I don't understand how someone can be (even partially) mind-controlled by a belief which is not falsifiable, and simultaneously claim they are free and are not centrally controlled to some extent.

As I see it, they are conditioned to being dependent on control due to their history with Communism, thus as their society is opening up more to the world, and they have more freedom of choice, they choose to improve Communism by replacing it with slightly less destructive form of top-down control. I guess you can call that an improvement, but it seems to be not in pace with the rapid devolution of top-down structure that is coming in the knowledge age where clarify of mind and forming correct knowledge will critical to one's performance.

Christianity is fracturing/splintering as JAD recently lamented and Armstrong also noted.

Myself trying to become a Christian from 2006 - 2010 was "peak religion" for the world, because I was one of the staunchest defenders of the impossibility of absolutes in morals in my youth. So when I capitulated (lost my mind), that had to have been the peak. It should be all downhill from here...

I don't wish on anyone that delusion that gripped me. I look at the photo and I want to see very nice people and wish them the best. But then I remember what a horrible thing mind control and zealotry is. Finally I think I have the fortitude to resist, because my heart really wants to love "the good" but now I realize that emotion wasn't rational and was manipulating my mind.