People can undergo a sudden change of thinking and loyalties under threat of death or intense social pressure and isolation from friends and family. 621
People under the influence of cults is similar to that we observe in addicts. Typical behaviour for both includes draining bank accounts, neglecting children, destroying relations with family and losing interest in anything except the drug or cult. 617
Evolution acts slowly. Our psychological characteristics today are those that promoted reproductive success in the ancestral environment. 600