Hi Seven: I think we are all somewhat confused about what you were referring to(I know I am). Since Satan dominates this world it is full of manipulation, mostly for power so one can acquire what they want. When I did my taxes this year I did something I usually never do, that was I trusted the woman doing the work, and, da dah, she cheated me out of some money. Maybe there is a reason you were not specific, however it would help if you gave a hint of what kind of manipulation you are referring to. You said, using the bible as the hand of God, in a very real sense the bible IS the hand of God, at least most Christians believe it to be so. How could using the bible as the hand of God harm people because the bible is the hand of God? Now manipulating the bible is a grievous sin that is rampant in our time, is that what you were describing.
Hi Samuel
I agree that the devil is well able to manipulate people and influence thought and from that point, behavior
I think we can get some help recognizing that, and exhibiting self control as Galatians tells us
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
22-23
you are right when you say manipulation is about asserting power. that is exactly what it is for and it can devolve into a demonic stronghold if people keep giving in to it
which is where the fruit of the Holy Spirit comes in. we don't arrive at this point instantly, but as we grow in Christ and we mature. I guess you know that though but sometimes age does not matter. it is the heart that responds to God and the leading of the Holy Spirit and who submits to the word and understands that we need to try and please God. I am not talking about salvation here as some seem to confuse the issue of salvation and sanctification
following is the last paragraph in my op:
this is a behavior that is sadly very often tolerated in church and called 'authority' but it is a false authority. we are not to be ruled over by people. every single Christian is supposed to be under authority and that includes the person at the top. no one should be god in your life and the reason Christians should submit to one another and take counsel from each other is to disallow the sad fact of sinful behavior (and the human desire to be god in their own life and the lives of others), to be active as any sort of power play over others
I was trying to distinguish between those who manipulate to gain power and what actual authority is.
I did not really define authority though.
sorry if I was not clear enough. I can see how I might have left out some things to make it clearer.
referring to the Bible, I actually meant those who berate others by USING the Bible. there is a difference. the Bible is not a tool to cow people down or make them fearful of both God and the person who twists what is says in order to make it say something to seem to back up their own sinful behavior
hope that clears it up?
thanks very much for asking questions. always glad to answer questions rather then deflect angry words