Conspirituality Podcast Episode 231: "New Age Bible, Postmodern Novel" Featuring Sheila Heti

In Episode 231 of the Conspirituality Podcast, host Matthew Remsky engages in a profound conversation with acclaimed novelist Sheila Heti. The episode delves into Heti's investigative journey into the controversial spiritual text, "A Course in Miracles" (ACIM), as detailed in her Harper's Magazine article. Together, they explore the intricate intersections of spirituality, conspiracy theories, and cult dynamics, shedding light on the broader implications of conspirituality in contemporary society.

1. Personal Journeys into "A Course in Miracles"

The episode opens with Matthew sharing his personal history with ACIM, revealing that he spent three years immersed in a cult-like environment in rural Wisconsin's Endeavor Academy, where the late Charles Anderson promulgated ACIM's teachings. His initial encounter with the book brought him profound peace and a sense of purpose, described as "like diving into that cold, still swimming hole, but also being able to breathe and see underwater" ([00:20]).

Sheila Heti parallels Matthew's experience, recounting how she turned to ACIM following her father's death, seeking solace and understanding. She mentions, “I felt immense peace and expansiveness. The rhythm was hypnotic, the voice was certain, and the arguments seemed sublime” ([21:31]). However, unlike Matthew, Heti's relationship with ACIM evolved into skepticism as she uncovered the book's enigmatic origins and its potential for fostering cult-like dynamics.

2. The Allure and Euphoria of ACIM

Both hosts discuss the initial euphoria that ACIM induces in its readers, especially those in vulnerable emotional states. Matthew describes walking through a park feeling “like I was part of some kind of story that I didn't know where it was going. It was a great feeling” ([19:59]). Similarly, Heti emphasizes how ACIM offers a comforting illusion of certainty and purpose, particularly appealing during times of personal crisis or creative stagnation.

Sheila Heti notes, “A Course in Miracles poses this basic challenge, this question, and perhaps a temporary relief from your own identity as an artist who has to create meaning” ([20:30]). This resonance is especially pertinent for creatives who grapple with existential questions and seek deeper meaning in their work.

3. Unraveling the Dark Side: Authoritarianism and Isolation

As the discussion progresses, the conversation shifts to the more sinister aspects of ACIM. Both Matthew and Heti highlight how the book's teachings can foster isolation and a sense of alienation. Matthew reflects on the book's assertion that “everything that everyone is doing around you, you're making it up” ([34:04]), which can lead to a dangerous form of solipsism masquerading as wisdom.

Heti elaborates, “The book is reflecting cultural developments in some way” ([38:39]), suggesting that ACIM's popularity aligns with broader societal shifts towards neoliberalism and the erosion of personal agency. This alignment raises concerns about the book’s capacity to undermine collective social efforts and promote individualistic spiritual pursuits detached from real-world engagement.

4. The Mysterious Origins and Conspiracies Surrounding ACIM

A significant portion of the episode delves into the enigmatic origins of ACIM, probing the relationship between Helen Schucman, the book's scribe, and William Thetford, her collaborator at Columbia Medical School. Matthew and Heti explore theories linking ACIM to the CIA's MKUltra program, raising questions about whether external influences or psychological manipulations played a role in shaping the text.

Matthew admits, “I just couldn't find an answer to how this thing had really come about” ([35:38]), highlighting the persistent mystery surrounding ACIM's creation. Heti adds, “I think that the complete culture is turning towards the kind of neoliberal political erasure of agency” ([38:39]), suggesting that ACIM's emergence may be symptomatic of broader cultural trends rather than a deliberate conspiratorial plot.

5. Contrasting Experiences: Empowerment vs. Harm

The hosts discuss the dichotomy in how individuals engage with ACIM. While some, like Joseph Baker, use the book to fuel social justice activism, others experience profound disillusionment and psychological harm. Heti emphasizes the importance of social networks in mediating these experiences: “The antidote to many of its antisocial qualities is to make sure that you have a friend group” ([56:16]).

Matthew reflects on his own experience, acknowledging the role his supportive friend group played in preventing prolonged immersion into ACIM’s potentially harmful teachings: “I was unable to for more than a couple weeks, which I guess is a good thing” ([57:58]).

6. The Role of Artistic Agency vs. Authoritarian Dictation

A central theme revolves around the contrast between artistic creative processes and the authoritarian nature of ACIM's dictation. Matthew articulates that authentic artistic channeling involves collaboration and agency, unlike the one-sided, oppressive "dictation" experienced by Schucman: “If she had thought of it as art that she was making, rather than, as I said, kind of potentially naively believing this was like actually Jesus talking to her” ([46:59]).

Heti reinforces this by highlighting how ACIM's structure imposes an authoritarian framework that stifles personal agency and creativity, ultimately leading to the text's oppressive nature: “The spiritual text gets kind of forced into this person in a way, non consensually either” ([53:19]).

7. The Impact of Social Engagement and Support Systems

Both hosts underscore the critical role of social engagement and support networks in mitigating the negative effects of engaging with ACIM. Heti draws from her background in cult studies, stating, “The mantra of recovery is that restoring secure relationships… is incredibly important” ([57:52]).

Matthew concurs, reflecting on how his boyfriend's skepticism acted as a protective force against deeper immersion into ACIM: “I was very irritated at my boyfriend…and in retrospect, there was something kinda good about that” ([58:59]).

8. Final Reflections and the Path Forward

In concluding the discussion, Heti and Matthew advocate for a critical examination of influential spiritual texts like ACIM and emphasize the necessity of maintaining balanced social connections to prevent the allure of potentially harmful ideologies. Heti encourages continued research into ACIM’s political impact and its role in shaping New Age spirituality: “I hope that other people research it” ([63:04]).

Matthew expresses gratitude for the conversation, recognizing the importance of Heti’s insights in understanding the complexities of conspirituality: “I'm so glad you had me on this podcast to talk about it” ([63:19]).

Key Takeaways

• Personal Vulnerability: Individuals seeking solace during vulnerable times may find the initial teachings of ACIM profoundly comforting.
• Authoritarian Dynamics: The structure and demands of ACIM can lead to isolation, diminishing personal agency and fostering cult-like adherence.
• Mystery and Conspiracy: The unclear origins of ACIM, potentially linked to CIA's MKUltra, add a layer of intrigue and suspicion.
• Social Support as a Shield: Strong, pre-existing social networks can protect individuals from the more destructive aspects of engaging with ACIM.
• Artistic vs. Authoritarian Creation: Balancing creative inspiration with critical awareness prevents the descent into oppressive spiritual doctrines.
• Need for Critical Research: Continued scholarly investigation is essential to unravel the political and cultural impacts of influential spiritual texts like ACIM.

Notable Quotes:

• Matthew Remsky ([19:59]): “I felt like I was part of some kind of story that I didn't know where it was going. It was a great feeling.”
• Sheila Heti ([21:31]): “A Course in Miracles poses this basic challenge, this question, and perhaps a temporary relief from your own identity as an artist who has to create meaning.”
• Sheila Heti ([34:04]): “Everything that everyone is doing around you, you're making it up.”
• Matthew Remsky ([35:38]): “I can't. I just, you know, and I'm still, like, slightly open to the idea that maybe Jesus did speak through Helen.”
• Sheila Heti ([56:16]): “The antidote to many of its antisocial qualities is to make sure that you have a friend group.”

This episode provides a nuanced exploration of "A Course in Miracles", contextualizing it within the framework of conspirituality. Through the personal narratives of Matthew Remsky and Sheila Heti, listeners gain insight into the seductive allure of spiritual texts and the critical importance of maintaining social connectivity to safeguard against their more destructive potentials.