Is Manipulative Worship Okay?

What Would Make this Form of Manipulation “Benign”?

Well, I mean, if you made it this far in the post, it’s simple…

We educate ourselves on the possibilities of manipulations we evaluate our own hearts and recognize worship is more than just music.

So, what would make this form of “manipulation” benign? From a philosophical perspective, it’s tough to land on a point in which any form of manipulation is ethically sound.

In this instance, it’s the question of whether or not we’re informing the vulnerable of the mechanics of what we’re doing… Are we creating meaningful environments in which are lending a sense of healing? Or, are we simply infusing an anesthesiological form of manipulation that’s covering up or ignoring the pain and necessary hard work that would otherwise lead to healing?

Jesus almost guaranteed his followers that they’d suffer. He was quite clear in saying that there will be a substantial cost in following Him.

You see, people didn’t flock to Jesus because they were afraid of going to hell; large crowds gathered around him because he promised to bring them life.

— andy gill (@itsandygill) March 2, 2018

Are we offering something of substance? If your church is, how are they doing this?

[1] Painfully, I’m realizing the irony of saying we talk too much while daily struggling to write less in my sermons.

[2]Advertising to Children Wiki 

[3] I’m not “pro-capitalism” either… but, more on this Wednesday as I’m interviewing Tylor Standley on this very topic.