Often a narcissist uses religion as a way to control and manipulate their victims, followers, or both.
As I am writing this blog article it is my personal opinion and my personal belief that God is real, however when it comes to narcissists they use religion and people’s needs to seek answers, so it doesn’t matter what cults or beliefs you have, they are always toxic people with toxic behaviors everywhere. Let’s explore:
They may claim that God is on their side, or that they are the chosen one and that anyone who opposes and questions them is against God. They may also use religious scripture to back up their own twisted views and justify their abusive behavior. Narcissistic leaders will use fear to get people worked up and to the alter but lacking the true Power of God.
It is very common for the narcissist to take the Bible or any other religious book out of context.
Victims of narcissists who are religious may find it especially difficult to leave a relationship, because they may feel like they are betraying their faith.
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What are the Effects of a Narcissist Using Religion?
There is a growing concern around the world about the problems that come when a Narcissist uses Religion. This type of religious weapon is often used by narcissists to manipulate and control the masses.
In some cases, religion can be used to control the masses. It can be very harmful to individuals and society as a whole if we don’t learn how to deal with these severe toxic traits.
A Narcissist Use Religion by implementing tactics such as fear, guilt, and shame to control others. It can be used to manipulate people into doing what the narcissist wants them to do. It can also be used to make people feel like they are not good enough and need to follow the narcissist’s rules in order to be accepted, forgiven, and saved.
Many Narcissists prey on those seeking hope, those wanting to belong somewhere, people seeking answers or healing, and the perfect victims who are the most vulnerable and gullible.
Being able to connect to God or the Creator gives a person the feeling of purpose, belonging, and protection. But when the narcissist hijacks this human nature behavior, the effect of this toxic trait can be very harmful to individuals. It can lead to a sense of low self-esteem and a feeling of being unworthy of existence, also cause people to feel isolated and alone, and cause division and conflict among churchgoers and family members. It can also lead to a lack of understanding and respect for other religions.
How Leader Uses Religion
When it comes to leaders that are in fact narcissists, they have a very discreet way to make it seem as if they are caring, but in reality, they only cared about their own needs and how they are perceived. It does not matter the religion or belief the tactics used by a narcissistic leader are all the same. They use fear, shame and guilt as a manipulation tactic to control their mass followers.
The Mask of a Narcissistic Religious Leader
Narcissistic leaders must appear as if they have it all figured out and well-put together that all times for the sake of appearances. They will not show mercy for you when you are in trouble unless it benefits them. They are quick to throw rocks at you when you are down, when you have made a mistake, or when you are not yourself. The narcissist will use you as an example and when you fail, that’s when they will point out that you are a sinner as if they are clean of all sins.
When you don’t do what they expect you to they will smear your name, and they will say the worst things about you as if you were never one of them. Narcissistic religious leaders won’t treat you with love and respect, they use fear, intimidation, and shame as tactics to submit the victims to abuse.
Control and Compliance
Narcissistic leaders are also known for taking sentences out of context from the Bible and other religious books to inflict fear and manipulation among their followers.
If you don’t comply with their beliefs or question them you will be labeled as unfaithful, infidel, disobedient, rebellious, and lacking faith. Sometimes they may even call you the devil.
You must obey their social rules of conduct and physical looks. In some cases, it can be very extreme such as being forced to have long hair, being forced to wear long sleeves, not showing any skin, not wearing makeup, not wearing high heels, or even no wearing any jewelry.
Some extremist religious groups and cults will go as far as isolating themselves in a remote area to not be contaminated by the outside world. What is not been talked about enough is in these locations many can experience greater abuse and brainwashing techniques.
They use guilt and will say this such as” you are not healed because you are sinning”.
The reality is God sometimes does not want to heal a person for a reason and it doesn’t mean that that person is sinning. it can mean that it is the journey God put them on. Otherwise, how can anyone explain a child suffering from a disorder that will only allow him to live a few more years?
Triangulation
Some religious leaders will triangulate within the structure of their cult and will choose to only share a piece of specific information with the most so-called worthy individuals.
Followers are required to not question the authority of the pastor, leader, bishop, or whoever is in charge.
The narcissistic rage of a religious leader can show in different forms, one of which is isolating someone from the group, treating them differently, publicly shaming them, or even being exiled.
Narcissistic eligious leaders often use their power and authority to achieve their financial goals by brainwashing their followers to give more to their financial institution and using phrases such “if you don’t give a good amount of money, God will not bless you”.
“Donate now or your blessings won’t come.”
“Donate to release the healing.”
They craft entire sermons based on pursuing people to donate more and more.
The Law Does Not Apply to the Narcissistic ReligiousLeaders
Narcissistic religious leaders assume that the law does not apply to them. They have a sense of superiority and entitlement. Many of them will easily cover up for crimes.
Some narcissists use religion to even sexually abuse their victims and cover themselves with some excuses that are completely taken out of context from the Bible.
They want the most vulnerable to be submissive, and flexible to the abuser’s needs and desires. Today, sexual abuse is known as a big taboo and is the headline of thousands of cover-up stories on the news and other media.
How a Follower Weaponizes Religion to Abuse any Family Member or Their Significant Other
Narcissists often use religion as a way to inflict abuse and dominance against those who are vulnerable. In many cases, the ones that have less power are women and children.
The Narcissist will easily point out your sins while you are expected to comply, ignore and forget the abuser’s bad behaviors.
The abuser will listen to a sermon and, instead of taking the word to apply it to their lives, they will point out how that message was for you and that you need to change because it is all your fault. The abuser will say you are in the wrong and that message must have been for you. this is another form of reflecting.
Whenever you don’t comply with the narcissists, they will make you afraid and say things like “God will punish you”. The narcissist will constantly and continuously wish bad to happen to you because you choose not to comply with their demands. This is another form of emotional abuse.
The Mask
They pretend to be the most religious person, the most caring, they are who pray the most, and they use God to achieve sympathy from people who are generally caring and empathetic.
Questioning a religious narcissist can be very difficult. They appear to repent, and for a period of time they act like a good person, everything seems perfect and nice, but this is only until they have lowered someone’s guard for them to begin the cycle of abuse. in the meantime, they take no responsibility for any wrongdoing.
The Rage
Everything can feel ok for a little while until the narcissist gets what he/she wants. However, when the rage comes it can take over. Sometimes they will call you the devil if you don’t comply, they will accuse you of cheating, your opinion will be taken in the worst way, and in some cases, physical violence is what it comes down to because the narcissist does not take rejection well.
Questioning the veracity of anything the narcissist believes can make you the scapegoat, the devil in your family, the one that is wrong, and the one that carries all the blame for absolutely everything.
Love Bombing Using Religion
The narcissist can use religion to pretend to be a follower of a church just to get closer to their prospective victim. They will falsely claim to be a Christian person just to lower someone’s guard. Once the narcissist gets a good grip on the person, the abuse will begin and continue over and over until the victim has the courage and the knowledge to leave the cycle.
Political Gain
Politicians often want to be associated with a certain religion during elections because they hold the majority of votes they need to win. This does not necessarily means that they believe in God, follow God, or that they respect God.
Conclusion
How can we protect ourselves from a Narcissist weaponizing religion?
A Narcissist who uses religion to abuse is a serious threat to our safety. The constant use of religious beliefs to manipulate and control others is a dangerous weapon we need to be aware of.
The Narcissistic Religious Person can twist religious teachings to fit their own needs, and use religious beliefs to abuse others.
It is important to be aware and mindful of the signs of narcissistic religion. Look for patterns of control, manipulation, and abuse. Be aware of how the narcissist is using religion to exploit others.
It is important to knowledge that is difficult to get away from this type of abuse. Therefore, consider seeking professional help.
The bottom line is, It does not matter the religion, the patterns are all the same.
