HBD writes:
Question for you, do you think it is actually possible to "do Christianity" without using this type of manipulation? Or in other words, is manipulation inherent in religion or is it a distortion or corruption of religion?
Being human, we all have a tendency to manipulate, control, and push our own desires onto others. As Christians, we believe--by faith---that the Spirit(of Love and Truth) is greater than our animal instincts. It is therefore indeed possible to "do christianity" with noble motives....but it takes a disciplined lifestyle and a desire to help others before ourselves.
When I use a word, Humpty Dumpty said, in a rather scornful tone, it means just what I choose it to meannothing more nor less.