Hard read. ( )

A disturbing and fascinating look at the Word of Faith Fellowship, and how it descended to a very dark place, ruining lives. You will really root for the survivors who escaped and tried to put their lives back together. ( )

Broken Faith tells the horrifying story of the Word of Faith Fellowship, an abusive Christian cult. This book focuses not on the church’s Prosperity Gospel theology, as aberrant as it is, but on the church leadership cruel tactics for keeping its members in line. Those who disobey or even just get on the wrong side of preacher Jane Whaley are subjected to “blasting,” ritual assault complete with screaming, hair pulling, and hitting by other church members. Authors Weiss and Mohr follow the stories of several church members as the try, with varying degrees of success, to escape from Whaley’s clutches. Depressing but gripping nonetheless. ( )

This book as an audio was interesting at times but seemed to get bogged down in endless repetition of the trials and tribulations of the abused members. Certainly the cult image of this church group meets the standards of cult status, so do many religious organizations. What is creepy is that there was no resolution here of the injustices outlined. The power of the pulpit prevails and it continues to do as it pleases without any repercussions. What will become of it when the leader passes will be something to watch. Someone will need to step in to maintain the status quo. ( )

This book is mind blowing. Completely fascinating and really hard to put down. ( )