From Bill to Larne and Ruth, February 1981

Jim February 14, 2014 Reply

What's more intriguing is to think about the emotional state of a person who can write these words to their victim(s) after years of abuse.

A. Did he sincerely think he was loving them, and the pain and sorrow they experienced was because of some unpredictable twist of fate, and not as a result of him having been manipulative?
B. Did he calculatingly write these words, laced with christian connotations, in a devious attempt to get them to associate their love for Christ with love for him, and then honor that association by not speaking out?
C. Did he deliberately use the "sandwich technique" (positive words in opening and closing) to mask a deliberately worded veiled threat in the reference to how easy it is for him to reach out and influence his wide group of followers, and as it was that easy for him, he could reach out and destroy the reputation of anyone he chose to?

- Is there any way why any possiblity can be intrepreted as a manifestation of Christian love?
- Should he have specifically detailed his offenses in an attempt to find forgiveness, as he and other IBLP counselors forced others to do (often in graphic detail)?

A clear and consistent pattern of malicious manipulation is starting to emerge and confirm what many people had suspected from their own isolated interactions with him.

Danyne Randolph Bharj February 14, 2014 Reply

surely Mr Gothard would never use the positive/negative/positive trick.....he always called that as "baloney sandwich"

Tara-Lee Page February 14, 2014 Reply

"God has made it very clear"

Wow.

This man claimed to be the voice of God. When confronted with his own wrongdoing, he told people he was doing God's will, while bearing false witness against his neighbours. This is horrible.

MatthewS February 14, 2014 Reply

That line jumped out at me, too.

How can you argue with God? This the thing that the people on the outside look in don't understand when they say, "why didn't you say something / why didn't you do something?"
Amy February 14, 2014 Reply

"Being crucified WITH Christ" (underlined!) is an interesting phrase as well. Christ was crucified FOR us, and BG (or any of us) can't share any glory in the cross! It's as though he's drawing a parallel between himself and Christ, as though he were a savior, without sin, suffering sacrificially. I think I know the scripture he's referring to, but in typical fashion, he's twisted it out of context.
- Linda February 16, 2014 Reply
  
  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatins 2:20. KJG
  (In no way a defense of BG).

Lauralea February 14, 2014 Reply

This is such a "shame" letter. He clearly loaded the language in order to make it seem like he cared, but didn't really at all. He only wanted their loyalty and to save his own butt.
I also wondered the same thing Jim said in his point A- it is Bill's habit to disassociate himself as the cause of people's pain, making it seem like it's all their problem and 'maybe I had a very small part in it somewhere along the way, oops' type of thing. Looking back on the correspondence between RG and BG, he did it there too- he wasn't repentant, only "I guess some people have bad memories" sort of a thing. He doesn't seem to relate or associate his teachings and actions with that.

Mark R February 14, 2014 Reply

You can see here the beginnings of Gothard's plan to silence those who would oppose IBYC/IBLP--give them kind words (and feign acceptance of responsibility) while providing them a document which essentially blames everyone else.

This is what is sometimes called a "backhanded complement". Most of us call it a slap in the face.

PS--It would be nice if RG could publish a few extracts from the paper mentioned above that would be pertinent to this discussion, maybe some that could be compared to how he treated Larne and Ruth to show his hypocrisy.

Tara-Lee Page February 14, 2014 Reply

I've been saying for years that my old pastor (non-ATI) gave me a "pastor's apology" letter. His supporters say I'm nuts for not seeing that he said sorry. Well, he said (in essence) "I've done nothing wrong, but I'm so sorry that you think that other people who aren't me have done the wrong thing by you."

I think he and Gothard learned from the same letter writing school.
- Retha February 15, 2014 Reply
  
  Tara-Lee, a pastor at a church I used to attend (nothing to do with ATI) once said from the pulpit, of accusations against him which the whole church knew about: "IF I did anything wrong, THEN I am sorry. BUT nobody ever told me of anything I did wrong."
  
  That second sentence was largely what made it my last day at the church. He was welcome to deny some of the allegations. He was welcome to apologize for the true part.(The accusations was not nearly as bad as sexual misconduct with people he was in a position of authority over, and at the stage.)
  
  Before he said that, I simply felt he owed a few apologies and needed to learn to think more about others and their needs. But to deny that anyone ever told him of something he did wrong - that makes him incorrigible, someone who simply ignores his fellow believers.
  What Bill wrote above is not an apology, and neither was what the pastor in this story told.
- Beary-Bear September 14, 2015 Reply
  
  I have received apology letters from people like this. They are sorry that you will no longer trust them, but they aren't sorry for what they did. They even carry words on their public online accounts that read, "You can apologizes. But you don't have to be sorry for what you said." In other words, "What I hurt you by, I won't apologize for. But I will apologize for saying it since it nipped me back and I am sorry I have to deal with your hurt feelings!"

Nancy2 February 14, 2014 Reply

Mr. Gothard sends Ruth to the Northwoods where he knows his brother is harming young women. She is harmed. And after The Lord lifts her out of all that hurt to a place of healing Mr. Gothard sends her this 'How to Guard Against Defilement that Comes from Listening to an Evil Report,” it isn't just the letter. It is what accompanied that letter.

That is just about the most cruel thing I have ever heard.

Now I have the last piece of my own family puzzle. They are afraid because they bought into the cruelty by attempting to call it holiness.

Thank you RG. You have helped me immensely.

Matt February 14, 2014 Reply

Here's a PDF of the "How To Guard Against The Defilement That Comes From Listening To An Evil Report" document: http://www.cityharvestalbany.com/files/articles/2011/defilement-of-an-evil-report.pdf

The audacity of that document is hard to believe.

Jonathan Owens February 14, 2014 Reply

This document is so full of holes that it leaking without having anything in it.
Jim February 14, 2014 Reply

To use another's words: "His own words condemn him."
phyllis February 14, 2014 Reply

Wow, tailor made to protect himself on every count. So disturbing. His definition of ignorant is quite a stretch compared to the ordinary dictionary definition. Its like a saying that goes "if you can't convince them with the facts, just baffle them with BS."
Vera Berry February 14, 2014 Reply

Thank you for sharing this. So then, in answer to these questions:

What is your reason for telling me?"
To warn the body of Christ.

"Where did you get your information?"
From my own family situation.

"Have you gone to those directly involved?"

Absolutely.

"Have you personally checked out all the facts?"
Yes, and investigated the situation many times over by noting the hypocrisy, lack of correction, overinflated ego, and much more. I have further taken many sentences quoted from the Bible that were a basis for a point and read them in context following the author's train of thought.

"May I quote you if I check this out?"

Oh, yes. Please do.
MichaelD February 15, 2014 Reply

Well, at least it encourages checking out all the facts.... The facts are currently stacking up against Mr. G.

John February 14, 2014 Reply

I am gob smacked! Not much surprises me about people but I have no words to describe how low Bill Gothard is. Not anything that can be printed or made public anyway, apart from bottom feeding manipulative scumbag!

Mel February 14, 2014 Reply

This is horrible. The letter alone is a great example of expecting the injured parties to let the perpetrator go unpunished for the greater good, but the attached document is toxic.

The section on 'Exposure' demonstrates poisoning the well. "A carrier may communicate an evil report by asking for counsel or sharing a concern for the person concerned." I've never heard of someone asking for help as an example of gossiping or bearing false witness. Notice for all of the randomly picked Bible texts for everything else the conspicuous absence here.

"Spirituality is not measured by how well we expose an offender, but by how effectively we restore an offender." Um...that's an interesting reading of Galatians 6.1. Since when is one person's spirituality dependent on another person's actions?

How to effectively protect yourself from a sexual scandal by BG (or Symptoms of Infection)
BELIEVING THE EVIL REPORT IS TRUE.
 FORMING NEGATIVE OPINIONS BASED ON THE REPORT.
 FOCUSING ON NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF THE PERSON INVOLVED.
 INTERPRETING THE PERSON'S WORDS AND ACTIONS AS "SUPPORTING
EVIDENCE."
 JUDGING MOTIVES ON THE BASIS OF THE EVIL REPORT.
 BACKING AWAY FROM THE PERSON IN YOUR SPIRIT.
 TELLING THE EVIL REPORT TO OTHERS.

Rachel February 14, 2014 Reply

Is the "Alumni Supplement Volume 7" the same as or different from the "...Listening to an Evil Report" document?
If Mr. Gothard's letter were sincere, we should have seen evidence of a change (an overhaul really) in his teaching. However, from my experience with ATI/IBLP during the years of 1986-2001(as an ATI student, attender of many seminars, conferences,and training center programs for students, and also working for ATI/IBLP in Moscow and at ALERT)I did not see an emphasis on exalting Christ or encouraging reliance on the Holy Spirit. All I remember is an overwhelming focus on living up to the "higher standard", following all the "non-optional principles", and making sure we gave off the appearance of having it all together and having it all figured out at all times--put on your "ministry smile" everyone. During the past few weeks as all this has been coming out I've listened to a few clips of Mr. Gothard speaking...and I'm hearing it with new ears. It's disheartening how often he uses phrases like "we (IBLP) have the answers", "we have discovered", or "other nations are looking to us for help" and how very few times he mentions "the Lord." Which begs the question: Shouldn't we be pointing other nations to Christ not to us? Shouldn't we be teaching them that real answers and real abundant life comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the power of His Holy Spirit within us? NOT from religiously adhering to a bunch of principles.

Samuel Lundmark February 14, 2014 Reply

Amen, sister. I could not agree more. Even though good people, many times, taught these principles (many who lived them in integrity), the system itself is not the answer--putting people into direct contact with God Himself IS. It is really this simple. Come unto Me all that are weary and heavey-laden, and I will give you rest. This is the message of Jesus. He provides rest, healing, restoration, rebuilding, provision, protection.... Jesus is our answer--above all else! Jesus provides restoration and redemption of all man to Himself as He is exalted! Jesus is worthy of all praise, power and dominion in the age present AND the age to come!
- Lori February 14, 2014 Reply
  
  Amen!!
phyllis February 14, 2014 Reply

Thank you for this comment Rachel. So true!
Vera February 15, 2014 Reply

I have been doing a sort of sit back and observe type of approach to the stories of Acts and the Gospels looking at these people not as idols but as real live people with human attributes like my own. Further, I have read these stories without the added junk that has always confused the story making it to be something other than exactly what is being portrayed. I have left my bias at the door and read the story as it unfolds. When one does this, it is amazing how the story becomes very interesting compared to admonitions such as whatsoever things are good, lovely and of a good report. I don't believe these people went around on a witch hunt looking for sin but when sin presented itself **in the church**, whoa nellie, these people were in your face like a flash. But they didn't judge people unless they knew for a fact they were in some sort of sin but instead were looking for the good things as not to weigh people down over-judging them nitpicking them to death on trivial issues. Several chapters are dedicated to this such as Romans 14. So then, this idea of giving a "good report" to a known sinner is absolutely not in line with any of the ways these people approached people in the body. A really neat thing to do is to read all those stories again or listen to them on your way to work with that one thought in mind. Paul rebuked Peter publicly, for example, for distancing himself from the Gentiles, which was hurting the Gentiles. Paul rebuked Barjesus in Acts 13. Diotrephes was rebuked by John in a letter publicly. 3 John 1:9 Alexander the Coppersmith is another example. 1 Tim 4:14. Ananias and Sapphira is another. Acts 5. None of these are "good reports" because these folks were doing harm to others or outright sinning. Peter was a leader. Paul put that "bad report" publicly in a letter to the Galatians. So see, when people tell us that what this or that means in Scripture, I think it is a good practice to step back and recall these stories and ask, "Does that fit these stories?"

Julia Fetters February 14, 2014 Reply

I should not have eaten first. I am now sick. He cannot even see and then names the name of God. Now we can see how this could get worse over the years. What is that progression into sin again?...

RyanR February 14, 2014 Reply

This letter is rife with manipulation.

It took me a long time to see it, but MOST of IBLP experience was built on similarly manipulative tactics. "Don't you want God's best for your life?" was a classic example. It was a loaded question - who wouldn't want God's best for their life.

What I failed to see was the presumption on IBLP's part that THEY knew what God's best was and the reality that most of the time "God's best" was incredibly self-serving for them.

It seems that this has been the pattern from day one.

Paula February 14, 2014 Reply

I had no idea the "evil report" teaching came so closely on the heels of a scandal of this magnitude. How very manipulative and controlling. And, it's still being used today, thirty years later, by those who defend their fearless leader, as his sin is exposed.

1981, was a pivotal year for me. I attended my first IBYC Seminar that Summer, at the age of fifteen. So wishing my mom had known all this then, and perhaps those thirty years of my life would have looked much different.

Thank you, RG, and those who are willing to share their story. Shout it from the rooftops so that other will hear and be warned.

Dixie Brown Rose February 14, 2014 Reply

I find the handwritten note very interesting. Just 7 years after this was written, I was learning to take short-hand and wasn't very good at first, but Bill was patient with me. One mistake I made on the first letter I took down and typed was that I put "May God bless you" at the end of the letter. He explained to me that we did not want to pray for God to bless people that weren't right with Him so we always needed to say something like "May God bless you as you continue to work for Him." I wonder if Larne and Ruth not buckling to his "good report" booklet was what started that.

Ileata Lundmark February 14, 2014 Reply

I remember that teaching, too. I signed letters, "May God bless you as you......." How sad that we couldn't just extend a blessing as God blessed us undeservingly!
- Heidi February 15, 2014 Reply
  
  True Illeata,
  
  and I have found throughout my life that God continues to dump blessings on my head. . . undeservedly that I have done nothing to earn. . . ironic eh?

MatthewS February 14, 2014 Reply

"Through Christ Our Lord" - if that phrase is being used in a manipulative way, then it is quite literally taking the Lord's name in vain.

Those of us who would try to use phrases similar to that with sincerity are met with cynicism by those who have been burned and manipulated in the past. The consequences of this kind of thing are deep and long-lasting.

Chris Jones February 14, 2014 Reply

Just to clarify - "How to Guard Against the Defilement of Listening to an Evil Report," is the same document as "Alumni Supplement Volume 7" referenced in the letter, right?

Lori February 14, 2014 Reply

Apparently that's right. As RG stated above:

"It was about this time that Bill Gothard wrote a new paper entitled, 'How to Guard Against the Defilement of Listening to an Evil Report'...Bill sent this new brochure to Larne and Ruth with the following cover letter, which Larne has given us permission to share with you."

Myron Horst February 14, 2014 Reply

It is very interesting the similarities between Gothard producing a document on "How To Guard Against The Defilement That Comes From Listening To An Evil Report" to cover up his sexual misconduct and Doug Phillips defining the “horrific sin of gossip” to silence people from exposing his sexual abuse. The technique worked well for both men for a while. One month ago there was an article published on this subject exposing Doug Phillips:

http://jensgems.wordpress.com/2014/01/15/scott-browns-no-gossip-rule-the-plague-of-the-ncfic/

Here is an excerpt from that article:
"Doug Phillips has railed against so-called gossipers for years, and gossip is whatever Doug Phillips defines it to be. As Doug Phillips has often said, “He who defines the terms wins”, and the way Doug defines gossip is by equating gossip with a violation of the 9th Commandment. This is quite typical of how Doug Phillips twists and distorts sacred scripture for his personal agenda. To Doug Phillips gossip is anything that anyone says about him, or about his friends, that he doesn’t like. It makes no difference to him whether the things said about him are true and already public information. Say something about Doug Phillips that he likes, even if it’s just complete lies and fabrications (and there have been plenty of his sycophants who have done so to feed his massive ego), but that’s not gossip. But say anything true about Doug that he doesn’t like and it’s not just merely gossip, it’s “wicked gossip” or the “horrific sin of gossip”…

michelle February 14, 2014 Reply

I remember Bill saying that same exact thing, "He who defines the terms wins the argument." I wonder which one got it from the other one or maybe it is a long standing quote that they both just used.

"Hannah" February 14, 2014 Reply

"I'm sorry I hurt you. In light of those recent scars, I'm sure you are still so in awe of my teachings that you are begging for more! Here's my newest book."

I see he's been doing this for a while. If that isn't classic narcissism, I don't know what is.

Larne Gabriel February 14, 2014 Reply

I can guarantee we were in "awe" and "begging for more"! My kind or humor! Thanks, it made my morning!

Larne Gabriel
Ryan Sapp February 14, 2014 Reply

Classic Hannah. Love it. He is a case study for narcissism.

Samuel Lundmark February 14, 2014 Reply

Wow,

This letter leaves me with a lot of new and very serious questions.

I am primarily concerned with paragraph 3, and I'm giving grace to Bill to have spoken truth here about what God spoke to him directly.

If this is so, why did I along with about a hundred others hear Bill lifting up the principles 8 years later--even to the extend of taking them above Christ Himself??!! (His key statement in the 1989 Counselling Serminar was, "Anyone can benefit from these principles--even if they do not accept Jesus as savior. Of course, they would miss Heaven, but their whole life would be benefitted by the success of these universal princples. These seven universal principles are above all religions including Christianity." He continued his session, and I continued taking more notes, but I got off the train spiritually at this point. This was my clearest departure from IBLP's teachings, and I had no bad reports to reference at that point in time--no other reason to challange Bill or his statements.)

Why, even later, publish a new set of CF materials with Christ removed from them if God Himself had given Bill explicit direction to lift up Jesus Christ and not principles?

Why did Bill take the direction to deemphasize the Holy Spirit in favor of his emphasis on will power through steps? Why tell the young people (EIS 2003 last session) this next statement (which parents never heard)? "When I was young, I sought for the filling of the Holy Spirit. There is nothing there." I heard this personally also.

Why the drive to violate what God Himself told Bill? I am giving Bill the grace of believing his own word of his interaction with God. It seems like the argument today is over a man who did not follow Christ but rather chose yet another false way. Maybe he had "good reason", but to disobey God Himself isn't acceptable.

I have sensed this problem for almost 25 years but could not quite put my finger on it.

I do not know if this has much to do with the other issues at hand, but I think it is very significant factor to consider concerning the direction and teachings of IBLP itself.

Tessa February 14, 2014 Reply

Good points, Samuel.
John February 14, 2014 Reply

Samuel I don't think Bill believes his own words the point of being a cult leader is to manipulate others to get what they want. Bill does display all the classic signs of narcissism. Probably all cult leaders have the same disorder.

Look at this particular circumstance Bill is caught out, miraculously God speaks to him, He writes to Larne and Ruth in an a shallow attempt to keep him quiet. Bill hopes he still has enough hold or influence over Larne and Ruth that they will repent of their evil report and accept some blame for making Bill sin...... once more words fail me!
Laura Iversen February 14, 2014 Reply

Sam, one of my greatest joys was to experience the infilling of the Holy Spirit, which is the Spirit of Truth. :) It's lead to all sorts of healing and freedom from Bill's erroneous and destructive teachings.

Shane February 14, 2014 Reply

What's so laughable is that it ends with "Once the Elders of the church are informed, the responsibility rests with them. (see Matt. 18:15-17)". He has no elders. He has no church. He's a church unto himself. Would that he had he might have been defrocked a long time ago.

mark_h February 14, 2014 Reply

(a) You're right, there's no elders to tell it to.
(b) Matthew 18 says to tell it, not to the elders, but to the church. The idea that you should secretly tell the elders and let them sit on the information so it doesn't get out to the rest of the church, would seem to be an eisegesis from modern church practice of small local congregations with top-down control.
(c) Matthew 18 puts the final responsibility not with the elders as BG says, but with the victims, to tell everyone their story and then cut off their abuser as they would a heathen. The effect of the passage would then be opposite of what BG makes it. Rather than empowering an abuser to hide behind a protective curtain of leadership silence, this would empower victims to speak out and then protect themselves from further abuse.

LynnCD February 14, 2014 Reply

From the link that Matt provided:

"C. IGNORANCE OF WHAT CONSTITUTES AN EVIL REPORT.
 It is an unauthorized, distorted, or false report which influences us to form an evil opinion about another person or ministry."

Note the word "unauthorized." I can certainly agree with the use of the words "distorted" and "false" in this definition. HOWEVER, to teach EVERY report about something or someone else must be "authorized" or it is automatically evil - no matter how true it is - is ABUSE, to the extreme! "Unauthorized" means without official permission or approval, and of course "authorized" means having official permission or approval.

So, if my boss, or pastor, or any other person in authority does something evil, or I witness evil, or have evil perpetrated upon me by someone in authority, and I ask them about it and get rebuffed, and then report it to others in the spirit of Matthew 18, I am spreading an "evil report" because my report is "unauthorized?"

It's hard for me to believe I ever fell for such nonsense in the guise of Christian teaching, but I did, and not only from Gothard. I'm very thankful I know better now, even though the temptation now is to clobber the person I see even remotely acting or speaking in this kind of manipulative fashion (another challenge to deal with on the road to maturity).

Some from Gothard discussion list (now relatively quiescent) were instrumental in helping me learn to evaluate all things in light of what Scripture teaches, and for that, I remain grateful!

Nancy2 February 14, 2014 Reply

"Unauthorized" was the first thing that hit me between the eyes too. For the very reasons you stated.
- Beverly February 14, 2014 Reply
  
  I would LOVE to hear what "evil report" Bill would actually authorize. If history is a guide, I don't think it would ever involve him and his own sins---just sins of other people whom he could throw under the proverbial bus.
- phyllis February 14, 2014 Reply
  
  Yes that jumped out at me too.
Linn February 14, 2014 Reply

Back in the mid-eighties I approached a leader in my church association about the former pastor of my church who had been dismissed on charges of adultery. Given it was a small town everyone knew about it. The husband of the woman involved had filed for divorce and her adult son had left suddenly to take a job in a town 150 miles away. The pastor got off easy as he went on to another church ( to also go on to more sexual escapades). The pastor I approached dramatically covered his ears and said I was guilty of spreading a bad report (of which at least 300 people from the church were aware). Later the pastoral leadership of the church association apologized for handling the case badly after an awful case of child sexual abuse emerged from the same congregation due to the culture of deceit and excuse. Unfortunately the bad report is just a pseudonym for cover-up. I won't be involved in a church or ministry that doesn't have background checks and clear guidelines to prevent abuse as well as deal with offenses when they happen. My current church is very responsible, and if you can't deal with the background check and guidelines, you can't be on staff or work with minors. In my 13 years there, the one incident was dealt with quickly, kindly (counseling for those involved) and used as a warning to the congregation to seek help when dealing with issues of self-control. No safeguards will be perfect, but the do help.

Tammy February 14, 2014 Reply

Samuel,

Your quote when referring to what Bill said: "When I was young, I sought for the filling of the Holy Spirit. There is nothing there." I heard this personally also."

Wow! That blows me away! Certainly explains a whole lot.

After reading the above letter, it only re-confirms to me that Bill is a master of manipulation.

Stephen M February 15, 2014 Reply

Does IBLP have a position on the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Are they cessationists?
- Shelley Randolph Romey February 15, 2014 Reply
  
  As far as I remember it was never addressed officially. This was always in the back of my mind coming from a Pentecostal family. A student once told told me she was taken into BG's office and told that if the baptism of the Spirit was real she could speak in tongues for him. He demanded that she do it for him, which she refused. He told her it was obviously not of God, but of Satan.
  
  I have no firsthand knowledge of this and I can't for the life of me remember the girl's name. So it is just what I remember her saying. I do remember thinking of "pearls before swine" and immediately scolded myself for thinking that!
anna March 13, 2014 Reply

Tammy..i am confused..did Mr Gothard personally state that after seeking the filling of the Holy Spirit, he found there was 'nothing there' as in saying there was no filling of the Holy Spirit and he was void of the Holy Spirit? What exactly did Mr Gothard mean?

Judy Hall February 14, 2014 Reply

The document does not leave room for high value of truth telling about actual evil doing. It implies that all the "bad" reports about Billy are the results of the reporter allowing evil to enter his life and ignores the fact that the evil the reporter allowed to enter his life was actually Billy and his own arrogance, self-serving and wrong doing. His defenses are typical of most abusers, only he uses scriptural distortions to back him up.

Travis February 14, 2014 Reply

What a frigging con artist.

mark_h February 14, 2014 Reply

What I see here is, he shuts out and stonewalls the people he's hurt, then writes an essay about how horrible they are, sends them a "first copy" to read, and wishes them joy and blessing.

David February 14, 2014 Reply

If we want to know God's own definition of an evil report, as opposed to a good report, read the Bible. How does God deal with sin? Refuse to talk about it? Or does He expose and convict? God is light. And to have fellowship with God we must, "walk in the light as He is in the light." We have fellowship with God only in the Truth -- Paul said, "We can do nothing against the Truth, but only for the Truth." The Bible also says, "No lie is of the Truth." I firmly believe that if we would judge ourselves -- agree with God about our sin and repent -- that God would not have to bring greater judgment. But if we will not come into the light personally before God, I do believe God may expose us before all. An evil report is not a report that exposes evil. An evil report is one that covers up evil. Or one that lies in any way. God simply wants the Truth. Why is that a problem if we have nothing to hide?

Sad February 14, 2014 Reply

My heart breaks to think of the untold victims of criminal sexual abuse who were programmed to not tell their stories and not go to the police, or who were prevented from doing so by their "chain of authority", because of this teaching. This sets up a foundation for a "predators paradise".

It is no wonder what happened when I tried to get justice for one such victim.

Horrifying!

I dare any of the IBLP/ATI/Gothard Apologists who have been cropping up here on the site to step forward and defend the covering up of criminal sexual abuse. Please. Try. I want to hear your reasoning for this!

Again, Larne, thank you so very much for sharing all of this. Blessings to you and your family.

Lori February 14, 2014 Reply

"But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber." 2 Peter 2:1-3 (NKJV)

The following quotes are from an article entitled "False Teachers / False Prophets" by Let Us Reason Ministries:

"They will lay down truth alongside the falsehood (paraeis akousein) and secretly bring in destructive heresies....They will deny the Lord who died for them by presenting a different view of the gospel. The focus is not on the cross for salvation....The way of truth is blasphemed because of their actions, the cause of Christ is discredited, and truth is cast down and slandered....False teachers can be very effective communicators, they can have a personal magnetism. They use smooth and flattering speech to bring you into their bondage, They present their teaching cleverly, very smoothly."

"Its amazing that false teachers are not rejected for their distorted teachings but are actually embraced. Support is not lacking for these men, but is overwhelming. But all this does is give them confidence that they are right and puffs them up further for future revelations of the Spirit....They come to us in 'sheep's clothing' and appearing harmless. We're not talking about the cults, we're talking about those who rise from within the Church and promote false doctrine. If we are not paying attention we can be deceived and turned away from our purity and devotion to Jesus Christ."

"False teachers do what the devil did with the scripture when he quoted it to Jesus. They quote true things and lift them out of their context. Their is always a curve or twist in the pitch. They promise a quick fix for the emergencies of life when God works with the person slowly to get his purposes done. Discounting an intervention of a miracle from his hands, God is teaching us patience endurance and certainly godly knowledge as he walks us through this life of trials."

'Thought these observations were a spot on description of BG and show why he needs to be exposed and removed.

David February 14, 2014 Reply

It is my hope that despite the value of sharing all of these horrible stories of abuse that people would realize that it is the heresy of legalism and a false authority system that has made these abuses possible. Keep the stories coming, but realize WHY they happened. People are not stupid. But many were deceived and controlled. And once that happened, they opened themselves up to these abuses.

Lori February 14, 2014 Reply

I'm confident that the stories of these wonderful, brave individuals who are risking so much to come forward will reveal to many people the hypocrisy of Bill Gothard as regards his character, which will then result in many of them re-examining his teachings, and the false system born out it, in light of the gospel of God's grace in Christ. In fact, many comment posters have been kind enough to share how that very thing has happened in their own lives. With the Lord's help, I think we're about to see that increase exponentially.

Thank you SO much, RG, for devoting yourselves to be used by God in this way to proclaim freedom to the captives!
RJ February 15, 2014 Reply

Thank you, David. My parents attended their first basic seminar in the mid 70's, newly married, newly saved, newly on fire for the Lord, wanting to leave their self-centered youth behind, and hungry for all He had for their future. Seminar after seminar, fellowship with other fervent believers who also attended/helped with the seminars...they took it all in for 15 years. By the time I was ready for jr. high, my mother so indoctrinated in the fear of missing out on God's best, and my father so indoctrinated in the fear of dismissing his wife's 'cautions', that in FEAR they enrolled us in ATI. From that point it was I who was systematically indoctrinated through seminars, events, calculated peer pressure, and months-on-end working in an environment controlled by Bill.
We weren't stupid.
We were slowly and calculatedly DECEIVED. And once we were deceived, we were manipulated into advancing Bill's goals for his own 'ministry' vs. the ones God had placed in our hearts for our own ministries.
God had mercy on us and His grace WON in my life. Bill's evil game of narcissistic control is NO MATCH for the mercy and grace of our loving, almighty Father.
I'm so grateful Truth is finding a loud, public voice.

Karah February 14, 2014 Reply

Wow, the whole letter is about Bill. Everything he says is turned back to him. "I guess I hurt you somehow. *I* feel so bad because of it. But try not to worry too much about *me* - because of that hurt, *I* have this marvelous new book that God instructed *me* to write and give to you! To help you understand that it was all your fault. We're good now, right? I mean I wouldn't want you to worry too much about *me* now."

Lori February 14, 2014 Reply

You really nailed that down, Karah. Great observation.
John February 14, 2014 Reply

Karah so true maybe we should break out the wailing violins for Bill, its only ever about him.

michelle February 14, 2014 Reply

How on earth did he make the jump from "freeing truths of being crucified with Christ" and emphasizing these truths to "so I wrote a book about not spreading evil reports"??????? Even if he came up with some twisted principles about not spreading bad reports, what does that have to do with being crucified with Christ? The letter doesn't even make any sense! It sounds like others were hurt by his failure, and the pain of knowing he failed helps him now understand what it is like to be crucified. This means he is now qualified to show us all truths (like not spreading bad reports) that we might not have otherwise discovered if he hadn't failed. So his failure is a benefit to us all! Yup, sounds like how his mind seems to works.

Lori February 14, 2014 Reply

Michelle, I was puzzling over this too. Only a really twisted mind could come up with something like this.

Laura February 14, 2014 Reply

What strikes me about this letter is that he didn't even follow his own steps of specifically naming repentance. He used to say that we should never say "if I hurt you" but to be specific... (It is likely he was remembering another word of advise he used to dole out - never document this in a letter.) So he is attempting to side step the entire thing with very little sticking to him.

Dave February 14, 2014 Reply

Welcome to the world of narcissism!
Chris Jones February 14, 2014 Reply

Perhaps we now know why G always taught that when one apologizes, one should never document the offense in writing. . .

ChrisM February 14, 2014 Reply

I just became aware of all this when a friend posted on FB that Bill Gothard was being asked to resign in the face of the sexual abuse stories coming out. So I began reading your posts and the comments. I've been sickened at the scores of young women sent by their parents, unwittingly, to all the abuses they suffered. I've been enraged that other leaders in Christianity have been supporters of Bill Gothard all these years in the face of his teachings, let alone this abuse that still continues!

My own story is simple. I was raised in a Christianity that didn't stick, but after a few years in the permissive culture of hippie days between 1969-1971, I gave my life to Christ. Almost immediately, I was led to attend Basic Youth Confilcts, and more than once. I accepted his "umbrella authority" teaching to the core of who I was, as absolute gospel truth. I married a man in 1977 who had a similar past with one exception. He had tried the legalism of Eastern Religion and failed. So when he went to Basic Youth Conflicts (I don't know any earnest Christians of that time who did NOT go!), not very much stuck, just enough to make him a rather miserable legalist. But when the time came in the 90's as we were home schooling our children and several families we knew were singing the praises of Gothard's curriculum, he just couldn't go there. He just couldn't accept that all the music of a certain beat was from the devil! So, praise the Lord, our children were delivered from descending into that morass! A few years later we learned, with great sadness, of the break up of a fine, fine family who had followed ATIA religiously, even to sending their eldest daughter to work for Bill! Of course, we didn't dream of all I've just learned.

But it took several more years for us to seek God, to begin to walk in His grace, and even then, that "umbrella authority" was still firmly entrenched in my heart, causing me continual grief especially regarding the upbringing of our fifth son who has down syndrome. I faced continual failure on so many fronts bringing great stress on our 36 year old marriage. Realizing, due to your blog, that I was adding to the scriptures a burden God had not placed on me has been so welcome, healing, freeing. Of course it will take more time to come free of the tangled web wrapped around so much of my thinking.

But I am very concerned about the inevitable backlash that will accompany these revelations. People who haven't yet learned to know the Lord in grace, whose Christianity consists of following principles- what will happen to their weak faith? In no way does this mean Bill should not be exposed and removed from his ability to harm anymore innocents, but do you realize how much the whole current Christian culture is based on the teachings of this man?

Beverly February 14, 2014 Reply

ChrisM,

So glad you've found freedom in Christ and are experience the joy of his grace! I just wanted to send you an especially big hug, as I'm also a Mom of a son with Down syndrome! I'm just now starting this journey with special needs (he's my youngest of three, and is only 18 months old). Thanks for sharing your story.
Vera Berry February 15, 2014 Reply

//In no way does this mean Bill should not be exposed and removed from his ability to harm anymore innocents, but do you realize how much the whole current Christian culture is based on the teachings of this man?//

I do. That is what I keep trying to shout out here and few people are listening because of how hurt they are. But I have spent HOURS trying to get people to see the fallacy of this teaching to no avail. Doug and I are involved in street preaching, which has turned into a lot of apologetics to sinners, atheists and legalists among other things. Now, I am sure everyone thinks that all street preachers are on the same page but they absolutely are not. Most of the major contributors totally renounce Calvinism and the ones we love the most are not legalists but many do not see the dangers of Bill Gothard's teachings that have permeated the more conservative part of Christianity. We had one man who told me point blank that he does not allow women to teach on his FB and if I said another word, he would defriend us. Just like Bill, they think they are so much better than others and when they preach, it is basically a message of do it like I'm doing it. Nobody sees the idiocy of that message especially the younger brothers that have never been to a Basic Seminar. Because so many had already defriended us, I chose to stop talking but Doug said he could have cared less. There are several who are so legalistic until it boggles the mind and many because legalism causes a person to fall from grace that are in such unimaginable sin. That is the unforeseen of legalism. It is another gospel and Paul also spoke against it as vehemently as he did those who were walking in sin. One man literally tried to take over our family and wanted us to sign papers etc. Doug refused to answer his phone calls after a time of trying to share with him. He put out on his FB that all those who participate or watch sports are hellbound sinners. Boy, can I see that spiritual rat a mile away and so I said something. He defriended us because I challenged him on that. Women are eternally deceived and must be silent. There are also the posts one sees that compare their righteousness with others for which I will say, "If you are set free from sin by grace through faith and I am too, how can your righteousness be greater?" Scripture tells us not to judge that anyway in 1 Cor 4 but a legalist loves to compare themselves with everyone else and come out on top with the most standards. So....I think sometimes that it would be lovely if everyone saw the bigger picture. I am hoping that many such as yourself will come here and see that we are telling people that this ideology led to a major dead end. It was heartbreaking, disappointing, and one of the darkest times of my life when I realized that truth. I would like others to avoid it if possible. However, it is tough to get through the pride of a legalist who is enjoying the kind of human worship and idolization that someone like Bill has had. There are many who would desire the same. As Protestants we think we are so much better than the Catholics and yet, we continue to follow our own popes. Bill is not the only pope of the Protestants, btw. Just saying. :-)
- RevKev February 15, 2014 Reply
  
  Vera, I appreciate your comments and I realize this is a tangent, but I would encourage you that the solution to idolizing church leaders is not to remove yourself from a church body. Augustine once said, in pretty shocking words, "The church is a whore, but she is your mother, and she is Christ's bride, and she is not yours to desert." I know there are many more reading this who have swung far from the church because of a distrust of its leadership a la Gothard and others. I would encourage you to find a church on-mission, Christ-focused, and attend/invest there, even if you don't agree with the finer points. The purpose of the church is not unanimity, so don't give up when you can't agree on everything. Not unanimity but unity.
  
  Don't mean to derail the discussion but thought this might be worth saying as an encouragement to you.
  - Vera February 15, 2014
    
    You are right. We are part of a local body of believers who are Nazarenes. I wouldn't say that Doug and I hold to the entire Nazarene doctrine but I do love these people and their heart for the Lord. Most of them are older than say fifty. :-) Our belief is that the body is in every denomination. There are people in every people group who know Jesus and walk with Him daily. Don't throw stones, but I have even met them in Catholicism. One of the people we converse with online is a young man who lives in India whose only fellowship is Catholic. I have met thousands of people in Protestantism who are not saved.
    
    What I'm trying to get at is that it has taken me years to learn to test the things people say in the pulpit and so Doug and I try to reach out to people to help them think about their beliefs in comparison to whole passages of Scripture. I am deeply concerned about people who sincerely believe they are saved but do not know the Lord. That is one of our evangelistic callings if you will. Thank you for sharing!!
  - Allison February 16, 2014
    
    RevKev,
    
    I wanted to comment about personally having left the church after my experiences. It has been difficult to deal with leaving the church in that it hasn't been a choice for me. I think you might be a pastor, and I wanted to express to you that I don't stay away out of malice. I miss many things about the church, but right now if I even walk into a church I have a full on panic attack. I've been actively working on healing for the last 3.5 years. It's not bitterness that keeps me away, nor do I at all blame the churches that I've tried to walk into. I just can't do it. I've heard from some that have healed enough to go back, but it took many years (7+) and I'm not sure if that will be my healing trajectory or not.
    
    For some of us there seems to be a healing time and process that is uncertain and takes a long time. I miss a lot of things about church, and my leaving is not at all meant as a statement against the church, or the important work that the church does. I just have to let it rest right now, and I've told God many times that I'll be back if/when I can.
    
    Hope this gives a picture of why some of us aren't involved. I've met so many survivors in the same boat.
  - GuyS February 17, 2014
    
    Revkev,
    Love your Augustine quote, it made me laugh out loud. These last 3 days, I find myself quoting it to my friends. I have not been to church for about 10 years, so you got me!!!
    
    The healing from RG has been awesome, and I can see myself in church again soon. Thanks for all your help on RG.
dreamer February 15, 2014 Reply

>>but do you realize how much the whole current Christian culture is based on the teachings of this man? <<

Well, I would disagree with that to an extent. I was raised a Christian and had never heard of Bill Gothard until I came here. But more importantly, I do understand what you are trying to say. HOWEVER, if those people you speak of are basing their Christianity solely on these kinds of doctrines, then perhaps this website will serve to bring them in to a deeper, richer understanding of God, Christ, and grace. We should not let false doctrine go on just because exposing it might cause some to doubt or fall away. At the end of the day, we should all be following GOD, not doctrine! If we are truly spirit-led, then we will not fall away.

Ryan Sapp February 14, 2014 Reply

Here is how his letter actually reads with emphasis added. It’s a classic case of what he said and what he really said. Oh and after reading it several times it is very clear that the letter was meant for Ruth.

Dear Larne and "Ruth"

“I” want to assure you that “My” love and appreciation for you (Ruth) only deepens as the months go by. There are so many reminders and memories of past years. “I" miss you (Ruth) very much.

The pain and sorrow which you (Ruth) have had to experience because of “my” failures are a constant source of anguish for “me”(giving no validity to her feelings). It is also the strongest motivation that “I” have ever had to understand and experience the freeing truths of being crucified with Christ and allowing him to live his life through “me”.

God has made it clear that He wants “Me” to emphasize these truths to (Ruth) as many alumni as God allows., as soon as possible, so that (“I’) Jesus Christ will be exalted - not principles, and that Alumni will have the power to mortify the deeds of the flesh through God’s spirit- not through human will-power(after all I am His messenger).

This is the burden expressed (God spoke these truths to me) in Alumni Supplement Volume 7. It came off the press today, and I would like you (Ruth) to have one of the first copies of it (don't say anything to anybody).

“I” thank God for you, Larne and "Ruth", and pray for you (Ruth). You (Ruth) have a continuing place in “my” heart and in the hearts and lives of thousands because of your investment in the (my) seminar ministry. I need your prayers ( I have sacrificed my life for God and can therefore do no wrong).

Hand written,
You are in my daily prayers (Ruth)! May God give joy and blessings to you (Ruth) and your families.

Through Christ our Lord,

Bill

It’s like the arsonist returning to the scene of the crime. So painful and manipulative. No wonder Ruth had nightmares.

Ryan

Larne Gabriel February 14, 2014 Reply

Ryan,

I never quite read it that way before, but I don't think I will ever forget how you placed the emphasis, nor can I disagree with any of the emphasis placed on the "I", "me", "my" and "Ruths". All very true. Thanks it was fun reading.

Larne Gabriel
Heidi February 15, 2014 Reply

Yes, I got that too Ryan, the part about the letter being meant for Ruth. I get the creeps every time I read it. He sounds like a love sick puppy.
RJ February 15, 2014 Reply

Yes. Clearly meant to stir in Ruth the awareness of the terrifying tentacles of Bill's enduring control over he emotions. SICK.

Michael February 14, 2014 Reply

I am very curious as to how many people posting here are in my age range (25-34) and what type of youth group you had at your particular church during junior high / high school. Along with that, was their a particular denomination that was prevalent during the 90's in ATIA? I grew up Southern Baptist (SBC) and remain active in an (SBC) church today. My youth group at my home church was fairly large (30-40), but I found myself feeling very odd and out of place at times because of the strict BG teachings on no dating and absolutely no CCM/rock music. Honestly, looking back I fit in pretty well despite having to adhere to those "principles." If this isn't the proper forum to discuss these issues, I apologize. But, I have been very interested in finding out just what happened to a lot of those faces I used to see every summer in Knoxville and how they have made it through life up to this point. I mentioned in another thread, I was in ATIA for approximately 6 years during the 90's but eventually went to public school in 11th and 12th grade and onto a state university where I graduated in 2005. I certainly never suffered any abuse (physical, mental or sexual) from either of my parents, but even today my dad has a hard time believing anything negative about BG. I maintain a great relationship with both of my parents today, but they do know where I stand on issues concerning ATIA. I see it as a cult, 100%. BG is a master manipulator and brainwasher and the fact that he can't apologize for anything that transpired under his watch leads me to believe his number one root problem is pride. I see him, despite his "cloak" of humility, as an extremely prideful person who can't accept being under anyone else's authority or being challenged on anything he's ever taught or preached. I am thankful for all those who are stepping forward to bring his darkness to light.

Nicole February 14, 2014 Reply

Michael, you should come join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/239499482737882/
Vera Berry February 14, 2014 Reply

When one receives revelation, there is always a temptation to think that you are better than others. Paul even said that. This man enjoyed some of the most prestigious positions in modern day Christianity. He wrote once that he believed that when we get saved, our spirit is perfected but it just takes time for our soul. Now that might sound benign, but it isn't. It implies that some of us are further along and more righteous than others in comparison so that one could technically consider themselves better than their brothers in Christ. Paul said to consider others better than ourselves. Bill NEVER does this. He further thought his gain was because of God's blessing, which again was a place to exalt himself. He seems to have a propensity for figuring out who will be a loyalist and who won't. He won't have anything to do with someone who would question his words from God and yet, that is what we are called to do. Nobody is an island and the body of Christ is not one person but many. No person was ever meant to be our lord and master.

You asked about church. Honestly, we as a couple do not fit in anymore anywhere because after our time in ATI, we began putting to the test various doctrinal positions. From there, we began to investigate ministries and what they were teaching. As we studied, we began to see how many of these lucrative ministries were not following Jesus but money. Giving the right message doesn't keep paying customers in their seats so few even preach the right message. Bill confused the issue with standards. John Calvin has put a huge monkey wrench into church doctrine that few question. I do love William Lane Craig and his ministry. I enjoy listening to his apologetics that fights atheism. Doug and I do not believe the earth is 6000 years old but 13.8 billion years just as it tests out to be and we see that is perfectly consistent with Scripture after we checked it out. See, that point alone knocks us out of the ballpark on just about every evangelical. It isn't a heaven or hell issue though and so we have no problem fellowshipping with someone who disagrees with us in that area. We have to stop going by our opinions and let the truth lead.
- David February 15, 2014 Reply
  
  I agree with your concept. However, I should add -- Bill Gothard has not received revelation. He is deceived, not illuminated. His teachings are destructive.

Dave February 14, 2014 Reply

I teach counselors how to recognize the effects of narcissistic relationships and I blog regularly about narcissism. While it is neither wise nor always accurate to label someone as a narcissist without careful professional evaluation, we can certainly identify narcissistic behavior. I would say this letter is a classic example of narcissistic manipulation.

Many church people have received this kind of letter from their pastors or church leaders after some dispute or disagreement. It is full of little barbs and insider references that allow veiled threats which cannot later be pinned on the author.

I have referred to this as "ruthless destruction followed by disingenuous kindness."

Readers might be interested in a couple of posts from two years ago about a true case involving a pastor.

http://graceformyheart.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/pastor-narcissist/

http://graceformyheart.wordpress.com/2012/05/11/pastor-narcissist-pt2/

kevin February 14, 2014 Reply

Media update:

I think Christian Post is the biggest publication that has carried the story so far:

http://www.christianpost.com/news/bill-gothard-family-planning-and-homeschooling-advocate-accused-of-sexually-harassing-young-women-and-teen-girls-114544/

kevin February 14, 2014 Reply

Another one:

Religion Today:

http://www.religiontoday.com/blog/homeschool-leader-bill-gothard-accused-of-sexual-misconduct.html

Lori February 15, 2014 Reply

Thanks for those links, Kevin! :)

kr February 14, 2014 Reply

I received an "apology" letter from Bill after I shared my story. It was similar in style to this one. The apology was vague. "sorry for the ways we have failed you" and did not follow at all his formula for a proper apology, despite my telling him what HE did personally to affect what I went through. This pattern is disturbing.

Larne Gabriel February 14, 2014 Reply

kr,

In Bill's early Basic Seminars (70s) when he talked of forgiveness he always left the impression that he had nothing left to repent or ask forgiveness for. He would end the topic by saying that he didn't want to be in a seminar with someone in the back of the audience standing up and waving a white handkerchief yelling "Remember Me".

I have used that quote in several communications with him. "That here I am, waving my handkerchief, yelling remember us." Only now it's Recovering Grace waving a Supper Bowl size flag saying remember all of us!

Larne Gabriel
- Heidi February 15, 2014 Reply
  
  Well, maybe a bunch of us need to show up at some events and stand up in them and . . . wave handkerchiefs? lol
  
  Thank you for sharing all this and Ruth's journal Larne.
  
  And now I see more clearly why it is not safe for any of his previous victims to approach him. He taunts them in his own way. Or rather he was taunting you right in front of Ruth. (Look, I owned her) Unbelievable gall.

John February 14, 2014 Reply

anyone seen this yet http://www.christianpost.com/news/bill-gothard-family-planning-and-homeschooling-advocate-accused-of-sexually-harassing-young-women-and-teen-girls-114544/

John February 14, 2014 Reply

what I just posted I found on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Gothard I am sure it wont be there soon it was down in the reference section reference 26
kevin February 14, 2014 Reply

yes. The big guys are starting to pick up the story. I expect you'll see a lot more follow suit.
- John February 15, 2014 Reply
  
  didn't realize you already posted that Kevin

Vera Berry February 14, 2014 Reply

I don't believe Bill wrote this letter. I could be wrong of course but the ideology of this letter does not line up with his real beliefs. For example, he had no problem taking credit for Jesus' work in the ministry. That Jesus Christ would be exalted and not principles could not be further from the ideology of ATI where all the emphasis was on principles and standards and little on Jesus Christ and being led of the Spirit . . . . that is unless being led of the Spirit was being led by these "principles." No, someone else wrote this and he added those handwritten lines. Gary Fraley responded to several letters that I wrote to Bill back when I was single. This ideology sounds a lot like Gary's line of thinking. I do believe that Gary had a great deal of influence in the Wisdom Booklets. I just wish he would have been a little more forthcoming with his reservations, which he obviously had. Again, I could be wrong but I don't think so. I think this is someone trying to help Bill recover his credibility by giving people the right message. Bill never believed any of this.

Christopher Jones February 15, 2014 Reply

Even if he didn't draft it that sure looks like his signature and hand writing, which to me means he approved it and that it is a letter from him...

Sarah February 14, 2014 Reply

I just finished reading, " How to Guard Against the Defilement of Listening to an Evil Report" and I think it illustrates why we need to be so careful about what is actually said in the service of whatever point we're trying to make. We need to raise our patience level to pay close attention.

Pg 1 of "How to Guard..." Defines an evil report as, " An evil report involves distortion of facts, incomplete facts or false information. It is given with wrong motivations and causes the hearer to come to inaccurate conclusions and to respond with unscriptural 'solutions'." (Let's bracket the reporter's motivations for now, if the report is a distortion of facts, incomplete facts or false info, then it needs to be stopped no matter the motivations of reporter. While we're at it, let's also bracket the conclusions the hearer comes to since we only have partial control over that). So, basically, an evil report is a lie, half truth, or twisted truth. Great. We should not buy into those or continue their spread, and we should keep people accountable for what they say. No problem here.

But wait. It's bad to be ignorant of what constitutes an evil report, so on pg 2, we learn what constitutes an evil report (for our purposes, same thing as defining an evil report). "It [an evil report] is an unauthorized, distorted, or false report which influences us to form an evil opinion about another person or ministry." Whoa there! Now an evil report isn't just a lie, half truth or twisted truth, it's an "unauthorized report" hmm...this changes things drastically. Who is required to "authorize" this report to move it out of the "evil report" column?

Then, another subtle addition. Top of pg 3, when talking about ignorance of who would give an evil report, "Giving bad reports is part of the fallen nature of every person." Wait. What!?! I thought we were talking about evil reports? I guess maybe, then, a bad report (not defined here, but frequently understood to be any report that is not positive) is an evil report and ought to be treated as such? Scary

I realize that most of you who took the time to read the article saw the problems with it, but this sort of problem~not being careful about how one gets to a point, as long as the main point is good, we're golden~is an issue we must constantly fight! even when we like who's making the point and know that what they mean to say is good (though I am by no means suggesting that is the place BG was at when he wrote this. It is rather obvious it was a manipulation tactic).

Thank you RG for the painstaking care I know you guys have put into what you publish and share. I know it's a lot of work, but sometimes, "the devil's in the details"

Nathan February 15, 2014 Reply

I think the Alumni Supplement 7 that he referred to in the letter is actually titled "Understanding the Winds of Adversity", which, based on the description at http://store.iblp.org/products/M7/, looks like it does contain the "identification with Christ" doctrine, while the "Evil Report" document does not. That document must have been something extra he decided to send, if he did send it with the letter.

I tend to agree with Vera Berry, when she says that the "identification with Christ" doctrine originated with Gary Fraley. I heard somewhere that this idea, along with an emphasis on Romans 6, was added to the Basic Seminar around this time, at Fraley's encouragement.

I also agree with Samuel Lundmark... seems like he got the right idea, and then fell away from it again.

Moderator February 15, 2014 Reply

Hi Nathan, we added a quick editor's note for clarification above, which reads:

The "Defilement" booklet was separate from, but printed at approximately the same time as, Alumni Supplement 7, which was titled "Understanding the Winds of Adversity." Our understanding is that Ruth and Larne received these booklets with the same cover letter. Either publication would be appalling from their point of view.
- Larne Gabriel February 15, 2014 Reply
  
  We only received the "Defilement of Listening to an Evil Report" attached to the above letter Bill sent us. In the letter Bill states: "....It came off the press today and I would like you to have one of the first copies of it....."
  
  This was three months after we were married and seven months after we left staff. At this point Ruth was beginning to heal and was becoming more vocal with her newly found message of truth. Bill called us numerous times trying to twist the historical facts and dissuade her from sharing her testimony. Thus we were "privilege" to receive one of the first copies of "Defilement of Listening to an Evil Report".

Mary Jane Thompson February 15, 2014 Reply

Hi, I grew up hearing about Bill G in the 60 s and 70 s we were not able to go to the seminars but we certainly got the materials to study . Many of my friends and the leaders in youth group were indoctrinated by his teachings and the effects of his basic youth conflicts studies are profound. They had different reactions either people were brainwashed and it affected their whole life or that they thought it was rediculous and unattainable ,a legalistic cult. I am curious , about one thing was there a particular church that Bill G. aliied himself with or did he have his own church denomination ?? If he wasn't connected with a church wasn't that a red flag to indicate he is a complete dictator pushing his own agenda .iti is a sad day in evangelical circles and I am so glad my parents and in laws are not here to hear this garbage about Bill Gothard and his practises !! They would be so disappointed!! Christ is disappointed as well !!

Trying to wrap mind around this February 17, 2014 Reply

Hello. I have been reading through some of this dialogue recently and am trying to come to grips with what you all are saying. I have had little glimpses of this in the past but was unable to accept it all and then it left my thoughts. I am pretty sure there was a dismissal of some sort thinking that a person is just dealing with things improperly and from a stand point of bitterness. With so many people's experiences surfacing.. I am needed to take a closer look. I am seeing.. and also, this is all making sense in terms of what kinds of things I was picking up from the kids that comprised staff at Indy and during regional training. I recognize that it is possible that I and my family may need to undergo a complete overhaul in the light of Scripture. I am struggling with the idea that a very settled homeschool (curriculum-wise) may need an overhaul too. I mean.. our family has remained kind of tucked away and we have had little contact with others from ATI for a long while... so we are not close to it. Yet errant teaching is errant teaching. The flip side to that coin is not wanting to throw the baby out with the bath water. *sigh* I am aware that Christ will lead me from here, but am curious to know what you would say. Also, I have considered from all that you have written, what BG's motives would be. If they were carnal in a physical sense, surely there would be more indiscretion than that which was mentioned. I do not say that to discredit the young ladies who were violated. I recognize that they were in a very vulnerable position and were therefore taken advantage of. Having said that.. it has to be more than that which motivated BG. What do you believe it to be? I am addressing the group. I would like to make mention that normally I never read comments on articles because of all the bashing and complaining. I found the conversations here refreshingly respectful and therefore continued to read to the end.

Shane February 18, 2014 Reply

"Trying..."- I'm not an insider-attended IBYC 85-91, asked my parents to quit the University I was attending to join the ranks of the insiders but they fortunately said no (I'd surely have been sent home in shame; I suck at being a legalist!) Which is why Gothard was so overwhelming to me. I tried to keep up with the program but couldn't. I was certain I was a JV Christian.

As I moved through the process of understanding grace and the false teachings of Gothard I had the occasion of making an offhand comment to another pastor friend that I thought Gothardism was a cult. He wisely challenged me on that; asked me if I was sure or misreading my past. So I went back and read my seminar notes. Looked up the passages cited IN THEIR CONTEXT. Read around on the IBLP website. Read Venoit's book (see RG's recommended reading list). Read other books on law and gospel (One Way Love and Disciplines of Grace are good starts-again see RG's recommended reading list).

RG did not exist at the time for me but keep reading it. There is a ton of serious thoughtful engagement with both the ideas and actions of this ministry. I personally find the article by Dr. Ronald Allen damning in it's forthrightness and the fact that it remains unanswered: http://www.recoveringgrace.org/2013/09/there-you-go-again-an-open-letter-to-bill-gothard-1997/
There is many more that show a pattern of obfuscation and outright lying.

I've recently returned to "the scene of the crime" to hear these stories of spiritual and sexual abuse. What I've found is a broad swath of people coming forward with similar stories of power plays and manipulation. It's unfathomable to me that such a a number of stories across so many years could be orchestrated as a bitter attempt to persecute "God's man". As I've read, I've found that BG's best defender on this site (and I mean that with no sarcasm) admits he's been foolish (my word, he'd say naive) in regard to his handling of these relationships with these young women.

So what I'm saying is, keep reading. Keep listening. Keep analyzing Gothardism. But also keep learning grace. Consider Paul's attack on Jesus+ teaching in Galatians. I also find it damnable that Gothard, for example, taught circumcision as a "better way"; a more spiritual way. That's the specific issue Paul addresses in Galatians as "another gospel". The idea that "yeah you're a Christian, but if you want to be a better Christian you'll be circumcised". That is is what Paul says "anathema!" to. He pronounces judgment upon those who teach such. This helped me not fear jettisoning some perceived good mixed with the error.

I could say tons more, but I'll end with this; I've worked in college ministry for years, and what I've found is that students who grew up under this kind of teaching are dying to understand grace or so hardened against it that they reject it when it's taught. You're children need to know more than anything that Jesus loves them; that there actually without equivocation is absolutely "no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus". That there are no "good Christians"; only sinners saved by grace. If the Reformation was about anything it was that Salvation (justification, sanctification, glorification) is all of grace. Track that down for your own heart and then feed it in heavy doses to your children.
- kevin February 18, 2014 Reply
  
  That's a keeper Shane. Good post!
- Sad February 18, 2014 Reply
  
  Bravo Shane! Very well said.
kevin February 18, 2014 Reply

You ask good questions and I really appreciate your approach as one of seeking to really know the truth and understand.

I'll take a quick shot at it, although I am sure that many here have greater insight than I do, to his motivations.

A belief that is common among those here, and which I share, is that Gothard is a textbook narcissist. I think if you read up on the term, with the link below, some of the pieces to the puzzle may come together. From the Wikipedia link, the line that jumps out at me the most is the following:

"They have a strong need for admiration, but lack feelings of empathy."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissistic_personality_disorder
The narcissist will use up people around them to achieve their success and, satisfy their sexual desires. And, like the classic narcissist, Gothard lacks empathy- is unable to feel or care about the pain that he is causing others. So, in order for his ministry to grow and succeed, he works his staff to the bone, paying them peanuts, and cares nothing of the damage that this stress causes them, month after month, year after year.
When a narcissist is charming, and hard working, he can accomplish amazing things. Taken to its extreme, he can even create a cult like following, which his ego desires. Jim Jones achieved this, and so did Bill Gothard. That is not to say that everyone who has had any level of involvement with Gothard is in the "Cult", but clearly many followers idolize him to a level where it is a cult for them, and Gothard their narcissistic leader.
So- very charming, narcissistic person, who is ambitious and hardworking + years of work, can develop a cult like following. This puts the leader in a position to satisfy his carnal urges among the followers, as most cult leaders end up doing eventually. Gothard indulged in that which pleased him; young girls-high school and college aged. Again, lacking any care for the damage he is causing them, he satisfies his fetish with the young ladies, to whatever extent he was able to get away with. For some, it is playing a game in which he emotionally seduces them, holds their hands romantically, gives sensual hugs, maybe runs his foot up and down their leg. With others (at least one that we know of), sensing that he can get away with it, he takes it to the next step, and fondles her genitals and breasts. Could he have taken it further with them? Sure, look how far his brother Steven took it. But, Bill was smarter than Steven and knew that if he started pushing it too far, it would all come crashing down. So, he was selective in who he pushed the envelope with.
If you look at his teachings, yes, a lot of self help stuff, and a lot of it works, but the backbone of it all is control- and the control ultimately goes to him.
I see so many of his teachings in this light:
Chain of authority, with Gothard at the top of the chain= Control.
He teaches what is essentially a Karma based God. You do good, follow God's rules (which are really essentially Gothard's rules) then good things will happen.
If you are bad and don't follow God's (Gothard’s) rules, then bad things will happen and you will open the door for Satanic attack. If you rebel and go outside of my umbrella of protection, you will be subject to satan’s attacks.
Just follow his principals and rules and you will have success in every area of your life- guaranteed.
To put this another way, I’ll quote Gothard: (Page 6 of Institute of Basic Youth Conflicts)
“The success of our lives is entirely related to how much grace God gives us. Grace is the desire and power to do God’s will………How then do we receive this grace? There is only one way- by being humbled."
Now, that doesn't sound so bad on the surface, except what does it mean to be humbled? It means to obey God. And now, Gothard is going to give you a book loaded with principals and rules, that you must follow in order to obey God(humble yourself) and receive grace. That's works, and not only that, it puts grace as something that Gothard essentially controls in your life, because they really aren’t God’s rules, they are Gothard’s rules, and the amount of grace you receive will be dependent on how well you follow his rules.

He is good at what he does. He is convincing. His followers buy into it and lift him up to that level that his ego craves. They give him an incredible amount of power and he has used that power, among other things, to prey on the vulnerable, to satisfy his carnal desires, with no regard to the emotional damage that he is doing in the process.

Trying to wrap mind around this February 18, 2014 Reply

I am going to paint you the picture as I see it, and I will be the first one to say it is a horrible picture and I don't like to type it.

First though, I want to tell you that I first attended a Basic in '88. I attended as an alumni for several years. During one of those years, ATI was introduced. I knew then that I wanted that for when I would marry someday. Years later, after marrying, my husband attended a basic and an advanced. Then we did admissions and joined. We also attended regionals while we still lived in the Chicago area. We also attended on Sunday nites sometimes in Oakbrook. During that time, I had occasion several times to converse with B.G. This caused me to be mindful of his fallibility. I mean to say I could see some of his shortcomings.. though not the ones that pertain to sexual improprieties. When we moved away, we were no longer on site for anything. I have LOVED the materials and never had reason to be bitter. It has taken many times of being exposed to hints of evil for me to break out of denial. I didn't even know what exactly Steve Gothard did. I have been accused of being a Gothardite. So that's my background.

So here are my thoughts. First of all, we know that Satan is the "prince of this world", a dark prince who has fully attempted to usurp the Son and steal His kingdom from Him, and murder Him besides. If you have not ever known a psychopath, you may not know that they do not even realize how controlled by the enemy that they really are. So, I am not trying to say that this is intentional on BG's part. But, picture a man who usurps the Son, stripping the concepts of His Word of Christ Himself, and offers a "new way of life" that will benefit the temporal and thereby entice many, yet enhances the kingdom of the usurper, the devil with many unwitting persons who thought they were trusting in the Scriptures but are trusting the world according to Gothard. Gothard is given temporal rewards too; the admiration that he craves but most of all CONTROL. His sexual improprieties are center stage on our minds... but they are not his primary motivation. He usurps Christ's kingdom, in his malignant self love, steals the affection of those who either are Christs or who are perhaps seekers, and controls them to whatever extent they will allow. He sets forth a curriculum, dangling the character carrot, but who's subtle message is one that trains parents to make perfect victims of our children and increases the scope of his control. When their young people have left home and are living on campus he creates instability in the victims by subscribing to one point of view, then totally going to the opposite point of view. What he says versus what he does. There is so much to process, and I am trying to look at it from the big picture point of view. It is a travesty, a betrayal of the trust of many people, and a usurpation of Christ. It is so fantastical that it is very hard to believe. I am thankful that my eyes are now open. Now what to do....

MatthewS February 18, 2014 Reply

That reminds me of this line: "Some people believed it was really more self-help than saved-by-grace. In fact, some biblical scholars have essentially argued that if you scrubbed any mention of the salvation message out of the IBYC seminar, you still had the IBYC seminar." http://www.recoveringgrace.org/2014/02/the-gothard-files-the-early-years-1965-79/

MK February 27, 2014 Reply

I must be blind.... This seems like a perfectly nice letter to me. When I read it, this is what I see:
- I haven't forgotten you and I don't reject or ignore you despite our history.
- God has used you for good in my life.
- I have not forgotten the pain I've caused you and I don't minimize it.
- While I can't roll back the clock and undo the damage I've already done, I am committed to learning from it and helping others with what I've learned.
- In other words, I hate that I've hurt you, but please take comfort in the fact that your suffering is not for nothing, but that others will benefit from what has been learned in the process.
- In other, other words, while my actions were not good, here is one of the ways that God is "working all things together for good." Please be encouraged and comforted by that.

If anything, I see an element of a slightly gullible, overly trusting person. Thinking it would be possible to remain friends with people he had previously hurt... The tone of the letter suggests to me that he felt the situation had been discussed, "resolved," and he wanted to reach out and invest in the relationship again.

This man is always eager to "gift" his latest publication to friends of the ministry, particularly those he feels were part of the inspiration or motivation to write them. It is amazing to me the depth of misunderstanding and misconstruction that can result from a simple gift. Wow!

As I said, I must be blind...

From Bill to Larne and Ruth, February 1981

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From Bill to Larne and Ruth, February 1981

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