06.02.06
0303 - Study Groups - What’s Stopping You?
Posted in the Branch at 10:14 pm by James 
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from Issue 003 — Jul 2001
We receive many queries from people wanting to attend a study group in their area. These queries come from people new to the Course as well as people who have been with the Course for some time. Unfortunately we cannot often tell them of a study group that is near where they live. Many times we suggest that perhaps they themselves could start up a study group. Invariable though, they decline, citing very good ‘reasons’ for not doing such a thing. One reason that gets mentioned often is, “I don’t know enough of the Course to lead a study group!” Now although there are many valid reasons why it may not be practical for you to host a study group, let me suggest that this is not really one of them. Let me see if I can explain why.
Firstly, though I should make it clear that nowhere in the Course does it suggest we form or even have need of study groups. Our only responsibility is to accept the Atonement for ourselves (T-2.V.5:1). This we do through our relationship with Jesus or the Holy Spirit, and through them, with all our brothers. Thus there is no need for any organisations, communities or special groups to lead us in the Course way. Indeed, to place our faith in anything of this nature is to bow down once again to the idol of specialness, dropping the hand of the real Jesus of the Course, only to take up that of a pale imitation hopelessly enmeshed in the very illusion we are seeking to let go.
That study groups can become subsumed in this illusory pursuit is not in dispute. That they necessarily need to is. Indeed the range of purpose or meaning students ascribe to study groups is as large as the number of students involved. At one end of the spectrum you could say that to many students of the Course, a study group is, at the very least, simply a substitute for some social interchange. Whereas at the other end one may find that for some it represents an elite gathering to drink in, and sometimes be lashed with, words of ‘wisdom’ of the group leader.
I would like to suggest that a study group need not be at either extreme. Of course a group will fulfil some social function. We are, after all, within a classroom of social interaction and to deny this is as unworthy a form of denial in the same way that denying our seeming experience here, within a body, while we still believe that that is what we are (T-2.IV.3:8-12). And so all groups will have that element of social substitute.
The other extreme that I mentioned is not a study group at all, although it may be called by that name. This extreme is simply another expression of the specialness we are actually being asked to renounce, thinly veiled under the guise of the acting out of a ‘holy mission’ to teach the Course materially, or behaviourly, in the world. Yes the Course does tell us to that we are needed to save the world (e.g. W-pI.186). But it is not talking of the world ‘out there’ but the judgements we have laid upon the world we have projected from our minds. Remember the central teaching of the Course, “There is no world.” (W-pI.132.6:2-3)
One of the most important injunctions of the Course is “…seek not to change the world, but choose to change your mind about the world.” (T-21.in.1:7) How many ‘holy’ crusades would still exist if this was truly understood?
So what then is a study group and why are you, the one reading this article, eminently qualified to sponsor one? The Course is just that, a course. It consists of a text, a workbook and a manual. Think back to when you were at school. Did you gather sometimes with your friends to study together? If you did, then you were in a study group. In other words you were part of a group of students sharing their understandings, and misunderstandings, in a context of self and mutual support. There was not one leader instructing and demanding that it is this way or that way. Yes, sometimes one may have lead, not because of any special authority, but simply that they, at that time, were recognised to have the understanding required. Yet all members of the group, at one time or another, took the lead so to speak, for the aim, the focus, was to understand the material being studied. And so it is with a Course study group. Each member is there, not to stand out and lead the way, but to deepen their own understanding of the material, and through discussion and dialogue, to become aware of their own misunderstandings and judgements.
A Course study group is not “doing the Course”, although one’s practice of the course should not cease during the time of the study group. More importantly one’s practice of the Course should not be seen as taking place only within the group. A study group is simply a mutual support group for brothers to share their study and understanding of what the Course is saying and how it fits into their own unique classroom of life. Your sole qualification for being part of a study group is simply your willingness to be open to this process. To be willing to accept that each and every time you meet within the group you will have the opportunity to learn, about the Course, and yourself.
As to forming a Course study group, there is one other requirement. It has nothing to do, as such, with your perceived level of understanding or mastery of the material. What it does require is your willingness to act as a host, as a facilitator if you will, and to provide a structure and a sense of order to the proceedings. As I mentioned at the beginning of this article we are, within this dream, social creatures, and as such will be tempted to let the social aspect of the occasion of a group sometimes take prominence. This is understandable and not at all a problem, however when this does occur you must be prepared to bring back the discussion to the matter on hand. After all, the reason for meeting in the first place is to study the Course.
To do this it is helpful to have a framework in place to which you can draw back the discussion and actually read from the Course. This is also an excellent way of short-circuiting those occasions when the discussion may drift into a “who is right” exchange. As I have been trying to emphasise in this article, you are not expected to be a master of the material. Rather than attempt to supply answers yourself, let the Course speak for itself. And finally it is helpful to remind yourself from time to time the reason you are meeting. What is its purpose for you?
Yes there are other little tricks and gotchas to running a group. But these have nothing as such to do with the material itself, but with the general dynamics of hosting any sort of study group. You will pick these up as you go, have no fear. Simply remind yourself of your purpose, keep to your framework, and all will be well.