I was frequently encountering people with the Process on Toronto streets in the early 70's. Again, I thought they were a little weird, but it was a superficial impression I had, and nothing more than that. I was opposed to all religions at that time on principle. ;-)

It's easy to be an atheist when you're at that young age, and besides, it makes you feel cool, sophisticated, and way smarter than people who are religious. Everyone loves feeling smarter than other people, that's what I've always noticed.