Why does the LDS Church seem like fertile ground for extremist groups preaching distorted beliefs, leading to horrific outcomes like child abuse?

On this episode of "Hidden Killers", Tony Brueski and former defense attorney Lori Hellis delve into the alarming pattern of "doomsday" groups emerging from within the LDS Church. Lori emphasizes the cultural insularity that contributes to the vulnerability of some members when confronted with charismatic leaders and distorted interpretations of doctrine.

They discuss how seemingly normal, everyday people can be susceptible: "If the mainstream doctrine is 12 o'clock, the doctrines that the doomsday folks are embracing are really about 12:01." Lori's insights from her work on the Lori Vallow case further illuminate the chilling mindset of parents who justify abuse as preparing their children for the apocalypse.

The conversation also touches on the potential for a major schism within the LDS Church, as a conservative faction seeks to return to a more fundamentalist version of Joseph Smith's teachings.

Closing Question: How can we understand the risks within close-knit religious communities, and prevent future tragedies fueled by extremist ideology?
 
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