Why? The world *could* have just sprung into existence at the behest of the Almighty Deity. Or maybe 20 minutes ago -- we wouldn't know. It's a fair point -- most people do believe in a Deity that could do that kind of shit.

That's the way people see things. However you got where you are, the way forward is to work with what you've got, from where you are. It doesn't much matter how you got there.

I think the point I'm trying to make is that unless we try and work out why we were so susceptible (OK, more susceptibility, less responsibility), we'll never really know ourselves

Why? Why not take a few psychometric tests instead, and get to know your *present* self? And if you are worried about healing the cognitive patterns that led you into the cult, or false beliefs that you may still harbour, there is always rational therapy.