Rating: 
Summary: Big Results
Review: "A Course in Miracles" changed my life in many ways, mostly inside, but also in many amazing, big ways on the outside. I cannot emphasize enough how much it gave me, and when recently presented with major challenges in my life, I had gotten off track a little, searching outside myself, dwelling on effects rather than the cause in my mind.This was clearly not becoming me, I sometimes even fell into a trap Robert Perry addresses in his enlightening book "Path of Light": blaming it on the Course, or thinking that it just wasn't practical enough for this particular problem, rather than looking at the fact that maybe I wasn't practicing the right way, or transfering and applying its principles without exception. Until I came upon this extraordinarily helpful book, I had viewed the Course primarily as a teaching without being aware of doing so. Robert Perry's approach to treat the "Course" as a path gave me a new set of possibilities: I feel like I have come home to the "Course" again, with more discipline and renewed commitment, and more forgiveness when I make mistakes.
Viewing it this way, I find it much easier to step onto it again, and have -as a miraculous side effect-also made major progress in battling a potentially severe illness into remission. Thank you for this invaluable work, Robert Perry!
Rating:
Summary: Big Results
Review: "A Course in Miracles" changed my life in many ways, mostly inside, but also in many amazing, big ways on the outside. I cannot emphasize enough how much it gave me, and when recently presented with major challenges in my life, I had gotten off track a little, searching outside myself, dwelling on effects rather than the cause in my mind. This was clearly not becoming me, I sometimes even fell into a trap Robert Perry addresses in his enlightening book "Path of Light": blaming it on the Course, or thinking that it just wasn't practical enough for this particular problem, rather than looking at the fact that maybe I wasn't practicing the right way, or transfering and applying its principles without exception. Until I came upon this extraordinarily helpful book, I had viewed the Course primarily as a teaching without being aware of doing so. Robert Perry's approach to treat the "Course" as a path gave me a new set of possibilities: I feel like I have come home to the "Course" again, with more discipline and renewed commitment, and more forgiveness when I make mistakes.
Viewing it this way, I find it much easier to step onto it again, and have -as a miraculous side effect-also made major progress in battling a potentially severe illness into remission. Thank you for this invaluable work, Robert Perry!
Rating:
Summary: Path of Light: Stepping into Peace with A Course in Miracles
Review: A COURSE IN MIRACLES is a three-volume set of books concerning what could be termed spiritual psychotherapy. Volume One is the Text; Volume Two is the Workbook for Students; Volume Three is the Manual for Teachers. The books were published in 1976 and have since sold over a million sets; the three volumes are now sold in a combined volume, printed on bible-thin paper. The Course does not have any official spokesman, and to be a "student" of the Course simply means you read the books.
I became a student of A COURSE IN MIRACLES in 1997 when I was 21-years-old. That is merely seven years of study. Therefore, I must humbly admit to being a mere beginner on this path, or perhaps an advanced beginner. Not that there are any truly official guidelines with which we use to gauge our level as a student of the Course, I am just trying to emphasize that there are many aspects of A COURSE IN MIRACLES that I do not yet grasp. Therefore, I sometimes wonder if I am qualified to give my opinion on books about Course interpretation. But I suppose that if I state my opinion lucidly, all the while emphasizing that it is only my opinion and no more important than anyone else's, then there is no harm done in writing this review.
To back up a bit, I think perhaps I should qualify the phrase "Course interpretation." A COURE IN MIRACLES is not exactly an easy book to read or understand. For starters, the language is highly sophisticated, with much of the Course being written in Shakespearian Iambic Pentameter. There are passages, particularly in the Text, where the Course can seem impenetrable. Style aside, the Course makes many seemingly outrageous claims, such as the statement that the world we see is not real and was not made by God but made by the ego as an attack on God. Further, the Course mixes in many familiar terms found in Christianity and Freudian analysis, though such terms are often used in radically new ways. To top it off, the Course makes the astonishing claim of having Jesus Christ as its source. Needless to say, this can be quite confusing. Many authors have come forward with many, many books explaining how to interpret and relate to these teachings. I refer to works of such authors as "Course interpretation."
One of the most influential authors to offer their interpretation of A COURSE IN MIRACLES is Robert Perry. Mr. Perry became a student of the Course in 1981. He taught at the Miracle Distribution Center (a workshop center and clearing house for books on Course interpretation) from 1986 to 1989. In 1993 he founded the Circle of Atonement in beautiful Sedona, Arizona. Perry has authored several books about the Course, and has lectured internationally. PATH OF LIGHT is his latest book.
Due to the intensely personal nature of spirituality, there is always a risk in reviewing books on spirituality. This is because if I, for example, say that such-n-such a book didn't resonate with me or that the author expressed opinions with which I do not agree, it may appear that I am discounting the spiritual experience of those who do agree with the author and who appreciate the book. It can come across as me pointing my finger and saying, "Your spiritual experience is invalid!" Needless to say, such a statement would be highly offensive. That's why I strive to emphasize that I am NOT saying any such thing in this review. I have no right to comment on the validity of another's experience. I can, however, comment on my own experience.
I believe Robert Perry is heartfelt in what he writes, he is a good writer, and I am thankful that I read PATH OF LIGHT because I like to know what the influential voices in Course interpretation have to offer. (Roger Walsh's preface to PATH OF LIGHT was quite a pleasure to read.) But I must humbly confess that there are several points that Robert Perry makes with which I do not agree. For example, my opinion is that the most profound statement in the Course is that the world is not real and was not created by God. In line with this, it is my opinion that the Course does not present any guidelines for behavior within the world, but guidelines on how to perceive the world. Robert Perry, on the other hand, seems to direct a lot of PATH OF LIGHT toward our experience in this world and how the Course can improve our experience in this world, occasionally - in my opinion - taking portions of the Course out of context to back up his points. For example, Mr. Perry comments on the passage in the Course that says that when the individual Course student is healed the whole world is healed with them, seemingly indicating that physical and/or spiritual healing can occur across the globe in something of a chain-reaction among people who have never met. That may be the case, I don't know. But I do believe that this is not the level on which the Course is written. I believe that on a deeper level this statement about healing the world is merely a symbol, a reminder that the world is only in the mind, or, in the words of the Course, "There is no world!" (There are many such symbolic passages in the Course that I do not believe are meant to be taken literally. For example, there are passages in the Course that refer to God as crying.) The healing the Course refers to is only on the level of the mind, because the Course says that the level of the mind is the only level capable of healing. All the pain we experience on a physical level is merely an effect of a much deeper cause: our decision within the mind to be separate from God. I didn't really see these deeper aspects of the Course highlighted by Mr. Perry in PATH OF LIGHT.
I certainly agree with Mr. Perry in regard to the Course's importance and revolutionary nature, but I feel that he doesn't fully convey that revolutionary nature. Does this mean I believe I am destined for heaven and Robert Perry isn't? Of course not! My understanding of the Course says that we are all destined for heaven. In fact, we never left.
Andrew Michael Parodi
Rating:
Summary: The book we've been waiting for
Review: At last, in 'Path of Light' we have a book that meets the need for a clear, accessible, non-daunting answer to the question: "What is 'A Course in Miracles'?" There are plenty of other wonderful course-related books available; but, for me, this is the one that really captures the spirit, explains the seeming complexities, and does full justice to the remarkable, healing vision of the Course itself. It's a brilliant, inspiring introduction for new Course students. Which is why I'm so grateful to Robert Perry for having written it. Finally, I've got the perfect book to offer anyone, my kids included, who ever wants to take a real step towards understanding more about the path I follow.
Rating:
Summary: Mr. Perry, his book and The Course
Review: I will first say I am glad to be able to express some thoughts about this book. In my opinion the greatest literary work of all time IS The Course in Miracles. Having stated that, this is quite probably the second most important work. To say I would recommend this book to all students/teachers (and on the fence students) of the course is an understatement. It is indeed the "blessing" Mayranne Williamson was talking about. I am a Teacher/Student of the course here in South Carolina. I have a group here and I am buying 20 copies to hand out to them. It seems like the map to the course I was seeking. The writing in this book is what a true teacher does. I find myself using metaphor and all types of analogy to explain the course to members of groups. I, also need these metaphors and relations to help me understand. Robert Perry does that brilliantly on Jesus' work. Now let me say, anyone who writes about the course is actually just basing their work on Jesus' words. So the content is already handled. I always find it imperative to seek the course directly on all matters. But this book gave me new insight, from human/soul to human/soul that I have not uncovered elsewhere. I also knew it to be truth in my heart, the same filter I used to know the truth of the course. Many writers of the course tend to make personal judgements in their books, Robert kept true to the course at every step under a watchful eye. =) Do not hesistate to obtain this book. It is the shoe horn that allows you to slide easily into the course, and it is a light bulb for longtime course students and teachers alike. God bless...
Rating:
Summary: Mr. Perry, his book and The Course
Review: I will first say I am glad to be able to express some thoughts about this book. In my opinion the greatest literary work of all time IS The Course in Miracles. Having stated that, this is quite probably the second most important work. To say I would recommend this book to all students/teachers (and on the fence students) of the course is an understatement. It is indeed the "blessing" Mayranne Williamson was talking about. I am a Teacher/Student of the course here in South Carolina. I have a group here and I am buying 20 copies to hand out to them. It seems like the map to the course I was seeking. The writing in this book is what a true teacher does. I find myself using metaphor and all types of analogy to explain the course to members of groups. I, also need these metaphors and relations to help me understand. Robert Perry does that brilliantly on Jesus' work. Now let me say, anyone who writes about the course is actually just basing their work on Jesus' words. So the content is already handled. I always find it imperative to seek the course directly on all matters. But this book gave me new insight, from human/soul to human/soul that I have not uncovered elsewhere. I also knew it to be truth in my heart, the same filter I used to know the truth of the course. Many writers of the course tend to make personal judgements in their books, Robert kept true to the course at every step under a watchful eye. =) Do not hesistate to obtain this book. It is the shoe horn that allows you to slide easily into the course, and it is a light bulb for longtime course students and teachers alike. God bless...
Rating:
Summary: One of my top 5 favorite books on A Course in Miracles
Review: I've always felt that Robert Perry's books offer user-friendly Course teachings, without watering down or compromising the Course's metaphysics. This book highlights Robert Perry's gift. It's one of the most accessible books summarizing key principles to A Course in Miracles I've ever read. Robert Perry's ability to build a bridge between deep Course metaphysics and the everyday lives of his audience is no easy feat of engineering. But he pulls it off in this book and even manages to make it look easy. Pathways of Light is a book for all students of A Course in Miracles, whether a new or long-time student. I purchased two copies -- one to highlight and scribble in & the other to share!
Rating:
Summary: One of my top 5 favorite books on A Course in Miracles
Review: I've always felt that Robert Perry's books offer user-friendly Course teachings, without watering down or compromising the Course's metaphysics. This book highlights Robert Perry's gift. It's one of the most accessible books summarizing key principles to A Course in Miracles I've ever read. Robert Perry's ability to build a bridge between deep Course metaphysics and the everyday lives of his audience is no easy feat of engineering. But he pulls it off in this book and even manages to make it look easy. Pathways of Light is a book for all students of A Course in Miracles, whether a new or long-time student. I purchased two copies -- one to highlight and scribble in & the other to share!
Rating:
Summary: ACIM student since 1990
Review: I've never written a book review, but I was very inspired after reading this book.
I have been on a break from studying A Course in Miracles (ACIM) and had no intention of starting the lessons again, because my time is so limited working full time. But the book really helped me find that time. What happened was the Holy Spirit moved into my heart and sent me on the right path. I have been a student of ACIM since 1990. This is the BEST book I have ever read on ACIM. I have started to do the lessons again. I do a lesson each day, and then after doing the lesson I read Path of Light. ACIM has a way of coming into an experience so timely when reading it, that it seems like it was written in that moment, for you in that moment. Path of Light has a way of fitting right into the lesson that I'm on for that day. I know that this book was Divinely guided, and I am so grateful that Mr. Perry wrote it. I just bought another Path of Light book for my stepdaughter. She lives in Ft. Collins Colorado and doesn't have a teacher there to help her. This book will be such a help to her. I wish that I had this book when I first started studying ACIM, it would have speeded up my learning. I'm so thankful to Robert Perry for being such a Light to all the ACIM students.
Rating:
Summary: Excellence
Review: Path of Light has been such a gratifying book! I tremendously enjoyed the smooth way Robert Perry used to lead us through the principles of the Course. I have no doubt that this book is the answer to the confusion the ego can manage to raise in Course students minds towards understanding the Course.
I thank Robert for illustrating his points with such vivid examples! But mainly I thank Robert Perry for a complete book!
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