A Question On Manipulation for the Religious

[bennyboy]

Hi guys 
I'm new here, in fact, although I've been an atheist for most of the last 50 years

Welcome!

[brewer]

Ya know you're sucked in when one of the rules say "don't kill" and then it's modified to "except when we tell you to".

Ya know you're sucked in when one of the rules say "money can't buy salvation" and then it's modified to "but we need it to get you saved".

Ya know you're sucked in when one of the rules say "do not make images of things in heaven" and then it's modified to "except the ones we sell in the gift shop".

Ya know you're sucked in when one of the rules say "do not covet" and then it's modified to "except by us and it's little boys".

Ya know you're sucked in when..............

[Drich]

On a superficial level, religion wears the mask of the shepherd here to save the weak and lost sheep. On a superficial level, religious institutions do provide a service for those hungry, homeless, and those suffering from addictions. The more secular these institutions are, the better. The more prayer and scripture reading prescribed...the worse off anyone is going to be because quite frankly...prayer is silly and scripture reading is brain washing. But I do concede and admit that the little inch that someone needs to better there lives may be a "faith" in some "greater power" and it is better that they believe and have better lives than not believe and continue to destroy themselves. I supposed I am a pragmatist in that sense. 

But on the larger scheme of things, in the bigger picture, religion is the worlds first and most prominent snake oil salesmen that continues to desperately identify with it's investigator for the purposes of fuller offering plates and baskets and higher yield in tithe activity. Religion preys on the weaker minded or broken spirited with manipulated tactics of being able to supply housing and food to those in need as well as support to addicts. But this is not for the greater good of man because the man receiving help must praise God and show his allegiance. So if not for love why do the churches help out people who have nothing to offer? 

Because it's an investment. Once you do have something to offer you will feel the need to pay tithe or donate and now the church goes on to the next helpless victim. 

Not to discount youth involvement. There are two pastor in my town, both from the same fellowship and they continually reach out to the youth even to the point that they decided to coach junior football. I find it disgusting because quite honestly...these guys are not "football guys" and they weren't coaching for football's sake but they knew that being a coach could help their pay check on Sunday mornings which it did. They've won over a lot of the hearts of the youth....but only because they're parents are potential customers and once they have graduated and work they will also be donating. 

Absolutely reprehensible... 
So that being said, how do religious theists feel knowing that their institutions use the same social manipulation tactics similar to MLM, network marketing, pyramid schemes, and con-men?

Meh...

Only a fool can look at his little corner of the world and proclaim that the whole planet will conform to what he knows of his little corner of it.

For those who grew up being 'marketed to' a marketing based approach to Christianity is what is needed. For those who don't will and can find another version/expression of Christianity too hold on to...

That is the key to the freedom we have been given in our greatest command. (To love God with all of our being) Now, because we are all a little different this love will manifest itself differently from person to person culture to culture, which means their is a great need for freedom and diversity in God's church. Which is why we have so many Jesus Christ centered churches. Your two examples are but 2 of over 30K supposed 'Christian Churches.'

Now give a slightly larger perspective, do you really think that all churches on this planet have or currently operate the way you describe?

[Imaginaryfriendless]

Only a fool can look at his little corner of the world and proclaim that the whole planet will conform to what he knows of his little corner of it.

Hmm. So I assume you have visited these 30K churches yourself? Or are you guilty of the same foolishness?

That is the key to the freedom we have been given in our greatest command. (To love God with all of our being) Now, because we are all a little different this love will manifest itself differently from person to person culture to culture, which means their is a great need for freedom and diversity in God's church. Which is why we have so many Jesus Christ centered churches. Your two examples are but 2 of over 30K supposed 'Christian Churches.'

Now give a slightly larger perspective, do you really think that all churches on this planet have or currently operate the way you describe?

I can't speak for all, of course, but I am exceptionally well-travelled, and Livingnumbers' story is a familiar one. 

The tattered remains of fables sorted through by Constantine and his council of Nicaea does not a holy writ make. How does one "decide" that another, who died 325 years before, is the son of God? Random drawing? Darts?

[vorlon13]

As the Mormons did and documented, committees thrashing out doctrine have precious little to do with God and much to do with their own preconceived notions, peccadilloes, hypocrisies, prejudices and foolishness.

Council of Nicaea wasn't big on continuity either, except in it's retcon form.