What Is Spiritual Narcissism

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 are the 4 types of narcissism?

Because the person isn't always evident about their illness, this one can be more difficult to recognize than other sorts of narcissists. This sort of narcissist, as the name implies, is someone who has a hidden layer of narcissistic qualities.

These people are deeply self-absorbed and often feel wronged, as if the world has failed to appreciate their brilliance.

Their hidden confidence makes it difficult to notice their narcissistic features at first glance, and they are frequently misdiagnosed as depressed. They're passive-aggressive, hypersensitive to criticism, and certain that the world hasn't recognized their excellence.

They may appear to be the friend who lacks confidence and needs a boost at first, but their arrogance, combined with their failure, is the primary indicator of their narcissism. They refuse to accept responsibility for their mistakes and instead blame the world for their failure.

What does the Bible say about narcissistic?

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.

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.

Can Narcissists believe in God?

A narcissist manipulates, controls, and dominates you by instilling fear in you. They gradually drain the life from your faith and replace it with themselves at the core.

It makes no difference what faith you follow. Major religions including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism, as well as lesser sects like Mormonism, Taoism, Confucianism, New Age, and Rastafari, can all be used. Even individuals who do not believe in God, such as those who are Atheistic, Agnostic, or Satanist, can be included.

What is the root cause of narcissism?

Although the cause of narcissistic personality disorder is unknown, some studies believe that overprotective or neglectful parenting methods may have an impact on physiologically vulnerable children. In the development of narcissistic personality disorder, genetics and neurology may also play a role.

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.

What a narcissist does to an empath?

A narcissist places all of the responsibility on the empath and feeds off of the shame and dread that the empath feels as a result. It's known as ‘gaslighting,' which is the psychological manipulation of someone into doubting their own sanity, producing shame and anxiety, and then feeling empowered as a result.

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.