The realistic application of ACIM's teachings can be a point of contention. Although some persons report good transformations and personal development from following the program, the others find the methods to be inadequate as well as harmful. The course's increased exposure of forgiveness and love is admirable, but authorities argue that it could be overly easy and naïve, declining to handle the difficulties of individual associations and the requirement for boundaries and accountability. Moreover, the course's length and rigorous character can be overwhelming for many people, leading to burnout or disillusionment. Experts declare that the full time and energy required to complete ACIM might be greater spent on more empirically supported beneficial techniques or spiritual disciplines that have a proven history of effectiveness.

The broader impact of ACIM on the spiritual and self-help communities can also be value considering. The program has influenced a significant subsequent and has been incorporated into various New Era david hoffmeister acim and spiritual movements. But, its influence is seen as a double-edged sword. On one give, it's provided a structure for people seeking religious development and internal peace. On another hand, their teachings may donate to a tradition of religious skipping, wherever persons use religious concepts to prevent working with personal and social issues. This may lead to an application of escapism, where in fact the concentrate on religious ideals distracts from the prerequisite of engaging with and approaching real-world challenges.

Moreover, the commercial success of ACIM and its related materials improves moral concerns. The expansion of workshops, books, and seminars based on ACIM can be seen as capitalizing on individuals' spiritual needs and vulnerabilities. Critics argue that the commercialization of spirituality can result in the exploitation of seekers, who may possibly spend substantial time and income into techniques that fundamentally do not provide on the promises. That commercialization may also subscribe to the dilution of the course's teachings, as various interpretations and adaptations proliferate, probably ultimately causing distress and misapplication of the principles.

Yet another critical aspect to think about could be the exclusivity and dogmatism that will occasionally accompany the ACIM community. While the class itself stimulates universal enjoy and forgiveness, the way in which it's shown and practiced by some adherents may lead to a feeling of spiritual elitism. This can develop an "us versus them" attitude, wherever those who follow ACIM are viewed as enlightened, while those that do not are viewed as misguided or unenlightened. Such attitudes could be divisive and detrimental to the course's supposed targets of peace and unity. Critics fight that correct spiritual development should foster inclusivity and humility, rather than creating a hierarchical difference between the spiritually awakened and the unawakened.