Book SummaryBroken Faith, by Mitch Weiss and Holbrook Mohr

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Broken Faith

The progression and detrimental actions executed by the Word of Faith Fellowship.

Mitch Weiss and Holbrook Mohr authored the book, which exposes the unsettling activities within the secretive evangelical congregation known as the Word of Faith Fellowship in Spindale, North Carolina. The book reveals how Jane Whaley, the church's leader, maintains dominance over her congregation using psychological pressure, physical abuse, and financial exploitation, all under the guise of adhering to a rigid form of Christianity. This section of the book scrutinizes the origins of the church, delves into the tactics used to sustain its control, and explores how its leaders exploit faith to strengthen their hold on the followers.

The institution's development from its inception into a dominant, influential entity.

Sam and Jane Whaley established a separate evangelical congregation on the outskirts of Rutherfordton, North Carolina, in the latter part of the 1970s. The congregation was initially attracted by the promise of spiritual renewal, rooted in the "prosperity gospel"—a doctrine popularized by television preachers like Oral Roberts and Kenneth Hagin, Sr., which equates financial success with divine favor. The community adopted Pentecostal traditions, including spiritual healing, speaking in tongues thought to be sacred, and the fervent prayer to drive away malevolent entities. Jane Whaley's magnetic charm and teachings on "spiritual warfare" had a profound impact on the members of her church.

In the late 1970s, the Whaleys established an independent evangelical church in North Carolina, which rapidly expanded its membership through engaging teaching techniques and mentorship programs.

The authors describe Jane Whaley's ascent from a relatively lesser-known role compared to her husband, Sam, to a significant position of influence among the church's hierarchy. Jane's excitement for the group of television preachers diminished after her time at Rhema Bible College in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she experienced a sense of exclusion by the partners of prominent spiritual figures. She fervently guided worship assemblies, orchestrating intense intercessory prayers known as "blasting," while also conveying lessons on a world inhabited by invisible malevolent forces. The promise of protection from evil and the application of powerful liberation techniques proved to be an alluring combination, attracting many vulnerable individuals seeking solace and meaning.

In 1985, upon returning to North Carolina, Jane Whaley solidified her control within the Word of Faith Fellowship and skillfully expanded its membership through effective recruitment strategies. She fostered a sense of community by promoting a way of life that involved combining households, sharing monetary assets, and raising children together. This not only fostered tight bonds between members, but also provided a powerful mechanism for social control. The narrative illustrates how the congregation's emphasis on strict obedience and respect for the chain of command, coupled with Jane Whaley's asserted gift of interpreting divine communications, effectively silenced any dissent or scrutiny from its members. Those who opposed Whaley's teachings or directives were met with harsh criticism, exclusion from the community, and the risk of physical punishment.

Individuals within the congregation suffered significant harm that was physical, emotional, and psychological in nature.

The authors thoroughly revealed the unsettling methods of the congregation, demonstrating the way Jane Whaley and her close associates manipulated religious beliefs to exert total dominance over their adherents. The authors comprehensively describe how the church's foundational rituals and customs are deeply intertwined with physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. Participants frequently experienced prolonged periods where they would loudly and forcefully confront one another, a method believed to drive out supposed demonic presences. Victims often suffered physical injuries from being hit and deprived of sleep, all the while under the impression that they were participating in a conflict of a spiritual nature.

Jane Whaley and other church leaders often employ aggressive "blasting" sessions and physical forms of discipline, including striking, to secure compliance from the church members.

The authors use vivid first-hand accounts to describe how "blasting" often escalated into violent, traumatic assaults. John David Cooper, for example, was left with a bruised and bloodied chest after being pinned down and repeatedly punched during a session. Matthew Fenner, a young man drawn to others of...

Broken Faith Summary Members of the congregation fought hard to break free from the church's dominance and sway.

The authors, Mitch Weiss and Holbrook Mohr, illuminate the profound psychological and emo- tional challenges faced by those who dared to resist Jane Whaley. The book explores the traumatic experiences of individuals formerly associated with the organization. They endeavored to free themselves from the church's influence, emphasizing the persistent The challenges they faced in reconstructing their existence. The atmosphere of seclusion and control was cultivated within the confines of the Word of Faith Fellowship. ship.

Younger individuals frequently seek ways to liberate themselves from the church's influence.

The thirst for freedom was particularly strong among younger gener- The influence of the church began to increasingly restrict the daily lives of its members. Children They longed to be among their peers, to immerse themselves in literature, enjoy cinema, and participate in... Jane Whaley's constructed reality reaches beyond the surface. trolled world. Individuals such as Benjamin Cooper Cooper found himself swamped with emotions and grew extremely agitated as a result of the church's stringent rules. Limited opportunities for academic and professional advancement...

Broken Faith Summary Instances of maltreatment, neglect, and corrupt practices within the religious organization

The authors make a compelling case for the commencement of legal action. The book presents detailed narratives of maltreatment, confirmed by a significant body. The compilation of evidence utilized documents from within the church, along with police records and various legal documents. Discussions with former members, as well as engagements with advocates and experts in the field of law, Authorities. This section will highlight the specific in- Wrongdoing encompassed acts of sexual misconduct in addition to physical mistreatment. to The church's deceptive monetary dealings and their successful efforts to avoid consequences.

The narrative provides a detailed depiction of the physical, emotional, and sexual mistreatment that individuals of different ages have suffered.

The authors provide a thoroughly detailed narrative from a first-person perspective. The book sheds light on numerous instances of both physical and emotional mistreatment. The conduct of the church evolved from being possibly questionable to clearly unacceptable in terms of its spiritual practices. tices into clear criminal behavior. The authors illustrate how The custom of vocal prayers, an essential element...

Broken Faith Summary Ongoing actions are being taken to maintain accountability for the church's deeds.

The narrative illuminates the tribulations endured by those who were subjected to mistreatment within the religious group known as the Word of Faith Fellowship. After striving for justice over an extended period. The organization wielded considerable power over political, social, and economic spheres. The sway held frequently posed obstacles for police forces when they attempted to initiate legal actions. The organization's leaders faced accusations.

Survivors and advocates are working diligently to expose the church's wrongdoing and to guarantee that justice prevails.

The efforts of several former associates and observant members of the community The issue concerned Matthew Fenner and also included John Huddle. Lowry, working alongside Robynn Spence, underscores the continuous absence of accountability— The book details a troubling trend of impeding legal processes and coercion. The religious institution remains shielded from additional repercussions. The events unfolded over a period of more than three decades. Their resolve, coupled with the comprehensive investigative work conducted by the Associated Press, Journalistic inquiry has shed light on the traditions and...