Would you ever be part of a religion where you could no longer assocate with family or friends who were not in the religion?

It's much harder to brainwash someone when they are getting outside influences.

They would have a hard time pulling the wool over your eyes Spunky.

I can't think of such a religion that would have me. :)

Hahaha.  I cannot picture you being subservient to any religion that demanded that sort of control.

I can't either lol.

But they would try.

And they would fail. :)

No, it is not.

Exactly!!  ;)

It can happen to anyone Peas, and timing is everything.
If you are down and out and looking for something better, they know just what to say to make you believe that they are speaking the truth.

You nailed it there.  It prey's on people at their lowest points  and at wits ends with empty promises.  " It's not your fault.  It's supernatural influences and other people working for them."

It becomes a drug for some people.  I had a sister in law that literally went off the deep end with a church.  My brother divorced her.  Really sad because she was a nice person, but very vulnerable with my brother being in the service and being away for months at a time.

That is sad.  I can't make a very educated assumption but based on that brief description it sounds like she may have just been yearning for closeness in the absence of having her husband around.

I've watched  first hand the toll having a husband or wife off serving in the military can have on spouses.  I kinda get why people in the military are quick to tie the knot and have children before they ship off, but I don't think it's realistic or a good idea personally.

So true.  Poor girl.  She left England to live with my brother here in the states and she had no family close by.  She was a very sociable person too.  My brother is not exactly the most communicative type either, so it was like the perfect storm.  

They are long divorced, but she raised two wonderful kids that my brother didn't have much contact with.  She also has grandchildren now that she dotes on.  

I have to say as deep as she went in, she did walk the walk since she applied all those strict rules to herself.  She never remarried and she serves others, regardless of what little she has.  

There are so many people who do believe that they are doing Gods will even when things fall apart.
They actually believe the more suffering you endure the more it will prove how much love and faithful you are.
As a parent I have never wanted my son to suffer to prove he loved me. And no loving God would either.

So very true Lulu.  And one don't need to be religious to fall into this trap of suffering because another beloved family member is in pain.

True.
Sacrifice can be a virtue; but for most of us, it shouldn't be construed as a life calling.