Well, the way I see it, shunning and such is an emotional punishment and soon people get over it, some longer then others, but it is treatable.
The idea that they are gods only channel or only ones that have a direct link, is not so far fetched, I mean even the catholics have their pope.
I really think it is a toss up between 2 items and I feel this way because I am not sure which has caused more deaths.
1: The blood/health policies {I have to include health because they have interfeared in vaccienes, transplants and such as well as the blood policy).
2: Their "No part of this world" attitude twords being totally seperate from the world and not allowing their followers to buy party cards and such things that every one else in a particular country has to do. Malwai, is one prime example but not the only one.
Seedy