[Updated Sep 9, 2024.] This is a word of caution about how the thinking in this series might affect you concerning the former times of existing groups. The pasts of groups should not be judged by the standards presented in the Cult Myths series or by any modern anti-cultists. Certainly, violent persecution was always dangerous or destructive, but the impacts of words were not fully understood before the modern age of psychiatry, sociology and anti-cultists. Even up to this point understanding has been imperfect and mankind is still learning. More understanding may still yet be coming. Former Times Some groups, in their innocence, may have thought it appropriate to openly speak out against other groups, even with signage and shouting. Until that was identified as a means of provocation, it was not seen as such by outside groups. In those days unoffended groups saw it only as striking out for lack of self-control, while affected groups likely thought of it as contradicting their own mess