Manipulate, manipulation. Ugh - one of my least favorite words. Having grown up around the church I have seen it all. People taught to praise God in certain ways. People taught certain things to keep them passive and in submission to the church. Guilt. Shame. Guilt. Yeuch.
When people are being manipulative they don't take questions. In fact, questions are not allowed by manipulators. Behavioral expectations are made clear and anyone that chooses to live outside of those expectations is severely punished or shunned.
The church should not be a place of manipulation. The church should be a place where our differences are celebrated. Where disagreement is welcomed. After all, we only learn from people who are different than we are.
Please feel free to ask any questions that you have, anytime. If you expect people to trust you, you must live by a policy of full disclosure.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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2 comments:
Amen.
So true. We all view our lives a little different and our church family is where those differences are cherished.
Roger Kelley
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