Narcissistic abuse is often subtle and spiritually confusing, especially for faithful, generous people. They become easy prey for the covert narcissist.

Targeting begins with studying by the narcissist: they look for empathy, conscience, faith, loyalty, and a desire to love well.

Stage One: Idealization / Love-Bombing

Intense praise, accelerated intimacy, and spiritual language

Creates emotional dependency and bypasses healthy discernment

Stage Two: Devaluation

Gradual criticism, gaslighting, and conditional affection

Victim begins doubting memory, judgment, and worth

Confusion replaces peace — a key warning sign

Flying Monkeys

Allies recruited to defend the narcissist and pressure the target

Often weaponize Christian language: “forgive,” “don’t divide,” “offer it up”

Stage Three: Discard

Emotional abandonment, replacement, or smear campaigns

Mirrors the devil’s pattern: use, accuse, abandon

Spiritual Framework

The devil is the primordial narcissist: pride, accusation, and control

Christ offers truth, freedom, humility, and peace

Protection for Catholics

Watch for speed, lack of repentance, boundary violations, and isolation

Discern fruit, not religious vocabulary

Recovery

Naming the truth, restoring boundaries, returning to Christ

Forgiveness without coercion; healing rooted in freedom and clarity