This week, in our A Course in Miracles study group, a question came up that really touched me.
Some of the students wanted to understand the difference between critical thinking and reason. They shared how intense and scary the political climate feels right now.
They know that critical thinking can help, but A Course in Miracles doesn’t talk about critical thinking. It talks about reason.
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Here is what the students asked:
QUESTION:
“What is the difference between critical thinking and reason? And why do we need both?”
So they are asked: What’s the difference? Where do these overlap?
I thought this was such a wonderful inquiry that I promised to go deeper here with you today.
So here we are, exploring this powerful and timely question.
Why Does It Matter to Know the Difference Between Critical Thinking and Reason?
MY ANSWER:
So let’s begin by defining these two terms.
Critical thinking is the ability to objectively analyze, question, and evaluate information, beliefs, or situations—even when your emotions or environment are trying to sway you.
It’s the skill that protects us from being pulled into narcissistic dynamics, manipulation, cult thinking, unhealthy relationships, or the chaos of fear-based ideologies.
Reason, on the other hand, is our capacity to logically think things through. It allows us to sift truth from falsehood, and to make decisions based on what is real—not just what feels real.
In the context of A Course in Miracles, reason helps us accept the logic of love over the chaos of fear.
How Does Reason Align Us With the Holy Spirit?
Here’s an example of critical thinking:
You’re scrolling through social media and a video warns that everything is collapsing—that you should stockpile food and isolate.
Fear rises.
But critical thinking pauses and asks:
- What’s the source of this?
- What’s the motive behind it?
- What’s actually happening in my community?
Critical thinking keeps you from reacting impulsively to fear.
Now, here’s an example of reason:
You’re facing a big decision—whether to take a new job, enter a relationship, or move cities.
You’ve prayed, journaled, and sought counsel, but still feel unsure.
Reason helps you sort through everything you’ve learned, heard, and felt, so you can make a choice that aligns with peace and the highest good for all.
Reason is what allows us to hear the Holy Spirit’s guidance and trust it.
What Is Critical Thinking and Why Does It Protect Us?
Critical thinking is like your mental immune system. It protects you from lies, manipulation, and fear.
Reason is like your inner compass. It guides you back to truth, love, and sanity.
We need critical thinking to protect our minds.
We need reason to return to peace and make spirit-aligned decisions.
Together, they keep us grounded, clear, and centered in truth.
Can Critical Thinking and Reason Work Together for Healing?
So many people today haven’t been taught critical thinking—and therefore, they don’t critically think.
They haven’t been taught reason—and therefore, they don’t reason out their decisions.
Instead, people often react rather than reflect. They believe without questioning.
And it hurts them—and all of us. This is how so many are drawn into political extremism, conspiracy theories, and fear-based thinking.
Not because they’re bad or broken, but because they were never taught how to think critically or reason with the truth.
As students of A Course in Miracles, we practice mind training so that we can do both.
We are invited into the holy middle ground: questioning fear and following love.
Looking calmly upon the world, as the Course asks of us, we can ask:
- Am I seeing with Christ’s vision?
- Or am I stuck in the ego’s perception?
This is where healing happens.
Why Lack of Critical Thinking and Reason Hurts Us Today
Reason is not passive.
When the Course says the Holy Spirit is the answer, it doesn’t mean we sit back and do nothing.
We are meant to reason with the Holy Spirit. To invite true thoughts, align with love, and then ask:
- “What would You have me do?”
- “How would You have me see this?”
- “Show me the truth beyond what my body’s eyes see.”
Reason heals, restores, and empowers us. It also fuels creativity.
When you design a class, solve a problem, or write something new, you are using reason to sort through what is helpful, true, and aligned with peace.
What Does This Mean For Going Forward?
So, my friends:
- Critical thinking keeps us mentally sovereign.
- Reason leads us into spiritual clarity and peace.
Together, they bridge the gap between fear and love, confusion and clarity, illusion and truth.
I’ll leave you with this reflection:
👉 How can you apply both critical thinking and reason in your life this week?
👉 Can you pause in one area where you’ve been simply reacting—and instead choose to question with love?
👉 Is there someone in your life who might benefit from this message? Share this episode with them.
Let’s become a community of sovereign, reasoned, love-based minds.
How Do I Go Deeper In Studying This?
If you’d like to continue this journey, I warmly invite you to our weekly textbook study group for A Course in Miracles. We meet every Tuesday at 1 PM Eastern.
We begin by asking questions, sharing miracles, our healing wins, and even our struggles. At 1:30, we dive into the day’s reading.
This is a free, open space to study A Course in Miracles with Jesus as our teacher, and with each other as our friends.
Donations are appreciated but never required. Come exactly as you are. I’ll include the link below so you can sign up today.
Thank you for walking this path with me.
Until next time—stay sparkly, stay awake, and stay anchored in the truth of Love.
📖 Order A Course In Miracles Here
Wishing you a beautiful, blessed weekend and week ahead.
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 here, to watch this YouTube video I posted!
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.