From the mental point of view, the beginnings of ACIM increase questions about its validity. Helen Schucman, the primary scribe of the writing, stated that the words were determined to her by an inner voice she discovered as Jesus. This process of getting the writing through internal dictation, referred to as channeling, is frequently achieved with skepticism. Experts argue that channeling may be recognized as a psychological phenomenon rather than a authentic spiritual revelation. Schucman himself was a medical psychiatrist, and some declare that the style she seen might have been a manifestation of her subconscious brain rather than an additional heavenly entity. Moreover, Schucman indicated ambivalence about the task and its sources, often questioning their reliability herself. This ambivalence, coupled with the strategy of the text's reception, portrays uncertainty on the legitimacy of ACIM as a divinely inspired scripture.

This content of ACIM also attracts scrutiny from the philosophical angle. The class teaches that the planet we comprehend with your feelings is an illusion and our true truth lies beyond that physical realm. This idealistic see, which echoes particular Eastern ideas, david hoffmeister a course in miracles  challenges the materialistic and scientific foundations of American thought. Authorities disagree that the declare that the physical world can be an illusion is not substantiated by empirical evidence and operates counter to the scientific approach, which utilizes visible and measurable phenomena. The notion of an illusory world may be engaging as a metaphor for the disturbances of perception brought on by the ego, but as a literal assertion, it lacks the scientific help needed to certainly be a valid illustration of reality.

Furthermore, the useful request of ACIM's teachings could be problematic. The program advocates for a revolutionary kind of forgiveness, indicating that grievances are illusions and must be overlooked in favor of knowing the inherent unity of beings. As the exercise of forgiveness can indeed be healing and transformative, ACIM's strategy might cause people to control genuine feelings and dismiss true injustices. By mounting all bad activities as illusions developed by the confidence, there is a danger of minimizing or invalidating the lived experiences of enduring and trauma. This perspective can be especially dangerous for persons working with serious dilemmas such as abuse or oppression, as it may decrease them from seeking the required support and interventions.

Still another point of rivalry is just how ACIM has been advertised and commercialized. Because its publication, ACIM has spawned a substantial market of workshops, seminars, and supplementary materials. Authorities argue this commercialization undermines the spiritual strength of the teachings, turning what's purported to become a sacred text in to a profit-driven enterprise. The expansion of ACIM-related products and services has led some to question the motivations behind its campaign and the credibility of those who declare to show their principles. That professional element can cause a buffer to authentic religious exploration, as people might be much more dedicated to getting the following book or joining the following class rather than interesting profoundly with the teachings themselves.