It has been almost a year since I first fell apart emotionally. It is staggering to see how much growth I’ve experienced in that amount of time. I went from feeling my life was over to feeling that my life has just begun. I went from trying to shut out the world to wanting to welcome it back in. I have learned how to accept and listen to my feelings, both positive and negative, and to express them. I have learned to grieve what I have lost and to start dreaming again for the future. I still struggle at times, and I feel like I will always be on a path towards recovery. The difference now is that I have tools to deal with such episodes, and I am able to respond in much more effective and mature ways.
I must say that I’m impressed! You point out the problems inherent in fundamentalism without taking a crusading stance. Leading off with your own story makes it easier for the reader to trust the rest of what you have to say. I like the way you acknowledge the positive as well as the negative aspects of dogmatic religion, reassuring former believers that their religious involvement was not some sort of pathology. Chapter by chapter you move from general considerations to the specifics of having been wounded by a restrictive belief system. The many exercises are especially helpful in personalizing the process of building up an autonomous self, in my experience the major part of recovery from fundamentalism. I am recommending the book to everyone I know with an interest in the subject.
Marlene Winell is an intelligent person with a quiet strength and clarity of purpose — a natural leader. She is both an analyst and a visionary; on one hand, deeply compassionate, on the other, a consummate and methodical organizer. I’ve seen her plan and conduct complex events, in the process meeting the needs of multiple clients, dealing deftly with surprises, and keeping the ball rolling toward its planned outcome. She is a lively thinker and a clear communicator.
In a world where dogma and religious doctrine have replaced reason and free thought, many people have been victimized. As victims, people need support and guidance – Leaving the Fold provides both. Reflecting on her own experiences, the author presents her book in a thoughtful and readable fashion. For people who have recovered, want to recover, or want to know what others have gone through, Leaving the Fold is a must read.
I felt like I was reading my own thoughts and all of it resonates with what I have been struggling with for years. As I read it tears would just stream down my face because I finally felt that someone understood me and that my struggle had been real. I didn’t grow up in the church but I still have been seeking freedom from it for years.
I just had to say that I am so grateful for you and this book. As well as the people who shared with you in the book their own journeys and recoveries. This book has validated so much of what I have struggled with and I am so thankful for it.
Thank you for your incredible book. I am half way thru and cannot put it down. There is a visceral healing on every page for me. Thank you for having the boldness to write on this subject. I can tell you first hand, there are millions in the south that are hurting from this abuse. My family, in the south, have all but banished me. They are 100% against anything new or alternative. Recovering fundamentalists need people like you since we’re now black sheep in the eyes of the flock. Your understanding of the problem gives me such hope and encouragement. I don’t feel as isolated after reading your words. Thank you!!!
There is a set of questions, responses, instruments for self-examination, pep-talks and therapeutic injunctions that may well help many.
Dr. Winell has done a great deal to reach out to those who are emotionally struggling after having emerged from oppressive faith environments. I believe her book and website would be helpful to anyone in this situation, whether they grew up in an abusive religious culture or joined as an adult. As I was impressed with her work, I recommended her book on my website, www.religiouschildmaltreatment.com.