The Truth About David Hoffmeister: ACIM Leader on Wikipedia

 

David Hoffmeister is a contemporary spiritual teacher, author, and modern-day mystic best known for his long-standing dedication to A Course in Miracles (ACIM), a non-dual spiritual text emphasizing inner peace, forgiveness, and the dissolution of the ego. Hoffmeister has become a prominent figure in the global ACIM community through decades of teaching, writing, retreats, and online media, attracting followers and spiritual seekers worldwide.

Early Life and Spiritual Awakening

David Hoffmeister was born in the United States in the early 1960s. Although specific details of his early personal life are not widely documented in public sources, Hoffmeister’s spiritual journey is closely tied to his encounter with A Course in Miracles in 1986. At that time, he identified ACIM as the transformative tool he had been seeking for deep inner change. Hoffmeister immersed himself in the text, reportedly studying it intensely for many hours each day.

His early engagement with ACIM focused on rigorous self-examination and practice. Hoffmeister embraced the Course not merely as a philosophical text but as a living guide, frequently exploring its ideas on forgiveness, perception, and mind training. Over time, he david hoffmeister wikipedia hearing what he described as the “Voice of Jesus” guiding him internally, eventually leading him to speak and teach in group settings.

Teaching Career and Ministry

By the early 1990s, Hoffmeister began traveling extensively throughout the United States and Canada to share his understanding of ACIM. This phase of his life was marked by what he described as “Christ-Dependency,” a practice of releasing personal will and trusting entirely in what ACIM terms the Holy Spirit for guidance in daily life, travel, and encounters. He reportedly relied on love offerings for his basic needs rather than charging for teachings or materials.

His approach to teaching emphasizes direct experience over theory. Hoffmeister’s gatherings often involve open-ended discussions, guided forgiveness practice, and the application of ACIM principles to everyday life. He has also been a prolific author, with books such as This Moment Is Your Miracle, Unwind Your Mind Back to God, and Awakening Through A Course in Miracles, among others, which explore the metaphysics of ACIM in accessible language.

Living Miracles Community

In 1996, Hoffmeister established a small spiritual center in Cincinnati, Ohio, named the Peace House, which became the seed for a broader community later known as Living Miracles. Over time, Living Miracles expanded into a global network with centers, retreats, and study groups in multiple countries, all oriented toward the practical application of ACIM teachings.

These communities function as devotional and educational hubs, offering resources like online events, spiritual gatherings, movie-based awakening experiences, and long-term retreats. Hoffmeister’s teachings are freely shared through a range of media, including videos, audio recordings, and interactive online forums.

Teachings and Philosophy

Central to Hoffmeister’s teaching is the ACIM theme that the ego, or the belief in separation from divine love, is an illusion. He emphasizes that true peace arises when one relinquishes ego-based judgments and embraces forgiveness as the tool for restoring awareness of one’s inherent oneness with God. Hoffmeister’s message stresses practical application: using every life circumstance as an opportunity to extend love and release fear.

Hoffmeister’s teachings also reflect the idea that divine guidance is accessible to all, not limited to formal religious structures. His emphasis on inner guidance, trust, and experiential realization sets him apart from purely academic or conceptual approaches to ACIM.

Global Impact and Media Presence

Over more than three decades, Hoffmeister has been invited to teach in more than 44 countries and across numerous U.S. states, connecting with students of ACIM from diverse cultural backgrounds. His teachings have been translated into multiple languages, expanding his reach beyond English-speaking audiences.

In addition to live retreats and gatherings, Hoffmeister maintains a significant online presence through video channels, podcasts, websites, and digital publications. These platforms provide free access to his talks, readings, and guided practices, contributing to a global network of students exploring ACIM’s principles.

Criticism and Broader Discussion

While Hoffmeister is widely respected within ACIM communities, his teachings and methods have also been discussed critically in online forums, where some individuals question teacher-student dynamics or group practices. These dialogues reflect the broader challenges and conversations that arise when spiritual movements grow and diversify in modern contexts. (Note: such discussions often vary by individual experience and are part of public discourse around many spiritual teachers.)

Legacy

David Hoffmeister remains one of the most recognized contemporary figures associated with A Course in Miracles. His lifelong dedication to living and teaching the Course’s lessons has influenced many spiritual seekers and practitioners worldwide. His work continues through global communities, digital media, and ongoing retreats designed to support individuals in realizing inner peace and spiritual freedom.