In this episode of the ForgiveNest Podcast, Alison Anton continues the discussion on the sex discourses from A Course in Miracles by diving into Principles 18 and 46. She explores themes such as the purpose of sex, parenting, love, homosexuality and heterosexuality. The episode emphasizes the importance of discerning between sexual impulses and miracle impulses, the pitfalls of seeking body pleasure, and the overarching necessity of doing God's will. Practical aspects include inviting Jesus into moments of temptation and understanding the concept of seeing beyond bodies to witness the true holiness in others.
Read the full transcript here: https://AlisonAnton.substack.com
Podcast Category: Spirituality and Religion
Episode Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Part Two: Notes on Sex
00:21 Principle 18: Misunderstanding Sex
00:58 Selfish Uses of Sex and God's Will
01:56 Special Relationships and Holy Relationships
04:31 Principle 46: Understanding Sex for Miracle Workers
05:51 Balancing Sex Drives: Hedonism vs. Puritanism
06:14 Real Pleasure and God's Will
09:55 Correcting Errors and Finding Release
11:16 Final Thoughts and Next Week's Preview
ACIM Quotes and Prayers:
Note: Alison Anton uses the Complete and Annotated Edition (CE) of A Course in Miracles. This edition is based on the original handwritten notes of Helen Schucman, scribe of A Course in Miracles. Publisher: Circle of Atonement.
You have misunderstood sex, because you regard it as a way of establishing human contact for yourself. [ACIM CE T-1.18.4:3]
Nothing physical, mental, or spiritual should be used selfishly. The pleasure from using anything should come from utilizing it for God’s will. [ACIM CE T-1.18.5:1-2]
…arrange temporary human constellations as He sees fit. [ACIM CE T-1.18.5:3]
Human birth, maturation, and development is a microcosmic representation of a much larger process of creation and development of abilities… The real function of parents is to be wiser than their children in this respect, and to teach them accordingly. [ACIM CE T-1.18.6]
The union of bodies thus becomes the way in which you would keep minds apart. For bodies cannot forgive. They can do only as the mind directs. The illusion of the autonomy of the body and its ability to overcome loneliness is but the working of the ego’s plan to establish its own autonomy. As long as you believe that to be with a body is companionship, you will be compelled to attempt to keep your brother in his body, held there by guilt. [ACIM CE T-15.VIII.2:1-5]
I want to finish the instructions about sex, because this is an area which the miracle worker must understand. [ACIM CE T-1.46.3:1]
Inappropriate sex drives (or misdirected miracle impulses) result in guilt if expressed and depression if denied. [ACIM CE T-1.46.3:2]
We said before that all real pleasure comes from doing God’s will. Whenever it is not done, an experience of lack results. This is because not doing the will of God is a lack of self. [ACIM CE T-1.46.3:3-5]
The whole process was set up as a learning experience in gaining grace. [CE T-1.46.4:5]
Awareness of the error produces guilt. Denial of the error results in projection. Correction of the error brings release. [ACIM CE T-1.46.5:2-4]
Invite me to enter anywhere temptation arises. I will change the situation from one of inappropriate sexual attraction to one of impersonal miracle working. [ACIM CE T-1.46.7:3-4]
Listen to my voice, learn to undo the error, and do something to correct it. [ACIM CE T-1.26.6:7]
The love of God, for a little while, must still be expressed through one body to another. That is because the real vision is still so dim. Everyone can use his body best by enlarging the perception of others, so they can see the real vision. [ACIM CE T-1.46.8:1-3]
The ultimate purpose of the body is to render itself unnecessary. Learning to do this is the only real reason for its existence. [ACIM CE T-1.46.8:5-6]
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