Scientology is frequently thought of as either a flourishing religion or a cult. There are whispers about thought control and exploitation of members. But no one knows for sure what truly happens inside the church except those who have been a member. Many people are curious about the self-proclaimed fastest growing religion, and are hungry for an inside look at Scientology.
Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape is the memoir of Jenna Miscavige Hill and depicts her life growing up in the Church of Scientology in great detail. Hill was raised as a Scientologist and eventually became a member of its highest ministry, Sea Org. In Beyond Belief, she offers a unique look at the group's beliefs, rituals, and hidden practices. The book also includes pictures of Hill's family at home and at church gatherings.
Hill's tales of her years inside the church are focused on the church's control over every aspect of her life. She documents the way the church works to instill fear in members, and vilifies everything and everyone outside of the group, including the internet, television and movies.
Hill describes the tactics used to disconnect her from family and friends outside of the church, including her parents after they left Scientology when she was 16. Their letters to her were intercepted, all contact was cut and she was even prevented from answering the telephone or making calls for a year.
One of the most harrowing parts of the book is Hill's description of the practice of writing down transgressions, and the church leaders ensuring the children are being honest with an electropsychometer. Beyond Belief also speaks to her escape from the church, her efforts to help other young members and expose the cult-like hold Scientology has on its followers.
Jenna Miscavige Hill, born in 1984, is the niece of Church of Scientology leader David Miscavige (referred to as the Chairman of the Board by members). She left Scientology in 2005 and quickly became a leading critic of the church. Hill co-founded the exScientologykids.com website with fellow former Scientologists Kendra Wiseman and Astra Woodcraft. Beyond Belief is Hill's first book. It was released in 2013.
"Lisa Pulitzer's (credited) ghost written account of Jenna Miscavige's life in Scientology and escape is riveting, and heartbreaking. I don't think I've read a Scientology memoir yet that so captures what the cult does to tender hearts - it rips everything they love away from them until they are barely able to love at all. Fortunately, Jenna's inborn fiesty fierceness first got her in trouble - then got her out. It's fascinating to me how some kids like Jenna and others - who grew up knowing nothing at all of the world but Scientology - still had an instinctual nagging feeling that things were not right. It was that nagging inner voice that saved Jenna, her husband, and others she loved."
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Melissa (4 out of 5 stars)