Broken Faith

Inside the Word of Faith Fellowship, One of America's Most Dangerous Cults

By: Mitch Weiss, Holbrook Mohr

Narrated by: Vivienne Leheny

“I can’t imagine a more important book.”—Jeff Guinn, New York Times bestselling 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.

One of the most disturbing books ever.

You'll just have to listen for yourself. Do yourself a favor and download this book.

Eye Opening

Abuse has the same patterns whether it's a group cult or a domestic situation between a couple. Being able to recognize that it's happening and escaping the situation despite the is being stacked against you is a testament of strength and character to those who get out. The narrative was riveting and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book.

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.

I couldn’t stop listening!

This book is believably unbelievable. It is both shocking and fascinating. People judge and wonder how this can happen, but look at women or men that stay with abusive partners. It’s heartbreaking, but it’s real and it happens. I’m so happy for those that have broken free and have been able to overcome the torture they’ve been put through, that is a miracle in itself. I’m sorry for those that crazy b!$*h broke so bad they continue and always will continue to struggle. I sincerely hope she will be taken down soon, very soon! Read/listen to this book, it will grab you and hold you to the very end!

Corruption and a False Profit

I loved the book. It would have been better if the author would have researched the political ties the "church" had/ has with both political parties.

Former cult member

I am a former cult member. I was not a member of Word of Faith, however, the similarities between my experience and what’s written about in this book are striking. I’m grateful that former members are getting help and wish others had the same resources available to them. Non-denominational/pentecostal/prosperity teaching/Rhema based organizations need to be investigated and prosecuted. Thank you for bringing this abuse into the light and for advocating for the victims. This book brings hope and awareness to an otherwise secretive society.

Church of Sadism

Riveting account of a church where yes, members physically beat fellow worshippers, men women and children, into submission as a form of “prayer”. For Jesus. You heard right. Under the direction of Jane Whaley, these parishioners routinely shriek abuse and rain down blows (sometimes to the point of rendering the victim unconscious) in the name of driving out demons for the Prince of Peace. The inspiring stories of the souls that bravely manage to pull themselves away from this appallingly depraved excuse for a church provide a ray of light in this horror story. Excellent, shocking.

Stunning, I couldn't stop listening

My family has roots in Rutherford County. My mind is completely. You can't make this stuff up. Praying these people are finally brought to justice.

Gripping

The story is well written and narrated, hard to believe it’s true and hasn’t been stopped.

Intense manipulation

Just wow! Thank you for writing this book. I hope others can get out of this horrible trap. Hugs for all who left. Your strength is awesome!