The question of whether dominating someone is a sin touches on the broader concepts of power, control, respect, and human dignity. While the idea of dominance can manifest in various contexts—relationships, workplaces, social interactions, or even in a spiritual sense—there are certain principles in religious and moral teachings that help define when and how domination becomes problematic. To understand whether dominating someone is a sin, we need to consider the type of domination, its intent, and the underlying values that guide human interactions.
This article explores the concept of dominance from different perspectives, looking at how it is viewed in religious traditions, particularly in Christianity, as well as in secular and psychological contexts.
What Does It Mean to “Dominate” Someone?
Before we dive into the theological and moral implications, let’s first define what “dominating” someone means. In a broad sense, dominating someone involves exercising control, influence, or authority over them in a way that suppresses their autonomy, freedom, or individuality. This can happen in various forms:
- Psychological domination: Manipulating or controlling someone’s thoughts, emotions, or decisions through coercion, guilt, or fear.
- Physical domination: Using force, threats, or intimidation to control someone’s actions or body.
- Social or emotional domination: Undermining someone’s self-esteem, controlling their social interactions, or dictating their life choices.
- Spiritual domination: Using religious or spiritual authority to control others’ beliefs, behaviors, or decisions.
At its core, domination typically involves an imbalance of power where one person’s will is imposed on another’s, often without consent or regard for the other person’s well-being.
The Bible’s View on Power and Authority
In Christianity, the concept of power and authority is frequently discussed in terms of servanthood, humility, and love. Jesus, in particular, emphasized these values when instructing His followers on how to treat others, especially when it comes to relationships and authority.
Jesus on Power and Authority (Matthew 20:25-28)
One of the clearest teachings about domination and power comes from the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. He says:
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28)
In this passage, Jesus contrasts the worldly understanding of power, where leaders “lord” over others, with His own model of leadership, which is rooted in servanthood and humility. This teaching suggests that domination, as the world understands it, is not compatible with Christ’s example of leadership. Instead of seeking to dominate or control others, followers of Christ are called to serve and love one another.
The Apostles on Authority and Humility
Throughout the New Testament, the apostles echo similar sentiments about power and relationships. For example, in Ephesians 5:21-33, Paul discusses the relationship between husbands and wives, instructing them to submit to one another in love and respect, rather than dominate one another. This submission is not about inferiority or subjugation but about mutual care and self-sacrifice.
- Ephesians 5:21-22:
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.” - Ephesians 5:25:
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
In these passages, the concept of power and authority is framed by the principles of love and self-sacrifice, not domination. The idea is that true authority comes from serving others, not controlling them.
Pride and Domination in Christianity
Christianity warns against pride and arrogance, both of which can lead to attempts at domination. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” In relationships, a person’s desire to dominate may stem from pride or a sense of superiority, which is considered sinful. Christianity teaches that believers should cultivate humility and consider others better than themselves, as stated in Philippians 2:3-4:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Therefore, if someone seeks to dominate another person to satisfy their own pride or ego, this is not aligned with Christian teachings.
The Catholic Church’s Stance on Domination
The Catholic Church teaches that any form of domination that strips away the dignity and freedom of another person is sinful. The Church emphasizes the dignity of the human person, which must be respected in all relationships. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) states that every person has an inherent dignity and worth as created in the image of God, and this dignity must be respected.
- CCC 1700:
“The dignity of the human person is rooted in his or her creation in the image and likeness of God.” - CCC 1931:
“Respect for the human person considers the other ‘in his or her totality as a unique individual, made in the image and likeness of God.’”
Therefore, dominating someone in a way that undermines their freedom, self-worth, or dignity is considered a sin in Catholic teachings. This applies to relationships in all aspects of life, including marriage, family life, and society.
The Protestant Perspective on Power and Authority
In Protestant Christianity, the view on domination is similarly shaped by the teachings of Jesus and the apostolic letters. Many Protestant denominations emphasize the servant leadership model, which rejects the notion of dominating others.
For instance, the Reformed tradition stresses the importance of mutual respect in all relationships. This is reflected in teachings that promote equality, partnership, and love, rather than control or domination. Protestant denominations also emphasize the need for power to be used responsibly and in service to others, rather than to control or manipulate them.
- 1 Peter 5:3:
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.” - 1 Timothy 3:5:
“If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?”
These verses suggest that those in positions of leadership or authority should serve others, rather than dominate them.
Secular Views on Domination and Control
In a secular context, domination is generally considered unhealthy and unethical, especially in relationships. The concept of consent is central to modern ideas of personal freedom and autonomy. Whether in romantic relationships, professional settings, or social interactions, dominating someone—whether through manipulation, coercion, or force—violates their rights and individuality.
Psychologically, domination can lead to emotional abuse, manipulation, and coercive control, all of which are harmful and destructive. Healthy relationships are based on mutual respect, trust, and equality, not power imbalances. Many secular ethical frameworks, such as humanism or libertarianism, emphasize the importance of personal autonomy and freedom, which domination undermines.
Psychological and Sociological Implications of Domination
From a psychological and sociological standpoint, domination often leads to toxic relationships and can cause long-term harm to both the person being dominated and the one exerting control. People who dominate others may struggle with deep-seated issues of insecurity, fear of vulnerability, or a need to assert control due to past trauma or experiences.
On the other hand, those who are dominated may experience feelings of helplessness, anxiety, and diminished self-worth. Over time, this can lead to codependent relationships, where both parties are stuck in unhealthy patterns of control and submission.
Conclusion: Is Dominating Someone a Sin?
Yes, dominating someone can be a sin—especially when it violates the principles of respect, love, and human dignity. Whether it’s in a religious context or from a moral standpoint, domination typically involves an abuse of power, control, and a lack of empathy. Both Christianity and secular philosophies emphasize the importance of mutual respect, equality, and service to others. Domination, which denies these values, leads to spiritual and emotional harm.
- Christianity teaches that dominance, especially when rooted in pride and selfishness, is sinful.
- The Bible and Church teachings promote servant leadership, humility, and love, not control.
- Psychologically, domination creates toxic, unhealthy relationships that undermine the dignity of both individuals.
Therefore, whether in marriage, friendships, or any other kind of relationship, seeking to dominate or control others is not only morally wrong, but it also prevents the growth of healthy, loving, and respectful bonds. Instead, we are called to serve one another in love, recognizing each person’s inherent dignity and worth.