundation;
3. He or she should ideally have prior experience in the translation of metaphysical, spiritual and/or psychological material;
4. He or she must send the Foundation a translation of portions of the Course chosen by us;
5. These sample translations will be evaluated for fluency by The Comprehensive Language Center in Washington, DC;
6. If the sample translation is approved, the candidate will be brought to San Francisco for further evaluation;
7. If that personal assessment is successful, the candidate then signs a “work for hire” contract with the Foundation;
8. The translation process will be constantly reviewed; editors and readers will be assigned as needed.

We encourage all translators to study and practice Dr. Kenneth Wapnick’s three-volume “Journey Through the Course.”

The Foundation for Inner Peace is already in the process of creating Apps of the Course in English and other languages. If, however, you have a good idea for an App and would like to present a proposal to the Foundation, we are certainly open to hearing your idea. But you may not develop an app that uses material from our books (in English or in translation) without first obtaining permission and/or entering into a contractual agreement with us. Please write to us. Please be sure to review our Copyright Policy.

The Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP) has very active Facebook pages. We have a great group of people who share their experiences with the Course, with lots of stimulating questions and answers. Do join us:

• A Course in Miracles – Foundation for Inner Peace
• A Course in Miracles Around the World
• FIP Discussion Group
• ACIM FIP Group

We also have YouTube and Vimeo channels.

Yes, your donation is most welcome and will help to support us in carrying out our work on behalf of the Course. This includes covering the costs of printing and distribution, new translations and revisions, producing high-quality audiobooks and apps, developing other new products, and providing scholarship copies of the Course where needed. We accept major credit cards and PayPal. The Foundation for Inner Peace is a 501(c)(3) public charity and your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. Donate here.