This book is read by the author himself, and whilst I generally like an author to read their own work, I was particularly disappointed with this performance. The theme of the series was that "allegations of child molesting, abuse and sex scandals in several churches across the nation appear to be part of a pattern of such scandals among churches affiliated with the First Baptist Church of Hammond. She left the church in 2010 after her husband, a prominent member of the congregation, was caught having sexual relationships with underage girls. After Hyles' death in 2001, Beverly Hyles moved to Texas and served as a Sunday School teacher in the Missions Minded Department Senior Women's Class at the Southern Baptist-affiliated First Baptist Church of Dallas under Pastor Robert Jeffress.

By completing your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and authorise Audible to charge your designated card or any other card on file.I confess that I had not heard of this case, so found the details revealed in this audio book by journalist David James Smith horrifyingly compelling. If you are a fan of true crime stories then you will probably have heard of Ben Field, who was convicted of killing 69-year-old novelist and former English teacher Peter Farquhar in 2019.

Beatings would last endlessly, it seemed,” says Mary Jo McGuire, 45, a corporate trainer in Colorado whose father was a deacon in the church.m.,” reported the Chicago Tribune, prompting Hyles to boast that he had created “the world’s largest Sunday school. And that, in turn, underlines why so few victims during the past half-century have publicly tried to hold the church accountable for its countless wrongs. The articles also alleged financial improprieties, accusing Hyles of using church money to lavish tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of gifts on Jennie, including a car, clothes, and home remodeling. In the beginning—1959, in this case—Jack Hyles arrived at the First Baptist Church of Hammond as a skinny, charismatic Bible thumper with a Southern-fried drawl and a couple of cheap suits.

During his teenaged years, he was part of a band, quitting Milton District High School in his final year to pursue his dream of becoming a rock star. The Washington Post compared the "meek" preaching style of Jerry Falwell to the "spit and fire" of Hyles.He got up in front of a staff meeting—in front of the whole staff—and shared all kinds of confidential stuff that never should have been shared. Another common characteristic of cults, Ross says, is that they use shame and some sort of exploitation—financial, spiritual, or sexual—to exercise control. Rachel’s Theme was a chance to bring in a more emotive organic tone using cellos, bowed bass guitar and voices.