Beyond Belief

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 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.

In Beyond Belief , renowned religion scholar Elaine Pagels continues her groundbreaking examination of the earliest Christian texts, arguing for an ongoing assessment of faith and a questioning of religious orthodoxy. Spurred on by personal tragedy and new scholarship from an international group of researchers, Pagels returns to her investigation of the "secret" Gospel of Thomas, and breathes new life into writings once thought heretical. As she arrives at an ever-deeper conviction in her own faith, Pagels reveals how faith allows for a diversity of interpretations, and that the "rogue" voices of Christianity encourage and sustain "the recognition of the light within us all."

In Beyond Belief , renowned religion scholar Elaine Pagels continues her groundbreaking examination of the earliest Christian texts, arguing for an ongoing assessment of faith and a questioning of religious orthodoxy. Spurred on by personal tragedy and new scholarship from an international group of researchers, Pagels returns to her investigation of the "secret" Gospel of Thomas, and breathes new life into writings once thought heretical. As she arrives at an ever-deeper conviction in her own faith, Pagels reveals how faith allows for a diversity of interpretations, and that the "rogue" voices of Christianity encourage and sustain "the recognition of the light within us all."

The remarkable story of the global movement championing the idea that evidence, not opinions, should guide our decisions Today, more and more people around the globe are using scientific evidence to figure out what works--in health, government and business as well as conservation, schools and parenting. This wasn't always the case. This book tells the story of the evidence revolution--a worldwide movement that promotes evidence-based thinking--and shows how it can help us all, especially in an age of alternative facts. For many years, most medical advice was based on doctors' opinions and conventional wisdom, not solid science. Helen Pearson describes how evidence-based medicine swept the world in the 1990s--becoming the predominant form of medicine practiced today--and how the idea that evidence should guide decisions is quietly transforming a host of other fields as well. Do police patrols reduce crime? Do performance appraisals boost job performance? Do welfare programs help the poor? Do smaller classes aid learning? Do smartphones harm teenagers? At a time when science is under attack and questionable claims run rampant, Pearson underscores the importance of evidence in all facets of our lives, empowering each of us to sift fact from falsehood and misinformation from the truth. Essential reading for the rational-minded, Beyond Belief is an engaging portrait of the mavericks, visionaries and rebels who share the simple belief that decisions based on evidence make the world a better place.

The remarkable story of the global movement championing the idea that evidence, not opinions, should guide our decisions Today, more and more people around the globe are using scientific evidence to figure out what works--in health, government and business as well as conservation, schools and parenting. This wasn't always the case. This book tells the story of the evidence revolution--a worldwide movement that promotes evidence-based thinking--and shows how it can help us all, especially in an age of alternative facts. For many years, most medical advice was based on doctors' opinions and conventional wisdom, not solid science. Helen Pearson describes how evidence-based medicine swept the world in the 1990s--becoming the predominant form of medicine practiced today--and how the idea that evidence should guide decisions is quietly transforming a host of other fields as well. Do police patrols reduce crime? Do performance appraisals boost job performance? Do welfare programs help the poor? Do smaller classes aid learning? Do smartphones harm teenagers? At a time when science is under attack and questionable claims run rampant, Pearson underscores the importance of evidence in all facets of our lives, empowering each of us to sift fact from falsehood and misinformation from the truth. Essential reading for the rational-minded, Beyond Belief is an engaging portrait of the mavericks, visionaries and rebels who share the simple belief that decisions based on evidence make the world a better place.

Jenna Miscavige Hill was born into the Church of Scientology. The niece of its current director, David Miscavige, she grew up at the center of this highly controversial organization, strictly adhering to its beliefs and practices. But at twenty-two, Jenna made a daring break. Now, for the first time, this insider with unprecedented first-hand knowledge pierces the veil of secrecy that has shrouded this religion that has been the subject of fierce debate and speculation worldwide, speaking out about her life, the organization, and her harrowing escape. In this fast-paced memoir that reads like suspense, Jenna reveals the strange and disturbing details of her childhood, including her disconnection from her parents, and unmasks the inner workings of Scientology's celebrity culture, drawing on her own experiences and those of her husband, a former employee of the famous Scientology Celebrity Centre. From its creation by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in 1952 to its roster of celebrity acolytes, disturbing questions have swirled around the religion and the organization behind it. Jenna sheds light on some of the most troubling issues surrounding the organization: its infamous disconnection policy and the dissolution of families, alleged forced and child labor practices and reports of exploitative fundraising. With her unparalleled insight into the inner world of Scientology's highest order, Hill addresses all this and shares true stories that are beyond the wildest imagination.

Jenna Miscavige Hill was born into the Church of Scientology. The niece of its current director, David Miscavige, she grew up at the center of this highly controversial organization, strictly adhering to its beliefs and practices. But at twenty-two, Jenna made a daring break. Now, for the first time, this insider with unprecedented first-hand knowledge pierces the veil of secrecy that has shrouded this religion that has been the subject of fierce debate and speculation worldwide, speaking out about her life, the organization, and her harrowing escape. In this fast-paced memoir that reads like suspense, Jenna reveals the strange and disturbing details of her childhood, including her disconnection from her parents, and unmasks the inner workings of Scientology's celebrity culture, drawing on her own experiences and those of her husband, a former employee of the famous Scientology Celebrity Centre. From its creation by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in 1952 to its roster of celebrity acolytes, disturbing questions have swirled around the religion and the organization behind it. Jenna sheds light on some of the most troubling issues surrounding the organization: its infamous disconnection policy and the dissolution of families, alleged forced and child labor practices and reports of exploitative fundraising. With her unparalleled insight into the inner world of Scientology's highest order, Hill addresses all this and shares true stories that are beyond the wildest imagination.

A celebration and exploration of gossip, reclaiming it as a powerful tool for building relationships, sharing vital information and enabling women’s voices to be heard. Tittle-tattle. Hearsay. Rumours. Bitching. Tea. ‘A powerful defence of a woman’s right to speak. Everyone should have this on their bookshelf’ Monika Radojevic Call it what you will: the fact remains that gossip is entwined into our daily lives. From group WhatsApp chats to click-bait headlines, social media snooping to reality television, there is nothing more devilishly delicious, scandalous, and satisfying than a juicy piece of gossip. All too often dismissed as the pastime of silly schoolgirls and bored housewives, there’s more to gossip than meets the eye. In today’s world of misinformation, where the voices and stories of women are being silenced, gossip has the power to shatter reputations and destroy credibility. Yet it can also be a vital political tool; a communication style that strengthens relationships and can even act a life-saving measure. Tracing gossip’s roots from old wives’ tales and the witch trials to reality TV, whisper networks and defamation lawsuits, Beyond Belief asks, have we lost the ability to listen; to hear, and to believe women who speak up and speak out? A joyous reclamation of women’s words, this book is for anyone who’s ever uttered the words, ‘You won’t believe this…’ 'Insightful, powerful and brilliantly written – finally us gossipers have justice!' Beth Ashley, author of Sluts ‘Brilliantly written and researched and a must-read for anyone wanting to learn more about gossip and feminism’ Shahed Ezaydi, author of The Othered Woman

**AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER** **AS HEARD ON CHRIS EVANS '10 OUT 10'** What if the real obstacle isn't your effort, your discipline, or your circumstances, but what you believe is possible? Behind every endeavour are beliefs that shape outcomes. Most people never question those beliefs, even when they hold them back. Beyond Belief by bestselling author Nir Eyal ( Indistractable and Hooked ) reveals one counterintuitive truth: these beliefs aren't facts. They're tools. Understand how they work, and you can set them aside when they are unhelpful and replace them with better ones to change what's possible for you. Backed by the latest neuroscience and psychology research, Eyal shows you how your hidden assumptions filter what you see, what you attempt, and what you achieve, and gives you a clear, practical method to change them. Learn how to: See what others miss – Beliefs filter your perception. Shift them, and options that were invisible come into view. Stay grounded under pressure – Change how you respond to uncertainty so steadiness becomes your default, not something you force. Break costly patterns – Improve your health, relationships, and career by removing interference – not adding more effort. Expand what you think you're capable of – Your limits aren't fixed. They're learned. And what's learned can be relearned. Once you understand how belief really works, you can stop fighting yourself — and start building change that lasts.

**AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER** **AS HEARD ON CHRIS EVANS '10 OUT 10'** What if the real obstacle isn't your effort, your discipline, or your circumstances, but what you believe is possible? Behind every endeavour are beliefs that shape outcomes. Most people never question those beliefs, even when they hold them back. Beyond Belief by bestselling author Nir Eyal ( Indistractable and Hooked ) reveals one counterintuitive truth: these beliefs aren't facts. They're tools. Understand how they work, and you can set them aside when they are unhelpful and replace them with better ones to change what's possible for you. Backed by the latest neuroscience and psychology research, Eyal shows you how your hidden assumptions filter what you see, what you attempt, and what you achieve, and gives you a clear, practical method to change them. Learn how to: See what others miss – Beliefs filter your perception. Shift them, and options that were invisible come into view. Stay grounded under pressure – Change how you respond to uncertainty so steadiness becomes your default, not something you force. Break costly patterns – Improve your health, relationships, and career by removing interference – not adding more effort. Expand what you think you're capable of – Your limits aren't fixed. They're learned. And what's learned can be relearned. Once you understand how belief really works, you can stop fighting yourself — and start building change that lasts.