The Course in Miracles is a Christian based book about overcoming anxiety. It involves twelve steps to conquering fear and replacing it with confidence. It is a powerful text that can make a real difference in people lives. However, like any course in general, this one has its critics.
Firstly, this is a Christian based book. It may upset some non-Christians or theists. It discusses matters of faith and God’s plan for mankind. It may not be suitable best acim podcast reading for someone who does not believe in God or the Christian religion. If you are uncomfortable with discussions of religion, this book will most likely not have a great impact on you.
Secondly, the text is very long. In addition to the twelve step program, you’ll learn about the nature of relationships, the purpose of your life, how to attract more love, and how to let go of anxiety that causes you to isolate yourself from others. In a book that is this long, you’ll spend several weeks absorbing the material. If you find yourself with few free hours, this could easily become a chore.
Thirdly, this book presents too many solutions. It seems to require that you take drastic measures to solve your problems. Some people find this hard to do, especially if they fear that their lifestyle might not allow them to act effectively. Others are discouraged by the number of different solutions offered in this text. If you are looking for a quick fix solution to your relationship problems, this book may not be a great choice.
Fourthly, this text is very confusing. It requires you to apply Bible verses to your personal relationships without being sure that you understand them. While the author makes a lot of points, sometimes he drives home a point that is a bit confusing. For instance, he says that a woman should not marry an alcoholic, yet it is clear that he is advocating abstinence from alcohol.
Overall, this is a great text for those interested in learning more about how God can help them develop the kinds of relationships they want and need. If you feel overwhelmed by your current romantic problems or want to make your relationship stronger, this is a good text to read. However, if you are expecting it to take you places like Rev. Paul or Matthew Fuller, this is not the text for you.