(I'll used male pronouns for the sake of simplicity)
Lost and alone, and perhaps leaving an upbringing of substance abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect, he is searching for community. A place of belonging. Most likely under educated, and perhaps having a lower than average I.Q. he is grasping at straws trying to be included.
He meets a person who tells him of his community, where all are accepted, and welcome. Although this sounds too good to be true, he decides to follow, as the stranger has an air of legitimacy.
On meeting the community, for the first time he has a feeling of belonging. They take him in, and begin teaching the doctrines of the community. He is so glad to be included he can dismiss that some of their teachings may seem a bit odd, and out of place. So afraid of being cast out, he blindly follows, until he himself believes. They form a group consciousness, thinking as one, and only believing that which they are told by the leader. Eventually they have no individual thoughts.
Jonestown?
The Manson family?
Branch Davidians?
Unfortunately, I'm talking about the Westboro Baptist Church. By name, and their tax free status only, can the be considered a Christian church. They are a hate group, and a cult. Period.
Every person has the right to believe what they want, and worship as they see proper. It is when it turns to hate, against anybody, that they have truly lost their way.
We should be praying for them.
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