The realistic software of ACIM's teachings can be a point of contention. Although some persons record positive transformations and particular development from following a course, others discover the methods to be inadequate as well as harmful. The course's focus on forgiveness and enjoy is excellent, but experts disagree that it could be excessively basic and naïve, declining to handle the difficulties of human relationships and the need for limits and accountability. Moreover, the course's length and intensive character can be overwhelming for some individuals, ultimately causing burnout or disillusionment. Authorities declare that enough time and effort needed to accomplish ACIM could possibly be greater allocated to more empirically reinforced beneficial techniques or spiritual professions which have an established history of effectiveness.

The broader influence of ACIM on the religious and self-help communities is also value considering. The program has inspired a significant following and has been incorporated into various New Era and religious movements. Nevertheless, their effect is seen as a double-edged sword. david hoffmeister Using one hand, it has offered a platform for persons seeking spiritual development and internal peace. On one other hand, its teachings may contribute to a tradition of religious bypassing, where individuals use religious concepts to prevent working with personal and cultural issues. This could lead to an application of escapism, where in actuality the give attention to religious values distracts from the requisite of participating with and handling real-world challenges.

Furthermore, the commercial accomplishment of ACIM and their connected products increases ethical concerns. The expansion of workshops, books, and seminars predicated on ACIM is visible as capitalizing on individuals' religious needs and vulnerabilities. Authorities fight that the commercialization of spirituality can result in the exploitation of seekers, who might invest significant time and money in to practices that eventually don't offer on their promises. This commercialization may also subscribe to the dilution of the course's teachings, as various interpretations and adaptations proliferate, probably resulting in frustration and misapplication of the principles.

Still another important part to take into account is the exclusivity and dogmatism that will often accompany the ACIM community. While the program itself stimulates universal enjoy and forgiveness, the way in which it's taught and practiced by some adherents can result in an expression of spiritual elitism. This may build an "us versus them" mentality, where people who follow ACIM are regarded as enlightened, while people who don't are viewed as misguided or unenlightened. Such attitudes could be divisive and detrimental to the course's supposed goals of peace and unity. Critics argue that correct spiritual growth must foster inclusivity and humility, rather than creating a hierarchical difference between the spiritually awakened and the unawakened.

The issue of whether ACIM is "true" fundamentally depends on one's standards for truth. From the scientific perspective, the lack of empirical evidence encouraging the states of heavenly dictation and the course's metaphysical assertions may be reasons for skepticism. From a philosophical point of view, the interior inconsistencies and syncretism of ACIM may lead to issues about their coherence and sensible validity. From a mental perception, the possibility of cognitive dissonance and emotional stress improves problems in regards to the course's effect on mental health. And from a functional point of view, the mixed results noted by practitioners and the possibility of commercialization and exploitation suggest that ACIM's effectiveness and moral ranking are questionable.