2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

Cathy Weiss, the social worker, was relentless in her attempts to get law enforcement to see the truth about Jeremiah Goode and his cult. Why is it so hard for people to accept the truth about these type communities and they’re given the benefit of the doubt? Why was she willing to die to end him? Did her actions catch you by surprise?

I think people were reluctant to believe her because it was in a small town. In general I think people refuse to believe because it's hard for people to comprehend the idea of being brainwashed.
Cathy had given everything she had to get her story out, so I wasn't surprised that she died for her cause. I think she felt like it was the only way for the truth to come out.

I really don’t understand why communities and law enforcement are so reluctant to investigate these groups. Time and again they operate despicably under everyone’s noses.

I still was surprised that Cathy sacrificed herself this way. A part of me saw it coming but when I learned she’d killed that couple, I was less surprised. She really was damaged.

It does seem that the police are reluctant to check out these sketchy groups. Most misguided people join them of their own free will. Some later want out but find it impossible to get out. It's probably hard for law enforcement to infiltrate and find out what is really going on...especially in a small town. Everyone knows everyone else and would be suspicious of outsiders.

We have such a history of bad behavior with these groups you’d think that would be uppermost in the minds of law enforcement. Just seems we make the same errors in judgment time and again in an effort to preserve the right of free will. I just wish we’d do more in verifying everyone is under that free will.