The realistic application of ACIM's teachings can be a spot of contention. While some people record positive transformations and particular development from after the class, others find the practices to be ineffective or even harmful. The course's increased exposure of forgiveness and love is excellent, but authorities argue that it may be excessively basic and naïve, failing to deal with the complexities of individual relationships and the requirement for boundaries and accountability. Moreover, the course's period and intensive character could be frustrating for some individuals, resulting in burnout or disillusionment. Critics suggest that the time and work required to perform ACIM could possibly be greater spent on more empirically reinforced beneficial techniques or spiritual professions which have an established track record of effectiveness.

The broader influence of ACIM on the spiritual and self-help areas can also be price considering. The class has inspired an important subsequent and has been integrated into numerous New Age and religious movements. But, their effect is seen as a double-edged sword. david hoffmeister  Using one give, it has provided a framework for persons seeking spiritual development and inner peace. On one other give, their teachings can contribute to a tradition of spiritual skipping, wherever persons use religious methods to prevent coping with particular and cultural issues. This will lead to a questionnaire of escapism, where in actuality the concentrate on religious attitudes distracts from the necessity of interesting with and approaching real-world challenges.

Furthermore, the industrial achievement of ACIM and its connected resources increases ethical concerns. The proliferation of workshops, publications, and seminars predicated on ACIM can be seen as capitalizing on individuals' spiritual wants and vulnerabilities. Critics disagree that the commercialization of spirituality may cause the exploitation of seekers, who might invest significant time and income into techniques that fundamentally do not provide on their promises. That commercialization also can contribute to the dilution of the course's teachings, as numerous understandings and adaptations proliferate, potentially ultimately causing confusion and misapplication of the principles.

Yet another important element to consider is the exclusivity and dogmatism that can often accompany the ACIM community. While the class it self promotes general love and forgiveness, the way it's shown and practiced by some adherents may result in a feeling of religious elitism. This could create an "people versus them" thinking, where those who follow ACIM are regarded as enlightened, while people who do not are viewed as misguided or unenlightened. Such attitudes could be divisive and counterproductive to the course's supposed goals of peace and unity. Experts disagree that true spiritual growth should foster inclusivity and humility, rather than making a hierarchical distinction between the spiritually awakened and the unawakened.