- The church thinks it is the center of the universe, the only way for people to have salvationWikipedia wrote:Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a long-term pattern of abnormal behavior characterized by exaggerated feelings of self-importance, an excessive need for admiration, and a lack of understanding of others' feelings.[4][5] People affected by it often spend a lot of time thinking about achieving power or success, or about their appearance. They often take advantage of the people around them.
- The church can't handle any criticism and latches on to any admiration it receives
- The church refuses to consider feelings of overworked members, homosexuals, apostates
- The church is obsessed with appearance, and plans to become a major religion
- The church takes advantage of their members
While most individuals I know within the church don't have these traits and think they are bad, it is difficult for me not to see the church as a whole having these traits. The church in this context is some mixture of official statements, correlated materials, things commonly heard in gospel doctrine, and common elements of the culture. It's hard to define, but I think this diagnosis passes the sniff test.Wikipedia wrote:According to the DSM-5, individuals with NPD have most or all of the following symptoms, typically without commensurate qualities or accomplishments:[8][11]
Grandiosity with expectations of superior treatment from others
Fixated on fantasies of power, success, intelligence, attractiveness, etc.
Self-perception of being unique, superior and associated with high-status people and institutions
Needing constant admiration from others
Sense of entitlement to special treatment and to obedience from others
Exploitative of others to achieve personal gain
Unwilling to empathize with others' feelings, wishes, or needs
Intensely envious of others and the belief that others are equally envious of them
Pompous and arrogant demeanor
NPD usually develops by adolescence or early adulthood.