Beyond Narcissism - To Behold the Face of God, by Fr Stephen Freeman

Icon of the Theotokos in the Monastery of Philotheou in Mount Athos, Greece

The article below by Fr Stephen Freeman, and available from his blog, Glory to God for All Things, is one of the most significant articles I have read lately. It is a must read. Please click on the link below to be able to read the article in its entirety.

"Perhaps the most difficult personalities encountered in anyone’s life are those that can clinically be labeled “narcissistic.” 

It refers to a very describable disorder that can be diagnosed but treated only with difficulty. The narcissist is critically handicapped when it comes to recognizing and respecting boundaries.

 They want to run your life (and will). Everything in the world revolves around them simply because their own boundaries are so non-existent. 

Being in relationship with a narcissist can often be toxic. They often make us feel that the problem belongs with us, not them. We can begin to question our own sanity and judgment. 

There are popular articles on the topic that I think are very helpful to those engaged in such situations. There are also spiritual questions that can be very problematic.

At the core of a narcissistic disorder is shame – overwhelming shame." Please continue reading here.