Some films lend themselves easily to spiritual interpretation—stories of sacrifice, forgiveness, or transformation that practically beg to be seen through the lens of higher truth. But the real challenge, and the real reward, lies in discovering beauty, salvation, and redemption where we least expect it. This review is not an apology, but a bold demonstration that such meaning can be found anywhere—even in a movie as controversial, irreverent, and seemingly profane as Paul. If the light is in us, we will see it reflected in the most unlikely places. And perhaps, especially there.
A Course in Miracles Meets “Paul”: Finding Redemption in a Profane Comedy
At first glance, Paul seems like little more than a raunchy road trip comedy. It’s packed with crude jokes, stoner humor, irreverent digs at religion, and an alien who chain-smokes and swears like a sailor. But beneath this rowdy exterior lies a surprising thread of spiritual value—one that becomes more visible when viewed through the lens of A Course in Miracles (ACIM).
The Course teaches that the world is a classroom and that everything—no matter how strange or seemingly meaningless—can become a tool for awakening. In this light, Paul becomes more than a sci-fi romp. It becomes a parable of forgiveness, unlearning, and remembering our shared innocence.
1. A Journey of Unlearning
From an ACIM perspective, one of the central themes of Paul is the undoing of fear-based belief systems. The alien Paul is not a threat or a conqueror—he’s a teacher of sorts. Irreverent and sarcastic, yes, but one who gently (and sometimes not-so-gently) pushes people to question the rigid systems they’ve inherited.
Ruth, the devout Christian fundamentalist, serves as a key figure in this transformation. Her entire worldview is upended by her encounter with Paul. What begins as cognitive dissonance becomes an invitation to reconsider her beliefs. She goes through a symbolic death of the ego’s certainty and is reborn into a more open, questioning, and eventually loving state. ACIM tells us that “a healed mind does not plan” (W-135.11:1), and Ruth’s transformation beautifully reflects this idea—she lets go of her mental rigidity and begins to trust in experience over doctrine.
2. The Alien as the Holy Spirit in Disguise
In true ACIM fashion, Paul the alien can be seen as a symbol of the Holy Spirit—a guide who meets us exactly where we are, even if it means using humor, irreverence, and unconventional methods to awaken us. He confronts people’s fears, exposes their prejudices, and ultimately fosters healing.
Paul’s very existence breaks down barriers. He doesn’t represent fear or domination, but shared intelligence, empathy, and even self-sacrifice. He uses telepathy not to manipulate, but to communicate directly—mirroring the Course’s teaching that communication is of the mind, and real communication is mind-to-mind.
At the climax of the film, Paul risks his life to heal another, quite literally laying hands on a dying person. In doing so, he models the ACIM principle that “to give and to receive are one in truth” (W-108.1:6). His act is not just physical healing, but emotional closure and peace for those around her. This moment transcends the movie’s earlier irreverence and becomes an embodiment of miracle-mindedness.
3. Forgiveness and Brotherhood on the Road
Graeme and Clive, the two nerdy protagonists, are also on a journey—one not just across the American Southwest, but into deeper authenticity and connection. Their friendship is tested, refined, and strengthened. In ACIM terms, they’re undoing their guilt and fear, often expressed through sarcasm and defensiveness, and replacing it with laughter, trust, and true companionship.
Even their pursuit by government agents (symbolic of ego-driven control and fear) can be seen as the ego’s desperate attempt to prevent awakening. But as ACIM says, “Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists.” In the end, even the agents—representing authority, judgment, and fear—are undone by the undeniable truth of Paul’s being.
4. The Holy Instant Hidden in Laughter
Paul reminds us that awakening does not have to be solemn or confined to sacred texts and hushed tones. The Holy Spirit meets us in the laughter, in the absurd, and even in profanity. The Course tells us that “the holiest of all the spots on earth is where an ancient hatred has become a present love” (T-26.IX.6:1). Paul takes characters who are defensive, rigid, or afraid, and turns them toward love, inclusion, and open-mindedness.
When we laugh with the characters rather than at them, we too are healed. In that shared laughter, there is a softening—a reminder that no one is condemned, and everyone is worthy of love, regardless of their past beliefs or current behavior.
Final Thoughts: No Accidents in Salvation
Watching Paul through ACIM’s lens affirms one of its core messages: that there are no accidents in salvation. Every encounter, every experience, and yes—even every movie—can be reinterpreted by the Holy Spirit for our awakening.
So if Paul made you laugh, made you think, or even made you cringe—good. The very act of watching it with a willingness to see the deeper meaning transforms it from entertainment into teaching.
It’s a reminder that the classroom of life is not limited to temples and texts. Sometimes, your teacher arrives in a camper van, smokes a cigarette, and tells a dick joke.
And even then, love is present.
If you saw a bit of yourself in this review, I invite you to stay connected.
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Addendum:
This review began as a personal challenge—to find redeeming value in what many would dismiss as a farce of a film. And yet, with the guidance of A Course in Miracles, even Paul offered a hidden blessing. Now, I extend that same challenge to you: choose any movie—no matter how irreverent, absurd, or “off-track”—and look for the lesson, the healing, the whisper of Spirit within it.
I’d love to hear what you discover.
Send me your movie suggestions or reflections at robert@dinojamesbooks.com. Let’s explore this path of unlikely miracles together.
