appearances

 

appearances

The outward or visible form of things. We all know that appearances can be deceiving, but the Course teaches that appearances are inherently deceiving; they are never true (though some are more reflective of truth—for instance, the physical healing that comes from the miracle). Appearances are forms in constant change, while the truth is formless and beyond all change. Our task is to see past appearances to the truth beyond. Every appearance, no matter how seemingly traumatic, can be overlooked. If we look past them, we call forth the miracle, which can heal all diseased appearances, no matter how extreme they appear. However, if we think that certain appearances can give us something (which is another way in which they deceive, for they promise what they cannot deliver), then we will believe they are real and cannot be overlooked, and this will limit the power of the miracle to heal them. See CE T-30.V.5-6, CE T-30.IX.1-3.