Belief systems

The problem with belief systems is that they contain doubts. Although they may be quite valid, a belief system may not be entirely provable, if at all. That's where one of the biggest problems arises, because when fear or misunderstanding exists in others who can't see things the same way, "selling" the belief system can be difficult, without having to explain one's entire philosophy and psychological makeup.

So it does mean stepping into the unknown, with regard to other people.

But this is what society has to do all the time. And it explains rather well the phenomena of mass hysteria and sheeplike behaviours in people. As humankind has the common shared mystery of life to deal with, a person who can tap into common fears or common desires and needs can be extremely powerful.

He can also be considered a great threat.

Part of the risk of exposing one's belief system is that it's subject to scrutiny and subsequent conclusions - sometimes erroneous ones. A person who could very easily be considered a saviour in certain circumstances could just as well be considered a demon by society by exactly the same people, with just a minor tweak to the way reality reveals itself, or is comprehended.

I find this phenomenon - again related to the Buterfly effect - absolutely fascinating.