We tend to think of the Course as a teaching, but it consistently calls itself a course. This single difference in terminology entails a profound difference in what the Course is.

Let’s look at how the word “course” is defined:

“course”: the route, path or way taken by something; an ordered series leading along a way.

“course of study”: An ordered series of educational presentations and activities aimed at development toward the learning of a particular subject

We often call the Course a “teaching,” which implies that it merely sets forth a thought system. It just lays before us ideas; there is no roadmap for what to do with them. So it’s up to us to take it the rest of the way—to put that thought system into practice and truly make it a part of us.

In contrast, by calling itself not a teaching, but a “course,” it implies that we won’t have to supply that process ourselves; it—the Course—will do that for us. It will lead us through a series of educational activities, so that by the end of the process, we will have learned a practical skill: how to experience and do “miracles.”

Thus, rather than having to supply the practical learning process ourselves, we just need to take this course. As with any well-designed course, “You need offer only undivided attention. Everything else will be given you” (T-12.VII.13:4-5).

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