Does this answer the question you asked John?

No because that is just theory. I was trying to get an explanation of how that felt/works from the inside, from a person who had gone through the changes. But your definition is also faulty because cult members do question and reject the cult leader. In the case of Elan Vital the great majority of members have done just that as you and I did at different times. As I left before there were substantial changes in the cult doctrine I was trying to get a personal explanation from someone who had lived through those very changes over 30 years. Having the question answered was not a major part of my life, I only had to write a few emails.

Most religious people follow dead leaders as interpreted by historical associations and current leaders who have the power to interpret that doctrine. Prem Rawat is just one of many people in his situation, he inherited his position at a very early age before he showed he was capable of doing the job well which is why he had done so poorly but apart from having a live leader I see very little difference between the actual experiences of people from many religious groups including those wiht live leaders such as EV and those without.

Regarding the affidavit, I don't appreciate that you think it OK to lie for self benefit, and I strongly disagree with your generalisation that 'people continually lie for their self benefit'. I don't and I am unaware that my family, friends and colleagues do.

I did not say it is OK to lie. I said it is a common part of human life from so-called "white lies" through to ones with evil intent. "Continually" was a bad choice of word, occasionally would have been better. I congratulate you on being part of such an ethical group of people.

I saw it as being a badge of honour that you were singled out and so maligned by Elan Vital but I am happy to apologise to you for signing the affidavit. I have presented an affidavit to the Supreme Court of Queensland stating I was blackmailed into signing the document which I consider to be a farrago of cult nonsense that no person could take seriously who wasn't indoctrinated into the cult dogma and I think your name was mentioned in that. Should we ever meet I will be happy to apolgise face to face as well.