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.
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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.
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.
