In A Course in Miracles (ACIM), the term “Atonement” has a specific and unique interpretation, different from traditional Christian theology. The Atonement in ACIM refers to the correction or undoing of the belief in separation from God, leading to the realization of our inherent oneness with Him and all creation. Here’s a more detailed look at what Atonement means in ACIM:
- Correction of Mistaken Beliefs: The Atonement is the undoing of the belief that separation from God is possible. It corrects the mistake of the ego’s thought system, helping us realize that the separation never truly occurred.
- Acceptance of Oneness: The Atonement is an acceptance of our oneness with God and each other. It’s the recognition that we are not separate, sinful beings but extensions of God’s perfect love.
- A Healing Process: The Atonement is a process of healing and wholeness, involving the letting go of guilt, fear, and grievances. It’s about forgiving ourselves and others and embracing our true identity as love.
- A Universal Principle: Unlike traditional Christian concepts of Atonement, which often involve sacrifice or payment for sins, ACIM’s Atonement is a universal principle that applies to all equally. It doesn’t require sacrifice but instead emphasizes the innocence and wholeness of all beings.
- Guidance from the Holy Spirit: The Atonement is guided by the Holy Spirit, the symbol of our inner divine guidance in ACIM. Through the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can learn to see past the illusions of the ego and recognize the truth of our oneness.
- The Only Responsibility: ACIM teaches that our only real responsibility is to accept the Atonement for ourselves. This means recognizing the truth of our being and embracing the love and innocence that is our true nature.
- Path to Salvation: The Atonement is central to the process of salvation in ACIM, leading us to the realization of our unity with God. It’s the means by which we awaken to our true selves and find lasting peace and happiness.
Atonement in “A Course in Miracles” is the correction of the belief in separation, leading to the realization of our oneness with God and all creation. It’s a process of healing and awakening, guided by the Holy Spirit, that emphasizes the innocence, love, and unity of all beings. The Atonement is central to ACIM’s teachings, representing the path to salvation and the undoing of the ego’s illusions.
The theme of the atonement is addressed throughout various lessons, particularly in the first few lessons and in lessons that highlight forgiveness and the undoing of the ego.
Lessons that may reference or be related to “Atonement” include:
- Lesson 27: “Above all else, I want to see.”
- Lesson 34: “I could see peace instead of this.”
- Lesson 62: “Forgiveness is my function as the light of the world.”
- Lesson 78: “Let miracles replace all grievances.”
- Lesson 110: “I am as God created me.”
- Lesson 121: “Forgiveness is the key to happiness.”
- Lesson 139: “I will accept Atonement for myself.”
- Lesson 182: “I will be still an instant and go home.”
- Lesson 196: “It can be but my gratitude I earn.”
- Lesson 227: “This is my holy instant of release.”
- Lesson 337: “My sinlessness protects me from all harm.”
It’s important to note that the concept of the atonement is woven throughout the entire workbook, as the purpose of the lessons is to guide us toward a shift in perception and a recognition of the atonement’s truth – the idea that separation from the divine is an illusion.