Change god complex to delusions of Dominance

[sunshine4you2289]

Title: Retire the Term “God Complex” — Replace It with “Delusions of Dominance”

To: The American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, educators, media professionals, and the public

The term “god complex” has been used for decades to describe arrogance, superiority, and obsession with control. But the phrase is not only clinically inaccurate — it is also deeply disrespectful to God. By using His holy name as a slur, the expression reduces the Almighty to a punchline for human arrogance.

It is time to retire this harmful phrase and replace it with a term that is both accurate and respectful: Delusions of Dominance.


---

Why the Change is Needed

1. Disrespect to God
God’s name is holy and should not be mocked or attached to human flaws. The Bible reminds us:

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)


Calling arrogance a “god complex” suggests that sinful pride mirrors the nature of God — which is false and blasphemous. Arrogance is the opposite of God’s character, which is just, holy, and merciful.

2. Cultural Irreverence
Every time the phrase “god complex” is used, it casually places humanity on the same level as the Creator. This normalizes irreverence toward God in everyday speech and encourages pride — the very sin that led to Satan’s fall (Isaiah 14:12–15).

3. Lack of Clinical Accuracy
The term “god complex” has never been a recognized diagnosis. In psychology, traits like arrogance and exaggerated superiority are classified as symptoms of narcissism, mania, or delusional disorders. Professionals already use terms like grandiosity and delusions of grandeur — so why should society cling to a sensationalized phrase that offends people of faith?

4. A Better Alternative Exists
We propose adopting “Delusions of Dominance.”

It is accurate — “delusions” refers to false beliefs, and “dominance” captures the obsession with power and superiority.

It is memorable — strong, clear, and easy to use in conversation, education, and media.

It is respectful — no longer dragging God’s name into an insult.

 

[ViaCrucis]

Title: Retire the Term “God Complex” — Replace It with “Delusions of Dominance”

To: The American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, educators, media professionals, and the public

The term “god complex” has been used for decades to describe arrogance, superiority, and obsession with control. But the phrase is not only clinically inaccurate — it is also deeply disrespectful to God. By using His holy name as a slur, the expression reduces the Almighty to a punchline for human arrogance.

It is time to retire this harmful phrase and replace it with a term that is both accurate and respectful: Delusions of Dominance.


---

Why the Change is Needed

1. Disrespect to God
God’s name is holy and should not be mocked or attached to human flaws. The Bible reminds us:

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)


Calling arrogance a “god complex” suggests that sinful pride mirrors the nature of God — which is false and blasphemous. Arrogance is the opposite of God’s character, which is just, holy, and merciful.

2. Cultural Irreverence
Every time the phrase “god complex” is used, it casually places humanity on the same level as the Creator. This normalizes irreverence toward God in everyday speech and encourages pride — the very sin that led to Satan’s fall (Isaiah 14:12–15).

3. Lack of Clinical Accuracy
The term “god complex” has never been a recognized diagnosis. In psychology, traits like arrogance and exaggerated superiority are classified as symptoms of narcissism, mania, or delusional disorders. Professionals already use terms like grandiosity and delusions of grandeur — so why should society cling to a sensationalized phrase that offends people of faith?

4. A Better Alternative Exists
We propose adopting “Delusions of Dominance.”

It is accurate — “delusions” refers to false beliefs, and “dominance” captures the obsession with power and superiority.

It is memorable — strong, clear, and easy to use in conversation, education, and media.

It is respectful — no longer dragging God’s name into an insult.

With all due respect, this seems like unnecessary moralizing.

St. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:4 speaks of "the god of this age" (ὁ θεὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος). He is using the expression ὁ θεὸς "the god" seemingly in reference to the devil. If one looks purely at the surface level, isn't it deeply insulting and offensive to call the devil "god"? So why is Paul doing this? The reason is because Paul is using the concept of "god" to refer to the way in which this present age is held under bondage. Language consistent throughout the New Testament that creation and the present time, and the whole present arrangement of things, is held in bondage to dark cosmic powers--death, the devil, etc. This is not an elevation of these dark powers to godhood; but a recognition that there is something deeply wrong with the way things are, it runs right through the middle from the smallest things to the biggest; from each individual human person, to the smallest creatures, to the whole universe itself--it's a state and condition of how things are that is presented as what God is redeeming and saving us--and all creation--from.

My point here isn't to give a biblical lesson; but rather to highlight that the term "god" can be used in a lot of ways depending on context. The concept of a "god complex" is not an insult to God; it is instead a use of "god" to indicate the state of a person's mind who suffers from delusions of grandeur.

It is entirely unnecessary to be offended on God's behalf for this.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[Larniavc]

Title: Retire the Term “God Complex” — Replace It with “Delusions of Dominance”

To: The American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, educators, media professionals, and the public

The term “god complex” has been used for decades to describe arrogance, superiority, and obsession with control. But the phrase is not only clinically inaccurate — it is also deeply disrespectful to God. By using His holy name as a slur, the expression reduces the Almighty to a punchline for human arrogance.

It is time to retire this harmful phrase and replace it with a term that is both accurate and respectful: Delusions of Dominance.


---

Why the Change is Needed

1. Disrespect to God
God’s name is holy and should not be mocked or attached to human flaws. The Bible reminds us:

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)


Calling arrogance a “god complex” suggests that sinful pride mirrors the nature of God — which is false and blasphemous. Arrogance is the opposite of God’s character, which is just, holy, and merciful.

2. Cultural Irreverence
Every time the phrase “god complex” is used, it casually places humanity on the same level as the Creator. This normalizes irreverence toward God in everyday speech and encourages pride — the very sin that led to Satan’s fall (Isaiah 14:12–15).

3. Lack of Clinical Accuracy
The term “god complex” has never been a recognized diagnosis. In psychology, traits like arrogance and exaggerated superiority are classified as symptoms of narcissism, mania, or delusional disorders. Professionals already use terms like grandiosity and delusions of grandeur — so why should society cling to a sensationalized phrase that offends people of faith?

4. A Better Alternative Exists
We propose adopting “Delusions of Dominance.”

It is accurate — “delusions” refers to false beliefs, and “dominance” captures the obsession with power and superiority.

It is memorable — strong, clear, and easy to use in conversation, education, and media.

It is respectful — no longer dragging God’s name into an insult.

I’ve worked in psychology and mental health for 20 years and have never come across the term ‘God complex’ in a clinical setting.

 

[com7fy8]

The concept of a "god complex" is not an insult to God; it is instead a use of "god" to indicate the state of a person's mind who suffers from delusions of grandeur.

I have understood it would mean a person is trying to be "God". Satan has had this problem.

And there are ones who claim they are God.

But there are dominating people who do not believe they are God. So, you might have diagnosis making a distinction between who supposes he or she is God or is trying to be, versus someone who simply does have delusions of dominance.

 

[Meowzltov]

1. Disrespect to God
God’s name is holy and should not be mocked or attached to human flaws. The Bible reminds us:

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)

I find it does exactly the opposite. It is stating that the individual is wrongly putting themself on par with God. The very nature of that remark places God above where any human can reach. And that's exactly where God belongs.

FWIW, I don't think the phrase "God complex" is used anywhere in the DSM-5. It's more pop-psychology slang.

 

[Godcrazy]

Title: Retire the Term “God Complex” — Replace It with “Delusions of Dominance”

To: The American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, educators, media professionals, and the public

The term “god complex” has been used for decades to describe arrogance, superiority, and obsession with control. But the phrase is not only clinically inaccurate — it is also deeply disrespectful to God. By using His holy name as a slur, the expression reduces the Almighty to a punchline for human arrogance.

It is time to retire this harmful phrase and replace it with a term that is both accurate and respectful: Delusions of Dominance.


---

Why the Change is Needed

1. Disrespect to God
God’s name is holy and should not be mocked or attached to human flaws. The Bible reminds us:

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)


Calling arrogance a “god complex” suggests that sinful pride mirrors the nature of God — which is false and blasphemous. Arrogance is the opposite of God’s character, which is just, holy, and merciful.

2. Cultural Irreverence
Every time the phrase “god complex” is used, it casually places humanity on the same level as the Creator. This normalizes irreverence toward God in everyday speech and encourages pride — the very sin that led to Satan’s fall (Isaiah 14:12–15).

3. Lack of Clinical Accuracy
The term “god complex” has never been a recognized diagnosis. In psychology, traits like arrogance and exaggerated superiority are classified as symptoms of narcissism, mania, or delusional disorders. Professionals already use terms like grandiosity and delusions of grandeur — so why should society cling to a sensationalized phrase that offends people of faith?

4. A Better Alternative Exists
We propose adopting “Delusions of Dominance.”

It is accurate — “delusions” refers to false beliefs, and “dominance” captures the obsession with power and superiority.

It is memorable — strong, clear, and easy to use in conversation, education, and media.

It is respectful — no longer dragging God’s name into an insult.

Maybe delusions of power would be more fitting

 

[Godcrazy]

I’ve worked in psychology and mental health for 20 years and have never come across the term ‘God complex’ in a clinical setting.

I think it is not an outright term, just used

 

[Godcrazy]

I have understood it would mean a person is trying to be "God". Satan has had this problem.

And there are ones who claim they are God.

But there are dominating people who do not believe they are God. So, you might have diagnosis making a distinction between who supposes he or she is God or is trying to be, versus someone who simply does have delusions of dominance.

This is something i am very interested hearing from God one time in the future what really happened mentally with evil.

 

[Godcrazy]

With all due respect, this seems like unnecessary moralizing.

St. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:4 speaks of "the god of this age" (ὁ θεὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος). He is using the expression ὁ θεὸς "the god" seemingly in reference to the devil. If one looks purely at the surface level, isn't it deeply insulting and offensive to call the devil "god"? So why is Paul doing this? The reason is because Paul is using the concept of "god" to refer to the way in which this present age is held under bondage. Language consistent throughout the New Testament that creation and the present time, and the whole present arrangement of things, is held in bondage to dark cosmic powers--death, the devil, etc. This is not an elevation of these dark powers to godhood; but a recognition that there is something deeply wrong with the way things are, it runs right through the middle from the smallest things to the biggest; from each individual human person, to the smallest creatures, to the whole universe itself--it's a state and condition of how things are that is presented as what God is redeeming and saving us--and all creation--from.

My point here isn't to give a biblical lesson; but rather to highlight that the term "god" can be used in a lot of ways depending on context. The concept of a "god complex" is not an insult to God; it is instead a use of "god" to indicate the state of a person's mind who suffers from delusions of grandeur.

It is entirely unnecessary to be offended on God's behalf for this.

-CryptoLutheran

Again this is really something that I would like to discuss with God one time. As we see it run through everything. I mean, the details. we know it is far out now, but still, I ponder the processes. some gigantic genetic something something. But it is not enough. I am curious.

 

[Godcrazy]

Title: Retire the Term “God Complex” — Replace It with “Delusions of Dominance”

To: The American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, educators, media professionals, and the public

The term “god complex” has been used for decades to describe arrogance, superiority, and obsession with control. But the phrase is not only clinically inaccurate — it is also deeply disrespectful to God. By using His holy name as a slur, the expression reduces the Almighty to a punchline for human arrogance.

It is time to retire this harmful phrase and replace it with a term that is both accurate and respectful: Delusions of Dominance.


---

Why the Change is Needed

1. Disrespect to God
God’s name is holy and should not be mocked or attached to human flaws. The Bible reminds us:

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)


Calling arrogance a “god complex” suggests that sinful pride mirrors the nature of God — which is false and blasphemous. Arrogance is the opposite of God’s character, which is just, holy, and merciful.

2. Cultural Irreverence
Every time the phrase “god complex” is used, it casually places humanity on the same level as the Creator. This normalizes irreverence toward God in everyday speech and encourages pride — the very sin that led to Satan’s fall (Isaiah 14:12–15).

3. Lack of Clinical Accuracy
The term “god complex” has never been a recognized diagnosis. In psychology, traits like arrogance and exaggerated superiority are classified as symptoms of narcissism, mania, or delusional disorders. Professionals already use terms like grandiosity and delusions of grandeur — so why should society cling to a sensationalized phrase that offends people of faith?

4. A Better Alternative Exists
We propose adopting “Delusions of Dominance.”

It is accurate — “delusions” refers to false beliefs, and “dominance” captures the obsession with power and superiority.

It is memorable — strong, clear, and easy to use in conversation, education, and media.

It is respectful — no longer dragging God’s name into an insult.

we know with disorders that they do everything to cover their real self, non existent, empty, not built up and full of shame and negative feelings that they are stuck with on a very early child level. So they use superiority to cover it. In case of satan this must be on a gigantic scale.

 

[Larniavc]

I think it is not an outright term, just used

Only by non-professionals; so why does it matter?

 

[Larniavc]

Maybe delusions of power would be more fitting

I think it would have to be an incredibly rare delusion to actually believe you the powers of any god.

A person with that significant a delusion could not function in society. My suggestion would be a cult leader might be the closest.

 

[Larniavc]

we know with disorders that they do everything to cover their real self, non existent, empty, not built up and full of shame and negative feelings…..

No we don’t. That’s nonsense.

 

[ViaCrucis]

I think it would have to be an incredibly rare delusion to actually believe you the powers of any god.

A person with that significant a delusion could not function in society. My suggestion would be a cult leader might be the closest.

And there certainly have been cult leaders who literally claim to be divine (or quasi-divine).

Perhaps I'm wrong, but I've always associated the idea of a "god complex" as a hyperbolic way of speaking about an extremely narcissistic person. Not as a clinical definition of anything, but a lay description of what looks like extreme narcissism. Someone so high on their horse, as it were, that they basically think they are "god", not literally, but functionally and pejoratively speaking.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[Godcrazy]

No we don’t. That’s nonsense.

That is not true because all the psychologists, psychotherapists, psychology and professors and people that have experienced them knows

 

[Larniavc]

That is not true because all the psychologists, psychotherapists, psychology and professors and people that have experienced them knows

I’ve been a psychotherapist for 20 years and have experienced anxiety disorders and depression myself.

You are incorrect.

 

[Godcrazy]

I’ve been a psychotherapist for 20 years and have experienced anxiety disorders and depression myself.

You are incorrect.

I am studying psychology tons of psychology etc on top, and seen a lot many therapists do not get the education about narcissism in the education if they want to know they have to take extra. And still there are limited information I suggest Prof Sam Vaknin for more information
as well I have enough experience close by of them to know it is a serious disorder and even spiritual reality behind many.

 

[Godcrazy]

as well scapegoat phenomena is extracurriculum that not everyone works with. However, it is a big difference working as psychologist does vs psychotherapist .I like Jung myself, but even he talked about npd and the spiritual behind it in many cases

 

[Godcrazy]

No we don’t. That’s nonsense.

it is well known it is at the core of npd. nothinness. no self. just false self. and self loathing blame shame. nothing to resist with. even Prof Vaknin talk about it

 

[bèlla]

I am studying psychology tons of psychology etc on top, and seen a lot many therapists do not get the education about narcissism in the education if they want to know they have to take extra. And still there are limited information I suggest Prof Sam Vaknin for more information
as well I have enough experience close by of them to know it is a serious disorder and even spiritual reality behind many.

@Larniavc has been a practicing psychotherapist for 20 years. No amount of personal study or coursework would compare to 20 years of hands on experience treating patients. Not to mention the requisite education and professional credentialing.

What is your background?

~bella