“Christian” Pathological Personalities
A book I have read recently was written by Judson Brewer, an MD/PhD medical researcher. The book is titled The Craving Mind: From Cigarettes to Smart-Phones to Love – Why We Get Hooked and How We Can Break Bad Habits. In his chapter on “Addicted to Ourselves,” Brewer discusses pathological personalities.
A pathological disorder is an extreme personality trait, a normal trait that has gone to an extreme. While the Bible teaches that we are to have a healthy self-image, “to think so as to have sound judgment” (Rom. 12:3), it also condemns pride and arrogance consistently. A self-image that is too strong is called narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Brewer writes that this disorder is “characterized by goal setting based on gaining approval from others, excessive attunement to others’ reactions, excessive attempts to be the focus of attention, and admiration seeking” (pg 67). We might grow up being “nudged” into NPD when our parents give us excessive praise that is not warranted or no punishment is given when it is appropriate.
At the other end of the personality disorder spectrum is borderline personality disorder (BPD). Brewer cites the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders for a description of the symptoms of BPD (pg 68): “poorly developed or unstable self-image,” “chronic feelings of emptiness,” “intense, unstable, and conflicted close relationships, marked by mistrust, neediness, and anxious preoccupation with real or imagined abandonment,” “fears of rejection by and/or separation from significant others,” and “feelings of inferior self-worth.”
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If each woman recognizes that each individual is made in the likeness of God (Gen. 1:27; 9:6; James 3:9), then she should have a healthy self-image. If every man recognizes that Jesus gave His life for him (Gal. 2:20), then he should have a healthy self-image. If everyone recognizes that our gifts, abilities, skills are from God for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7), then everyone should have a healthy self-image.
But the narcissistic personality disorder can wreck havoc in the Christian context, especially. It’s that “disorder” that motivates men and women to weaken the Gospel message and to compromise the truth of Christ for whims of men. Peter said, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Paul said, “If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ” (Gal. 1:10).
When it comes to the New Testament pattern for Christianity, pleasing God must take a higher place in our convictions than pleasing our friends and neighbors.
Paul Holland
