“Leaving the Fold will be another nail in the coffin of fundamentalism. The book will be a major guide for new free thinkers who are rejecting the religious authoritarianism of the Dark Ages. Leaving the Fold comes just the right time to rebut the new Holy War that has been launched by the Christian fundamentalists in America. The time for real religious literacy must not be lost to the new anti-academic book-burners of the religious right. ”
“Leaving the Fold is a unique and invaluable guide to the psychological harm done by Christian fundamentalism. Dr. Winell’s book is practical, relevant and altogether real.”
“There is a set of questions, responses, instruments for self-examination, pep-talks and therapeutic injunctions that may well help many.”
“Highly recommended for seminary and public libraries.”
“Leaving the Fold is a compassionate blueprint for healing.”
“I think the book makes an important contribution to the current discussion about religious cults and extreme fundamentalist groups. . . One of its best features is the therapeutic exercises it offers, which people can do in private, exercises which act as aids to recovery. . . It’s positive, healthy-minded, cheerful and intelligent, and I think it might prove very useful indeed, not just to people who have left their religion, but those who are trying to help them. For those people, I recommend it highly.”
“This book by psychologist Marlene Winell provides valuable insights into the dangers of religious indoctrination and outlines what therapists and victims can do to reclaim a healthier human spirit”. . . “Both former believers searching for a new beginning and those just starting to subject their faith to the requirements of simple common sense, if not analytical reason, may find valuable assistance in these pages.”
“Dr. Winell’s book is distinguished by an intelligent approach which fully acknowledges the benefits of an authentic religious education as well as the pitfalls of certain forms of religious indoctrination which rob the individual of personal responsibility and integrity and the exercise of reason; an important question to contemplate today when fast changing, complex, uncertain times make simple answers very appealing especially to the young; and when fundamentalist thinking is found not only in religion but in economics and politics and nationalism too.”
“I’ve begun a wonderful journey to reclaim my life, free from so many religiously inspired burdens and with few regrets weighing me down. . . As a therapeutic group facilitator for Release and Reclaim, both with her online forum and special retreats, Marlene is generous with her time and patient with our group progress. Her clinical skills are refined and impressive. . . I found her book, Leaving the Fold, invaluable in my ongoing healing process from authoritative religion and other authoritative ways. Marlene uses the exercises from her book combined with her own understanding and experience which has really made me feel like someone out there does understand and can help.”
“This group has been a very important part of my recovery from fundamentalism. Knowing that I am not alone or crazy in the journey has been a great gift! Others’ stories, questions, struggles and insights have many times come across the net with perfect timing to encourage me in something I might be struggling with or questioning on any given day. I would highly recommend the group to anyone at any stage of questioning or leaving their faith.”