We are raising a generation of deluded narcissists
 

A new analysis of the American Freshman Survey, which has accumulated data for the past 47 years from 9 million young adults, reveals that college students are more likely than ever to call themselves gifted and driven to succeed, even though their test scores and time spent studying are decreasing.

Psychologist Jean Twenge, the lead author of the analysis, is also the author study showing that the tendency toward narcissism in students is up 30 percent in the last thirty-odd years.
This data is not unexpected. I have been writing a great deal over the past few years about the toxic psychological impact of media and technology on children, adolescents and young adults, particularly as it regards turning them into faux celebrities—the equivalent of lead actors in their own fictionalized life stories.

On Facebook, young people can fool themselves into thinking they have hundreds or thousands of “friends.” They can delete unflattering comments. They can block anyone who disagrees with them or pokes holes in their inflated self-esteem. They can choose to show the world only flattering, sexy or funny photographs of themselves (dozens of albums full, by the way), “speak” in pithy short posts and publicly connect to movie stars and professional athletes and musicians they “like.”

On MTV and other networks, young people can see lives just like theirs portrayed on reality TV shows fueled by such incredible self-involvement and self-love that any of the “real-life” characters should really be in psychotherapy to have any chance at anything like a normal life.
These are the psychological drugs of the 21st Century and they are getting our sons and daughters very sick, indeed.

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

So what do WE as the body of Christ do?

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

And most are flocking to the party of narcissists , the Democrats.

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

I am grieved when I witness any saint of God condemn another of their fellows (whether they be saint or sinner, it matters not), because of their particular political affiliation, and especially so when that one doing the condemning proclaims themselves to be a minister of the gospel.

If ever one should be neutral in all things, then I am persuaded it ought to be God's chosen. Shame on you, sir, for stooping to such depths of depravity that is below your calling!

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

I am grieved when I see a seasoned saint of God as yourself mis-representing what I said as "condemnation", instead of simply analyzing facts. Fact. We are raising a generation of narcissists that feel like the world owes them everything. Fact. The majority of young voters are Democrat, and boldly proclaim that they are Democrats because of what can be given to them. I stand by my statement, sir. Shame on you for attacking the messenger.

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

Praxeas, you are correct. I am very concerned. Our children in church, even, are raised to look the type and act the type while not BEING the type of Christian to make it to heaven, let alone affect their world.

Limiting our exposure to distractions and refocusing on the Word is part of how we fight this.

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

I respectively tender this question to you, my friend:

Would you state the very same thing from the pulpit, not knowing whether that young person sitting amongst the crowd; the very one whom you are seeking to assist in understanding what they must do to be saved, might also be a professing Democrat (albeit unwittingly ignorantly so, according to your expressed belief about those who political allegiance is such)? If so, then what have you done, except place in their pathway an ”offence” (e.g., a stumbling- block) which would serve to hinder them instead?

If you would not do such under those conditions, then tell me, I pray thee, why would you elect to do such a thing via a public forum? Are you unaware that others, who are not of this persuasion, also have the ability to read the things which we publish here?

You may endeavor to justify your comment in whatever manner you choose, but this is my “take” on the matter, to which you are free to accept or reject.

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

I wholeheartedly concur with this analysis. Acknowledging this, it should serve to motivate every saint of God to increase the effort to reach out to as many of our young people as possible with the truth of God's sacred written Oracles which, by obedience thereto, will enable them to redeem themselves from this untoward generation! Indeed, the time given to us to do this is growing less with each passing day.

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

You obviously are confused as what a public forum like this is for. Yes, absolutely I think it is fine to make such statements as mine in a forum like this.

Furthermore, it would be just as "offensive" to a narcissistic young person sitting in the pew to hear a preacher say "we've raised a generation of narcissists" than it would to for him to hear from the pulpit that the Democrats cater to narcissists. Would you have objected if someone created a thread entitled, "Does the Democrat Party attract narcissists?", or would that too have stepped on your tows? So, to single me out here on this thread for my little addendum to the original premise of this thread just goes to show that I struck a political nerve with you.

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

I am currently teaching a series along these lines in my Sunday School class.

On a personal level...

We have children who dream that they have a life. They make statements such as "You're ruining my life" when in reality, darling, you don't have a life.

You go places in the car I bought using the gas I bought and after church you decide you'll go out and eat with no thought to the fact that you have no money. You ignore me and are rude to others texting and talking on the phone I bought which only has minutes because of the cell phone plan I pay for.

In school and at home kids come to the conclusion that they have a life when what they have is some imaginary semblance of a life totally funded by others and those others are generally the one most often blamed for ruining "their lives".

And then when they finally, if ever, take their privileged little behinds out of my house they are somehow aghast at how "unfair" life is. Sweetie... Life never was fair... I simply made the error of wanting to provide you nice things. For that... I apologize.

Privilege promotes dependency and unrealistic expectations.
Struggle creates balance and a spirit of thanks.

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

Thank you for posting this. I needed to read this for some consolation for a current event happening in my life. :yourock

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

The sad reality is that every civilization that has risen to domanance has reached a point of maturity. At that point the society turns inward and "enjoys" the fruit of its labor. When that happens, that society begins to lose the very things that brought it to its high place.

Narcisim is in many ways a product of pride. We are warned by history and by the wisdom of scripture that such behavior leads to distruction.

I dont know if I will be alive to see the fall of America, but I fully expect my children or grand children will be here to see it.

I dont know of the crash of our civilization will mark the return of Jesus.... others thought that of thiers.... but we will pay the piper as a nation. We will face a day of wrath. I dont necessarily mean wrath in the sense of the Judgement of God but certainly in the sense that when this thing comes crashing down there will be pain and disillusionment.

We have a thousand examples that have gone before us and we will NOT learn the lessons of history.

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

Well said D! I pray I have the parental fortitude to teach my kids as you state here.

When my son tells me something isnt fair, I tell him "if life was a fair you would be a bearded lady"

To which he responds with dirision.... lol... I think he is starting to get it.

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

:thumbsup
Welcome back, D4T. :)

Love it, Ferd!

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

Sad truths. :(

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

I am thinking that unless your in your mid 80's or older AND in poor health, it is likely you will see it first hand.

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

So true and a good expression of the quote below. While the author and original content remain in question the truth of it does not.

We've just about finished the cycle. But... the good news is that the whole process starts over and we find spiritual faith again once we fully squander our freedom and affluence.

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

It does place a renewed urgency in my heart to teach my kids to be strong enough for the fight they will face.

Re: We are raising a generation of deluded narciss
 

HA! It's like evolution--to point out an uncomfortable example--or the kingdom of Heaven; one needn't wait to see either. One just needs diff eyes. Viola.