Study: Narcissism a powerful force, even among religious

Although high levels of narcissism can impair ethical judgment regardless of one's religious orientation or orthodox beliefs, narcissism is more harmful in those who might be expected to be more ethical, according to a Baylor University study published online in the Journal of Business Ethics.

"Devout people who are narcissistic and exercise poor ethical judgment would be committing acts that are, according to their own internalized value system, blatantly hypocritical," said Marjorie J. Cooper, Ph.D., study author and professor of marketing at Baylor's Hankamer School of Business. "Narcissism is sufficiently intrusive and powerful that it entices people into behaving in ways inimical to their most deeply-held beliefs."

The study identified three groups- skeptics, nominal Christians, and devout Christians. Skeptics largely reject foundational Christian teachings. Nominal Christians are moderate in their intrinsic religious orientation as well as in their orthodox beliefs. Devout Christians are high in intrinsic religious orientation and orthodoxy, which indicates that they fully internalize Christian beliefs and values.

"We found that nominal and devout Christians show better ethical judgment than the skeptics overall, but especially those whose narcissistic tendencies are at the low end of the spectrum," said Chris Pullig, Ph.D., chair of the department of marketing and associate professor of marketing at Baylor. "However, that undergoes a notable alteration as levels of narcissism rise for subjects within each cluster."

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Bobseeks

“We found that nominal and devout Christians show better ethical judgment than the skeptics overall". Well duh, what did you expect? Athiests are the prime example of narcissm and unethical behavior because they worship the pathetic little god of self. Their narcissm can be seen every time they come onto Christian websites to exhibit what they consider to be their "superior intellect" with each one of them being a legend in his or her own mind when in actuality they are blind, ignorant, and deluded lovers of the lie.
- mesamanp47
  
  Having the most narcissistic president in the history of the US, we should are able to examine and conclude how far such an egoist would go to achieve his own grandiose goals. The repetitious behavior is phenomenal, the protective shield of underlings is obvious, and the total disregard for the value of others is striking. You have done an exemplary job of describing him.
  - Bobseeks
    
    Mesamanp47: Well said – maobama is indeed the epitome of atheistic narcissism.
    - daves
      
      Unless he is compared to you Bob. It would be fun if you and I could compare scores for this test. :)
      - Bobseeks
        
        I am sure that you would show up as being completely narcisstic since you are a consumate atheist/lieberal.
Sama

Words condemn our own selves often.
…do not bear false witness covers a LOT of territory.
msjallen

The highest form of integrity is not self absorption, it is the spiritual life learned from Bible Doctrine.
Rom 12:3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.
- http://twitter.com/lambsev11 @lambsev11
  
  Well said with great quote! __
  - msjallen
    
    lambsev11, thank you, I appreciate people on this forum with good Biblical common sense.
    - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
      
      Which, of course, are the ones who agree with you, right?
Steve03

γνωθι σεαυτόν
- Bobseeks
  
  Wow! We are sure impressed steve03.
  - Steve03
    
    You would think it was all about you . . .
    - Bobseeks
      
      Not at all, it is all about you and showing off your faux education.
http://twitter.com/lambsev11 @lambsev11

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
- daves
  
  So if we are proud to be American are we guilty of sin?
aceituna

Narcissim is actually the first sin in the Garden of Eden. What did Satan say, "You will become as gods". They turned their attention away from God and upon themselves. That sin was transmitted down to us all and we often fall for it. It is only through the grace of God that we battle this sin. The idea of pleasing ourselves and showing ourselves in a great light is shown in every sin we commit. We desire to enhense ourselves. Jesus suffered the punishment for this sin also and for believers it is forgiven. He also gives us the power to battle against this sin, though often we fall prey to it.
Bobseeks

The love of the Father is not on you or any lieberal theology followers who reject His Word. You are a consumate hypocrite when you quote that which you despise.
- daves
  
  Why do you think Seve03 is a liberal?
  - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
    
    Because he argues with bobbiesocks.
Winston

I am surprised that the article did not state "narcisscism starts in the heart…in schools of theology, and finds it way into the pulpit". Narcisscism coupled with a Nicolaitan spirit has been very harmful in the Church and the weakness and immaturity of church authority (Bishop/Elder and Deacon) is part of the overall problem by not holding the hireling pastor accountable.