Ever know a someone, or someone with children who were living with an abusive mate? That mate would beat, slander, and abuse their family? And it was "well known" with other people that this Mate procured this treatment upon the family?
Ever see these people trying to tell the VICTIMS of this relationship to leave...and with the overwhelming evidence of abuse....they dont? They make excuses(due to the verbal/physical submission), for the abusive mate, even to death? Even the children?
Now, put the reasoning of; The Taliban, Jim Jones, Jehovah Witnesses, Moonies etc etc. in to the fray. They get to do what they
want because they are "spirited directed" or..."use the name of God"...or ..."God's channel of communication to all the earth". Hey, what can stop you then? Woohoo! You got "GOD" on your side!
Sure...some are pacifist. They wont put poison in Kool-Aid. Or subject their women to wear burkahs (but enforce no beards, piercings etc.).
They wont do any "violent" action to anyone. Just make them submit to their interpretation thru their literature.
I asked my Mom (a JW) today:
"If I started to go back to the meetings, would the elders tell me to shave my goatee and tell me to remove my tongue piercing?"
She said, "Oh no, it's your choice if you want to have those things".
Is it really? You mean, I can be myself and they wont say a thing? Just smile? I get to go out in service too? How about running the mics up an down the aisle, swirling my little tongue gauge?
Denial, another powerfull tool exploited by Abusers.
D8TA