Once the faculties of free thought cease, mind control is inevitable, and the congregants are at mercies of their leaders, whose own philosophical, theological and authoritarian agendas define what the world really is like, who really is right, who really is wrong and above all, who really speaks for God. The Gospel of Jesus Christ can never be served or proclaimed where fear, coercion, and outright spiritual trauma is inflicted. The church organization uses doctrines and Bible teachings to keep people from reading or listening to different things. The leaders's Bible thumping and tone of voice are frightening. I believe in the wrath of God, but the Bible teaches gentleness and forgiveness.
Bible beaters say they have all the answers.
No need to look at them. I believe the abuse is quite rampant in churches, mainly because I saw it while growing up and see it quite prevalant on the net. Hell and damnation messages are nothing short of control and manipulation. The fact that this book is a bestseller in book stores may point to it also. Or you are just to close to the subject to see around it.