It is recognition of emotional reality whether it is manipulation or not.
People respond more readily to something that is seen as socially appropriate. Others moving forward enables them to overcome any social embarrassment.
So, there is an emotional reality being addressed by this strategy.
If it is manipulation, then we need to address the household baptisms in the book of Acts when the leader of the household’s response led to others responding.
It became socially acceptable.
The same with the spread of Christianity when the conversion of the king led to other conversions, Ireland/Scotland/England giving examples.
Is it manipulation to respond to Christ because you have a follower’s mentality, but a friend or family member can be a leader who can enable you to overcome a social obstacle?
You can’t be serious. When the head of a household led in conversion, it was genuine.
Not theatrics.
In a similar vein, I hesitate to respond or even form an opinion on stories like this, until I see what FRiend xzins has to say.
Oh come now Chappy!
Conversions in the Book of Acts were brought about by the work of the Holy Spirit. If you go to the original source of this article you will see documents that quite clearly explain how to manipulate people.
Apples vs. Oranges
They need to make it plain that these are not people standing to be Baptised but people who are there to make you more comfortable about going forward.