Jenna Miscavige Hill, niece of Church of Scientology leader David Miscavige, was raised as a Scientologist but left the controversial religion in 2005. In Beyond Belief, she shares her true story of life inside the upper ranks of the sect, details her experiences as a member Sea Org—the church’s highest ministry, speaks of her “disconnection” from family outside of the organization, and tells the … the story of her ultimate escape.
In this tell-all memoir, complete with family photographs from her time in the Church, Jenna Miscavige Hill, a prominent critic of Scientology who now helps others leave the organization, offers an insider’s profile of the beliefs, rituals, and secrets of the religion that has captured the fascination of millions, including some of Hollywood’s brightest stars such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta.
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I don’t read a whole lot of non-fiction, but I have read this book twice now. The book is written by Jenna Miscavige, the niece of David Miscavige (the leader/ruler of Scientology). The story follows Jenna as she grows up in the religion, is subjected to unfathomable conditions (working 35 hours a week as a seven year old), and then finally …
More understanding of children growing up in Scientology and the effect as these children grow into adulthood
It is hard for me to understand any organization that demands you give up your children. This book provides some insight. What it leaves out is what the adults were so busy doing. I suppose that can’t be revealed while you still have family in the movement. Good read. Interesting.
I am not sure why these stories fascinate me like they do, but I am hooked. It is so interesting to hear about these folks were were introduced to Scientology at high levels as children.
This book was very informative about the cult of Scientology. The author grew up in the very heart of the group and gives her first hand account of what it was like. It is a heartbreaking story to see what happened to this family and to many others as a result of their association with Scientology. I recommend it.
Hard for me to realize that this kind of things goes on in our country under the guise of “church” and we let it.
It’s an interesting insider’s view of what Scientology was like to a young person growing up in the service of the religion. Being curious but not inclined to join Scientology, I’m glad to see this author’s even handed explanation of her experiences in the church. It gave me some idea of what it’s like, it’s history and what the church is trying …
Honestly, I couldn’t finish it. I might pick up again later this year. It was so totally depressing that I couldn’t read it all at one time. I have a first cousin who belongs that so called church. He and his wife adopted a child. The thought that that kid is being raised in this manner makes me ill. Why adopt a child if you’re not going to …
Very well written. Draws you into the isolation and fear and progression into the realization of tactics being used by the cult
To isolate people.
A factual account of experiences in Scientology. An easy read. So interesting but so tragic that such deprivation of human rights could be allowed to occur in the western world. Informative, sad, eye-opening.
After reading LaJoyce Martin’s other books, this seemed like “The rest of the story.” I loved all of it!
Overall, I’m glad books like this exist. It really shows how important certain freedoms really are (i.e., freedom of the press). Learning about the inner workings of this cult is frustrating to say the least. I’m so glad that Jenna Hill made it out, but what about everyone else?
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I don’t even know how something like this goes on…Beyond Belief is a perfect title for this book.
The truth about this terrible cult they call Christianity. Ruins peoples lives and belittles them. “Beyond Belief” If your a rich person they just want your money.
Interesting
This book was very well-written. It also was full of lots of information regarding Scientology’s Sea Org and the way they degrade humans. I don’t understand how, after tons of complaints and evidence they are still permitted to operate. Child abuse, mental and physical abuse–and maybe even murder. (Where is Shelley Misgavige???) I was hoping …
A real live view of the frightening life in Scientology
If you have an interest in what kind of life people have who grow up in Scientology, this is a great book to read. The writing is just OK and sometimes I felt the story meandered, BUT what Jenna and others like her went through as children and teenagers who were given over to the church of Scientology as children and raised by Scientologists who …
I have always felt Scientology was a cult, and not a religion. I feel it is tragic that people would blindly follow a “Church” with rules and practices of dividing families. How patents would just give their children over to mean and I humane people. The things they made these young kids and people do.
Oneof the most tragic stories I have ever read about Scientology. This is not a religion; but, a cult severely led by warped minds and whose followersare brainwashed cult members.