Philosophically, ACIM is based on a blend of Christian terminology and Western mysticism, showing a worldview that some argue is internally contradictory and contradictory to standard spiritual doctrines. For instance, ACIM posits that the product earth is definitely an illusion and that true reality is just spiritual. This view can conflict with the scientific and rational methods of American viewpoint, which stress the importance of the substance earth and human experience. Additionally, ACIM's reinterpretation of old-fashioned Christian methods, such as for instance crime and forgiveness, is seen as distorting core Christian teachings. Authorities fight that this syncretism leads to a dilution and misrepresentation of established religious beliefs, possibly major readers astray from more defined and traditionally seated religious paths.

Psychologically, the teachings of ACIM can be problematic. The class encourages a questionnaire of rejection of the substance world and particular knowledge, promoting the idea that individuals should surpass their physical living and emphasis solely on religious realities. That perception can result in a form of cognitive a course in miracles lesson 1 dissonance, wherever individuals struggle to reconcile their existed activities with the teachings of ACIM. Experts fight this can result in emotional hardship, as people might feel pressured to overlook their feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations in support of an abstract spiritual ideal. Furthermore, ACIM's focus on the illusory character of suffering is seen as dismissive of genuine individual struggles and hardships, possibly minimizing the importance of addressing real-world issues and injustices.

The sensible program of ACIM's teachings is also a place of contention. Though some individuals record positive transformations and particular development from following the program, the others discover the practices to be inadequate as well as harmful. The course's emphasis on forgiveness and enjoy is excellent, but critics disagree that it could be excessively basic and naïve, declining to address the complexities of individual relationships and the need for boundaries and accountability. Also, the course's size and intensive nature can be frustrating for a lot of people, ultimately causing burnout or disillusionment. Authorities declare that the full time and energy needed to complete ACIM might be better allocated to more empirically supported healing methods or religious disciplines which have a proven track record of effectiveness.

The broader affect of ACIM on the religious and self-help communities can be price considering. The program has inspired a significant subsequent and has been incorporated into different New Age and religious movements. But, its effect is seen as a double-edged sword. On one give, it's offered a framework for persons seeking religious development and internal peace. On the other give, its teachings may subscribe to a culture of religious skipping, where persons use religious methods to prevent dealing with particular and cultural issues. This will result in a questionnaire of escapism, where in fact the focus on religious ideals distracts from the necessity of interesting with and approaching real-world challenges.