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Reflections on Paul Martin
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Paul Martin
Reflections from reFOCUS
 Fifteen
years ago Paul Martin autographed for me a
copy of his recent book, CULT-PROOFING YOUR
KIDS, (Zondervan Publishing House, Grand
Rapids, MI) with these words:
“Dick, What a
great experience to work with you in the
cult busting field. I am really looking
forward to working with you in the future. I
especially like your gnostic-cultic world
view paradigm. Sincerely, Paul”
Actually the application of the ancient
Gnostic heresy to modern cultic thought
originated for me from another late counter
cult pioneer, Kevin Garvey, but I obviously
got a lot of mileage out of it, as Paul
testifies. I was further honored to be
quoted by Paul in his chapter on “Cults and
the Church.”
No one can adequately give an historical
account of the International Cultic Studies
Association (formerly known as the American
Family Foundation) and other anti-cult
organizations without highlighting the role
of Paul R. Martin. His risk-taking and
entrepreneur’s spirit in founding a
residential treatment center, Wellspring,
near Albany, Ohio in an arena of activity
known for the lack of readily available
funding for such efforts, is extraordinary.
Usually, in my experience, the abusive
cultic group had already gotten all the
member’s accessible money. When my wife and
I visited Wellspring in its early days, I
stood in wonder of what Paul and Barbara had
accomplished
I can only imagine how much Paul and Barbara
had personally sacrificed financially to
initiate and perpetuate this important
ministry. That is why my wife and I
contribute annually to Wellspring and why we
invite all of Paul’s colleagues and admirers
to contribute generously to his family at
this time of his death.
As a Christian clergyman of the Lutheran
tradition, I was always grateful that Paul’s
experience in the Great Commission group was
not so traumatic as to drive him totally out
of the Christian faith and community, as it
had some others I knew and attempted to
counsel. As a role model he showed the world
that being cult-savvy and Christian are not
mutually exclusive.
As a fellow contributor to Michael Langone’s
1993 W. W. Norton book, Recovery from
Cults: Helps for Victims of Psychological
and Spiritual Abuse, I was honored to
author a chapter in the same section as
Paul, “Facilitating Recovery.” For the past
three decades to know and work with Paul
Martin has been one of God’s blessings to
me.
The Reverend Richard L. Dowhower, D.D.
Mechanicsburg, PA
Jerry and Hana Whitfield are extremely
saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. We
valued knowing and working with him more
than can be readily expressed, as well as
what he stood for, his tenacity in pursuing
what he believed in and the compassion,
consideration and respect he always extended
others. When our thoughts turned to who
could best help someone who had left a high
demand group, it was always Paul. I clearly
remember taking a young teenager to
Wellspring some years ago. She had just left
an abusive group and was petrified of
everyone and everything. Paul spent several
days in ever-so-gently paced meetings and
exchanges with her until she stopped
fluttering like a moth near a flame and was
able to see him for who he was – safe,
helpful, and having only her best interests
in mind.
Thank you, Paul. We will not forget you. We
are thankful you are free and in a far
better place now.
We extend our love and prayers to Barbara
and family, and want her to know that we
stand with her at this time of great loss
and great joy.
Jerry and Hana Whitfield
I am so sorry to hear this and it is so sad.
I have been concerned about him for a while
now. Paul and I roomed together in Miami
once when we were both on the CAN board. I
remember his amazed look in South Beach . We
were dinning in the open air across from the
beach watching the parade of exhibitionists
and Paul practically gasped “Oh MY Lord.
Look at that one” and it was a young shapely
woman wearing jeans with one backside pocket
cut out exposing her flesh. As you see, I
also didn’t forget it but it was so Paul. He
was wonderful, caring, committed and the
most earnest person I have known. He will be
missed.
Arnold Markowitz, C.S.W.
It is very hard to realize that Paul
Martin is gone. As a person he was caring
sincere, humble, and above all authentic. In
his work as a psychologist, researcher, and
director of Wellspring he touched directly
or indirectly hundreds of cult victims. To
ICSA members he brought hope in reducing
abuse by dangerous groups and he increased
greatly our knowledge of how to rehabilitate
ex-members.
Arthur Dole, Ph.D.
I am very saddened by Dr. Martin's
passing. I met Paul at my first conference
in 1995. I didn't know then that in six
years I would be moving to Ohio only two
hours away from Wellsprings. Paul and the
staff at Wellsprings were always available
to me, giving information when I needed it.
I am now a Clinical Counselor in the state
of Ohio. I was born and raised in a bible
based cult. Paul's compassion and wealth of
knowledge helped me to gain a healthy faith
in God. Paul's work has also helped me to
establish a knowledgeable base to help
others who are in need of healing from their
abusive experiences.Though he is no longer
with us his legacy will forever live in
hearts and minds of those he has helped.
Christine Tuck, MA, LPCC
Thank you, dear Michael to inform us of
the sad news that Paul Martin passed away. I
keep a particular remembrance of him, when
he attended our conference in Barcelona
(1993) where it was decided to set up a
European association, which I helped to
organize. Thanks for your support in this
circumstance. (It was done in Paris in June
1994). I quite remember the nice evening we
shared in the 'rambla' with you and with
Martin, such a jolly fellow!
I received for several years Paul's
leaflet, and I appreciated it very much. I
mentioned many times Wellspring in
conferences as a unique such Center in the
world. Let us hope that it will continue. It
is particularly important at a time where we
have to bear bitter attacks from certain
scholars, who from their high chairs pretend
to consider as nonvaluable and to despise
the clinical studies and witnesses' studies.
I call them 'protecteurs de sectes', and I
suggest to Tom Sackville that we begin
dealing this difficult subject( with
suitable precautions) in London next JULY
9-10. in the next FECRIS conference . It
would be a nice opportunity to recall Paul
Martin's works. We shall write some lines in
memory of him in the next issue of BULLES,
the quarterly of UNADFI.
Please transmit our sincere condolences
to Barb and to Paul's family.
Jacques RICHARD, honorary president of
FECRIS
Dear friends of ICSA:
From the RIES (Ibero-American Network for
Study of Sects), all our best regards and
wishes for the family of Paul Martin and for
you, and our prayers for him. We have
written a short news article about his death
in our blog (http://info-ries.blogspot.com/2009/08/fallece-el-experto-norteamericano-en.html)
and in our newsletter.
Luis Santamaría del Río
For many years I knew Paul Martin as a
friend and co-laborer in the area of
assisting people affected by destructive
cults. Several families I assisted were
helped tremendously at Wellspring. Paul's
contribution in this area is beyond measure,
he raise the bar in professional counseling
of individuals who were damaged
psychologically and spiritually by these
abusive groups. He will be missed but the
effect of his work will continue.
Mark Roggeman
Denver, Colorado
I am very deeply saddened to hear of Dr.
Martin's untimely death. I grew to admire
Paul for his wise counsel when I was running
the Leo J. Ryan Education Foundation. He was
patient, kind and humble and had a great
capacity to extend his love to his fellow
human being. I shall never forget him.
Please convey my deepest sympathy to his
family and colleagues in their great loss.
Julia Bronder
Dr. Paul Martin will be
someone who will be greatly missed. By me.
I was fortunate enough to be one of his
clients last fall at Wellspring before he
fell sick and had to be hospitalized. I
knew during the time that I was there that
he was not feeling well, but he never
complained nor missed a session.
I can honestly say that
the two weeks I spent at Wellspring changed
my life. I have not been the same since I
left. Dr. Martin helped me see that I was
deceived when I joined a cult, that it was
not my fault. And that I do not have to
perform to earn God’s love and acceptance.
As a result I have been experiencing freedom
like I never thought possible in this life.
When I received news of
his death a couple days ago I just broke
down. And wept and wept. And I only knew
this man for such a short time, but I can’t
imagine not seeing him again or how people
who have suffered cultic oppression are
supposed to get the help they need to heal
without him and without Wellspring.
I just learned
something interesting in my astronomy class
that made me think of Dr. Martin. I learned
that the death of certain stars enables the
birth of new stars. Dr. Martin was a
shining star that brought light to a lot of
people, freeing one mind at a time. I look
forward to seeing the birth of new stars, if
you will, and the continued shining of all
those who are giving of themselves to free
others from the chains of cultic bondage.
Molly Koshatka
Because I haven’t been able to attend
recent conferences, I was shocked and am
saddened to learn of Paul’s death via Lorna
Goldberg’s email this morning. I didn’t know
he had been ill. I’ve always particularly
admired him... his quiet and generous
manner, his warmth, dry humor, wisdom... and
his dedication to all those involved with
AFF/ICSA’s mission—professionals,
ex-members, and families... He was so
responsive to me when we met the first time
at a Denver conference in the 1990s, at the
time when his input was so valuable
regarding my personal situation.
Sharon Hamm
I am saddened by this news.
Dr. Martin was a powerful and articulate
spokesperson as well as pioneer in the realm
of cult awareness. He made a difference.
Please pass my condolences along to his
family and the staff at WellSpring.
Douglas Agustin
This was indeed sad news. He was so brave
and did so much.
With kind regards
Barbro Westerholm
We are deeply touched by your mail,
informing us about the passing away of Dr.
Paul Martin.
We will keep him in mind as a highly
impressive person, dedicating his abilities
to people who are in need. In that way he
has done so much to many and I’m quite sure
that his seed, which has already started to
grow a long time ago, will keep on growing.
I guess continuing his work could be the
best way of paying him the tribute he
deserves. I’m sure that you and your friends
and colleagues of the ICSA are following
that kind of way and I’m very glad for it.
Thank you for just being like you are!
Sincerely,
German Müller & Sylvia Neuberger
BUNDESSTELLE FÜR SEKTENFRAGEN
So sorry to hear the news of Paul. I met
him in London when he came to talk our
ex-member group. Also at the Brussels
Conference.
Generously he had offered for me to do an
internship at Wellspring as part of my
training as a Counsellor - I also intend to
work in this field helping those who, as I
did, find their lives controlled by a
destructive group.
He had a massive influence on me and many
others who have had similar experiences.
Thanks to God for his courage and ability to
speak out. He will be sorely missed.
Mary Candler
Lancaster University
I am very sorry to receive this sad news. I
met Paul in 1993 at the conference of AIS in
Barcelona, and I was impressed by his book
Cult Proofing Your Kids, the contents of
which I have used in many lectures and I
shall use again next time in November 2009
in Sofia, Bulgaria. I saw Paul several times
again at various conferences. I have a very
good memory of him and it is really sad to
loose such a good friend. We will keep his
memory in honor.
Best regards
Friedrich Griess
Former President of FECRIS
When I think about Paul Martin many
wonderful adjectives come to mind, as other
people here have posted. However when I
think back on the life of Paul, I also think
of him as having been an amazing
Trail-blazer and Pioneer. He was not only a
cult survivor himself, but also understood
from the clinical and educational
perspective the tremendous psychological
damage done to people in cults back in the
day when anyone who got involved with a cult
was a 'loser', 'loner', or an 'outsider.' He
then went on to help people recover from
their cult experiences in a safe retreat
setting, and continued to be a life-long
advocate for cult survivors. Wellspring had
only been around 5 years when I went there
in July of 1991, but I sensed even then how
rare it was to have a retreat/recovery safe
house for me to begin to heal and make sense
of my cult experience. So many of us will
always be forever grateful for his vision
and commitment to create Wellspring, as well
as his educational knowledge and expertise
he provided in so many other settings.
Paul was a 1-in-a-million kind of person.
Totally himself all the time: honest,
direct, intelligent and funny -- but always
with such never-ending compassion for cult
survivors. I will forever reflect on him for
the incredibly special contributions he made
in his lifetime to this world. We are all so
blessed to have known him. Rest in peace,
Paul. We will always celebrate your life.
Sincerely,
Sharon Colvin
It’s very sad to hear about the news of Paul
Martin. I didn’t know him personally, but
reading his profile, I feel and understand
his passing away is a great loss for you,
Lorna, ICSA, and all ICSA-friends. I send
you all my sincere condolences!
If some heaven exist, I hope Paul will
continue to help us……
Best regards,
Monique van Heynsbergen
Amsterdam – The Netherlands
I have just received from Lorna Goldberg
the sad news of the death of Paul Martin.
Paul was a person that I appreciate a lot. I
remember his kindness when I came to
Wellspring Center with a group of Japanese
pastors.
Here in Japan Paul's work has helped many
persons to better understand how to help
people after they leave cults. Mr. Yoshida,
Mr. Kokai , Ms. Kawazaki all join with me in
wishing his wife, Barb, and the rest of
Paul's family our deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Pascal Zivi
We were deeply saddened to learn of Dr.
Paul Martin's passing, and the Chinese
scholars share the feelings of the people of
International Cultic Studies Association.
Dr. Martin’s death is not only an
imponderable loss to Wellspring Retreat and
Resource Center, but also to Cultic Studies
in the world. We will miss his extraordinary
knowledge and sagacity, his compassionate
support of former cult members, and his warm
contribution to the spiritual retrieval of
human beings. We will never forget the
pleasant time with Dr. Martin during our
visit to Wellspring and his kindness and
care to China. Please convey our sincere
condolences to Dr. Martin’s family; we pray
for him.
Sincerely yours,
Ms. Cheng Ningning
Mr. Ou Jiancheng
Dr. Wang Wenzhong
Dr. Wang Yusheng
Prof. Xi Wuyi
I am greatly saddened
by Paul Martin's passing. What a remarkable
man! Paul, along with many other cult
experts, such as Carol Giambalvo, Lois
Svoboda, Michael Langone, et al, was
instrumental in my spiritual and emotional
healing from a Bible-based cult.
After leaving this cult, I began reading the
cult literature and was reassured that my
post-cult feelings and issues were normal. I
distinctly remember the day that I read an
article by Dr. Martin about anger. I was
going through that anger stage which was
triggering because of the teachings about
anger in my cult. My cult leader taught that
anger was an indication that you were
playing a victim and were not totally
surrendered to God. Being a victim was
considered the most self-absorbed,
self-centered, antichrist attitude that a
believer could exhibit. Then I read this
passage from a chapter in Recovery from
Cults written by Dr. Martin:
In coming to grips with what has happened to
the ex-cultist, it is quite helpful to
employ the victim or trauma model. According
to this model, victimization and the
resulting distress it causes are due to the
shattering of three basic assumptions that
the victim held about the world and
the self. These assumptions are the belief
in personal invulnerability, the perception
of the world as meaningful, and the
perception of oneself as positive. The
former cult member has been traumatized,
deceived, conned, used, and often
emotionally and mentally abused while
serving the group or the leader. Like other
victims of such things as criminal acts,
war atrocities, rape, and serious illness,
ex-cultists often reexperience the painful
memories of their group involvement. Trauma
also causes many to lose interest in the
outside world, feel detached from society,
and display limited emotions.
It had only been four
months since I had left the cult and I cried
and cried. I was amazed at how sensitive I
continued to be. (Back then, I thought four
months was sufficient time to recover from a
cult experience). Dr. Martin's explanation
made sense, but the victim label had such
a negative connotation for me. It had been
drilled in my head by the leader of my
cult that to think of myself as a victim was
evil. You were not to express any hurt that
was felt over someone else's behavior
towards you or risk being reprimanded. To
think that I was a victim of a cult or
religiously abusive group was
antithetical to everything that I had come
to believe during my years at
Trinity Foundation. Dr. Martin's words had a
great impact on me and I began to see that
the expression of anger was a part of my
recovery-the process of taking back control
of my life. It was a healthy expression
of self-caring. Until I saw that I was in
fact a victim, it was difficult to become a
survivor.
My husband, Doug, had the opportunity to
meet Paul at the Denver ICSA conference in
the summer of 2006. I was so envious when he
told me, but I had the chance at the next
ICSA conference and other conferences to get
to
know Paul. He was such a gentle, unassuming
man with a wealth of knowledge. I was so
impressed that he had spent most of his
career researching cults and operating a
residential treatment facility that touched
so many lives. Even though he is no longer
with us on this earth, I know that his
legacy will continue to be instrumental in
ex-cultists' healing.
Wendy J. Duncan
www.dallascult.com
I am so sorry, but am sure he is very
happy where he is now. He has done some
great work for those in need....my prayers
are sent!
Take care and be safe
We were deeply saddened to learn of Dr.
Paul Martin's passing. Chinese scholars send
their condolences to the people of
International Cultic Studies Association.
Dr. Martin’s death is not only an
imponderable loss to Wellspring Retreat and
Resource Center, but also to Cultic Studies
in the world. We will miss his extraordinary
knowledge and sagacity, his compassionate
support of former cult members, and his warm
contributions to the spiritual retrieval of
human beings. We will never forget the
pleasant time we had with Dr. Martin during
our visit to Wellspring in October of 2002
and his kindness and care. Please convey our
sincere condolences to Dr. Martin’s family,
we pray for him.
At the moment we are looking forward to
deepening our mutual understanding and
friendship which started from Mr. Rosedale,
Dr. Singer, Dr. Martin and as well as Prof.
Langone.
Sincerely yours,
Ms. Cheng Ningning, Mr. Ou Jiancheng, Dr.
Wang Wenzhong, Dr. Wang Yusheng,
I want to convey the deep sadness I feel at
the death of Dr Paul Martin.
His life and extraordinary work in helping
people understand and heal from the effects
of cult involvement is far reaching and will
continue through the great legacy he has
left, both in his writings and through
Wellspring Retreat Centre.
I was privileged to have met Paul Martin in
Australia in 1996. The purpose of his visit
was to be an expert witness in a cult case.
However whilst here he willingly put aside a
day to conduct a workshop for a small but
very appreciative group of people who were
desperate to gain knowledge and
understanding on ways to help people heal
from cult involvement.
This was 12 years ago when Cult information
and Family Support Group [CIFS] had recently
formed in Sydney Australia. Paul's genuine
desire to help, along with his expertise and
professional input remains a source of help
and inspiration along with the memories I
have of a genuine caring and giving person.
To his wife Barb and family I send heartfelt
condolences.
Kind Regards
Ros Hodgkins
President CIFS
Paul Martin was a kind, gentle man whose
life reflected the best in all of us. Aside
from his insights and untiring service to
our community, I remember his easy going
nature and dry humor. For example, he once
openly wondered at an ICSA meeting whether
California was still part of the United
States, referring to our tendency to be
different.
The loss of Paul is a major loss for us all,
both professionally and personally. My heart
goes out to his family and friends.
Doni Whitsett
I first met Paul in 1990 when I stayed at
Wellspring after exiting C.U.T. I was the
first Jewish client at Wellspring and Paul,
Barbara and the entire staff went out of
their way to accommodate me in every way. I
know that I am so successful today and my
recovery from my experience in the cult is
largely because of Paul. When I devoted my
professional career to educating people
about the danger of destructive cults, I was
fortunate to work with Paul. The world is a
better place because of his contributions to
helping former cult members recover from
their traumas. He was a kind, devoted,
caring, wise man, and I will always be
grateful for his help during my time of
need.
My prayers are with Barbara and his family
at this difficult time. Paul will be missed
but never forgotten.
Corey Slavin
Vice President of Fund Development
Los Angeles Jewish Home
For many years I knew Paul Martin as a
friend and co-laborer in the area of
assisting people affected by destructive
cults. Several families I assisted were
helped tremendously at Wellspring. Paul's
contribution in this area is beyond measure.
He raised the bar in professional counseling
of individuals who were damaged
psychologically and spiritually by these
abusive groups. He will be missed, but the
effect of his work will continue.
Mark Roggeman
Denver, Colorado
This is an especially sad time. Paul was a
man of fine intellect and gentle wisdom. As
a Psychologist his fine professional skills
were honed with compassion. He was a
courageous man who created a team to guide
individuals recovering from an adverse
experience of living in a destructive cult.
In Albany, Ohio, he founded and developed
the Wellspring Retreat and Resource Centre.
Here he lead his professional team qualified
to address these issues. He worked long and
consistently over the years. He strongly
believed that recovery, approach and methods
should be based on Research. We can hold his
memory by furthering this research in
whatever ways are possible.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Daphne Vane
I am so sorry, but am sure he is very
happy where he is now. He has done some
great work for those in need....my prayers
are sent! Take care and be safe
Mark Dringman
I only had the honor or meeting Dr Paul
Martin once. He was such an understanding
and caring individual in his professional
life. This news deeply saddens me, not only
because of the early loss of such a great
health care specialist but also because we
had not yet had the opportunity to bring our
daughter to his care. My family visited him
last summer at Wellspring and our brief
encounter meant so much to us.
The fact that Dr. Martin he was ill was
unknown to me . They say that death can be
the end to suffering. I just will never
understand why such a wonderful healing man
as Dr. Martin should have to be taken from
us.
My deepest sympathy,
Barbara Friend
“We Must Be Doggone Crazy”: A to Tribute
Paul Martin
Paul and I were
contemporaries. Having both graduated high
school in 1964, we had a certain cultural
bond. Our identities were shaped within the
same cultural milieu, that of the 1960s.
Our personal
backgrounds, however, were very different.
I grew up in a working-class suburb of
Boston, a place where the children of
immigrants lived when they were “moving on
up.” Paul was the son of a pastor and grew
up in Nebraska, a place where people say
things like “dang” and “doggone.” We used
more “colorful” exclamations where I grew
up.
Paul and I followed
very different pathways out of the 1960s and
ultimately into what one might loosely call
“sanity” or “maturity.” I say “loosely”
because on more than one occasion, when we
were discussing our cult work, Paul blurted
out, “Michael, we must be doggone crazy!”
To which I usually replied something to the
effect of, “Yeah, Paul, we’re "bleeping"
nuts.”
In order to pay proper
tribute to Paul, I think we must ask, “In
what way was Paul doggone crazy?”
We must begin with a
bit of philosophizing.
I’m fond of quoting an
anecdote from the work of historian Will
Durant because it captures so succinctly an
attitude toward life that contributed,
paradoxically, to the emotionalism of the
1960s. This attitude was not dominant in
the culture at large, but it was fairly
common in the academy, where so many of us
began to forge our identities. Durant
quoted the epitaph on the tombstone of an
ancient Roman, probably a stoic. The
translation from Latin read: “I was not. I
was. I am not. I care not.” Such a meek
acceptance of the Void! Certainly not
something that the happy children of World
War II’s scarred veterans could embrace.
No, we of the 60s generation turned to the
fashionable existentialists, who proclaimed
with passion: “Man makes his own meaning!”
And so the 60s bloom began. Every
“bleeping” meaning imaginable came out of or
had its roots in the 60s: Revolution! Turn
on, Tune in, Drop out! He who dies with the
most toys wins! Get It! And, of course, the
cultic version of “Jesus saves!”
Paul went in the “Jesus
saves” direction and wound up in a cult. I
think he realized that the existentialists
didn’t really improve that much on the Roman
stoic. The former’s epitaph would have
read: “I was not. I protested. I am not.
I care not.” As a child of the 60s, Paul
wanted that extra something that we 60s
seekers thought was our birthright. He
eloquently called it “the buzz,” the “high”
that so many of the Jesus cults delivered to
those who wanted more emotion on their
epitaphs than the stoics or existentialists
could deliver.
Fortunately, Paul
wasn’t in a group that pulled him completely
out of the world. He was able to continue
his education well beyond his B.A. Before
he ultimately obtained his counseling
doctorate, he got degrees in experimental
psychology and humanities, with a bit of
seminary training. He even worked in
psychopharmacology for a while. Huh? We
already begin to see the incipient craziness
that would serve him so well in the cult
field! Paul was a scientist, and he was a
humanitarian. He resisted the pigeon-holing
specialization that makes adaptation to
academia so much easier. He was headed for
a road less traveled.
During graduate school
Paul read Robert J. Lifton’s, Thought
Reform and the Psychology of Totalism.
For Paul, this was a turning point.
Lifton’s book launched him on the journey
out of the cult. I wasn’t there, but I’ll
bet that at some point or other Paul said,
“Dang, I’m in cult!”
Paul left the cult. He
gave up the “buzz.” He could have become
disillusioned with religion. But he didn’t.
Instead, he went deeper into his Christian
faith and established a more mature and
humble relationship with God.
After the cult, Paul
could have used his intellectual gifts to
forge a career that would have brought him
profit, prestige, comfort, and security.
Instead, he founded a residential
rehabilitation center for ex-cultists in the
boonies of Ohio. Another sign of
craziness! Surely, as every “normal” person
would agree, such an endeavor could never
succeed.
But it did succeed. It
succeeded because of the skill and “crazy”
dedication of Paul Martin.
God only knows, it was
difficult—especially in the early years.
The easy part was setting up and
implementing a unique treatment program that
has been shown to be effective by a mountain
of research data, which Paul was the first
in this field to collect.
The hard part was
raising the money. It takes a lot of money
to keep a residential facility going.
I’ve often likened
fund-raising in this field to growing
tomatoes in the desert—without a nearby
river to feed irrigation canals. Where do
you get the water? Wells. So you dig and
dig and dig. And when the wells dry up, you
dig again and again and again.
Paul did a LOT of
digging—while he did everything else. I
think he got blisters on his soul.
Sometimes, as we shared “war stories,” he
would realize for a moment how much this
work took out of him. That’s when he’d say,
“Michael, we must be doggone crazy!” But
Paul never stopped. And he never gave up.
There were too many hurting ex-cult members,
to whom he ministered one after the
other—more than 1,000 in total.
It was hard work. It
was frustrating work. And it was painful
work. He didn’t do it because it was “fun,”
or because the world applauded (on the
contrary, he always had to worry about being
sued by cults), or because it gave him a
“buzz.” He did it because he was there, and
it was the right thing to do.
If Paul could respond
to me now, he might pause, thrust his jaw
forward, and drawl: “You know, Michael,
those guys – the stoics and existentialists
– they are the ones who are doggone crazy!
They got my epitaph ALL WRONG! Mine is the
epitaph of all who try to do what is right:
‘I was not. I was created. With faith,
hope, and charity, I did my duty. I died.
I am.’”
I think you’re right,
Paul. But of one thing I am quite certain:
you are remembered.
Michael Langone
With major concern and
sorrow I have heard about the passing of Dr.
Paul Martin. I had a chance to get to know
him during my internship at Wellspring
Retreat and Resource center in Albany OH in
1999 and 2000.
I respect him as a person of integrity, who
with much concern, kindness, and competence
has served those who have been severely
damaged by cults. I believe that his insight
and input in the field of training others
for so many years is something that deserves
to be honored, respected, and valued in a
special way. The atmosphere at Wellspring,
as well as the contents taught, have
influenced me in my own counseling work with
spiritual abuse survivors in Germany and
other nations in Europe.
Wholeheartedly, I'd like to honor him for
his contribution to supporting cult
survivors in so many ways and I join you in
wishing his family my deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Inge Tempelmann
I was devastated to
learn that Dr. Paul Martin had lost his
heroic battle. I had somehow thought he
would pull through. I regard Paul (and his
family) as my dear friends. I first saw him
speak at the Chicago Conference in 1998 and
was so drawn to him because he freely
expressed his anger at the injustices and
abuses that so many of us as ex-members have
had to face. In 1999 I sent my dissertation
to him which was entitled ‘What Does A
Pastoral Counsellor Need To Know About Cults
And Ex-Cult Members To Be An Effective
Helper?’ and asked if I could be an Intern
at Wellspring. He was responsive to me (as
he was with so many of us) and I went for
four weeks in the summer of 1999. I made a
journal of my time there and learned so very
much and base so much of the work I do now
with XMs from that time shadowing Paul and
Ron Burks. I had the honour of returning to
Wellspring summer 2008 for a visit. I have
sometimes called Paul for supervision and
have had the benefit of his advice as I have
worked to find ways to move my practice with
XMs forward here in UK. He generously
offered his advice and extensive wisdom and
I am so very glad I had the opportunity to
know him. He always said he would die with
his boots on and he did. I wish to continue
the work he started in any way I can from
across the pond! I have set up a Charity
called ‘EnCourage Survivors of Cults and
Abuse’ to support ex-members in their
recovery process and it is named EnCourage
because of the encouragement Paul and
Wellspring have given to me.
With great sadness,
Gillie Jenkinson
Hope Valley Counselling
Limited, UK
Having just returned
from vacation, I have heard the sad news of
Paul's death. I am so sorry that Paul has
been taken from us. What a tragedy it is
for him, his family, Wellspring, ex-cult
members and the cult specialist field, where
his loss is so enormous.
As a colleague in the
field, I was able to witness the
immeasurable benefits offered by Paul and
his Wellspring staff to ex-cult members and
their families. I also had the privilege of
meeting Paul on several occasions at
conferences over the years. Whatever
struggles he might have faced, he seemed to
continue to operate with great integrity,
dignity and love. Paul was a kind, gentle,
thoughtful man and a great ambassador for
the field of cult awareness.
Whilst I can receive
comfort from knowing that Paul will no
longer be suffering, I am still very upset
that he has been torn from us at such a
young age. He will be greatly missed. My
heart goes out to his wife Barbara, his
family and the staff at Wellspring. I am so
very sorry for your great loss that is our
loss too.
Sincerely,
Ian Haworth
Cult Information Centre,
BCM CULTS,
London, U.K.
We are back to work from holiday.
We are very sad receiving the news of the
death of Dr. Paul Martin.
Please accept our condolences and express
our sympathy to his wife and family.
For the Pancypian Parents Union,
The President, the Board of Directors, the
Secretariat, and Friends of the Union,
Sotia Pericleous
Cyprus
It was with great sadness I read your
letter. The family of Dr. Paul Martin,
yourself and all his collegues and friends
have all my deep condolences.
Dr. Paul Martin was here in Sweden in
1995 for a lecture at the University of
Stockholm, and I met him on one occasion for
an interview. I published his talk in
Dagens Nyheter, DN, the largest
newspaper in Sweden. The article was very
positively received and the reason why I got
interested in the subject of "sects" or
"cults." Dr. Martin also confirmed that
children in cults - my primary writing about
sects - was a very unknown area at this
time.
This is 14 years ago, but I am very
grateful that he was the first person I
talked to concerning children in cults,
since very few professional people in Sweden
- if any - had his knowledge!
Again, I send my condolences.
Sincerely,
Charlotte Essén
Two weeks ago, I was driving down the
motorway feeling very down. It came to my
mind that a great cloud of witnesses was
cheering me on in this life. And then I
thought of Paul, who, having left this earth
and gone to a much better place, would be
especially encouraging me to keep going.
Knowing that Paul had such a passion for
those who have been hurt by cults and
knowing that he was and is cheering me on is
especially meaningful. I am glad that, some
years ago at Wellspring, Paul made the time
to talk to me, bringing me peace at a time
when I had been lacking it. Paul’s
compassion and understanding of those
wounded by unscrupulous spiritual leaders,
alongside his determination to make a
difference, was and still is inspirational.
Anonymous
Dear Dr. Martin & Loved Ones,
Though I never met you. I have a great deal
of respect for you. It is voices like yours
that create new paths and open new doors for
those who can't do it alone. God gave you
life's most precious gift: love and
compassion for others. Putting judgment
aside; realizing we are all only human;
teaching others to love and forgive
themselves. You acted as a guardian angel in
life, as I'm certain you are now on the
other side. Your spirit and legacy lives on.
Your bravery, passion, and insight will
continue to inspire victims to share their
stories for years to come. Thank you for
dedicating so many years thinking about
others and never giving up on your vision.
I want you to know that I am currently
writing my first book, sharing my life story
from a stressed childhood to occult and then
falling prey to an abusive relationship. I'm
showcasing the similarities between
brainwashing in both domestic abuse and
occults. I hope that telling my graphic,
detailed story, it will be an eye opener for
many others. It is a painful struggle -
mentally, emotionally, and financially.
After visiting your website and seeing the
U-tube clips I was encouraged to continue
jumping the many hurdles still in my way.
God Bless,
A. Maryjane
Survivor, Word of Faith N.C
Both in my personal life and for reFOCUS,
how saddened I am by the loss of Dr. Paul
Martin. On a personal level, I remember
meeting Paul and his lovely wife, Barb, at
the first CAN conference they attended. It
wasn’t long after that he launched
Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center and
opened the doors to former members of cultic
groups, most of whom at that time had been
recently exit counseled. Many of my own
clients attended there and it was so
rewarding to be able to both refer clients
and, a few times, go to the facility with
them.
Paul's work with former members is
immeasurable. He has touched many lives and
truly made a difference in them. Paul’s work
in the research field contributed
much-needed data and information to the
field. When he presented his model of the
Overview of the Recovery Process at the
early AFF (American Family Foundation, now
named International Cultic Studies
Association) recovery workshops, it was his
work that I continue to present, with minor
additions, at the current recovery
workshops. Paul was relentless at giving,
gentle and humble in spirit, sharp in mind,
slow and careful in speech, and
irreplaceable. He has touched my life,
affected my work and I will sorely miss him.
My heartfelt sympathies go out to his
precious family.
Carol Giambalvo
Here are my thoughts about Paul. He stayed
the course through tough times, he didn't
pack-up and move on to other work. He
respected the need to do research and worked
with many people from all over the world to
complete clinical studies. He earned the
respect of the academic community but still
focused on connecting with individual
clients and getting them personal treatment.
He didn't let his health concerns overwhelm
him. He held strong beliefs but never pushed
them on his clients.
He will be missed by the recovery community.
Let me take this opportunity to express my
thanks for your tireless efforts on behalf
of those who have been abused!
John
My name is Jenny Hunter. I am proud to have
known Paul Martin. My life was saved by the
work he began at Wellspring. I was in a cult
for 12 years, the “International Churches of
Christ."
I left in 2004 at the age of 33 with 2 young
children. Within a year I ended up at
Wellspring because although I had a job and
a great support system, etc., I was falling
apart inside.
Wellspring saved my life. I will never
forget the workshop session Paul did one day
for me and the two other ex members.
I was so inspired by what he did at
Wellspring it inspired me to start a non
profit of my own and I have mostly raised
money that has helped people go to
Wellspring.
When I found out about his death...I felt
very sad and empty. Somehow it seemed lonely
to think he was no longer on this earth with
us.
What he has left, those he has helped
directly and indirectly will honor his name
for a very long time. I know his work will
continue in the professionals he has
inspired to continue caring for ex cult
members and the ex members who work silently
to help others.
Thank you Paul.
Once when I visited Wellspring, Paul took us
on a tour of the facilities and showed us
the doorknobs on the rooms. He said, “See,
the locks are on the inside of the door, not
the outside (e.g., residents could leave
whenever they wanted. They were not held
against their wills, as some had alleged).
He also described the time at Wellspring as
“burning both ends of the candle” in order
to help residents find their own solution.
Paul was compassionate, forward looking, and
practical. He has been a role-model and
inspiration to me.
Anonymous
I never met Dr. Martin, and never went to
Wellspring, but I did speak with Dr. Ron
Burke at Wellspring at the beginning of my
journey out of the cult in Benton Harbor,
Michigan. Both my conversation (at no charge
to me) and the material on the Wellspring
website were invaluable. Without them, I
would still be stuck at the beginning of the
road. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Martin and
to Wellspring. My prayers are with his
family and the staff of Wellspring. And
blessings to you and the reFOCUS folks too -
believe me, your work is extremely necessary
in the world right now.
Best Regards, Sally
Dear Friends:
My tears and prayers are with you. Dr. Paul
Martin ministered greatly to me. I am very
thankful for the blessing of his life.
Love, Elizabeth
I knew Paul personally through his former
group involvement. I had the privilege of
being part of his recovery workshops for
former cult members. His wisdom, experience,
strength and hope, and dry sense of humor
were inspiring.
He was an elder in the same group that Tammy
and I were in. He helped me sort out of the
loss and the grief I was suffering in the
early years of my recovery.
I had the honor of being a member of a
church who left its shepherding roots. In a
private conversation with the pastor, it was
revealed that Paul officiated their wedding.
That a small world.
I know there are other forum members who
were personally helped by Wellspring. Please
remember the family and those in the cult
recovery community who are saddened by his
passing.
Ex-shep
http://www.christianrecovery.com
I never met Paul Martin but appreciated the
Six Myths (They were GREAT!) and ordered
something of his from Amazon.com. Best
regards from Christine
Paul was kind, sensitive, tolerant,
thoughtful, insightful, a good friend,
fierce when he needed to be, and true to our
cause. He did so much for so many. His
contributions will not be forgotten and he
will be sorely missed.
Janja Lalich, Ph.D.
Chico, California
Paul was one of the most gentle men I ever
met. He cradled my soul until it could stand
on it's own. I will miss you, Friend. Until
we meet again-
JS. Texas.
Hi, all - such sad news. I very much enjoyed
hearing from Paul during some of the Philly
sessions. The work at Wellspring made such a
difference to so many. It's unfortunate that
people who do great work with such
commitment face such obstacles in life.
Thank you for letting us know what happened.
Patti
It was a privilege and an honor to have
known and worked with Dr. Paul Martin. He
was able to blend his own life experiences,
his training, and his love for people to
assist them through difficult times and
bring them to a point where they were able
to rediscover their uniqueness and value.
I had the opportunity to be there with Dr.
Martin and his staff at the beginning of
Wellspring. The Center filled a void for
those who wanted to sort through their
experiences and its impact on their lives
while exploring their spirituality in a safe
and loving environment if they chose.
Dr. Martin was respected for his academics,
his research, and his support for those that
were victims of totalitarian situations and
groups. All those that knew him and had the
pleasure to work with him will sorely miss
him.
My condolences go out to his family and
staff whom he leaves behind and I know that
he will hear the words that he longed to
hear: Well done you good and faithful
servant.
Rand Burkey
I will leave that for those who knew him,
but I DO want to express my sympathy to
you...I know he was very special to you. I
am so sorry for your loss. If you need
anything, I am an e-mail away.
Though I did not know him, I feel very
grateful for the impact he had in helping
people find "themselves" after leaving
cults. It sounds like he was a wonderful
man. My husband and I took a drive to the
Albany/Athens area last weekend and my heart
was heavy, thinking about him and his family
going through such a difficult time. I am
sad that I did not get the chance to meet
Paul, but I know I will "get to know him"
through those he had relationships with and
those he helped. I respect him for living
his passion and for making such a positive
difference.
Linda
My memory of Paul Martin was he was one of
the first people I chatted with at my First
national conference (CAN) many years ago.
Since then we talked about many topics
including tips on clients we both had. I had
referred many clients to Wellspring over the
years and always got positive feedback from
them. Paul Martin will be sorely missed.
Hal Mansfield
I was shocked to hear of Paul's passing.
That must have been sudden.
I knew Paul and several Wellspring staff
members quite well.
I lost a friend to Great Commission in 1984.
Paul helped me sort out my cult involvement
and the loss of Chrissa.
In another small world connection, I was
involved in a Great Commission church in
Texas which went through so many reforms
that they eventually ended leaving GC. When
Paul was an elder in the then Blitz
Movement, he presided over the wedding of
who was later to be the senior pastor of
Grace Community Church in Plano TX. I was a
member at Grace 2005-2007.
My fondest memory was Paul speaking at the
FOCUS pre-conference in Oklahoma City. His
wit and wisdom was inspiring.
No doubt he will be missed. I did forward
your announcement to the forum of spiritual
abuse.com. There are several forum members
who knew Paul personally through Wellspring.
Thank you for letting me know.
Mark
This is such a shock to me! I went to
Wellspring as an inpatient for 2 weeks in
2001--they saved my life. I was hoping for
an opportunity to speak to him again
someday.
EL
I am so saddened to learn of Paul Martin's
death. I know he had struggled with serious
health issues for some time. We have lost a
very important contributor to the entire
field. Not only was he a former member
himself, but went on to become a
psychologist, did expert witness work, and
of course opened and ran Wellspring, which I
sent clients to for many, many years.
The last time I spoke at length with Paul
was at the ICSA conference in Philadelphia
in '08 when we renewed our connection of
some 30 years. We spoke of our many decade
parallel journey in the field of raising
awareness about destructive mind control
relationships and groups. We also discussed
how tragic it is that there is so much
unfortunate politics, cliques and
undercutting of people in the underfunded
cult awareness field who are just trying to
help. He too wished we could put any of our
petty differences aside and focus on the big
picture- helping people who need help, and
raising awareness, so that we can help
alleviate human suffering and avert further
tragedies.
I truly hope that Paul's contributions will
be recognized and that more can be done to
provide options for people who have been
through a devastating mind control
experience can have the option to go and
heal. With the announced closing of
Wellspring, that leaves only Bob and Judy
Pardon's Meadowhaven, for now. It is so sad
that with the cult problem being bigger than
ever, there are fewer resources available.
No one lives forever, but Paul died way too
young. He will be missed.
Steve Hassan
Dr. Martin made an immense and lasting
contribution toward helping Christians who
have suffered at the hands of cultic
churches. His article “Dispelling the Myths”
is the best resource for pastors and
counselors on the issues involved. The film
“Join Us”, which has just come out on DVD,
will be of inestimable value. As Dr. Martin
described many times, his own cult
involvement took a huge toll on his health,
and yet he spent himself unreservedly in the
fight against cultism. We will benefit from
his labors for years to come.
Margaret Irons, Editor
http://geftakysassembly.com/
It’s so sad to hear
that we have lost another icon in the cult
recovery field. Paul Martin has left us but
his work will live on. It will be up to us
to carry on.
Paul had tremendous
compassion for cult survivors. Being one
himself made him acutely aware of the
diverse needs of this population. So he
became a psychologist and studied the field
as a researcher, then listened to our
suffering as a psychotherapist and
eventually created Wellspring so we had a
safe place to go to begin to heal. No one
has covered the bases of education, support,
therapy and residential treatment as
completely as Paul. His gentleness,
determination, wisdom and relentless
persistence will be sorely missed.
On a more personal
level I am so very grateful to Paul for
studying Kashi Ranch, my former cult, and
making statements to the press like: “Kashi
has all of the makings of a quintessential
cult” and “the members scored the highest
Martin has ever seen on a psychological test
designed to measure psychological abuse.” It
takes courage and credibility to pull this
off and Paul did it well.
Rosanne Henry
I was lucky enough to meet Paul on a
couple of occasions, one of them being at
Wellspring. His organization saved my sanity
and through Wellspring I healed my life. I
will be eternally grateful for the help that
I received thanks to his example. I met him
recently at a cult education seminar and I
wish now that I had told him what an amazing
person he is and how grateful I am that he
started Wellspring. Unfortunately I was far
too shy and I think he probably wouldn't
have accepted the compliment anyway as he
was such a humble person.
I am just so sad that an angel such as
Paul has been taken so unfairly, but
confident that he is in a better place. I
send all my love to the family and close
friends and I am truly sorry for their loss.
Deepest sympathy
Katie
Dr. Paul Martin was so well-versed in
cult manipulation and abuse that I was truly
amazed. When I arrived at Wellspring, I had
no idea of what I had gone through and how
it had affected my life. I did not
know what it meant to be brainwashed. And
when I left I felt relieved of not only
revealing the "secrets" I had been keeping
from the world for so long, but now I saw
them in a new light, and I saw myself in a
new way as well. I was given permission to
be upset with my abusers and feel angry.
I could now own my thoughts, feelings, and
doubts. He gave me a new beginning by
teaching me about mind control and cultic
relationships. He listened with a kind
heart and showed me how strong I had been in
the face of opposition.
Karen Young
Thank you for letting me know about Paul
Martin's death. I was a client at Wellspring
in 2004, and had received a letter from them
a few months ago letting me know of his
illness and that he was in treatment for it.
But what a shock!! And what a sad loss. I
am so sorry to hear this. Wellspring was a
really helpful place for me, and is for so
many others.
I was recruited into a cult by both a
psychology teacher and a school counselor at
the time that I disclosed childhood sexual
abuse for the first time. It was to say the
least, a very vulnerable time for me and I
was taken advantage of for sure!! Wellspring
really helped in my recovery, as did the
Cult Awareness Network conferences that I
attended back in 1993 and 1994 where I had
heard of Wellspring. I never thought I would
use their services though because I thought
cults were where people lived together and I
did not live with the "counselors" who
exploited me. I also never thought I would
use their services because the abusers were
still "in my head" keeping me from reaching
out for any kind of help again.
I really hope the people involved with
Wellspring will be able to keep it open and
going. And the need still exists as is
evidenced by the recent case of the missing
girl who has now been found 18 years later!!
And she was taken by a predator who had
"weird" religious beliefs, has now two kids
by him, one of which when she was 14, and
this guy had been previously in prison for
rape among other things. This girl (now
woman), along with her family is going to
need help, the kind of help that Wellspring
provides, which can not only educate her on
why she bonded with this creep, but how she
can exit that thinking process and be able
to move forward with her life.
Thank you for this opportunity to honor Dr.
Paul Martin. I am so grateful that he
founded a place like Wellspring that not
only has helped me, but has helped so many
other people.
Elizabeth Fleischer
It was my first CAN (the original Cult
Awareness Network) conference. In my
confused state of mind, I gravitated to the
ex-member session presented by Dr. Paul
Martin. Clearly, I remember that being the
first time that anyone had spoken with any
sense about what had happened to me during
the previous 10 years. I sat in silence,
shock and relief as I listened to Dr.
Martin's explanations of cults, mind
control, and recovery. His presentation that
day impacted my life greatly. His
presentations over the years have
re-affirmed my understanding of my cult and
deprogramming experiences. His work allowed
me to make sense out of chaos, and to take
steps forward into a freer life. I will miss
him greatly.
Ginger Zyskowski
It is so difficult for me to express the
loss of a dear friend and dedicated
colleague who meant so much to so many.
It was back during the mid-1980's that I met
Dr. Paul Martin. He and I were both former
members of bible based cult-like groups that
had mainstream Christian doctrines but
shared in similar cultic dynamics. As a
former member having met someone like Paul
with his enormous talents and training in
the mental health profession added a truly
needed contribution for former members who
walked away from their groups truly hurting.
They really needed and appreciated recovery
assistance from Paul that his stature as a
clinical psychologist provided. It was truly
an honor to work with Dr. Martin on various
former cult member workshops and counseling
encounters. Paul gave both his time and care
when money wasn't always there to compensate
him for really needed professional help that
Dr. Martin would provide.
The more cult related conferences and
workshops we attended Dr. Martin began to
see the need for a facility to help former
members recover from psychological and
spiritual abuse. I agreed with Paul's vision
and hope he could realize it. Before Dr.
Martin created Wellspring -- it should be
kept in mind that previous cult
rehabilitation or recovery centers did not
last, but closed their doors before Dr.
Martin's Wellspring was established. The
professional standards provided by Paul
excelled the previous recovery facilities.
In the total number of years of Wellspring's
existence there have been cult organizations
along with their academic and legal allies
who would make assertions about the cult
phenomenon and alleged atrocity tales of
former members, their families and
supporters. Dr. Martin was fully dedicated
in dispelling the myths by providing sound
professional research and documented studies
that Wellspring provided that data under his
directorship. There were cultic realities we
who lived it know the truth of it, but Dr.
Martin methodically documented and
publically demonstrated it's reality in
published findings. We will be forever in
Dr. Martin's debt for his tireless efforts
to get the truth out about the cult world we
who lived it know so well.
It was truly a rewarding experience to watch
Dr. Martin give his findings at academic
along with cult related conferences and
workshops on a worldwide level factually
demonstrating what the true harm and abuse
really does to cult victims and recovery
assistance that brings true and lasting
healing.
Dr. Martin truly advanced the cause of
psychology and science with his professional
projects for AFF and ICSA. Paul was a legal
expert witness in cult related litigation
cases and helped those who required his
help. Cultic organizations battled and
harassed Wellspring and under Dr. Martin's
supervision weathered those storms and kept
Wellspring functioning. Where other
facilities did not survive legal battles and
harassment -- Wellspring prevailed. Dr.
Martin was not only a giant in our field he
was also a genuine hero under such relenting
and trying circumstances, BRAVO.
I am an early fellow pioneer in this field
and truly admire the courage and
steadfastness of Paul and his tireless
mission to help those who battle groups that
did not leave some people alone. Dr.
Martin's historic legacy will be remembered
with much affection to those who knew and
loved him. My heart and prayers go out to
his wife Barbara and his family who stood by
his side through all the difficulties and
the many rewards they shared together.
Dr. Martin's vision should continue and we
who knew him best need to continue to
support the work he gave his life to --
until he could do it more.
With heart-felt appreciation,
David Clark
Re-FOCUS board member, ICSA video education
chair
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