The Link Between Narcissism and Legalism in the Church [Episode 68]
May 27, 2020
In this episode we continue our discussion with Pastor Dave Orrison, author of the book Narcissism in the Church.
In this episode we continue our discussion with Pastor Dave Orrison, author of the book Narcissism in the Church.
Have you ever been ghosted by someone? They disappeared from your life, seemingly into thin air? Have you ever been worried that God might ghost you, especially if you don’t dot your “i”s” and cross your “t’s?” Spiritual anxiety is common among Christians, and Dr. Tiffany Yecke Brooks wants to break that down with you inside her newest book, Holy Ghosted: Spiritual Anxiety, Religious Trauma, and the Language of Abuse.
“I’m going to be ninety-two next month, and I have waited my entire life for a book like this.”
A woman said this to Tiffany after she spoke to a Sunday School class about her book, “Gaslighted by God: Reconstructing a Disillusioned Faith.”
Many Christians are told their doubts are a sign they haven’t prayed or fasted enough. That their spiritual frustrations are an indication they’re backsliding. That they just don’t have enough faith.
Do you feel a sense of futility over ever measuring up as a Christian? Ever pleasing God? Ever nailing down the formula for blessing or meeting the mark for making yourself small enough?
Tiffany wrote “Gaslighted by God” to give a voice to the pain of devoted Christians whose faith is cracking under the abuse of legalism, who are desperately clinging to beliefs that are hurting them, and who need to know it’s not their fault.
Natalie interviews Pastor Dave Orrison about how legalism breeds narcissism and vice versa. If you’ve been part of a religious organization that powers over and lays heavy burdens on its constituents, then you’ve experienced this pathological combination and the spiritual and emotional trauma it causes.
Get the first chapter of my book, Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage, recommended by therapists. That chapter will help you figure out what’s going on in your marriage.
