Bob you wrote:

"I am uncertain as to what An Other means by, “It is easier to take responsibility and account for personal decisions after getting out of an abusive situation.” Yes, it is easier, but it can also be deadly if the person is coming out of a truly thought reform group (cult). This is because they were not at fault for much of what went on. Had they known up front what they were joining they would never have committed to the group. We have yet to meet a person who tells us, “I had nothing better to do, so one day I decided to join a cult and have them ruin my life!” Once a person leaves a cult it is so easy to look back and judge their behavior with a new set of moral categories that they did not have while in the group. Someone has wisely said, “Nobody joins a cult, they just delay leaving.”

Although I was talking about it being easier as an atheist not to put blame on God or anyone else, still your answer is extremely helpful to me and comforting as well. It also brought out something I have been triggered alot by. And that is actions that occurred while under the influence that I hated to see or be around even then, but I felt wrong for feeling that while in. I was sure it was my weakness and me not listening to "God" enough.

What complicates things more is that a second generation was so gravely hurt and to feel like even though I got out and got my kids out while they were young, I am some kind of "Nazi" for having been a part of the First Generation.
building Hitler and making him who he was.

We built Berg they say. That really hurts. I don't feel like it is accurate. Though it may take a following for a cult leader to gain strength, I don't see it as being the same as joining the Brownshirts or the SS.

I feel like FG were the first line of vulnerable youth that had no clue what we were getting into. For many of us it was not at all evident and Berg was not even known about or discussed during the first weeks and months of "training."

What are your thoughts on this?

Thank you for your answer to my previous post.