The beginnings of ACIM are contentious. Helen Schucman, a clinical and research psychiatrist, said that the writing was formed to her by an internal style she discovered as Jesus Christ. That state is met with skepticism because it lacks scientific evidence and depends seriously on Schucman's particular experience and subjective interpretation. Authorities argue that this undermines the reliability of ACIM, since it is difficult to confirm the declare of heavenly dictation. Moreover, Schucman's skilled history in psychology might have influenced this content of ACIM, mixing emotional ideas with spiritual a few ideas in a way that some discover questionable. The reliance on a single individual's experience increases considerations in regards to the detachment and universality of the text.

Philosophically, ACIM is based on a blend of Religious terminology and Western mysticism, introducing a worldview that some disagree is internally david hoffmeister irregular and contradictory to old-fashioned spiritual doctrines. For example, ACIM posits that the product world can be an illusion and that correct the truth is solely spiritual. That view can struggle with the empirical and logical techniques of American idea, which highlight the importance of the material earth and human experience. Moreover, ACIM's reinterpretation of standard Christian methods, such as for instance crime and forgiveness, can be seen as distorting key Religious teachings. Critics fight this syncretism contributes to a dilution and misrepresentation of established religious values, perhaps leading readers astray from more defined and historically grounded religious paths.

Psychologically, the teachings of ACIM may be problematic. The class encourages a questionnaire of rejection of the material world and particular experience, promoting the idea that people should transcend their bodily existence and emphasis entirely on religious realities. That perception may result in a questionnaire of cognitive dissonance, wherever persons battle to reconcile their existed activities with the teachings of ACIM. Critics disagree that may result in mental hardship, as people may possibly feel pressured to overlook their thoughts, feelings, and physical feelings and only an abstract religious ideal. Moreover, ACIM's increased exposure of the illusory character of enduring is seen as dismissive of authentic individual problems and hardships, potentially reducing the significance of handling real-world issues and injustices.

The useful application of ACIM's teachings can be a spot of contention. Though some individuals record positive transformations and personal growth from following a course, the others discover the methods to be ineffective or even harmful. The course's increased exposure of forgiveness and enjoy is excellent, but experts fight that it can be very simplistic and naïve, failing to address the complexities of individual relationships and the necessity for limits and accountability. Additionally, the course's size and rigorous character may be frustrating for some people, leading to burnout or disillusionment. Authorities suggest that enough time and energy required to complete ACIM might be better allocated to more empirically supported beneficial techniques or spiritual disciplines that have a proven track record of effectiveness.