Bill Gothard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Gothard
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Bill Gothard (2002, age 67)
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| Born | November 2, 1934 |
| Occupation | Instructor, author |
| Known for | Founding the Institute in Basic Life Principles |
William W. Gothard Jr. (born November 2, 1934) is an American Christian minister, speaker, and writer. He is best known for starting the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP). This is a Christian organization that teaches people how to live based on the Bible.
Gothard's teachings are quite traditional. He encourages people to memorize the Bible and have large families. He also supports homeschooling and avoiding debt. His ideas include the husband being the leader in the family. He also teaches that wives should support their husbands. He promotes dressing in a modest way.
In the 1970s, Gothard was very popular. His "Basic Youth Conflicts" seminars filled large halls across the United States. Sometimes, over ten thousand people attended these week-long events. He reached many young people from the Baby Boomer generation. He also held special seminars for pastors, doctors, and lawmakers.
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Who is Bill Gothard?
Bill Gothard has a strong educational background. He earned his first degree in biblical studies in 1957. This was from Wheaton College. Later, in 1961, he received his master's degree in Christian education. In 2004, he completed his Ph.D. in biblical studies. This was from Louisiana Baptist University.
Starting IBLP
In 1961, Gothard began an organization called Campus Teams. Its name changed to the Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts (IBYC) in 1974. Then, in 1989, it became the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP). Gothard was the president and a board member of IBLP. He stepped down from these roles in 2014.
In 1984, Gothard also started the Advanced Training Institute (ATI). This program helps families who choose to homeschool their children. Its lessons are based on the Sermon on the Mount from the Bible.
His Influence and Connections
Bill Gothard had many connections with political leaders. These included Republican figures like Mike Huckabee and Sarah Palin. His ministry was also popular with the Duggar family. They are known from reality TV shows. Bill Gothard has never married.
What Does Bill Gothard Teach?
Gothard's main teaching is called the "Basic Seminar." It focuses on seven "Basic Life Principles." He believes these principles are important for everyone. He teaches that if people ignore them, they will face problems.
Seven Basic Life Principles
The seven principles Gothard teaches are:
- Design
- Authority
- Responsibility
- Suffering
- Ownership
- Freedom
- Success
The "Umbrella of Authority"
One of Gothard's key ideas is the "umbrella of authority." This idea suggests that people need to obey those in charge above them. He teaches that this obedience protects them from negative influences.
Views on Dating and Music
Gothard teaches that traditional dating can be risky. He suggests that courtship is a better way to find a partner. In courtship, parents are very involved. He believes a father should have a say in his daughter's relationships. This includes the right to say "no" to a marriage proposal.
Gothard also supports conservative dress styles. He discourages listening to syncopated music, like Christian rock. He has also warned against certain toys, like Cabbage Patch dolls.
Gothard's teachings have led to many discussions. People in Christian groups and the media have debated his ideas. Some have questioned his views on rules and grace. They have also looked at how the IBLP ministry was managed.
Books by Bill Gothard
Bill Gothard has written many books. These books explain his teachings and principles. Some of his well-known works include:
- Advanced Seminar Textbook
- Basic Seminar Textbook
- Our Jealous God
- The Power of Crying Out
- The Power of Spoken Blessings
- Why Did God Let It Happen?
