The Sin of Narcissism

[StillStanding]

Narcissism describes the character trait of self love.

Christopher Lasch defines a narcissistic culture as one in which every activity and relationship is defined by the hedonistic need to acquire the symbols of material wealth, this becoming the only expression of rigid, yet covert, social hierarchies. It is a culture where liberalism only exists insofar as it serves a consumer society, and even art, sex and religion lose their liberating power.

He claims that, in such a society of constant competition, there can be no allies, and little transparency. Any real sense of community is undermined -- or even destroyed -- to be replaced by virtual equivalents that strive, unsuccessfully, to synthesise a sense of community.

Dan Scott has been speaking about how narcissism has crept into the church. Todays narcissistic culture believes that your own personal relationship with God is all that matters. They don't submit to ordained church leadership. They don't feel a need to belong to a family of believers.

Dan mentioned that their theme song is, "I did it MY WAY!" He called it Hell's THEME SONG!

It's all about ME ME ME ME ME!

[rgcraig]

Wow!

I think Dan might be on to something.

This will be an interesting thread!

[Carpenter]

Originally Posted by Pianoman

Narcissism describes the character trait of self love.

Christopher Lasch defines a narcissistic culture as one in which every activity and relationship is defined by the hedonistic need to acquire the symbols of material wealth, this becoming the only expression of rigid, yet covert, social hierarchies. It is a culture where liberalism only exists insofar as it serves a consumer society, and even art, sex and religion lose their liberating power.

He claims that, in such a society of constant competition, there can be no allies, and little transparency. Any real sense of community is undermined -- or even destroyed -- to be replaced by virtual equivalents that strive, unsuccessfully, to synthesise a sense of community.

Dan Scott has been speaking about how narcissism has crept into the church. Todays narcissistic culture believes that your own personal relationship with God is all that matters. They don't submit to ordained church leadership. They don't feel a need to belong to a family of believers.

Dan mentioned that their theme song is, "I did it MY WAY!" He called it Hell's THEME SONG!

It's all about ME ME ME ME ME!

Harvard Business Journal Review did a study on the Narcissistic manager.

What an eye-opener, especially considering I worked for one at the time.

I think alot of what it had to say pertained to the ministry in a tremendous way, more specific to the accomplished ministers.

There are traits that lend power and a measure of leadership to the individual, however, for the wrong reasons.

Next time you hear a pastor/preacher tell you how much he prays, fasts, what time he got to the church to pray, or what time he got up this morning to pray...consider who gets the glory.

[berkeley]

"I did it my way" ...who sings that?

[rrford]

Now that might be interesting to study. "I did it my way" in contrast to submitting to Church leadership. Hmmm, and I thought most folks around here thought it was about how THEY pervcieved God said it to be and not how a PASTOR said it was. Interesting indeed...

[rrford]

Originally Posted by Berkeley

"I did it my way" ...who sings that?

I believbe Ol' Blue Eyes made it popular.

Elvis did a pretty impressive rendition also.

Originally Posted by Berkeley

"I did it my way" ...who sings that?

I believe Frank Sinatra origianlly sang this. It has been redone many times I believe. Most notiably by Elvis, Barry Mantilow and I believe a rapper did a version of it.

[Neck]

Originally Posted by Pianoman

Narcissism describes the character trait of self love.

Christopher Lasch defines a narcissistic culture as one in which every activity and relationship is defined by the hedonistic need to acquire the symbols of material wealth, this becoming the only expression of rigid, yet covert, social hierarchies. It is a culture where liberalism only exists insofar as it serves a consumer society, and even art, sex and religion lose their liberating power.

He claims that, in such a society of constant competition, there can be no allies, and little transparency. Any real sense of community is undermined -- or even destroyed -- to be replaced by virtual equivalents that strive, unsuccessfully, to synthesise a sense of community.

Dan Scott has been speaking about how narcissism has crept into the church. Todays narcissistic culture believes that your own personal relationship with God is all that matters. They don't submit to ordained church leadership. They don't feel a need to belong to a family of believers.

Dan mentioned that their theme song is, "I did it MY WAY!" He called it Hell's THEME SONG!

It's all about ME ME ME ME ME!

When you post. After making a headline point. Can you address your thoughts on the subject and not just quote so and so. I'd like to know your thoughts!

Nathan Eckstadt

[StillStanding]

Originally Posted by Neckstadt

When you post. After making a headline point. Can you address your thoughts on the subject and not just quote so and so. I'd like to know your thoughts!

Nathan Eckstadt

Nathan, This is a subject of which I was interested in hearing differing opinions. I have not yet formed my own opinion. Here is where I'm leaning:

In the church, especially in Apostolic circles it seems, there is a parsing of beliefs which leads to a disconnection within the Apostolic community. Individual beliefs on any given subject will trump fellowship with a community of believers.

On an individual basis, one may disagree with a belief such as paying tithes. The narcissistic person will choose to go it alone, rather than belong to community that believes in tithing. It's kind of like "Me and Jesus have our own thing going on!" We don't need anybody else!

Carpenter's thoughts on this subject have also hit home.

Originally Posted by Pianoman

Nathan, This is a subject of which I was interested in hearing differing opinions. I have not yet formed my own opinion. Here is where I'm leaning:

In the church, especially in Apostolic circles it seems, there is a parsing of beliefs which leads to a disconnection within the Apostolic community. Individual beliefs on any given subject will trump fellowship with a community of believers.

On an individual basis, one may disagree with a belief such as paying tithes. The narcissistic person will choose to go it alone, rather than belong to community that believes in tithing. It's kind of like "Me and Jesus have our own thing going on!" We don't need anybody else!

Carpenter's thoughts on this subject have also hit home.

I believe this is why the local church Pastors should come together more often and discuss these issues. We have hundreds of conferences where a man or a group of men get up and teach or preach which are needed. But I don't see meetings where these men come together and disscuss differences. I see the apostles seemingly doing this often in the book of Acts. Just my thoughts.