Difference between revisions of "Messiah complex"
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| − | A '''messiah complex''' is a [[state]] of [[mind]] in which the [[individual]] believes he/she is, or is [[destined]] to become, a savior. The messiah complex does not [[appear]] in the [ | + | A '''messiah complex''' is a [[state]] of [[mind]] in which the [[individual]] believes he/she is, or is [[destined]] to become, a savior. The messiah complex does not [[appear]] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagnostic_and_Statistical_Manual_of_Mental_Disorders Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders] (DSM) |
| − | The character Holden Caulfied in the book [ | + | The character Holden Caulfied in the book [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catcher_in_the_Rye Catcher in the Rye] appears to have a messiah complex; he sees himself [[being]] - and wants to be - the savior of people from his [[perceived]] threats of a modern, [[capitalistic]] [[society]]. Holden was [[disillusioned]] with the trappings of [[wealth]], and sought to [[share]] that disillusionment. |
Some [[experience]] the messiah complex through delusions of persecution, in which some believe they are to be [[sacrificed]] in a [[manner]] resembling the [[crucifixion]] of [[Jesus]]. Delusions of persecution may indicate severe mental illness that is not properly medicated. | Some [[experience]] the messiah complex through delusions of persecution, in which some believe they are to be [[sacrificed]] in a [[manner]] resembling the [[crucifixion]] of [[Jesus]]. Delusions of persecution may indicate severe mental illness that is not properly medicated. | ||
==Appearances in popular culture== | ==Appearances in popular culture== | ||
| − | *In Season 5 of [ | + | *In Season 5 of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_(TV_series) House M.D]., Dr. Gregory House refers to Dr. Robert Wilson as having the messiah complex because he believes Wilson [[chooses]] his partners only if they have some illness or impairment, thus allowing himself to essentially be a 'saviour' for that person. (In an earlier episode, Wilson notes that while some people have a messiah complex, House has a "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubik%27s_Cube Rubik]'s complex," a need to "solve the [[Problem|puzzle]].") |
| − | *In [ | + | *In [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lawnmower_Man The Lawnmower Man], the titular character envisions himself in [[virtual]] [[reality]] as a [[Christ]] figure--“Cyber Christ,” he says. |
[[Category: Psychology]] | [[Category: Psychology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 01:22, 13 December 2020
A messiah complex is a state of mind in which the individual believes he/she is, or is destined to become, a savior. The messiah complex does not appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
The character Holden Caulfied in the book Catcher in the Rye appears to have a messiah complex; he sees himself being - and wants to be - the savior of people from his perceived threats of a modern, capitalistic society. Holden was disillusioned with the trappings of wealth, and sought to share that disillusionment.
Some experience the messiah complex through delusions of persecution, in which some believe they are to be sacrificed in a manner resembling the crucifixion of Jesus. Delusions of persecution may indicate severe mental illness that is not properly medicated.
Appearances in popular culture
- In Season 5 of House M.D., Dr. Gregory House refers to Dr. Robert Wilson as having the messiah complex because he believes Wilson chooses his partners only if they have some illness or impairment, thus allowing himself to essentially be a 'saviour' for that person. (In an earlier episode, Wilson notes that while some people have a messiah complex, House has a "Rubik's complex," a need to "solve the puzzle.")
- In The Lawnmower Man, the titular character envisions himself in virtual reality as a Christ figure--“Cyber Christ,” he says.
