Why is narcissism considered a sin?

Question

I can understand someone saying it isn't pleasant, but why should it be considered a sin, or even a bad character trait? When did it become an indictment to think highly of oneself? If one has remarkable qualities, isn't this the correct response?

Humility never wins any awards.


This humble question has been brought to you courtesy of Jack

Ah, kl, you are frightening me with your apt description of me! ;)

TTC, I love you more each day!

Bella, my lovely sister! Thank Heavens we come from such superior stock! ;)

Very correct, Patrick.
((((Patrick))))

Answer 1

Heh. Humility never wins any awards. I should get a tattoo (though that would show how *un*humble I am). Still, perfect.

Really any bad thing you do stems from pride. Something as simple as spraying a stinky perfume around co-workers, never thinking about how it might make them feel. Or playing Hootie and the Blowfish records, which, really, is the same thing. Thinking everything is about you so that every slight is perceived as an intended insult when the truth is that most people aren't thinking about you. Then everyone has to walk on egg shells, yada yada. Thinking that you're entitled to stuff because your life has somehow been 'so hard' (tell that to the people in The Congo) or because your natural talents make you somehow better than others. Thinking that your voice is the only one that needs to be heard in a conversation or that your opinion is the only one that matters.

These are the most surface of examples --- I could go ON and ON. Really there isn't any sin that you could name that I couldn't connect back to pride (and I'd love to discuss this further with you, this is one of my favorite topics).

Suffice it to say, humility, which is a *deep* understanding that no matter how pretty, brilliant, sensitive, intuitive, rich, etc you are doesn't make you better than others is the root from which all other virtues flow. (Btw, humility also recognizes that even if you're ugly, unintelligent, poor, etc, you are no worse than others). After all, think of it. No matter who you are, did you EARN your looks/intelligence/charm? Even if you don't believe in God, put it up to luck of the draw. Your natural good qualities don't come from something special about you. You were given them, even if that only means by hitting the genetic jackpot.


Pride *forces* other people to cater to you and it breeds resentment. On the other hand, while you're exactly right that humility wins no awards, I've never met a truly humble person who didn't have the fierce loyalty of many admirers.

Answer 2

Narcissism and confidence in oneself are two completely different animals. One is excessive and the other is sensible. When someone goes to excess they tend to not think about the consequences of their actions or how it affects others. I believe the sin occurs when other people are hurt in the process of said narcissistic behavior. What one person considers remarkable may be loathsome to others.

Answer 3

Narcissism is being centered on oneself only. It's different to have assurance and know you are worth something, and to keep admiring and praising yourself. It's not a sin really, but being turned towards others is much more rewarding and attractive then thinking you are above the lot.

Answer 4

Usually it's because a person that is narcissistic forgets to be involved in their community. Never gives credit to advances to the true people responsible, etc. It's a sign of not being in control of oneself.
That Greek fellow forgot to eat and died.

Answer 5

Actually its not. Its classified as a "personality disorder". :P

Pathological narcissism is a life-long pattern of traits and behaviors which signify infatuation and obsession with one's self to the exclusion of all others and the egotistic and ruthless pursuit of one's gratification, dominance and ambition.

As distinct from healthy narcissism which we all possess, pathological narcissism is maladaptive, rigid, persisting, and causes significant distress, and functional impairment.

There are two differences between healthy self-love and pathological narcissism: (a) in the ability to tell reality from fantasy, and (b) in the ability to empathize and, indeed, to fully and maturely love others.

Self-love is a precondition for the experience and expression of mature love. One cannot truly love someone else if one does not first love one's True Self. If we had never loved ourselves – we had never experienced unconditional love and, therefore, we do not know how to love.

Answer 6

Aye mate...I think ye be jokin'! I kin give ya an' award fer narcissism if'n ya like.

I hereby be presentin' ta Jack th' highly coveted award.....

Th' "Narcissistic Pirate Award". Along with this honor comes a 10-day Pirate Ship Cruise....an' a guarantee ye'll not be made ta' walk th' plank.

Congratulations Jack! ;)

Answer 7

It's no sin .. it's a waste.. that Greek died of a broken heart, as I recall. ....

I'd love to elaborate but if I dont get to the gym in the next 20 minutes all the good preacher curl positions near the mirrors will be filled.

Answer 8

"Narcissism" is a sin because it promotes service to the self (selfish). God's way flows in the opposite direction of love for neighbour (others) - away from the self ! Are you not familiar with the scripture: "Those who are exalted, shall be abased" ! ???

Answer 9

Excessive self-love becomes idolatry. Humility may not win awards where you come from, but in the Christian it is a way of life.

Answer 10

I'll point to the Greeks, who gave Narcissism its name. He was so wrapped up in himself, that he neglected the world to stare at his own reflection. Complete withdrawl, not for some higher reason but just to drool over himself.