Unmasking the Hidden Connections: Religious Trauma, Narcicissim and Christian Nationalism
/Religious Trauma is a psychological term used to describe the result of a variety of negative experiences related to religion. It can encompass a range of experiences from spiritual abuse, physical or emotional trauma caused by religious practices or beliefs, or even simply the feeling of betrayal when a person’s religious community or leaders fail to live up to the high standards and holy lifestyle purported to be exemplified and taught by those in leadership. Coerced conversions, unquestioning submission to authority, trauma-based theologies and hidden abuse also contribute to creating religious trauma.
One of the key issues related to religious trauma is the role that narcissism can play in a religious community.
Narcissism is often observed through a sense of entitlement, a lack of empathy for others, and a belief in one’s own superiority. This phenomenon can be characterized by excessive self-love, attention-seeking, and self-promotion. Narcissism can lead individuals to disregard others' needs and feelings, give more importance to their own interests or exploit the vulnerabilities of followers who seek belonging and purpose. When this personality trait is found in religious leaders, it can lead to a toxic environment. Narcissistic traits have historically been present not only in the pulpit, but also inside Christian homes and ministries and it perpetuates a continuum of abuse and control. We must also be cognizant of the fact that narcissim can be collective.
As we’ve seen in recent years, religious nationalism has become an increasingly prominent issue in many countries around the world. Christian nationalism, in particular, has been identified as a growing movement within the United States. This movement is characterized by a belief that the United States is exclusively a Christian nation and that Christians should have a dominant role in society and politics.
A couple of years ago, my kiddo was involved in a Christian school program. As an assignment, she was asked to define nationalism. After doing some research, she came up with something like, “Believing that everyone in your country must believe the same things. And that your country is the best.” The teacher who graded the assignment queried, “Uhm, did your mom review your work?” To which my then Jr. High kiddo smiled and said, ‘Yup, she helped me with it.” The book the students were reading and the question stemmed from had defined nationalism as, “An extreme love of country.” And before you ask, yes, it was a Christian book written for Christian schools. “An extreme love of country” could be a definition of patriotism, but nationalism in today’s modern society is a belief in the superiority of one’s country. Nationalism is becoming synonymous with supremacism.
While religious trauma can be caused by any religion, Christian nationalism has been identified as a particular source of trauma for many individuals. Believers in this ideology often view those who do not share their beliefs as being morally inferior, and may use religious rhetoric to justify discrimination or even violence against those who they see as being the enemy.
In order to address religious trauma, it is important to acknowledge the role that narcissism and Christian nationalism can play in creating toxic religious environments. In such environments, the emphasis on uncritical loyalty and the silencing of dissent create a culture of fear and isolation. Individuals who speak out against the leadership or question the group's direction may face severe consequences, including ostracism, shunning or character assassination. This not only harms the individuals involved but also erodes the integrity of the community as a whole.
Christian nationalism has taken on radical religious cult traits.
Consider this:
Narcissism is a result of unhealed trauma.
2. Religious trauma is one result of narcissistic leadership.
3. Christian nationalism is a result of abusive theology born out of and taught by unhealed, traumatized people and those attracted to narcissistic leaders or behavior.
I believe it’s time we take a hard look at the connection between religious trauma, narcissism and Christian nationalism. I have observed a direct link. Chuck DeGroat’s “When Narcissism Comes to Church,” Kristin DuMez’s “Jesus and John Wayne” and others have laid a fantastic framework for us to understand some of the underlying problems in the American church today. But what I have not seen yet is people combining those ideas.
Unchecked narcissism and narcissistic leadership in faith spaces leads to embracing Christian nationalism with both resulting in religious trauma in those who come in contact. Individuals who have unhealed trauma and abuse can more easily fall prey to narcissism and narcissistic tendencies as a coping mechanism or learned behavior.
When our children and/or congregations/communities learn from and pattern after unhealed, narcissistic leaders we continue the cycle. It’s time to call it out and deal with this form of supremacy swiftly.
Some questions I feel must be considered and answered:
Is Christian nationalism collective or systemic narcissism?
Is a sense and projection of superiority of belief in line with the actions of Jesus?
Did Jesus teach only to America or about America or to and about the whole world?
Should churches and faith communities center healing, trauma care and mental/emotional wellness in their leaders?
Are faith leaders merely choosing their own definitions and vocabulary or are they appropriating mental health and modern terminology to fit their own purposes?
How does a faith community or an individual create a safe, healing, spiritual space?
Are we choosing political leaders based on what we feel comfortable with, what’s normal to us, from our background, home and religious community experience? And if so, are we sure our leaders, which set the standard for us, were/are healthy? Or perhaps do we need to do our own healing work?
The interplay between religious trauma, narcissism, and Christian nationalism highlights the need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent spiritually abusive environments. May we recognize the signs of narcissistic leadership and foster cultures of accountability where communities can work towards healing and growth, ensuring that religious spaces are safe and nurturing for all.
I hope in the coming days, there is research done into the connection between religious trauma, narcissism and Christian nationalism. Without a doubt, I can see a pattern and overlap. What do you think?
