The sources of A Program in Wonders may be traced back to the relationship between two individuals, Helen Schucman and William Thetford, equally of whom were outstanding psychologists and researchers. The course's inception occurred in early 1960s when Schucman, who was a clinical and research psychiatrist at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, started to experience some inner dictations. She defined these dictations as originating from an inner style that recognized it self as Jesus Christ. Schucman initially resisted these activities, but with Thetford's encouragement, she began transcribing the messages she received.

Around a period of eight years, Schucman transcribed what might become A Course in Miracles, amounting to three volumes: the Text, the Book for Students, and the Handbook for Teachers. The Text lies out the theoretical base of the program, elaborating on the primary ideas and  christian mysticism . The Workbook for Pupils includes 365 classes, one for each day of the entire year, developed to steer the reader via a daily practice of using the course's teachings. The Handbook for Educators provides more advice on the best way to understand and show the maxims of A Program in Wonders to others.

One of many central styles of A Program in Wonders is the thought of forgiveness. The program teaches that correct forgiveness is the main element to internal peace and awakening to one's divine nature. According to their teachings, forgiveness isn't merely a moral or ethical exercise but a elementary shift in perception. It requires making move of judgments, grievances, and the perception of sin, and instead, viewing the entire world and oneself through the lens of enjoy and acceptance. A Program in Wonders stresses that true forgiveness contributes to the acceptance that individuals are interconnected and that separation from one another can be an illusion.

Another substantial aspect of A Class in Miracles is its metaphysical foundation. The class gift ideas a dualistic see of fact, distinguishing between the confidence, which presents separation, concern, and illusions, and the Holy Nature, which symbolizes love, reality, and spiritual guidance. It suggests that the vanity is the foundation of enduring and struggle, while the Sacred Nature offers a pathway to therapeutic and awakening. The goal of the program is to simply help persons surpass the ego's confined perspective and arrange with the Holy Spirit's guidance.