What About Taking One's Own Life

Suicide

JB asked: Can you better explain this passage in Chapter 31 of ACIM O.E?...The roads this world can offer seem to be quite large in number, but the time must come when everyone begins to see how like they are to one another. Men have died on seeing this because they saw no way except the pathways offered by the world. And learning they led nowhere, lost their hope.

Certainly! In this passage, "the roads this world can offer" refer to the various paths or choices that people can take in their lives, such as pursuing wealth, fame, power, or pleasure. These roads seem to be numerous and varied, but ultimately, they all lead to the same destination: nowhere. In other words, they do not lead to true and lasting happiness or fulfillment.

The passage suggests that at some point, everyone will begin to realize that all these roads are essentially the same - empty and meaningless. This realization can be a source of great despair for some people, especially those who have invested a lot of time, energy, and resources into pursuing these worldly goals.

The phrase "Men have died on seeing this" implies that some people have been so devastated by this realization that they have lost all hope and given up on life altogether. This is because they saw no other way except the pathways offered by the world, and when they discovered that these pathways led nowhere, they felt lost and powerless.

Overall, this passage is emphasizing the idea that true happiness and fulfillment cannot be found through the pursuit of worldly goals and desires. Instead, it suggests that there is another way - a spiritual path - that can lead to a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in life.

JB Follow up Question:  Does this passage condone taking one's own life?

No, this passage does not condone taking one's own life. In fact, it implies the opposite by pointing out the despair and hopelessness that can result from realizing the futility of pursuing worldly goals. While the passage acknowledges that some people have died on seeing this realization, it is not endorsing suicide as a solution to this problem. Rather, it is highlighting the importance of finding a new way of thinking and living, one that is not based on the pursuit of material success or pleasure, but on a deeper understanding of the nature of reality and the true purpose of life. The Course in Miracles teaches that suicide is not the answer to any problem, and that life is a valuable opportunity for spiritual growth and healing.