Bill Gothard Discussion Group

A discussion of the theology and materials produced by Bill Gothard through his seminars and books, his homeschool curriculum (ATI), and other connected ministries (IBLP, Character First, Alert, Telos, Verity, etc.). This list is open to all sides -- those that use and support the materials, those concerned about problems with the materials or the organization, and those just looking for more information.

This is not a support group; it is open to critics and supporters both. This makes our group unique among those devoted to discussing Gothard's teachings. We welcome polite disagreement and debate, and we seek correction where error is found. Bring your opinions, and be prepared to support them with scripture, facts, and sound reasoning. While others are welcome to join, you should be aware that the group consists primarily of conservative Christians who take the Bible as the final authority on spiritual issues.

Disclaimer: Some of the subjects discussed here concern adult matters that could be considered inappropriate for younger people, and definitely not for children. We do not allow members under the age of sixteen. Join at your own discretion and understand that these subjects are found in the materials we are discussing.
 

Bill Gothard's Definition of Grace from 2000:
Click here to read

Links

IBLP and Related Websites:

Institute in Basic Life Principles
www.iblp.org

Advanced Training Institute
www.ati.iblp.org

A.L.E.R.T
www.alert.iblp.org

CharacterLink  
www.characterlink.net

Life Study Groups
www.lifestudygroups.com

Telos                       
www.telos.edu

Verity
www.verity.iblp.org

Oak Brook College of Law
www.obcl.edu

Applied Principles
www.appliedprinciples.com

Character First 
www.characterfirst.com

Bill Gothard's Website
www.billgothard.com

Other Websites:

Midwest Christian Outreach

Rest Ministries

Apologetics Index

Liberty1st.org

MountUmunhum.com

Bill Gothard’s organization began as Basic Youth Conflicts in 1964. Later it was renamed Institute in Basic Life Principles. Over the years this organization has created many seminars and ministries. Seminars include the Basic, Advanced and Minister’s, the Children’s Institute, the Anger Resolution seminar, and the Financial Freedom Seminar. Educational ministries include the Advanced Training Institute homeschool program, Telos, Oak Brook College of Law, Excel and Verity. Community ministries include orphanages, the Log Cabin program for troubled youths, Alert, CharacterLink and Character First. But controversy surrounds many of Bill Gothard’s teachings on subjects such as grace, the Old Testament law, divorce, rock and roll music, circumcision, disease, generational curses, adoption, birth control, rhemas, success and authority. Many believe that his teachings are often unbiblical and based on poor hermeneutics.

The primary ministry of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) consists of seminars, which are constantly presented throughout the United States and the world. The Basic Seminar outlines and elaborates on the seven basic principles, which Bill Gothard describes as Biblical and non-optional. Once a person attends this seminar they become an "alumni" entitled to go to future Basic Seminars at no cost. The seminar is presented over a period of four evenings and one full day, for a total of 30 hours. Though nearly all Basic Seminars consist of Bill Gothard speaking on video tapes, a few are conducted with him speaking live.

Those who have completed the Basic Seminar may then attend the Advanced Seminar, which normally runs concurrently with the Basic in the same location. This seminar goes into further application of the materials taught in the Basic.

While parents are attending the Basic or Advanced, children can participate in the Children’s Institute, which also provides instruction on the seven non-optional basic principles of life from a character perspective.

Christian leaders are invited to attend a yearly Minister’s conference. The content of what is taught at this conference varies from year to year, and reflect special issues of concern to Bill Gothard.

IBLP also produces a Financial Freedom seminar. It is not presented directly by IBLP, but rather is available for private study individually or with a small group.  This is also the case with IBLP's Marriage Oneness Seminar taught by Mike and Connie Walsh.

New on the scene is the Anger Resolution seminar. IBLP’s website has this to say to describe the contents: "This seminar traces conflicts to their root causes and gives steps of action which, if followed, will resolve anger."

Recently, IBLP has formed Life Study Groups.  Groups of 10 or more may conduct any one of IBLP's seminars privately for a per-participant fee. 

Bill Gothard recently wrote a book entitled The Power of Crying Out.

The next biggest undertaking in IBLP is the Advanced Training Institute homeschool program begun in 1984. The ATI program has a strict application process, including attending several conferences before becoming members. Families must agree to many guidelines in order to be accepted into the school and continue in it. At the yearly ATI conference the dress code consists of a white shirt and navy blue pants or skirt. The curriculum describes in detail what is required for proper and modest dress and grooming. Beards are not allowed, but an exception is granted to those who have one because of religious conviction.

Once in ATI, a family is sent the curriculum on a regular basis. The curriculum consists of over 50 Wisdom Booklets, which provide nearly all that is required to complete the education. These booklets make a stack just over a foot high. When a family has completed all the booklets, they start again from the beginning. The curriculum is intended to be used for all ages simultaneously – K-12^th grade.

Out of ATI has grown many ministries that are available to provide post secondary education in a controlled environment and create vehicles for personal ministry, also in a controlled environment.

• Character First! – public school and corporate character education program

• Log Cabin – program for troubled youth

• Orphans and homeless – offers shelter, character training and academics

• Verity – distance learning program

• Telos – distance learning AA degree program

• Oak Brook College of Law and Government Policy – distance learning degree program

• Excel – for young women

• Alert – military-style program for young men

• Photography

• Midwifery – for young women

• CharacterLink – protected internet access

There are many teachings of Bill Gothard’s which are controversial, and he is not a stranger to critics. Here are several of his teachings that many have concerns about or feel are unbiblical in nature:

• Grace: Bill Gothard’s definition of grace is unbiblical and violates the Gospel of Christ. 

• Hermeneutics: Bill Gothard’s use of Scripture constantly betrays a serious lack of proper hermeneutics. This includes rhemas.

• Legalism: Bill Gothard’s teachings put people in the bondage of legalism

• Umbrella of Authority: Bill Gothard’s view of authority goes beyond what Scripture describes

• The Law: Bill Gothard teaches that adherence to certain Old Testament laws is required for a godly Christian life.

• Rock Music: Bill Gothard’s strict stand on music cannot be supported by Scripture

• Generational Sins and Curses

• Spiritually Abusive: IBLP bears many of the marks of a spiritually abusive fellowship. Some would go so far as to say that the organization is cult-like

• Character: Character First! is teaching good character without Christ.

• Suspicion of modern medicine

• All diseases have a spiritual root

• Circumcision: Bill Gothard teaches that the only wise decision for Christian parents is to circumcise their sons, in spite of clear New Testament teachings that show the practice as unnecessary.

• Divorce: Bill Gothard teaches that divorce is never acceptable, and engages in odd interpretations of Christ’s words to support his view.

• Children: Bill Gothard is an advocate of no birth control and strongly encourages sterilization reversals

• Courtship and Betrothal: Bill Gothard is firmly against dating and offers courtship as only the Biblical model.

• Bill Gothard calls his way of living the Christian life "higher standards" and tells people to expect to be persecuted for them

These are just a few of the issues that have caused controversy.

Here are several other publications produced or distributed by IBLP:

• Men’s Manual

• Character Sketches

• The Sevenfold Power of First-Century Churches and Homes

• The Power of Crying Out

• Rebuilder’s Guide (regarding divorce)

• Various Character Booklets

• The Eagle Story

• The Pineapple Story

• Principles and Skill in Wholesome Home Food Preparation

• Medical Training Institute of America – Basic Care Bulletins

• How to Conquer the Addiction of Rock Music

• Bright Arrows – magazine for Children

• Effective Counseling Course

• Establishing Biblical Standard of Courtship