The realistic program of ACIM's teachings is also a place of contention. Though some persons record good transformations and personal development from following the course, the others find the techniques to be ineffective as well as harmful. The course's emphasis on forgiveness and enjoy is remarkable, but authorities argue that it can be very simplistic and naïve, declining to deal with the difficulties of individual relationships and the need for limits and accountability. Also, the course's size and intensive character could be overwhelming for many people, leading to burnout or disillusionment. Experts suggest that the time and work expected to perform ACIM could be greater used on more empirically supported beneficial techniques or religious disciplines that have an established track record of effectiveness.

The broader affect of ACIM on the religious and self-help communities can also be price considering. The class has encouraged a substantial subsequent and has been integrated into various New Era and spiritual movements. But, its effect is visible as a double-edged sword. On a single hand, it has provided a construction for people seeking religious development and internal peace. On the other hand, their teachings can contribute to a culture of religious skipping, wherever persons use religious ideas to avoid dealing with particular and cultural issues. This could lead to a questionnaire of escapism, where in actuality the focus on religious beliefs distracts from the necessity of interesting with and addressing real-world challenges.

More over, the commercial success of ACIM and their connected products increases honest concerns. The proliferation of workshops, books, and seminars based on ACIM is seen as capitalizing on individuals' spiritual needs and vulnerabilities. a course in miracles podcast fight that the commercialization of spirituality may result in the exploitation of seekers, who may possibly invest significant time and income in to techniques that eventually don't produce on their promises. That commercialization also can subscribe to the dilution of the course's teachings, as different interpretations and adaptations proliferate, potentially ultimately causing frustration and misapplication of the principles.

Still another important element to think about is the exclusivity and dogmatism that could occasionally accompany the ACIM community. While the course it self stimulates general love and forgiveness, the way it is shown and practiced by some adherents can result in an expression of spiritual elitism. This will build an "people versus them" mentality, wherever those that follow ACIM are seen as enlightened, while people who don't are seen as misguided or unenlightened. Such attitudes may be divisive and counterproductive to the course's supposed goals of peace and unity. Critics argue that correct spiritual growth should foster inclusivity and humility, rather than developing a hierarchical variance involving the spiritually awakened and the unawakened.