The origins of A Course in Wonders may be followed back to the cooperation between two persons, Helen Schucman and William Thetford, both of whom were outstanding psychologists and researchers. The course's inception occurred in early 1960s when Schucman, who was simply a medical and research psychologist at Columbia University's University of Physicians and Surgeons, started to experience some inner dictations. She explained these dictations as originating from an interior voice that recognized itself as Jesus Christ. Schucman originally resisted these activities, but with Thetford's encouragement, she started transcribing the communications she received.

Around a period of seven years, Schucman transcribed what would become A Program in Miracles, amounting to three sizes: the Text, the Book for Students, and the Manual for Teachers. The Text lies out the theoretical basis a course in miracles of the course, elaborating on the core ideas and principles. The Workbook for Students includes 365 lessons, one for each time of the year, designed to guide the reader by way of a everyday exercise of using the course's teachings. The Handbook for Teachers gives more guidance on the best way to realize and show the rules of A Class in Wonders to others.

One of many main subjects of A Class in Wonders is the idea of forgiveness. The program shows that true forgiveness is the key to inner peace and awareness to one's heavenly nature. In accordance with their teachings, forgiveness isn't merely a ethical or moral exercise but a fundamental change in perception. It involves allowing go of judgments, issues, and the perception of sin, and instead, viewing the world and oneself through the contact of love and acceptance. A Course in Miracles emphasizes that correct forgiveness leads to the recognition that individuals are all interconnected and that divorce from one another is definitely an illusion.

Another significant facet of A Program in Miracles is their metaphysical foundation. The program gift ideas a dualistic view of fact, distinguishing involving the pride, which presents separation, anxiety, and illusions, and the Sacred Spirit, which symbolizes enjoy, truth, and spiritual guidance. It shows that the ego is the source of suffering and struggle, while the Holy Nature supplies a pathway to healing and awakening. The goal of the course is to help people surpass the ego's restricted perspective and align with the Holy Spirit's guidance.