May 29 – The Seven C’s of Dualistic Delusion
The seven “C’s” of delusion from dualistic thinking: it compares, it competes, it conflicts, it condemns, it cancels any contrary evidence, it crucifies with impunity. Thomas Keating
Gregg’s Reflection
When I first came across Thomas Keating’s “Seven C’s” of dualistic thinking, I felt both exposed and understood.
I could see myself in every one of them. In my business years, I compared my performance with others constantly. I competed to prove I was the best. I got into conflicts over strategy and direction. I condemned those I thought were lazy or careless. I ignored evidence that didn’t fit my worldview. And if someone crossed me, I could crucify them with a well-aimed word or a cold silence.
Even after moving into spiritual work and calling, I realized I still carried these reflexes. They were simply dressed in more polite clothes — theological debates instead of business negotiations, spiritual one-upmanship instead of sales competition. The form had changed, but the habit of dividing, ranking, and excluding remained.
Naming these “Seven C’s” has helped me notice them as they arise. It’s not about shaming myself, but about catching the moment when my mind slips into the old binary patterns. Then, I can pause, breathe, and invite God’s grace to loosen my grip. Little by little, that grace creates space for compassion — for myself and for the person in front of me.
Scripture
Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?
Matthew 7:3
Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Luke 6:37
If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
Galatians 5:15
Ancient Quotes
In the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and human success, but rather on how much we have loved.
St. John of the Cross
Modern Quotes
The seven “C’s” of delusion from dualistic thinking: it compares, it competes, it conflicts, it condemns, it cancels any contrary evidence, it crucifies with impunity.
Thomas Keating, Open Hearts, Open Minds, p. 122
Great love and great suffering are the two universal paths of transformation. They alone are strong enough to take away the ego’s power to compare, compete, and condemn.
Richard Rohr, The Universal Christ, p. 132
The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our own image.
Thomas Merton, No Man Is an Island, p. 168
Journaling Prompts
- Which of the “Seven C’s” shows up most often in your own thoughts or behavior?
- What situations trigger you to slip into comparison, competition, or condemnation?
- How might grace interrupt one of these patterns in your life today?
- Who in your life might need more compassion than critique from you right now?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 22 Reflection: Judgment, Dualistic Thinking