Extort : 1. a. to obtain from a person by force, threat, intimidation, or abuse of authority. 2. to elicit by cunning or persuasiveness.
2007-04-14 05:23:30 · 16 answers · asked by MoPleasure4U 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's more blackmail
In a broader sense, blackmail is an offer to refrain from any action which would be legal or normally allowed, and is thus distinguished from extortion.
"If you are not good, you do not go to heaven."
2007-04-14 05:35:21 · answer #1 · answered by Experto Credo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but you must admit that it's a clever ruse.
First, create imaginary places that can't be verified. Then, make them 'eternal' so that there's no chance of escape or change.
Finally, extort money, obedience, and effort based on attempting to enter the 'good' place and avoid the 'bad' one.
It's no wonder that millions of gullible people get sucked into religious belief systems! It takes a great deal of intestinal fortitude to point out the self-serving weaknesses inherent in this oft-repeated nonsense.
But. say this in open society, and people want to treat you like they did Socrates, 3,000 years ago.
2007-04-14 12:34:11 · answer #2 · answered by nora22000 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course it is. It is telling someone that if they don't act in a certain way they won't be allowed into heaven (which I don't believe anyway), but it is still extortion, especially if they are telling the person that they need to contribute to their Church/cause/whatever in order to get into heaven.
2007-04-14 12:30:13 · answer #3 · answered by meg3f 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I beleive it's not only a form of extortion, but goes against the teachings of Christ. Letting someone know they might be on the wrong path is far different than telling them they are "going to hell." Christ came, not to condemn us, but to free us from condemnation.
Love, Hope, Peace, & Christ Be With You,
Cal-el & Black Canary
2007-04-14 12:28:05 · answer #4 · answered by Prodigal Son 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is a question of motive. If you believe in it and are concerned for them, it is not. If you want power over them, it's extortion.
To reverse it, ignoring the male prostitute, if you see that a preacher is using crystal meth, you can use the information to help him or manipulate him.
2007-04-14 12:31:29 · answer #5 · answered by novangelis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christians tell them nothing. Gods word is there for all to see. When you ask though, the truth may hurt a little.
2007-04-14 12:28:55 · answer #6 · answered by JohnFromNC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Secularism is a common theme in all religions. Every religion believes that all other religions are going to hell. Funny, if you do the math, there are more people going to hell than there are going to heaven. Surely there can't be that man bad people!
2007-04-14 12:28:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Dude, it's the ultimate form of extortion. Same with Hell.
2007-04-14 12:27:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
its an act of cowardsace and stupidity
Christians that tell others they are going to hell are ignorant and rude, nothing else can be said to their case.
2007-04-14 12:28:30 · answer #9 · answered by DrewM 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
could be... a form of manipulation and terroristic fear tactics anyway!
my response is 'if there was something interesting there i would go... i prefer truth'
2007-04-14 12:28:23 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋