Don't know if this helps you or not daystar. I was doing some research on my family heritage a few years back. I come from a long line of visionaries (sp?) from Russia who immigrated here in the early 1900's. They felt they were the ones who were to be changed in the twinkling of an eye to reign with Christ upon death. So they firmly believe that keeping within the 'pure' group would assure their reward. Not unlike the witnesses, excepting that family, a simple lifestyle, and keeping the blood lines pure would be necessary. "We were the chosen ones".
During my research, and out of curiosity, I contacted a Priest of the Russian Orthodox Church to find out if there was any written information about this group in his libraries. There is, and they were a sect, not so much unlike the witnesses, that broke off from the orthodoxy. The interesting comment he made to me during our conversation concerning my concern over my folks becoming witnesses was " Well, the personality of those who are (of the group I was born into) are of the same personality type as those who are attracted to groups or religeous sects like the JW's. It takes a certain type of individual to belong to them and live that lifestyle."
Well, I'm not particularly proud of that but his comment did give me some insight. I feel he was very correct. This gave me much to think about and to be more observant of people. I see they are needy of direction and stucture in their lives.
Fortunately, my personality is abberant of that group or type of individual.
hope
