10 Ways Narcissists Use Religion for Their Own Purposes

Do you ever notice that narcissists are particularly drawn to religion? It might seem ironic, considering that religion is often about practicing virtues—traits that narcissists typically lack and are not interested in cultivating. Yet, many narcissists flock to churches, ministries, and humanitarian organizations. While not all religious leaders are narcissists, there is a notably high number of narcissists who are drawn to these spaces.
In this article, we will explore 10 reasons why narcissists love religion and how they use it to serve their own needs. Understanding these dynamics will help you identify when someone is manipulating religion for narcissistic purposes.

The Allure of Narcissistic Supply

The first reason why narcissists are drawn to religion is the abundance of “narcissistic supply” available. Narcissists thrive on admiration, validation, and attention, all of which are easily accessible in religious environments. In these spaces, narcissists can assume roles of influence, often positioning themselves as spiritual leaders, gaining admiration and praise from others.
For many well-meaning believers, it can be hard to detect a narcissist because they often appear pious and dedicated. They exploit the trust of those who see the best in others, using their religious role to manipulate and feed their need for constant validation. Unfortunately, this pursuit often comes at the expense of others, whom the narcissist will step on without regard for their well-being.

Control and Power Through Religious Structures

The second reason narcissists love religion is the opportunity to exert control. Religious doctrines and practices can be manipulated to demand obedience from followers. A narcissist may distort teachings to assert authority, often presenting themselves as uniquely chosen by God. Over time, they may even replace God in the eyes of their followers, subtly positioning themselves as intermediaries who alone can interpret God’s will.
This level of control is particularly dangerous because the narcissist assumes a god-like role, dictating the actions and beliefs of their followers. Over time, the follower may not even realize they are being manipulated until the narcissist has taken central control over their decisions and life.

Religious Camouflage for Manipulation

Religion offers the perfect camouflage for manipulation, which is the third reason why narcissists flock to these environments. Narcissists can disguise their selfish intentions with spiritual language, making it difficult for others to see their true motivations. They may use religious teachings to justify their behavior, appearing righteous while exploiting and manipulating others behind the scenes.
This spiritual facade allows the narcissist to continue acting in harmful ways, all while maintaining a saintly image. This type of covert manipulation is particularly insidious in religious settings, where people are less likely to question someone who appears virtuous.

Exploiting Forgiveness and Redemption

The fourth reason why narcissists are drawn to religion is their ability to exploit teachings of forgiveness and redemption. Many religious communities emphasize principles like forgiveness, second chances, and submission to authority. Narcissists often demand forgiveness and reconciliation while refusing to practice these virtues themselves. This allows them to manipulate others, continuing their harmful behavior under the guise of seeking redemption.
These teachings are especially easy to manipulate, as many people in religious communities are conditioned to forgive and reconcile. The narcissist takes advantage of this, refusing to change their behavior while expecting others to forgive their actions repeatedly.

Reinforcing a Grandiose Self-Image

Narcissists have an inflated sense of self-importance, and religion provides a platform to reinforce this grandiosity, which is the fifth reason they are drawn to it. They may portray themselves as uniquely chosen by God or possessing special spiritual gifts. This feeds into their need to feel superior to others and affirms their inflated self-image.
In many cases, these narcissists will cultivate an image of being divinely anointed, which allows them to command admiration and respect from those around them. Unfortunately, this often has little to do with genuine spiritual calling and everything to do with bolstering their own ego.

The Absence of Accountability

Narcissists often gravitate toward religious contexts with little accountability, which is the sixth reason they find these spaces appealing. In settings where there are few checks on their behavior, they can continue manipulating others without fear of being confronted. A lack of accountability allows the narcissist to evade challenges to their authority or manipulative tactics, leaving others vulnerable to exploitation.

Avoiding Self-Reflection

The seventh reason narcissists love religion is that it offers them an escape from self-reflection. Narcissists generally lack self-awareness and struggle with introspection. Religion, for them, becomes a way to bypass dealing with their personal issues. By focusing on outward religious performances or acquiring spiritual knowledge, they avoid confronting their inner wounds, shortcomings, or traumas.
Like the Pharisees Jesus criticized, they are like “whitewashed tombs”—appearing righteous on the outside but filled with unaddressed issues inside. Narcissists often use religious language to avoid personal healing, convincing themselves and others that they are spiritually sound.

Exploiting People for Personal Gain

In religious settings, narcissists feel entitled to special treatment, and this sense of entitlement is the eighth reason they are drawn to religion. They may expect others to serve them without question, viewing themselves as deserving of special privileges due to their perceived spiritual status. Whether it’s expecting financial support or personal sacrifices, narcissists exploit the trust and vulnerability of those around them for personal gain.

Creating a God in Their Own Image

The ninth reason narcissists love religion is their ability to create a version of God that aligns with their narcissistic personality. Instead of aligning themselves with the loving, compassionate God of the Bible, they project their own traits onto God—viewing Him as judgmental, angry, or superior. This allows them to justify their actions while maintaining a sense of superiority.

The Facade of Moral Superiority

Finally, the tenth reason why narcissists are drawn to religion is the opportunity to project a false sense of moral superiority. By performing religious rituals and maintaining an outward appearance of righteousness, they create a facade that conceals their true motives. Behind closed doors, they may engage in morally questionable behavior, but publicly they maintain the image of an upstanding, virtuous individual.

Conclusion: Navigating Religious Narcissists

Understanding why narcissists are drawn to religion is crucial for recognizing and addressing their manipulation. While many churches and religious communities promote virtues like love, humility, and compassion, these spaces can also attract narcissists who use religion to satisfy their egotistical desires. By being aware of these dynamics, we can discern between genuine spiritual leaders and those who use religion for their own purposes.
If you have encountered a narcissist in a religious context, you’re not alone. Many have faced similar situations. For more insights, check out this video 10 Ways They Use It to Serve Their Own Purpose.