231: New Age Bible, Postmodern Novel (w/ Sheila Heti)
Nov 7, 2024
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Sheila Heti, a Toronto-based novelist known for her exploration of inner voices and channeling, discusses her investigation into 'A Course in Miracles.' She delves into the complexities of its origins, questioning the mental state of its scribe, Helen Schucman, and her ties to influential figures. Heti shares her journey from intrigue to skepticism about the book's teachings, particularly concerning grief and the allure of spiritual ideologies. The conversation reveals the tension between personal agency and external influences in the realm of spirituality.
Sheila Heti investigates the controversial origins of A Course in Miracles, questioning its narrative of divine inspiration amidst psychological complexities.
Personal encounters with A Course in Miracles reveal a spectrum of experiences, highlighting the stark contrast between initial solace and subsequent skepticism.
The podcast emphasizes the necessity of community support in navigating spiritual teachings, which can either empower critique or lead to isolation in high-demand groups.
Deep dives
The Complexity of A Course in Miracles
A Course in Miracles, often revered as a New Age Bible, carries a complex and controversial origin story. The book was supposedly channeled by Helen Schucman, who claimed to receive dictations from Jesus, but various investigations cast doubt on the narrative of divine inspiration. There are many questions about Schucman’s mental state, her relationship with William Thetford, a CIA affiliate, and the significant edits the text underwent during its formation. These elements raise concerns about the psychological impact of the text and its potential to be manipulated for exploitative purposes.
Personal Experiences with the Text
Personal journeys with A Course in Miracles can vary significantly, as seen in the contrasting experiences of Matthew Remski and Sheila Hetty. Remski reflects on his early euphoric experience with the book which later turned into a disillusionment as he noticed the cult-like behaviors it fostered. In contrast, Hetty initially found solace in the text after a personal loss, feeling it provided the answers she sought. However, her initial comfort soon evolved into skepticism as she discovered the unsettling implications of the book's teachings, signaling a shift in her relationship with it.
The Role of Community and Support
The importance of community and social engagement emerges as a critical factor in how individuals interact with A Course in Miracles. Hetty's ability to critique and eventually step back from the book benefited from having a supportive network that prompted her to question its teachings, unlike others who may not have such resources. In high-demand groups or cult-like environments, individuals often become isolated, making them more vulnerable to the book's potentially damaging messages. A support system can provide grounding and help mitigate the text's often solipsistic tendencies.
Cultural Impact and Speculation
The cultural ripple effects of A Course in Miracles extend beyond individual readers, influencing broader spiritual movements and practitioners. Notably associated with modern self-help figures like Marianne Williamson, the book has engendered both a certain devotion and critique among its followers. Speculations arise regarding its potential ties to geopolitical agendas, particularly in reference to the CIA's interest in manipulating the spiritual landscape to depoliticize leftist movements. The conversation raises the question of whether such agendas exerted any tangible influence on the book’s proliferation and its reception within society.
Artistic Agency vs. Dogmatic Authority
The dynamic between artistic expression and dogmatic authority is a central theme in the discussion of A Course in Miracles. The experiences of Schucman as a channel for what she believed was divine wisdom highlight a tension between the creative process and the strictures imposed by authoritarian narratives. Both Remski and Hetty express the view that if Schucman had approached the text as a work of art, removing the burden of perceived divine obligation, the resultant creation might have been more beneficial and less harmful. This perspective encourages a re-evaluation of spiritual texts as collaborative artistic endeavors rather than absolute dogmas, advocating for more personal agency in the interpretation of spiritual teachings.
Rapid-response electoral punditry is not our lane. So, while we gather our feelings and thoughts, Matthew hosts novelist Sheila Heti for a discussion of her encounter with A Course in Miracles, and what she discovered when she investigated its origin story for Harper’s Magazine.
Was Helen Schucman, the book’s “scribe”, mentally ill? Was she unduly influenced by her boss at Columbia Medical School, William Thetford, who once worked for the CIA’s MKUltra programme, and with whom she was clearly in love, even though he was gay? Were they dropping acid on assignment from Langley? Why was the initial dictation of the book so radically altered by its first editors? Why did Helen Schucman curse A Course in Miracles so soon after publication? Why did she keep writing trite poems to Jesus before dying in bitterness?
Heti was the ideal gumshoe for this project, because as a novelist all-too-familiar with internal voices and the feeling of “channeling,” she was able to feel her way into Helen’s life. Matthew asks her what she found.
