What Is A Spiritual Narcissist

May states in Will and Spirit, “Simply put, spiritual narcissism is the unconscious use of spiritual practice, experience, and insight to raise rather than lessen self-importance.”

When we connect with “trying to become holy,” spiritual narcissism infiltrates our egos, said May, who treated addicts before supervising ecumenical spiritual directors at the Shalem Institute in Washington, D.C.

“Spiritual narcissism turns the spiritual quest into a self-aggrandizing process instead of a journey of developing humility,” May remarked.

You can see how devious and universal spiritual narcissism can be based on May's definition.

It doesn't just apply to apocalyptic Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, televangelists Benny Hinn, Todd Bentley, Jim and Tammy Bakker, radical leader Sun Myung Moon, judgmental atheist Richard Dawkins, and, dare I say, Rhonda Byrne, the founder of The Secret, as well as “gurus” like Andrew Cohen.

Spiritual narcissism can affect anyone on a spiritual path, and it isn't always visible. (By “spiritual,” I mean all attempts to find personal meaning, including secular or atheist wisdom, in the context of a larger horizon of significance.)

When we have a spiritual awakening or a philosophical epiphany, we can all fall prey to narcissism. It occurs when we believe we are fairly wonderful since we have advanced to a level of growth that others have not.

Narcissism can develop among spiritual searchers who believe they have been “selected.” Nothing enhances self-importance more than feeling like one is among the Select, like being picked first for a team on the playground.

Gerald May is wary of people who claim to desire to be like God. He highlights how terrified people often struggle to “amass personal power and control over fate,” rather than learn to let go and sacrifice, whether they are Christians, neo-pagans, or atheist existentialists.

What is the spiritual root of narcissism?

Narcissism can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophy, when one of the young Gods (the gorgeous Narcissus) fell in love with his reflection in a pool of water. He died of malnutrition and self-absorption as a result of his self-absorption. Since then, the term narcissism has come to represent an obsession with outward appearance and an excessive amount of self-indulgence – a condition that is frequently a sign of emotional immaturity.

What does the Bible say about narcissistic?

Someone who does not have a selfish illness that is “lifelong and incurable” can acknowledge that they are miserable and need treatment. A true narcissist would never confess such a thing. It would be disastrous for their reputation. It would necessitate surrendering and relinquishing power. Control is essential for a narcissist, just as it is for Satan. According to 1 John 5:19-21, the evil one has complete power over the entire world. Satan has henchmen all over the place, individuals who fuel his narcissism and are dependant on him, not realizing he is bad and believing his lies.

A narcissist without minions under their control, like Satan, would be reduced to nothing, which would be painful for them. To keep control, a narcissist will steal, kill, and destroy. It is for this reason that the book of 1 John concludes by stating that Jesus has come and given us wisdom, allowing us to be free of Satan's grip. Then it goes on to give us a stern warning to steer away from idols and those who would try to persuade us to believe lies and worship them.

What is religious narcissist?

A narcissist manipulates, controls, and dominates you by instilling fear in you. Even individuals who do not believe in God, such as those who are Atheistic, Agnostic, or Satanist, can be included. It is not the type of belief that is abusive, but rather how it is used.

Can spirituality help narcissism?

While their research was only correlational, it's likely that these variables have a bidirectional relationship. Spiritual practices are likely to be employed to support the narcissistic self, enhancing one's sense of being unique and entitled to special treatment. However, some spiritual training programs are likely to attract persons who have strong personal development goals that are tied to Western narcissistic society. According to the study, those with high degrees of both overt and covert narcissism may find the idea of examining one's own personal ideas and feelings and becoming a “enlightened being” particularly appealing.

How does a narcissist react when they can't control you?

• Narcissists are obsessed with themselves and manipulate people for personal advantage; they're known for employing a few unique strategies to obtain and keep control.
• First, narcissists ensure their success by focusing on codependents: they also use compliments and flattery to make people feel important.
• To maintain control over their victim, they next play with unpleasant emotions like shock, amazement, and guilt.
• Gaslighting or master manipulation are also used by narcissists to weaken and destabilize their victims; ultimately, they use happy and negative feelings or moments to deceive others.
• When a narcissist loses control of you, they are likely to feel threatened, retaliate with anger, and even threaten you.

Is it a sin to be a narcissist?

Narcissism is a form of emotional abuse that harms people. The third reason for this message is that the Bible considers narcissism to be a sin. It's a sin because it DEFIES God's loving commands. “Love is not unkind,” says 1 Corinthians 13:4.

What does God say about narcissistic mothers?

Children of narcissists are prone to self-doubt from the start. If you're a Christian, these First Corinthians texts set a very high standard against which we must constantly measure ourselves. Let us, however, place the blame for I Corinthians 13 on the narcissistic parent. Juxtapose Against this list of Narcissistic Mother Characteristics, love is patient, kind, not envious, not haughty, and it rejoices in the truth.

God cares about us. We are “fearfully and wonderfully fashioned,” he says in the Psalms (Psalm 139:14). Our narcissistic mothers, on the other hand, do not.

Do narcissists grieve?

The subjective nature of grieving explains why two people react to a breakup in such different ways. After a healthy, non-abusive relationship ends, both parties will experience some form of pain or loss. The sadness experienced by the abused party after a narcissistic breakup, on the other hand, is one-sided. The victim had genuine feelings invested in the connection, even though it was bad and violent. The narcissist is incapable of feeling genuine love, affection, or concern for anyone other than himself. If they profess to be grieving, what they're really grieving over is a lack of attention, catering, and focus on them. Not only was the victim alone in the relationship, but they are now alone in their grief as well.

Can God forgive a narcissist?

Describe Jesus in your own words. Now give an example of a narcissist. It doesn't look that the two will ever come together. What if, on the other hand, love triumphs?

When Narcissism Comes to Church, by Chuck DeGroat, “A descriptor like ‘narcissist' describes the persona, the mask, a part of someone, but it doesn't account for our fundamental ‘real self' concealed with Christ in God, like other descriptors (doctor, parent, diabetic, etc.).

Wait…what? Is it possible for a narcissist to be concealed in Christ and welcomed by Him? Yes! And thank God for it! Literally.

In our culture, the term narcissism is thrown around casually. Celebrities, bosses, coworkers, and even preachers are all described in this way. It should not be taken lightly. The word narcissist comes from the Greek word narcissus, which means “narcissist.” “I'm numb.” Narcissists are oblivious to their own and others' sorrow. People who have experienced the pain of narcissism, on the other hand, will adamantly assert that it is nothing to joke about! It hurts to be made to feel crazy, wrong, insecure, and bewildered; it leaves a bad taste in one's mouth “field of relationship garbage” (DeGroat).

Narcissists can't stand being alone “Humanity's limitations.” Because of this shortcoming, narcissists frequently use shaming and blaming to exert control, sometimes publicly (overtly) and sometimes subtly (under the radar) (covertly). They show grandiosity, entitlement, a need for adoration, and a lack of empathy for those who are enslaved by them. They appear talented, charismatic, charming, confident, strong leadership, and devoted to God (some could even claim) to the outer world “God is “on fire” for him). To the observer, these characteristics appear to be strengths, yet this Jekyll and Hyde demeanor may make even the most normal people feel nuts.

As difficult as it is to feel sympathy for someone who is hurting another, keep in mind that a narcissist is not born; he or she is created, usually through trauma. It's something you've picked up through time. Narcissists are frequently oblivious to their own motivations for their actions (DeGroat). Attention seeking, the desire for approval, a lack of empathy, a sense of entitlement, and a lack of closeness are all characteristics that the narcissist is often unaware of. According to DeGroat, “The more powerful someone is, the more pronounced their narcissistic behavior will be, potentially causing problems in relationships, employment, and other areas of life.” Is this enough to justify their actions? Certainly not! This knowledge, on the other hand, may provide you a different perspective on the behavior, or even validate what you're experiencing.

If you're caught in a narcissist's trap, remember one thing: it's not you! You're not insane, you're not a loser, and you're not worthless! You are a priceless God's kid “A divinely appointed royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). This is true not only for you, but also for the narcissist (hard to swallow, I know). Jesus' love, forgiveness, kindness, and truth are all available to everyone. It is for everyone (John 3:16). According to 1 Peter 3:18, “Christ, the innocent for the guilty, suffered and died for your sins once and for all in order to bring you closer to God…” We've all sinned and need God's forgiveness (Romans 3:23). I'm just as bad as the narcissist when it comes to sin. My sin may not have the same impact, crippling, or hurt as a narcissist's sin, but it still requires God's forgiveness.

True, God's love covers even the narcissist's sin, but that does not excuse the narcissist's actions. It doesn't mean you have to put up with it. If you find yourself caught in a narcissist's web, whether at home, work, church, or elsewhere, know that you have the power to set boundaries, ask for help, and, if necessary, walk away.