METHODS USED IN MANIPULATION
Simon Says,
Peer Pressure and
Mood Music.
It starts out as Innocent, but moves to Invasive.
The questions and the call for participation can be innocent, but the manipulator begins to intensify the interaction until it is invasive.
Emotion and (supposed spiritual) Elitism are used.
Emotion is part of the soulish makeup of humans and legitimate emotions are stirred during a stirring service. However, emotion must yield to Biblical authority. The manipulator will indicate that the spiritually advanced or elite follow his directives.
There is difference in Enhancement and Enchantment. Proclamation of the gospel legitimately uses resources (facilities, talent, testimony) to present the gospel, but trickery and mind control are not legitimate.
I hate MANipulation because it is not CHRIST-like.
I don't want to be manipulated and I don't manipulate others.
You won't go Astray, if you don't start the Wrong Way.
A few more thoughts...
Following or Falling for MANIPULATION is a human response to human stimuli, whether High Church or House Church.
The origin is wrong, regardless of the motive.
The response is natural, not spiritual.
Manipulation is the Easy, Cheap way to move people.
There is nothing wrong with Enthusiasm or Emotion but there is something wrong with Chicanery and Coercion.
We could ask, Would Jesus Do It? Unfortunately, most people have a strange "Jesus," who might have no morals or standards.
So, I look at the Scriptures as my model. Not only do I not find it there, I find principles which do not allow it anywhere.
And remember, it happens in the most dignified and honorable settings, led by the most sincere of people, and can be justified by a number of arguments; BUT IT IS STILL WRONG.
A few more thoughts...
Following or Falling for MANIPULATION is a human response to human stimuli, whether High Church or House Church.
The origin is wrong, regardless of the motive.
The response is natural, not spiritual.
Manipulation is the Easy, Cheap way to move people.
There is nothing wrong with Enthusiasm or Emotion but there is something wrong with Chicanery and Coercion.
We could ask, Would Jesus Do It? Unfortunately, most people have a strange "Jesus," who might have no morals or standards.
So, I look at the Scriptures as my model. Not only do I not find it there, I find principles which do not allow it anywhere.
And remember, it happens in the most dignified and honorable settings, led by the most sincere of people, and can be justified by a number of arguments; BUT IT IS STILL WRONG.
