A Course In Miracles

Frequently
Asked Questions

Are we NOT supposed to talk about past lives?

Written by Britney Shawley, Spiritual Therapist

Today, I’m going to be answering a peculiar question—one that is often asked on the outskirts of our A Course in Miracles community about past lives.

QUESTION:

“Are we not supposed to talk about past lives?”

This question arises because A Course in Miracles is all about the present moment: 

  • present moment transformation
  • present moment vision
  • present moment connection


The present moment of with who we are and who God is. 

So, the idea of past lives can sometimes feel taboo if you’re walking the path of spirituality or A Course in Miracles, especially if you may not understand what past lives mean.

Today, we’re going to explore this question in hopes that it brings clarity and peace to your heart.

Which means you can understand where past lives stand within the context of A Course in Miracles and your awakening journey.

(Prefer audio to reading? Click here)


Are We Not Supposed To Talk About Past Lives?


ANSWER:


I’ve actually received this question a lot.

It can be confusing.

At the very end of the book, in the Manual for Teachers, Jesus talks about past lives.

Yet throughout the entire teaching of A Course in Miracles, it’s not mentioned—except in that one section when he’s answering a question about reincarnation. 

There are also some teachers in our community who say that A Course in Miracles warns us not to focus on past lives, calling it an ego trap.

But when you actually read what Jesus says in the book, it doesn’t really feel like that’s his message at all.

So, what’s the truth?

Does A Course in Miracles actually tell us not to talk about reincarnation and past life regression?

This is an important question, so let’s go straight into what Jesus actually says in A Course in Miracles by opening up the book and looking at what is written there.

(Prefer audio to reading? Click here)

What Does Jesus Say About Past Lives?

In the Manual for Teachers, Jesus directly addresses this in the section called “Is Reincarnation True?”

He tells us that in the ultimate sense, reincarnation is not true—because there is no past and no future.

Only the eternal present exists.

However, in our time-space experience, reincarnation can be a useful concept—if it helps us remember the truth of eternal life.

Past lives are meant to show us that we are a soul that continues in a life cycle journey until we learn the lessons we need to learn—so that we ultimately don’t have to repeat that cycle anymore.

But really, past lives confirm to us that we are an eternal soul—and that eternal life is what is real.

When Are Past Lives Helpful To Look Into?

Jesus gives us one real question to consider in this section about reincarnation:

“Is it helpful?”

That’s the key.

A Course in Miracles always brings us back to purpose:

“What is it for?”

If past life regressions are used to strengthen the recognition of the eternal nature of life, then Jesus says:

“It is helpful indeed.”

That’s exactly how I approach this topic.

My conversations about past lives and soul regressions are never about dwelling in the past, thinking the solution is in the past, or believing we should feel more pride because of what happened in a past life.

Instead, it’s simply about recognizing the eternal nature of our being.

When Does Reincarnation Become A Trap?

There are times when reincarnation can become a trap.

Jesus warns about ways this concept can be misused:

As an excuse to avoid healing in the present.

    • Example: “Oh, my struggles today are just karma from my past life, so I don’t have to deal with them.”

As a way to feed the ego.

    • Example: Feeling special because you think you were someone important in a past life.

As a distraction from the real work of awakening.

    • Example: Spending all your time exploring past lives instead of focusing on healing your mind now.


This is why A Course in Miracles doesn’t tell us to deny reincarnation—but instead, to stay neutral about it and use it only if it is truly helpful.

Jesus Warns Me About Being Rigid?

Jesus tells us not to take a definitive stand on reincarnation.

He says:

“It would be helpful to leave the question open. The teacher of God should not take definitive stands on issues that are beyond human judgment.”

This is why I do not reject reincarnation—but I also don’t obsess over it.

Instead, I let the Holy Spirit use it when it is helpful for particular individuals.

The Difference Is In What Matters Most?

The most important message Jesus gives us in this section is:

Our freedom is not in the past.

Our healing is here in the present.

He reminds us:

“You are the one whose responsibility is to accept the Atonement for yourself.”

So, it’s not reincarnation that heals us—it’s recognizing that we were never truly born, and we will never truly die.

We are eternal creations of God.

Our reality is beyond time and space.

The present moment is where we heal, where we forgive, and where we remember who we truly are.

That is what matters most.

That is what sets us free.

If past life regressions help remind us of this truth, then they can serve a holy purpose.

When used in this way, they can contribute to leading us toward an experience of deep peace and happiness.

So, Are We Are Supposed To Talk About Past Lives?

A Course in Miracles does not say that we shouldn’t.

Instead, it tells us to leave the question open, to not take a rigid stance, and to use it only if it is helpful.

If reincarnation helps you remember your eternal nature and keeps you focused on the present, then it can be a helpful tool.

And that’s why I do speak about past lives.

Not only because A Course in Miracles leaves room for it, but also because it has been part of my own experience.

As a former hypnotherapist, I have led people through past life regressions and soul regressions—and I’ve seen the power of this as a tool.

Not as a distraction, but as a reminder of what we are as God created us to be.

Do You Have Any Further Info On This Topic?

If you’re curious about this, I highly recommend watching my new video.

It’s a conversation with my brother-friend John, where we dive deep into past lives, soul regressions, and the origin of God—unpacking what is actually true about all of it.

We get into the nitty-gritty details, including some of my personal experiences, to help show what is possible when we open our minds to truly seeing ourselves and each other as God created us to be.

👉 I’ll put the links below so you can check it out whenever you feel inspired!

Exciting News: An Upcoming Book & Going Live on YouTube

Going forward, every other week on YouTube, I will doing ASK ME ANYTHING LIVE instead of sharing a pre-recorded video.

This means I can:

✅ Engage with you in real-time

✅ Answer your questions directly

✅ Discuss focused and specific ideas in A Course in Miracles

But the main reason we’re shifting to this live rhythm is because something incredible is happening:

I now have a publisher for my upcoming book, The Definitive History of A Course in Miracles!

We are moving full speed ahead toward its printing, and this new schedule gives me the time and space to fully devote myself to finishing the book—while still being here for you on live video every other week.

You can still expect a recorded video from me on the alternating weeks, but I would love for you to join me live for our discussions.

I will be sure to sent you a notification the we are beginning before hand!


Have a beautiful and blessed weekend—and I can’t wait to see you in the next email.

 

May peace and love guide you on your journey. 💖

If this message resonated with you, feel free to share it with others.

Much love to you, Beautiful Soul. ✌️
Britney


>>> If you find this topic interesting, click hereto watch a YouTube Video I launched last Wednesday.

 

P.S. ASK ME ANYTHING: If you have any questions or need clarity about A Course In Miracles, I’m here to help! Simply submit your question through this form.