After a great deal of thought, though, I have to admit that there was one strong positive to life in the delusional bubble of the cult: camaraderie, defined by the Oxford Dictionary as "mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together."
The feeling of all being on the same team, fighting for the same "righteous cause" of spreading "the gospel" and enlarging "God's kingdom on earth," although all causes of folly I now see, were factors that helped bring about feelings of unity and camaraderie.
We were like a large extended family. I could visit another city or country and know I had like-minded people that I could stay with who would welcome me with open arms. I had people to turn to in times of trial for counsel and encouragement, or for a hug and an encouraging word, and I had emotional support that I relied on.
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