The Board of Trustees of the Rocky Mountain Miracle Center has voted to charter a School of Reason for teachers and aspiring teachers of A Course in Miracles. Our vision statement follows, along with questions and answers we hope will further communicate our intent. If you have any further questions, please contact any member of the RMMC Board of Trustees.
“Reason cannot see sin but can see errors, and leads to their correction. It does not value them, but their correction.”
“Reason assures you Heaven is what you want and all you want. Listen to Him Who speaks with reason, and brings your reason into line with His. Be willing to let reason be the means by which He would direct you how to leave insanity behind.”
“You are your brother’s savior. He is yours. Reason speaks happily indeed of this”.
-Excerpts from Reason versus Madness, p. 459-461
Following Jesus’ lead in using an academic framework and language for his Course The Board of Trustees of the Rocky Mountain Miracle Center envisions a school for teachers and aspiring teachers of A Course In Miracles. In establishing The School of Reason we will offer a teaching/learning association that will foster spiritual development and teaching excellence through understanding the theoretical foundations of the Course and applying them in our everyday lives. Equal as learners, united under one Teacher and thought system, our goal is inner peace- the condition of mind necessary to know God.
To save time and encourage a fundamental change of mind necessary for peace, the teachers of The School of Reason will offer a unified presentation of the Course’s thought system. This will include classes and on-going educational events for Course teachers and aspiring teachers.
Why do we need a school?
A Course in Miracles is Jesus’ teaching to awaken us from the dream of sickness, pain, suffering, and death. Students often have difficulty understanding the material because much of it is written metaphorically. To compound the difficulty the Course is presented on two levels and moves between them without announcement.
The Course is clear and unequivocal within the thought system it presents. Varied interpretations only confuse teachers and students and waste time that the Course claims it came to save.
In founding The School of Reason for teachers and aspiring teachers of A Course in Miracles the Board of Trustees of the Rocky Mountain Miracle Center (RMMC) intends to create a forum for unifying our presentation of the material. We hope to advance our understanding and fine-tune our ability to articulate the Course’s coherent thought system to help others understand and apply the material.
In addition we seek to develop accomplished teachers able to address student’s questions with clarity, certainty, and ease using the Course’s thought system.
Most importantly we aim to become aware of our resistance to joining with Jesus, and to forgive our reluctance to letting go of our specialness.
Who created the school?
The Rocky Mountain Miracle Center Board of Trustees voted to create the school to help minimize conflicting interpretations of ACIM.
What is the difference between a teacher of the Course and a teacher of God?
A teacher of God is anyone who chooses to be one. His qualification consists solely in not seeing someone else’s interests as separate from his own. In other words, the teacher of God demonstrates the undoing of the ego’s investment in the principle of one or the other. He does not seek to gain at someone else’s expense. Not all teachers of God desire to formally teach the Course material.
A teacher of A Course in Miracles is a teacher of God who is also skilled in organizing and presenting the thought system of the Course in order to help others understand and benefit from it. The School of Reason is designed for these individuals.
Whose teachings will the school use to unify the presentation of what the Course says?
From the many different interpretations of what the Course says, it is clear Jesus’ message can be misunderstood by those trying to learn it. The founding teachers of The School of Reason have agreed to begin with Dr. Kenneth Wapnick’s teachings to guide our studies. We believe his involvement with A Course in Miracles since its inception, his compatible academic background, his clarity of presentation, and his selfless demonstration of how to apply A Course in Miracles in our lives make him the logical choice.
Who may attend?
Anyone with an interest in learning and teaching the cohesive thought system of A Course in Miracles and who fulfills the following qualifications may attend.
What are the qualifications?
The first qualification is that of being a teacher of God, in other words, recognizing shared interests at the heart of every relationship.
Other qualifications include:
the desire to help others understand and apply the Course’s thought system
the attitude of a happy learner
the selection of a mentor
tuition (amount to be determined)
attendance for an agreed upon minimum period of time
Why have a mentor?
Becoming a happy learner is challenging. The student must learn to see the world as a classroom in which to apply the teachings of the Course to the events and circumstances of his life. Without application there will be no learning. Without learning there will be no teaching. We can only teach what we have learned. Once we have learned we inevitably teach. We teach a state of mind.
We believe experienced Course teachers have much to offer aspiring teachers including how to handle the emotional responses discussing Course material may elicit in students. Mentors can help new teachers fine-tune their understanding and communication of Course material and hone their presentation skills. In the process, mentors deepen their own ACIM comprehension within a mutually supportive and enlightening relationship.
The School of Reason mentors offer vital guidance based on many years experience studying, applying, and teaching the Course. They offer a healing relationship in the face of the inevitable emotional ups and downs that stem from trying to live the Course. We see the student/mentor relationship as the most valuable aspect of the school for both mentor and student.
Is attendance in the School of Reason required of all Course teachers at RMMC?
Participation among RMMC Course teachers is voluntary.
Is there a point of completion or some credential given?
Currently there are no plans for ceremonies, certification, diplomas or the like. The student and the mentor will decide together when the student is ready to begin formal teaching. We believe the benefits of clarity, certainty, and the ability to help others recognize the false as false and make way for truth is the best credential.
Although students will attend the school for a specified minimum period of time, they may find the association with teachers/mentors of The School of Reason provides a valued fellowship they will want to continue for years to come.
Will the school charge tuition?
The school will charge tuition to help fund the school’s operating expenses.
How will the school be managed?
Initially a board-appointed director will choose advisors as needed.
What is the relationship of the School of Reason to the RMMC?
The RMMC Board of Trustees has chartered the School of Reason for an initial period of five years. It will report quarterly to the Board of Trustees. Either party can terminate the relationship by mutual agreement.
How is the School of Reason funded?
The School is largely self-funding through tuition. It may sponsor events and produce materials for advancing Course understanding. The Board of Trustees may occasionally approve supplementary funding but we do not intend to significantly draw on RMMC’s operational funds. Long-term we expect the school to contribute to RMMC’s financial health by enhancing and expanding the Center’s offerings, resources, and membership.