ACIM & Spiritual Bypassing: The Difference Between Forgiveness and Denial (Sunday Gathering Sermon)

Mar 3, 2026

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

In this sermon, Emily Perry explores the difference between true forgiveness and spiritual denial. When Course ideas like "this world is an illusion" or "there is nothing to forgive" are used casually, they can sound like avoidance—or even cruelty—in the face of real suffering. So how do we hold the Course's lofty metaphysics without bypassing pain, suppressing emotions, or dismissing injustice? Drawing on key passages from the Text and Workbook, Emily offers a practical three-stage framework that is an invitation into a mature, grounded spirituality: one that looks directly at what hurts, refuses to camp in it, and opens to the Holy Spirit's genuine healing.

___________________________

Since 1993, our purpose has been to help with both the theory and practical application of A Course in Miracles. We are the publisher of the Complete and Annotated Edition of the Course (known as the "CE"), which is available as a revised hardcover*, ebook*, and via Audible.

Our work grows out of our commitment to be as faithful as possible to what A Course in Miracles says, years of dedication to walking this path ourselves, and a desire to see the Course's purpose realized in the lives of students and in the world.

You are invited to download the free ACIM CE App to read, search, or listen to the Course wherever you are in the world, by following the instructions at https://acimce.app/

Whether you are new to ACIM or you've been a student for many years, you are welcome to join our online community and learning platform to access a vast collection of resources designed to help you understand and apply Course teachings in everyday life: https://community.circleofa.org/

To submit a question or suggest a topic for a future podcast episode, please email info@circleofa.org.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a review, as this will help us reach other listeners. You are also welcome to make a donation to help support our work at circleofa.org/donate.

*Amazon affiliate links