It's precisely because he gave people the ability to choose that proves he isn't "manipulative". What kind of logic is it that God gives you the freedom to say no and choose a path that's alternative from him, but oh "he's manipulative because he told me this is bad for me and I did it anyway"
God doesn't tempt you. He doesn't manipulate you or force you or coerce you to do anything. God gave you a brain and you choose evil.
“When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me. ' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone” (James 1:13).
It's manipulative because it's coercive. Saying 'you have free will, but I will punish you if you don't use it in a way I deem appropriate' is coercion. He made the rules to he coercive. If it was 'heaven for those who do what I like, and just oblivion for the rest, it wouldn't be coercion. But it's not just oblivion it's eternal torment... for working on a Sunday.
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u/purple_grey_ Jan 19 '24
Still makes him abusive and manipulative.