Episode 262: Spiritual Narcissism: Exposing the Sneaky Way We Use Religion as a Pattern of Protection cover art

Episode 262: Spiritual Narcissism: Exposing the Sneaky Way We Use Religion as a Pattern of Protection

Episode 262: Spiritual Narcissism: Exposing the Sneaky Way We Use Religion as a Pattern of Protection

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When faith is used to silence, control, or end conversations, something has gone wrong. In this episode, Dr. Greg exposes spiritual narcissism—the hidden way woundedness disguises itself as holiness and quietly breaks relationships from the inside out.

Key Topics:

  • Why spiritual maturity does not automatically include emotional maturity
  • How faith can unconsciously be used to shut down dialogue
  • Why boundaries can be an authentic act of mercy
  • How real healing requires integration, not just more prayer or effort
  • How spiritual language can become a shield against vulnerability rather than a path to communion
  • Why grace perfects nature but does not bypass psychological woundedness
  • Why marriage is not a chain of command but a mutual gift of self
  • How authority language can become a warning sign instead of a virtue
  • Why feeling confused, guilty, or silenced in a "faithful" relationship signals deeper misalignment


Learn More:

  • Related blog articles:
    • The Problem with the Bishop Scandals
    • Outlining Narcissistic Personality Disorder
    • The Two Types of Narcissism
  • Being Human episodes on Narcissism:
    • Ep. #261: Narcissism and the Terror of Being Ordinary
    • Ep. #68: "I'm Not Narcissistic, You're Narcissistic!"
    • Ep. #67: An Antidote to Narcissism
    • Ep. #21: A Look at Narcissist Personality Disorder
  • Being Human Ep. #201: Is Leadership of the Family a Man's Job?
  • Being Human episodes on Parts Work:
    • Ep. #49: Internal Family Systems & External Family Tensions
    • Ep. #47: How to Turn Your Inner Worst Enemies into Your Inner Best Friends
  • Pastores Dabo Vobis (St. John Paul II) – On human formation as the foundation of spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral growth
  • Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation
  • Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment


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