Walter Martin

Date of Birth: September 10, 1928

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: June 26, 1989

Biography

Walter Ralston Martin was a prominent American Baptist clergyman and Christian apologist. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he gained widespread recognition as a leading expert on cults and new religious movements, dedicating his life to religious education and apologetics. Martin founded the Christian Research Institute in 1960, an organization focused on providing Christians with resources to defend their faith against various cults and heresies. He authored several influential books, the most notable being “The Kingdom of the Cults,” which remains a standard reference work on cults and alternative religious movements. Throughout his life, Martin was a vocal critic of groups he considered cults, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormonism, and Christian Science. He also hosted the radio program “The Bible Answer Man,” where he provided answers to theological questions and addressed contemporary religious issues.

5 Interesting Facts about Walter Martin

1. Walter Martin was known as “The Original Bible Answer Man” for his extensive work in Christian apologetics through his radio show.

2. He held four earned degrees, including a Master of Divinity from New York University.

3. Martin was an ordained minister in the Southern Baptist Convention.

4. He was a prolific author, having written or co-authored over a dozen books on Christian apologetics.

5. Martin’s book “The Kingdom of the Cults” has been updated and revised multiple times since its original publication in 1965, reflecting ongoing developments in the study of new religious movements.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Walter Martin

1. “Truth by definition is exclusive. If truth were all-inclusive, nothing would be false.”

2. “Controversy for the sake of controversy is sin. Controversy for the sake of truth is a divine command.”

3. “A cult is a group of people polarized around someone’s interpretation of the Bible and is characterized by major deviations from orthodox Christianity.”

4. “We must get back to the truth, back to the Bible, and back to the defense of the faith once delivered.”

5. “The Christian faith does not go forward on the wheels of compromise.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Walter Martin’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, primarily from book sales, speaking engagements, and his radio program.

Children

Walter Martin had seven children: Jill Martin Rische, Kurt Martin, Valerie Martin, Alison Martin, Gretchen Passantino, Heather Martin, and Jonathan Martin. Several of his children have continued his legacy in Christian ministry and apologetics.