A person with paranoid personality disorder (PPD) in a church setting often exhibits patterns that appear spiritual on the surface but are driven by deep distrust and fear. Their theology, relationships, and ministry style become colored by suspicion rather than love or faith. Here’s how it typically manifests:
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Chronic Distrust of Others – They interpret ordinary disagreements or administrative decisions as personal attacks or conspiracies. For example, if the pastor changes the order of service, they might believe it’s a hidden attempt to silence them.
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Rigid and Defensive Theology – They cling to specific doctrines, translations, or interpretations with absolute certainty, not because of deep study, but because it offers a sense of control in a world they perceive as hostile. In their mind, questioning their interpretation equals questioning God Himself.
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Projection of Motives – They often accuse others of manipulation, compromise, or heresy while being unaware that these accusations mirror their own internal fears. Paranoid individuals externalize their anxiety; what they can’t tolerate in themselves, they “see” in others.
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Isolation and Factionalism – They slowly withdraw from church fellowship, forming small “purity circles” that claim to be the only true believers. Their motto becomes “we alone are faithful.” This inevitably leads to church splits, broken friendships, and exhausted leaders.
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Resistance to Correction – When confronted, they interpret it as persecution. Matthew 18-style reconciliation (private conversation, gentle correction) often fails because they view even gentle words as betrayal.
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Hypervigilant Spirituality – Outwardly, they may appear zealous and discerning—constantly “defending the truth” or “exposing error”—but this vigilance is powered by anxiety, not holiness. Their faith becomes a battlefield instead of a refuge.
The tragic irony is that paranoid personalities often start with good intentions: they want purity, truth, and faithfulness. But the fear of deception becomes stronger than trust in God. As a result, they damage precisely what they aim to protect—the unity and witness of the Church.
The biblical remedy lies in cultivating love that casts out fear (1 John 4:18). True discernment doesn’t come from suspicion but from peace, humility, and the capacity to trust God’s sovereignty even when others differ.
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