Introduction
The label of "false teacher" is not something to take lightly. We are guilty of slander and bearing false witness if we judge a church leader without solid scriptural evidence. Then, we teach the falsehood ourselves when we try to get others on our side. A "false teacher" is a specific kind of person in Christendom, not just a church leader who makes honest mistakes when they teach. There is a significant difference between ignorance and negligence regarding patterns of error. The false teacher is always one with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), which psychologists say most often goes undiagnosed and untreated. This is because the narcissist first has to admit they have a problem and then be willing to be counseled and held accountable for their behavior. The false teacher and the narcissist have a grandiose self-image, a deliberate plan to exploit others for gain, and the creative ability to mislead people into sin by twisting the facts.
Believers must approach discernment with humility and caution, understanding the gravity of labeling someone a "false teacher." While specific individuals intentionally manipulate and deceive, we must differentiate between genuine mistakes, ignorance, and deliberate deception. Accusations of false teaching should be based on solid scriptural evidence and approached with a spirit of restoration rather than condemnation. Additionally, while some false teachers may exhibit traits consistent with narcissism, not all who make errors in teaching or leadership necessarily fit this diagnosis. As we navigate the complexities of discernment within the church, we must prioritize love, grace, and a commitment to truth, seeking wisdom and guidance from God's Word and the Holy Spirit.
False Teachers: A Warning
Jesus admonishes us, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves" (Matt. 7:15). That said, we must carefully discern true teachers that God appoints for the church from the false ones who intend to mislead it. The scriptures do not leave us uninformed about the nature of a false teacher. In his second letter, Simon Peter warned us about false teachers and described their narcissism in excruciating detail, along with the punishments God will give them. The tell-tale characteristics of NPD (discussed in the next section, "Narcissism: A Warning") are mentioned in the passage:
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed, these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. . . . This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord. But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals, they too will perish. They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood! They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—an animal without speech—who spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet's madness. These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error (2 Pet. 2:1-3; 10-18).
The Lord also warns us, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves" (Matt. 10:16). We are like sheep because Jesus is the Good Shepherd who leads us to greener pastures but also takes care of us on the way to them (see John 10:11-18). Not all evildoers are atheists or criminals who overtly deny God. Instead, many join our churches to escalate conflict and divide us with their religious or political agendas. All these false teachers look for ways to harm and abuse churchgoers, whether through finances, sex, emotions, or the physical body. American philosopher Vernon Howard's (1918–1992) quote typifies their mindset: "A powerful person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep." Yes, it is very much deliberate. This is why Jesus tells us to know and apply the truth without giving in to the same deceitful tactics as the false teachers.
Narcissism: A Warning
The word "narcissism" derives from the ancient Greek myth of Narcissus (pictured above). He frequently gazed at the reflection of his face in the water, admiring himself obsessively. Coincidentally, King Solomon wrote, "As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart" (Prov. 27:19). As Christians, we should generally avoid references to pagan myths and concepts; however, it is appropriate in this context because narcissism is dark, evil, and godless. NPD is not something that a person "suffers from," and therapy alone will not correct it. The narcissist must reach a breaking point when they face the consequences of their wrongdoing so they may begin the process of repentance. They are not suffering from paranoia or being "out of mind," as with other mental disorders. The narcissist must undergo a "change of mind," the literal meaning of the Greek word metanoia (G3341), translated as "repentance." Godly sorrow is when people realize they need God, admit they sinned, take responsibility for it, and seek accountability to prevent it from happening again. Paul of Tarsus agreed: "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death" (2 Cor. 7:10). Both false teachers and narcissists refuse to do any of these things. Here is a quote written by a man about himself that perfectly exemplifies both the characteristics of a false teacher and a narcissist:
Not Your Typical Pastor. Pastor Kevin [M. Young] is unique. You'll be hard-pressed to find another minister like him, anywhere. He marches to the beat of his own drum and, above all else, desires to walk in lockstep with Jesus no matter what anyone else thinks. You'll not find a person more committed to integrity or teaching the Bible in ways that compel you to want to be a part. You'll find him to be passionate, creative, insightful, and above all else, quirky. He is . . . [an] avid lifter of heavy things. And while his teaching is uber accessible, he is an early church and future church scholar . . . (see here).
He follows up with a request for money, expecting to receive anywhere from $25 to $25,000 per donation for his self-governed online "church" of about 400 followers (see here).
Spiritual narcissists invoke God, scripture, and doctrine to manipulate people. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), the typical narcissist has exaggerated senses of self-importance and entitlement. They:
Hypocritically expect morality from others but make excuses for themselves.
Intentionally provoke others to justified anger to then accuse them of abuse.
Constantly seek out great admiration and "fish" for compliments.
Demand recognition for basic tasks and volunteering.
Exaggerate their achievements and talents.
Preoccupy themselves with dreams of success, power, beauty, or an ideal "soulmate."
Have an inflated sense of worth; they can only be seen with other "elite" people.
Dominate conversations and degrade individuals they consider less than them.
Expect special favors and unwavering compliance with their expectations.
Solicit frequent apologies and dismiss one's intentions while emphasizing their own.
Take advantage of people to get what they want, no matter the cost.
The inability or refusal to empathize with others' needs and feelings.
Envy others and believe that others envy them.
Behave arrogantly or haughtily, appearing arrogant, boastful, and pretentious.
Demand the best of everything (e.g., house, car, clothes, or office).
Are deeply offended by the slightest hint of personal criticism.
Routinely in conflict in close relationships (e.g., family, friends, and romantic partners).
Burn bridges or estranged from their family members.
Have a complex history of broken relationships, using contact information to "hoover."
React with rage, contempt, or impatience when they do not get special treatment.
They are impulsive with their emotions and behavior.
Cannot deal with stress or adapt to change very well.
They feel depression and mood swings when they fail to meet their own perfect goals.
Have deeply personal feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability, and humiliation.
Only see the value of something by its ability to manipulate or exploit people.
Conclusion
In conclusion, identifying false teachers within the church is a weighty responsibility that requires careful discernment, grounded in both scriptural truth and humility. While it is essential to recognize and address teachings that deviate from the gospel, it is equally important to approach such matters with grace, seeking restoration rather than condemnation. While some false teachers may exhibit traits consistent with narcissism, it is crucial to avoid blanket assumptions and instead focus on the evidence at hand. Ultimately, our goal should be to uphold the integrity of the faith, guided by love, grace, and a commitment to truth. By relying on God's Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can navigate the complexities of discernment within the church with wisdom and compassion.
Prayer
Blessed are you, LORD our God, King of the universe; deliver us from all false doctrine and heresy, from the hardness of heart and contempt of your Word and commandments. Amen.
Bibliography
The Book of Common Prayer. Huntington Beach, CA: Anglican Liturgy Press, 2019. p. 92. http://bcp2019.anglicanchurch.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/BCP2019.pdf.
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"Conditions: Narcissist Personality Disorder." Psychology Today. New York: Sussex, 2022. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder.
"Diseases & Conditions: Narcissistic Personality Disorder." Mayo Clinic. Rochester, MN: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662.
Kacel, Elizabeth L., Nicole Ennis, and Deidre B. Pereira. "Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Clinical Health Psychology Practice: Case Studies of Comorbid Psychological Distress and Life-Limiting Illness." Behavioral Medicine 43, no. 3. (Taylor & Francis, 2017): 156–64.
Young, Kevin M. "Home—Not Your Typical Pastor." Jupiter, FL: Christ's Table, Inc. https://christstable.today.
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