Pharisee
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How Jesus Calls Out the Narcissistic Pharisee
The Pharisee pointed out by Jesus for his narcissistic prayer is just the beginning of Jesus calling out narcissism within the Pharisaic sect. But we can learn a lot about Pharisees from this short parable in which Jesus compares a publican or a tax-collector to a Pharisee. In the following verses, we see two men praying, but about what and to whom they pray is up for close observation. And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed…
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5 Narcissistic Traits in the Prodigal’s Older Brother
Let’s play spot the narcissistic traits in the following passage: Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he became angry and was not willing to go in, and his father came out and began pleading with him. 29 But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I…
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The Spiritual Abuser: The Five Lies They Tell
At thirteen years old, in eighth grade, I became the victim of a spiritual abuser. I just didn’t realize it for years. I attended confirmation classes in my church and sang in the choir, rang bells in the handbell choir, and participated in the youth group. Ardent for the Lord, I led my youth group in a twenty-four-hour prayer vigil. But I was also vulnerable and awkward. Too tall too fast and prone to saying the wrong thing, I carried a full contingent of insecurities. So when my mother’s prayer partner and friend, (I will call her Gladys) cornered me one day after I had babysat her children for an…
