What the Bible says about Narcissism

Catching-up on the board, I noticed a discussion about what the Bible says about Narcissism. While I am not a religious person, I am very spiritual. In response to this recent post, I thought I should point out that the Bible refers to Narcissism as Unrighteous Dominion - The Abuse of Power. Here's a copy and paste from my book on this very topic:

This temptation to exercise unrighteous dominion exists in any situation where one is in a position of power or influence. It can occur at school, work, church, your community and in homes and families. A man who practices unrighteous dominion in his home single-handedly destroys the self-esteem of his wife and children. He may not even realize he is abusing his power, but simply knows no other way to behave.

In an effort to avoid such unnecessary abuse, we need to build awareness to this growing problem and find ways to help others get in touch with their true selves. Decisions must be made with full consciousness and people must take personal responsibility for their actions.

According to the scriptures, a righteous man of power is one who presides:

• By persuasion. He uses no demeaning words or behavior, does not manipulate others, appeals to the best in everyone, and respects the dignity and agency of all humankind—men, women, boys, and girls.

• By long-suffering. He waits when necessary and listens to the humblest or youngest person. He is tolerant of the ideas of others and avoids quick judgments and anger.

• By gentleness. He uses a smile more often than a frown. He is not gruff or loud or frightening; he does not discipline in anger.

• By meekness. He is not puffed up, does not dominate conversations, and is willing to conform his will to the will of God.

• By love unfeigned. He does not pretend. He is sincere, giving honest love without reservation even when others are unlovable.

• By kindness. He practices courtesy and thoughtfulness in little things as well as in the more obvious things.

• By pure knowledge. He avoids half-truths and seeks to be empathetic.

• Without hypocrisy. He practices the principles he teaches. He knows he is not always right and is willing to admit his mistakes and say “I’m sorry.”

• Without guile. He is not sly or crafty in his dealings with others, but is honest and authentic when describing his feelings.

Sep 13 - 1AM
SBlaze86
SBlaze86's picture

SBlaze86

This is so interesting. The two narcissists I've known hid 'righteously' behind the cross... This is particularly disgusting to me; the way some will use holy scripture to justify their own deeds and as a means to an end. I know people do this everyday, but it's truly a sad, awful thing to see people you thought you knew and loved hijack religion in the name of themselves.
Oct 5 - 8PM (Reply to #4)
Amazed
Amazed's picture

Religion can be one of their "tricks"

My exN had a st christopher medallion on his neck that he wore at all time, with exception of hi "fun chain" as the exOW called his heavier necklace. St Christopher was the Saint of Travels,,(?) and it makes me laugh now, as some say the N "trolls" for supply. So true, they should be wearing a trolling necklace. Be careful ladies. For real.
Sep 28 - 12PM (Reply to #3)
sunflowergrl70
sunflowergrl70's picture

Justification

Oh and if scripture or the minister says something that HE'S doing is wrong watch out! He'll have a 20 minute sermon about why the pastor is wrong or why a 1,000 year old scripture does not apply to today! But if the same 1,000 year old scripture backs him up then it's all good.
Sep 8 - 8AM
Klarity Belle
Klarity Belle's picture

Excellent post

" A man who practices unrighteous dominion in his home single-handedly destroys the self-esteem of his wife and children. He may not even realize he is abusing his power, but simply knows no other way to behave." This sums xnpd co-parent up perfectly. Meanwhile, I can only keep doing my own best to walk the righteous road and lead our children by example so that they themselves can learn to heal from the damage caused to them by their father's 'unrighteous dominion'. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "The deeper that sadness carves into your being, the more joy you can contain." ~ Kahlil Gibran "That which we do not confront in ourselves we meet as fate" ~ Carl Jung http://www.storyofmylife.com/KLARITY4

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"The deeper that sadness carves into your being, the more joy you can contain." ~ Kahlil Gibran

"That which we do not confront in ourselves we meet as fate" ~ Carl Jung

http://www.storyofmylife.com/KLARITY4

Apr 9 - 3PM (Reply to #1)
Reluctant Shaman
Reluctant Shaman's picture

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT NARCISSISTIC BEHAVIOUR?