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Broken Faith
- Inside the Word of Faith Fellowship, One of America's Most Dangerous Cults
- Narrated by: Vivienne Leheny
- Length: 12 hrs and 19 mins
- Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, True Crime
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Summary
"I can’t imagine a more important book." (Jeff Guinn, New York Times best-selling author)
An explosive investigation into Word of Faith Fellowship, a secretive evangelical cult whose charismatic female leader is a master of manipulation
In 1979, a fiery preacher named Jane Whaley attracted a small group of followers with a promise that she could turn their lives around.
In the years since, Whaley’s following has expanded to include thousands of congregants across three continents. In their eyes, she’s a prophet. And to disobey her means eternal damnation.
The control Whaley exerts is absolute: She decides what her followers study, where they work, whom they can marry - even when they can have sex.
Based on hundreds of interviews, secretly recorded conversations, and thousands of pages of documents, Pulitzer Prize winner Mitch Weiss and Holbrook Mohr’s Broken Faith is a terrifying portrait life inside the Word of Faith Fellowship, and the harrowing account of one family who escaped after two decades.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
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What listeners say about Broken Faith
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- Helen C
- 19-02-20
Important and harrowing
I’ve been waiting for this book to be released for months. Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed. I finished the day after it was published. Having grown up in a cult that was involved with Word of Faith in the 90’s I’ve had a vested interest in the place for many years. Former childhood friends moved there with there families and I only found out a little of what happened to one when the AP investigation broke in 2017. Although I knew some of the information, the authors go into great detail. Some of which brought back old memories. I cried in parts because the abuse is and was horrific. I have the greatest respect for The Cooper Family and other former members who have been brave enough to share their experiences, especially to raise awareness. I hope one day Matthew and others get justice, and I sincerely hope that law enforcement finally step up. What has been allowed to go on in Word of Faith is unforgivable and criminal. I wait for the day when I hear that WOFF is no longer. And hope for the children still inside that that day isn’t far. Surely someone can do something. Jane Whaley and her leaders have blood on their hands. There’s much more to this, and it really is political. Mitch and Holbrook have done a fantastic job and further exposing the truth of what goes on in word of faith. It’s time the government stood up and stopped the abuse of children and members. I’d recommend this book to anyone who, like me, despises injustice, has an interest in cults or just wants to know more. If you have been a member of WOFF or have had involvement with them, be cautious. If you grew up with some of the same practices make sure you feel safe and have someone to talk to as it can be a little triggering. I just wish there was more that could be done.
1 person found this helpful
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- laura toney
- 22-03-20
A must read!
This book was a struggle to read. The reason being, I live 15 minutes from this cult. I know people that have family members inside and that have gotten out. I also know some that are members. I had to lay this book down at times and walk away to clear my head. I stopped reading and started it again one time because I thought I wasn't grasping what I had read. I am now going to rethink my political views in certain races in Rutherford Co. I consider myself pretty well informed politically, until I read this. I have been misled. Maybe I should say, I've not studied enough on my own. That won't happen again. I'm very disappointed with some of our local government in our county. Very disappointed indeed.
10 people found this helpful
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- Kei Sakura
- 20-02-20
An In-Depth Investigation That Needed To Be Told
Jonestown, Heaven’s Gate, Aum Shinrikyo, Scientology, Manson Family, Branch Davidians, Rajneesi’s....These are all well known cults. Broken Faith is an in depth look at a cult that is right in our own backyard, and no one even knows about it. Hell, I don’t live far from them and only found out about them a few years ago. I digress.... Broken Faith is a must read or listen to. The narration for the audio book is well done. Vivienne Leheny is one of the best narrators out there. The book focuses on former members and the physical & mental abuse they suffered at the hands of Word of Faith Fellowship. This is a tale of what is hiding behind religious freedom, what can happen when a church becomes a cult, and gets too much power and money behind it. I couldn’t stop listening. The story flows smoothly, and just when you think there’s a stopping point, Bam! you’re hit with something that causes you to keep going. Get this book! You won’t be sorry.
8 people found this helpful
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- Leavingout
- 19-02-20
Eye Opening
Everyone especially in North Carolina needs to read this book especially people from Rutherford County most of this was held back from the public .
6 people found this helpful
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- emmaflower2011
- 09-04-20
Great Read
This book kept me interested and engaged the whole time. The narrator was great and it really added to the story.
4 people found this helpful
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- Rachel
- 04-03-20
This cult currently active and abuses children
this cult needs to be outed as publically as possible. the more who know the better. the narrator was also excellent
4 people found this helpful
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- Emily
- 04-03-20
WOW!!
The information in this book was so disturbing. I listened to it and sat in shock at what I was hearing. How can these things be allowed to continue? What will it take to stop the reign of Jane Whaley and her minions?! Wow, again!
4 people found this helpful
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- Margaret Jaski
- 01-03-20
Hometown
I lived in Rutherford County for almost 40 years and this is all true and those of us who live here cannot understand why authorities cannot touch them. If the powers that be would have nipped this in the bud it would not be as big and powerful as it is today. I did not know that the sheriff and others in power turn their head the other way. It is appalling. I could see another Kim Jones situation!
4 people found this helpful
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- Todd
- 16-06-20
Scary Stuff
A shocking story of abuse and coverups! The world needs to hear these real life events and pray justice for those harmed by this cult.
1 person found this helpful
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- Dave
- 16-06-20
Disturbing and a mighty insight.
This book needs to be listened to by everyone. Warning: it is horrific and still not ended. Be prepared to be saddened, horrified, outraged and defensive!
1 person found this helpful
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- Therese Melodia
- 03-06-20
One of the most disturbing books ever.
You'll just have to listen for yourself. Do yourself a favor and download this book.
1 person found this helpful