A Matter of Basic Principles: Bill Gothard and His Cultish Teachings

Since the 1960s, Bill Gothard's teachings about authority and character have captivated countless numbers of Christian families. Building his Institute in Basic Life Principles outside the framework of most churches and denominations, Gothard created his own unique religious system. His false definitions of grace, "umbrellas of authority," and fear-based notions of human relationships, all wrapped in Christian veneer, led many to obey Gothard's "non-optional principles" rather than what the Bible really says. Today, many of those followers feel betrayed by the bondage of legalism and the allegations of abuse at Gothard's Institute. In the mid-1990s, Christian apologists Don and Joy Veinot and Ron Henzel began researching IBLP after hearing of heartbreaking stories from those affected by what had become cultish teachings. They found patterns of corruption-from scandal cover-ups to spiritual abuse-which compelled them to expose the serious unbiblical beliefs at the crux of Gothard's worldview. After extensive research and challenging Bill Gothard in person, the Veinots and Henzel published this book in 2003. Now in this twentieth anniversary edition, they add new material and re-present their conclusions in hopes of further exposing Gothard's harmful teachings. If you are a survivor of Gothard-style authoritarianism-or if you know of a person who is-A Matter of Basic Principles can help you escape this spiritual oppression and discover the freedom to rejoice in our Lord's saving grace.After reading this new book, it is clear that the problems with Gothard's Bible interpretations go deeper than I ever imagined. - Dr. Ron Rhodes, Reasoning from the Scriptures MinistriesA much-needed book that should be read by virtually all evangelical pastors-and all supporters of Bill Gothard.- Dr. Robert B. Stewart, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Theology, New Orleans Baptist Theological SeminaryBill's teaching on legalism, law, and grace deserves careful examination.- Dr. Samuel J. Schultz , Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Wheaton CollegePeople impacted by Gothard's influence and those who minister to them will find no stone unturned in this meticulous analysis.- Donald T. Williams, PhD , Professor Emeritus of Toccoa Falls CollegeThe book starts off by challenging us as Christians and concludes in the same way. It's not just about questioning a false teacher; it's about waking us up.- Dr. Jerry Buckner, Adjunct Professor at Gateway Seminary, Host of Contending for the Faith on KFAX AMI highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to understand how Gothard, and his followers went well beyond the fundamentals of Scripture and have caused great harm to the body of Christ.- Jim Scudder, Jr. , Senior Pastor, Quentin Road Baptist ChurchI have followed the teachings of the Institute of Basic Youth Conflicts (now IBLP) from its inception over 35 years ago. From the beginning I have been deeply concerned about the misuse and distortion of the teachings of God's Word in their interpretation and application.- Earl D. Radmacher, Th.D ., Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology and President Emeritus of Western Seminary