they really are mocking God...
Actually, Plato described them well when he spoke of those sitting in the cave. They see flickers and shadows and are utterly confused.
Yes, it is good to reach out to the outcasts. Yes, it is good to be patient with sinners (though not with sin.) All these are good.
But if one does not look to and, in a certain way, submit to the fount of goodness, one will completely mess up.
They have lost the right way and fallen in the slough of their own pride. It is dreadful for me to see it.