According to the bible, the Jewish Saul hunted down and killed Christians for going against what he THOUGHT was the correct religion. So the bible records an instance where a person can be sincere in their beliefs and still be a murderer, correct? Is it too much of a stretch to believe that today there are people that have a belief or perception that they are correct and directed by a god and that anything that tries to slow that down or get in the way will be done away with.
Their minds are thinking delusional thoughts at this time and their prime directive is to increase membership to the group and if and when you get in the way of this directive by trying to save a member you will be "taken out" as far as their powers will allow them. They can't prevent ones that have left from talking but they can prevent ones still in from hearing what you may have to say. The elders themselves proved that by their comment about not sharing this info with your wife or others.
NJY