The Course teaches that miracles are the choice to bring a new thought to an old, misperceived situation. It is not some magic that happens in the world, but rather a new way of seeing the old situation with love. The new, loving thought replaces the old fear-based belief in lack and conflict with a new belief that everything is abundant and that there is no separation.

The Course is a three-volume spiritual self-study book published in 1976. It is written in the form of a curriculum, with a Text that lays out the principles that make up its thought system; a Workbook for Students which contains 365 daily lessons that emphasize experience over belief in a particular theology; and a Manual for Teachers which offers answers to questions commonly asked about the Course. It is not a religion, but a teaching that draws from Christian spirituality as well as universal, non-dual spiritual themes.

The goal of the Course is to undo the illusion of A course in miracles separation in all its many forms, and to learn a profoundly different way of forgiving that leads to healing and freedom. In addition to teaching a completely new way of forgiving, the Course shows how to recognize true happiness as coming from within, not outside, and comes when forgiveness is perfected.