The parts BBM are *precisely* why it was so urgent, imo. How could he maintain control of the relationship with all of these influences around to "threaten" his position as head of the household? MOO
My BIL isolated my sister quite successfully. Moved her 1,500 miles away. When she tried to visit without him for a week, he cheated on her. When we tried to visit her, he'd drink a bottle of Jack Daniels and rant and rave and trot out his arsenal of weapons. When we'd call, he'd interrupt her constantly in the background. In their case, they aren't tied to a specific church -- though he does fancy himself a new age prophet.
Is my BIL crazy? Oh yes. "Crazy" like a fox.