I am about as far from a manipulative person as you can get. In fact, both my daughter and sister have tried to give me lessons on how to manipulate, because "it works so well." All the more reason I cannot and won't manipulate.
But this statement from the OP, seems to be saying, if someone is posting something you don't like, and you DARE to come back with a Biblical answer, then you are manipulating? Please correct me if I am wrong.
To me, the essence of discussing not just doctrine, but how to grow closer to God, and to be more like him, has to come from the Bible. Some people really live the words, such as many of the old saints at church. I know in long term care, I learned so much as a chaplain from the incredible wisdom and love of these people in their 90's.
But, to say someone is manipulating or using a verse not in the way God intended it, I can agree. That is called bad hermeneutics or interpretation, and it goes on constantly in this forum. It is not manipulation. To come back with a quote of the context of the passage, or other supporting verses or information can never be wrong.
I am constantly in the faces of people I do not agree with here. I think they will attest to that! LOL But is that manipulation, or being forthright?
Manipulation is when someone tries to force you to do, or believe something, and basically you don't even realize they are doing it. Because, if they were in your face, you would recognize immediately that they were pushing you to do or believe something you didn't want to do or believe.
Anyway, my example of manipulation is to post a thank you to people who rep you publicly. You may well be thankful, I don't deny that. But, it comes across as "Haha, I got a rep!" I hate it when I rep someone and they come back and publicly thank me. I did it in secret, and I would like it kept between us. If you send me a pm, thanking me, that is very appropriate.
But too many overtones of cliques, and maybe condescension come out of publicly thanking people. I just really find it manipulative. I won't rep the person who does that again. So I am not just talking about this thread, but the flattery that passes as being friends in any thread, in any forum.
"I'd like to thank the people who think my posts are great, by giving me a rep!" Ok, maybe that is kind of hitting people over the head. Since manipulation is hard for me to recognize, maybe I am misinterpreting this. Still, it doesn't sit well with me, in case anyone wants to know! LOL