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The Church of Fear
- Inside the Weird World of Scientology
- Narrated by: John Sweeney
- Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins
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Publisher's Summary
Tom Cruise and John Travolta say the Church of Scientology is a force for good. Others disagree.
Award-winning journalist John Sweeney investigated the Church for more than half a decade. During that time he was intimidated, spied on, and followed, and the results were spectacular: Sweeney lost his temper with the Church's spokesman on camera, and his infamous 'exploding tomato' clip was seen by millions around the world.
In The Church of Fear, Sweeney tells the full story of his experiences for the first time and paints a devastating picture of this strange organisation, from former Scientologists who tell heartbreaking stories of families torn apart and lives ruined to its current followers who say it is the solution to many of mankind's problems.
This is the real story of the Church by the reporter who was brave enough to take it on.
John Sweeney is a reporter for BBC Panorama. He is the author of six previous books including the novel Elephant Moon.
Critic Reviews
"Gripping." (The Economist)
"A brave book." (Liverpool Daily Post)
"Blackly comic." (The Humanist)
More from the same
What listeners say about The Church of Fear
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- P. Hall
- 07-12-2017
Brilliant Narrative of a Journey Into Terror
What did you like about this audiobook?
As ex-members and critics of Scientology will tell you: "Scientology is ALWAYS worse than you think". I was never bored by this and have found it has even amused those who have dropped by and heard a little of the narrative despite the grim subject matter. I found John Sweeney's performance gripping and honest.
How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?
I was already very interested inthe dynamics of High Control religious groups, in particular Scientology. Therefore, I cannot claim that it has actually piqued my interest!
Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?
Yes. Yes I would. I found John Sweeney's descent into "unprofessional journalism" entirely understandable, the story riveting in it's rawness and bleak honesty. It is a direct look into his unfortunate experiences recording the 2007 BBC Panorama program and his own personal aftermath of those traumatic experiences.
What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?
Very little. I like the cadence and style of the narration.
Do you have any additional comments?
Yes. This is really a must hear audiobook, in my humble opinion. I particularly enjoyed the part when he spoke to Mike Rinder after his 'defection'. I am so glad I got the audiobook rather than the book, which is unusual for me.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Kellw
- 07-07-2023
Interesting perspective
A good view into our media interacts with the church. Entertaining narration, a solid listen
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