A Billion Years
My Escape from a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology
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A Billion Years
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Narrated by:
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Mike Rinder
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By:
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Mike Rinder
About this listen
Mike Rinder's parents began taking him to their local Scientology centre when he was five years old. After high school, he signed a billion-year contract and was admitted into Scientology's elite inner circle, the Sea Organization. Brought to founder L. Ron Hubbard's yacht and promised training in Hubbard's most advanced techniques, Mike was instead put to work swabbing the decks.
Still, Rinder bought into the doctrine that his personal comfort was secondary to the higher purpose of Hubbard's world-saving mission, swiftly rising through the ranks. In the 1980s, Rinder became Scientology's international spokesperson and the head of its powerful Office of Special Affairs. He helped negotiate Scientology's pivotal tax exemption from the IRS and engaged with the organization's prominent celebrity members, including Tom Cruise, Lisa Marie Presley, and John Travolta.
Yet Rinder couldn't shake a nagging feeling that something was amiss—Hubbard's promises remained unfulfilled at his death, and his successor, David Miscavige, was a ruthless and vindictive man who did not hesitate to confine many top Scientologists, Mike among them, to a makeshift prison known as the Hole.
In 2007, at the age of fifty-two, Rinder finally escaped Scientology. Overnight, he became one of the organization's biggest public enemies. He was followed, hacked, spied on, and tracked. But he refused to be intimidated and today helps people break free of Scientology.
In A Billion Years, the dark, dystopian truth about Scientology is revealed as never before. Rinder offers insights into the religion that only someone of his former high rank could provide and tells a harrowing but fulfilling story of personal resilience.
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“Few people understand Scientology like Mike Rinder does. In A Billion Years, he tells the gripping, harrowing account of growing up in Scientology, serving founder L. Ron Hubbard, and rising to the top of its ranks. Mike has found purpose in his pain and his book offers not only a cautionary tale but also an inspiring story of resilience.”—LEAH REMINI, New York Times bestselling author of Troublemaker
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2022 Mike Rinder (P)2022 Simon & SchusterListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about A Billion Years
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Emma
- 18-04-23
Enjoyably sad and enlightening.
Honest, open book about the pitfalls of an intense environment when an individual has so much control.. More profound as Mike narrates the book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 21-03-23
Great book, great story.
I've watched many documentaries and red many books about scientology. I didn't expect to find out anything new, I just love Mike's way of story telling, but I was wrong. It seems that this rotten organisation is full of untold stories.
This book is another nail into the coffin, let's hope, not many left to the last and final nail that will stop all the atrocities.
Thank you Mike for all you do to make it happen.
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- Carol S
- 06-10-23
Eye opening!
Compelling & shocking listen. So glad I took a chance on this. Very informative & written by an insider who was within the church for many many years. So much in depth info on how they operate. Incredibly sad how families & children are treated too.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon. Customer
- 24-03-23
A must read for those who want to leave
I've listened and read a lot about Mike over the years, and I thought I knew all there was too.
what an insight. I am appalled of the behaviour he was treated too, and one day, we're will enjoy the demise of this cult.
Thank you, Mike, for sharing your story
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Griffonlady
- 12-03-23
Almost Unbelievable
It is difficult to imagine the suffering that those born into scientology have been subject to, but I have been following the Youtube accounts of many exscientologists for months and I can attest to the veracity of Mike's account. I suggest that anyone who wants to know more do likewise. Thank you Mike for a wonderful, inspiring book and your continuing work against the cult.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Daniel
- 19-10-24
amazing
really interesting, eye opening and harrowing. it's hard to believe what people are able to go though for their 'faith'
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- Leyla Pellegrini
- 04-06-23
Puts it all together
After watching countless you tube videos and documentaries it’s great to hear it all from Mike. Thank you for this
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- Mrs Murray
- 26-10-23
Brave
I’ve been interested in Scientology for many years, have heard many things in that time, some which are unbelievable. Then Leah did her documentary and began her podcast with Mike which I have listened to from the the very first episode. There is so much to learn about this, that one book, podcasts and documentaries would not cover everything. The book is fantastic, and I know that there are so many people all working together to expose this, and I wish them all the very best.
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- Amazon Customer
- 10-10-23
Excellent and captivating read
Really enjoyed this. A heartfelt and deep insight into the world of upper Scientology. Mike is an impressive person, and overcame an immense amount to tell this cautionary tale. Well written
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- M. Harman
- 05-05-23
Honest and harrowing account of Scientology
Strongly recommend. Great narration.
Important and historic account of scientology. Rather than laugh at the perceived harmless absurdity of new religious movements and cults, I feel it's important to understand them, how they are formed, evolve and can cause harm behind façades of morality. A must read.
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1 person found this helpful