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Articles about how Bill Gothard mishandles the Bible to support his legalistic viewpoint.

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Stories and accounts of the destruction caused by the teachings of Bill Gothard.

Category Archives: Gothard Files

The Package: History of Attempts to Confront Bill Gothard

12 December 2014, 08:00

Moderator

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  Click here to view the original outline of the tabbed and indexed materials included in the package, titled “Request by Bill Gothard for Truth and Reconciliation, 2013-2014.” The charges levelled against Bill Gothard in “the package,” along with supporting evidence, testimonies, and documentation, have been presented to Bill Gothard at least four times: 1. […]

The Package: The All Sufficiency of Jesus Christ

8 December 2014, 10:00

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  The Preeminence of, the Exclusive Claims by, and the All Sufficiency of Jesus Christ A Call to Bill Gothard to Return to the Teachings of Jesus Christ and the Apostles Doctrine of Grace Alone through Faith Alone in the Promise and Provisions of God Alone.    Image copyright: kchung / 123RF Stock Photo

Heather’s Story

9 July 2014, 06:00

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The following is a list of all currently published allegations (that we know of) of Bill Gothard’s behavior. Megan’s Story, published April 3, 2014 (external link) Robin’s Story, published March 10, 2014 Rachel’s Story, published February 17, 2014 Ruth’s Story, published February 12, 2014 Charlotte’s Story, published February 5, 2014 Meg’s Story, published January 20, 2014 […]

Our Response to the IBLP Board Statement

20 June 2014, 12:00

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Dear Recovering Grace Reader, The Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) board of directors released a statement on Tuesday (June 17, 2014) entitled A Time of Transition. This appears to be their official response to the allegations of sexual harassment and abuse that have been reported on our site, and it also addressed our assertion that Bill […]

IBLP Board Issues Their Public Statement

17 June 2014, 21:19

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The Institute in Basic Life Principles’ Board of Directors has issued their long-awaited public statement on the results of their investigation. The statement can be viewed on the IBLP.org website, or by clicking here. Recovering Grace will post a response soon.

IBLP Board Failure: Ignorance or Negligence?

2 June 2014, 09:00

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Corporate scandals are nothing new. Enron, Bernie Madoff, Lehman Brothers, AIG, Jim and Tammy Bakker, sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, and the list goes on. While CEOs often go to jail for scandals, their boards typically use the “we did not know” clause. But the questions for the board of the Institute in Basic […]

Bill’s Cabin: Uncovering Sin

21 May 2014, 09:00

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Bill Gothard's cabin and surrounding area, 2014

  The Northwoods Setting The Northwoods began as a Gothard family retreat and was repurposed and expanded for ministry use as the ministry grew flush with cash. Steve Gothard’s cabin was built in 1973. The first (smaller) lodge was built in 1974, and the Big Lodge was built in 1976. As noted in other articles, […]

Four Pre-Digital Reviews of Gothard’s Theology

20 May 2014, 07:00

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A SUMMARY REPORT Bill Gothard’s Institute In Basic Life Principles by David Henke, September 1993   In 1985, a colleague gave me access to his files so that I could fill gaps in my own files. One of the files that he had was on Bill Gothard’s ministry. I copied it for the sake of […]

Bill Gothard’s Basic Conflict in Eternity (magazine)

15 May 2014, 07:05

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Joseph Bayly

  Basic Conflicts: An open letter to Bill Gothard by Joseph Bayly ETERNITY, June 1977 Mr. William Gothard Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts 45055 North Adams Hinsdale, Illinois 60521 Dear Bill Gothard: God has given you great opportunities and responsibilities in recent years, and I, along with most evangelical Christians, am thankful for your ministry. Many […]

Early Warnings of a False Authority

13 May 2014, 06:00

Jay Rowland

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In the 1970s, supporters and critics alike recognized that Bill Gothard and his Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts (IBYC) were a phenomenon. God can use anyone or anything to bring people to himself, but are paying crowds proof of a teacher’s righteousness? It seems too few of our church watchmen wrote about—or truly studied—Gothard’s teachings. […]