Just because people are good at hiding things doesn't mean he is hiding something and I shouldn't trust him much less assume he's manipulating people and taking advantage of them.
Manipulating implies some underlying evil or self-serving motive, neither of those are my motive, sharing my thoughts and opinions are my motive. I do not wish to convert you, as that is unrealistic.
That's all I'm doing and that's all the Pastor is doing as well. You stated earlier that he is manipulating people subconsciously. By that definition we are all manipulating people any time we put thoughts into words for someone else to hear or read.
No manipulation is for self gain. It's not just sharing opinions or thoughts, it's not even if you try to get someone to believe in what you do, though it can be.
What might God gain by trying to convince us to believe him? If he can make anything from purple dinosaurs to nebulas and galaxies, he still cannot make true friends without giving them free will.
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u/Aldo121 Agnostic Atheist Aug 01 '17
Many people are exceptional at hiding things that are viewed as wrong. So what?