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 known for starting the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP). This organization teaches about Christian beliefs and how to live by them.
His teachings encourage people to memorize parts of the Bible. They also suggest having large families and teaching children at home (homeschooling). Gothard taught about avoiding debt and dressing in a modest way. He also emphasized the importance of family leadership.
In the 1970s and 80s, Gothard's seminars were very popular. These events, like the Basic Youth Conflicts seminar, filled large auditoriums. Sometimes, more than ten thousand people attended a one-week seminar. This helped him reach many people in the evangelical community. He also held special events for pastors, doctors, and lawmakers.
In 2014, Bill Gothard stepped down from his role at IBLP. This happened after some concerns were raised about his conduct.
About Bill Gothard's Life
Bill Gothard studied at Wheaton College (Illinois). He earned his first degree in biblical studies in 1957. He then received a master's degree in Christian education in 1961. Later, in 2004, he completed his Ph.D. in biblical studies at Louisiana Baptist University.
In 1961, Gothard started an organization called Campus Teams. This group later changed its name to the Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts (IBYC) in 1974. In 1989, it became the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP). Gothard was the president and a board member of IBLP until he resigned in 2014.
In 1984, Gothard also founded the Advanced Training Institute (ATI). This program helps families who teach their children at home. Its lessons are based on the Sermon on the Mount, a famous part of the Bible.
Gothard had connections with some political leaders, including Mike Huckabee, Sonny Perdue, and Sarah Palin. His ministry was also well-known among families like the Duggar family, who appeared on reality TV. Bill Gothard has never married.
What Bill Gothard Taught
Gothard's main teaching was called the "Basic Seminar." It focused on seven "Basic Life Principles." He taught that these principles are important for everyone. He believed that if people did not follow them, they would face problems. These principles are called Design, Authority, Responsibility, Suffering, Ownership, Freedom, and Success.
One of his ideas was the "umbrella of authority." This idea suggests that people should obey those in charge above them. Gothard taught that this obedience helps protect people.
Gothard also taught that traditional courtship is a better way to find a partner than dating. He encouraged parents to be involved in their children's courtship. He believed a father should have a say in his daughter's relationships. Gothard also promoted conservative ways of dressing. He advised against syncopated music, including Christian rock. He also warned about certain toys, like Cabbage Patch Kids dolls.
Gothard's teachings have been discussed a lot within Christian groups. Some books and articles have looked closely at his ideas. They have questioned his views on rules and grace in Christianity. They also looked at how the IBLP ministry was managed.
Books by Bill Gothard
- Advanced Seminar Textbook. Institute in Basic Life Principles, 1986, ISBN: 0-916888-11-8
- Basic Preparation for Engagement. Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts, 1971
- Basic Seminar Textbook. Institute in Basic Life Principles, 1979, ISBN: 0-916888-05-3
- Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts: Research in Principles of Life. Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts, 1981, ISBN: 0-916888-05-3
- Men's Manual, Vol. 1. Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts, 1979, ISBN: 0-916888-04-5
- Men's Manual, Vol. 2. Institute in Basic Life Principles, 1983, ISBN: 0-916888-09-6
- Nuestro Dios Celoso/Our Jealous God: El Amor que no me deja ir/The love that doesn't let me go. Editorial Unilit 2004, ISBN: 0-7899-1215-5
- Our Jealous God. Life Change Books, 2003. ISBN: 1-59052-225-7
- Rebuilder's Guide. Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts, 1982. ISBN: 0-916888-06-1
- Research in Principles of Life: Advanced Seminar Textbook. Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts 1986. ISBN: 0-916888-11-8
- Rewards of Being Reviled. Life Change Books, 2004. ISBN: 0-916888-30-4
- Self-Acceptance. Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts, 1984. ASIN B0007270AO
- The Amazing Way. Institute in Basic Life Principles, 2010. ISBN: 978-0916888497
- The Power of Crying Out. Life Change Books, 2002, ISBN: 1-59052-037-8
- The Power of Spoken Blessings. Life Change Books, 2004. ISBN: 1-59052-375-X
- The Sevenfold Power of First Century Churches and Homes. Life Change Books, 2000. ISBN: 0-916888-18-5
- Why Did God Let It Happen? Institute in Basic Life Principles, 2011. ISBN: 978-0-916888-54-1
