Dear An Other,You wrote:

“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?”
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your question is a very good one and quandary very normal albeit, painful. Essentially, where does personal responsibility begin and undue influence/group manipulation end? That is always a very difficult question. My personal belief is that there are many factors to consider. In a very destructive group like the Family the process of making you over into the identity of a loyal disciple was/is a very powerful and insidious process. Unlike “brainwashing” where there is capture, physical torture, imprisonment, etc. that systematically breaks down a person’s identity and defenses until they embrace an alien ideology, thought reform is far more destructive. In a heavy thought reform environment like the Family a person cooperates with the process of indoctrination and doesn’t even realize that is what they are doing. Every former member, while a member of the group, says they can leave any time they want to. “There are no bars on windows or locks on the doors.” However, inevitably, upon leaving the group they will tell you that the barriers erected in their minds were far greater than any exterior ones. That is what it so confusing. If you accept the assumption (over time) that this group/leader truly speaks for God on the Earth today you would be a fool not to follow them. To disobey them/him is to disobey God! To question them/him is to question God! Even your own thoughts and critical thinking are now suspect, of the “devil”, your “flesh”, etc.

The point is that you left! You got your family out of the group. You did not continue the process of abuse. There is so much more that can be said on this subject. Is there responsibility of a type for you and any former member of a destructive group? Yes. However, it is very important for you to understand that had you known upfront what you were getting involved in you would never have done so.