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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.

Author Archives: Moderator

Creating a Rebellious Heart

21 March 2012, 06:05

Moderator

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Two short months before leaving for Russia, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel Europe with my mom, both grandmothers, and my aunt. It had been a lifelong dream of my 88-year-old grandmother, and I relished every second of it. One of the days that had the most impact on me was the trip […]

IBLP’s Peru Trip Website

20 March 2012, 14:46

Moderator

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Those who are familiar with IBLP’s recent history know that the organization has a pattern of establishing new connections with foreign countries, claiming that Mr. Gothard’s teachings are going to transform the country into a model nation. Usually these connections end in disillusionment on both ends, as was the case with Russia. IBLP has been […]

We Were Elite, Super Special Christians

16 March 2012, 06:00

Moderator

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“You are the best of the best.” “You are on the front lines of the Christian battle.” “You are like the Marines of the Christian faith.” What Christian young person would not want to hear those words?  Every single one of us wants to be special.  We all want to belong to something bigger than […]

The Formula Problem: Why Duggarizing Your Marriage is Not Recommended

9 March 2012, 06:00

Moderator

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Baking is one of my favorite pastimes.  I make a killer banana bread.  I love baking cookies and many times, like Marie Barone, bake a cake just because.  I follow recipes very closely but always add vanilla even if it is not called for.  I can follow those recipes to the letter for one simple […]

My Year as an LIT

7 March 2012, 06:48

Moderator

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At the age of 15, I had already been heavily enslaved to a serious eating disorder for five years. According to my psychologist/counselor at the time, the eating disorder was accompanied by Borderline Personality Disorder and clinical depression. He prescribed three different medications that gave me headaches and made me more irritable–they didn’t really solve any […]

The Art of Manipulation

5 March 2012, 06:00

Moderator

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“Joseph, I wouldn’t be surprised if God caused the plane to crash in order to punish you for not honoring your mother.”  That’s what my mother said to me in the summer of 2002. I was 25 years old and it was the night before 4 of my friends and myself were to board a […]

If your god is not God, fire him.

2 March 2012, 06:00

Moderator

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There is a difference—sometimes an enormous difference—between the God of our doctrinal statements and the god we live with every day. Our theological convictions may be thoroughly orthodox, but we may actually serve a god who is quick to anger and slow to forgive. Or a god who shames his followers. Or a god who […]

Contradictions and Confessions

22 February 2012, 06:00

Moderator

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The Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) Training Centers (TCs) seemed to be a breeding ground for hypocrisy. Especially for those who were in leadership. I will admit to being a part of that group. I was a staff member and I did things that were against the rules. All the time. If you happened […]

On Forgiveness

20 February 2012, 06:00

Moderator

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If the topic of forgiveness just triggers panic or fear in you, I understand. It’s not the right time for you to work on this. There are other things to work on first. If you experience forgiveness as a kind of ‘have to’ or if you experience it as a kind of bondage – or […]

Who Speaks for the Church? (An Excerpt)

10 February 2012, 06:00

Moderator

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From time to time, we at Recovering Grace like to republish the work of others who have contributed to the discussion of Bill Gothard and his teachings. This is particularly true when a third party perspective of someone not closely involved with IBLP or ATI is provided, as in the following excerpt. This excerpt details […]