I read somewhere that it is typical of Cults to create an imagined "Them" against "Us" mentality where the Cult member feels safe within the confines of the Cult and is fearful and distrustful of anyone on the outside. Looking back over the years, not one person was ever unkind or even thought twice about my religion. Teachers bent over backward to accomodate me not participating in regular class activities. To hear it told at the meetings....it was almost a virtue to be hated by the world around you.