The beginnings of A Class in Miracles may be traced back to the collaboration between two individuals, Helen Schucman and William Thetford, both of whom were prominent psychologists and researchers. The course's inception occurred in the early 1960s when Schucman, who was simply a medical and research psychiatrist at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, started to see some internal dictations. She defined these dictations as originating from an inner voice that determined itself as Jesus Christ. Schucman originally resisted these activities, but with Thetford's inspiration, she started transcribing the messages she received.

Around a period of eight years, Schucman transcribed what would become A Program in Wonders, amounting to three volumes: the Text, the a course in miracles Book for Students, and the Handbook for Teachers. The Text sits out the theoretical basis of the course, elaborating on the key concepts and principles. The Workbook for Students includes 365 instructions, one for each day of the season, made to guide the audience by way of a everyday exercise of applying the course's teachings. The Guide for Educators offers more advice on how to understand and teach the concepts of A Class in Miracles to others.

Among the key subjects of A Class in Miracles is the notion of forgiveness. The course teaches that correct forgiveness is the key to internal peace and awakening to one's heavenly nature. Based on its teachings, forgiveness isn't simply a ethical or honest practice but a fundamental change in perception. It involves allowing go of judgments, grievances, and the perception of crime, and instead, viewing the planet and oneself through the lens of enjoy and acceptance. A Course in Wonders stresses that correct forgiveness results in the recognition that people are all interconnected and that divorce from one another can be an illusion.

Another significant aspect of A Course in Miracles is its metaphysical foundation. The class presents a dualistic view of fact, distinguishing involving the pride, which represents divorce, fear, and illusions, and the Sacred Nature, which symbolizes love, truth, and spiritual guidance. It suggests that the pride is the origin of enduring and conflict, as the Sacred Nature offers a pathway to healing and awakening. The target of the program is to help people surpass the ego's limited perception and align with the Holy Spirit's guidance.