A Matter of Basic Principles: Bill Gothard & the Christian Life

by Don Veinot, Ron Henzel, Joy Veinot

A Matter of Basic Bill Gothard and the Christian Life is an analysis of the ministry, teachings and institution which Bill Gothard heads up. Are his teachings biblical? Does he himself live the according the "principles" which he lays upon others or does he live by a double standard? Does he bring his followers closer to God or into legalistic bondage? Is he resolving youth rebellion and bringing families closer together or splitting families and churches? This is the first comprehensive analysis of Bill Gothard in over 20 years and is endorsed by a number of leading Evangelicals and Christian media.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Cults, Christian Living

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

L.L. (Don) and Joy Veinot are co-founder and president of Midwest Christian Outreach, Inc. (MCOI), a mission to cults and non-Christian religions based in Wonder Lake, IL. Don and Joy (his wife since 1970) have been involved in discernment ministry as missionaries to New Religious Movements since 1987. Don is a frequent guest on numerous radio and television broadcasts including The John Ankerberg Show as well as being a staff researcher and writer for the Midwest Christian Outreach, Inc. Journal. Additionally, Don is co-author of the book A Matter of Basic Principles: Bill Gothard and the Christian Life as well as contributing author of Preserving Evangelical Unity: Welcoming Diversity in Non-Essentials. Furthermore, he is the author of various research articles in the CRI Journal, PFO Quarterly Journal, Campus Life Magazine, Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics, Midwestern Journal of Theology, and other periodicals.

Don was ordained to the ministry by West Suburban Community Church of Lombard, IL at the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem, Israel in March of 1997. He is a charter member of International Society of Christian Apologetics (ISCA) and is also the current President of Evangelical Ministries to New Religions (EMNR), a consortium of counter-cult/apologetic and discernment ministries from around the country. In addition, Don co-hosts a weekly webcast with Ron Henzel, Senior Researcher for MCOI, called “The Unknown Webcast,” which can be found on their YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/MidwestoutreachOrg. The MCOI website is www.midwestoutreach.org. MCOI also
has a weekly e-letter, The Crux, and you can follow Midwest Christian Outreach, Inc. on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Parler, and USA.Life.

Reviews

[Sheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have liked to see the authors grapple a bit more with Gothard's dreadful theology and a bit less with his life, but whatever. They certainly covered his theology enough to show how far off base he is -- when a Christian's understanding of grace is as flawed as Gothard's, they've lost all credibility as a leader for anyone who knows their Bible.

[Lisa of Hopewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of 19 Kids and Counting should read this--all about the "homeschool group" the Duggar family belongs to and it's founder Bill Gothard.

[Naomi Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used to have discussions about my religious upbringing with my husband, and the general pattern was like this:

Me: I was taught [XXX].
DH: That's bizarre.
Me: Well, that's what I was taught. Remember, I was raised in a strict Evangelical, or Fundamentalist, environment.
DH: I grew up around Southern Baptists. NONE of them believed that. Not even the snake-handler church believed that.
Me: [confused silence]

This book handed me the key to this exchange; I now understand that much of what was restrictive, confusing and painful in my early life -- particularly as a teenager -- didn't actually arise from the teachings of my denomination, but from the pervasive influence of one man, Bill Gothard, and his ministry. At that time it was called the Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts, it's now known as the Institute of Basic Life Principles. The centerpiece of that ministry, at that time, was a multi-day seminar featuring overhead-projected diagrams of spiritual principles. We followed along, filling in missing words and Bible references from a big workbook.

What this book does well is to show how Gothard and his organization create a legalistic and Judaizing system that constitutes its own denomination based on his own private interpretation. The authors wonderfully talk about the importance of grace.

But this is where it all goes wrong, too. The authors are apparently quite strict Calvinists, and in their rejection of Gothard's legalism, they bracket it with a distorted view of Catholicism as a system of works-righteousness.

So, this has been a good book for me to show the roots of some old, old damage. But ultimately, it falls short in describing the beauty of cooperation with grace and the true transformation that comes to us through Christ.

[Shaun Marksbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill Gothard is a name I've heard off-and-on through the years, and I've run across his teaching (without knowing it) much more often. This well-documented book does an excellent job of biblically outlining the problems with his teachings and warning the reader to stay away from Gothard, citing primary sources and solid theologians.

This book begins with an unexpected but helpful history of Western thought. It then ends with an apt comparison between Gothard's writing and the Talmud.

Chapter One evidences his own disregard for these principles, though, comparing him to the inconsistent Citizen Kane. Just the first chapter has proved his disqualification from ministry.

In Chs. 2-4, the authors demonstrate legalistic false teachings which Bible-believing Christians should reject; namely, making the keeping of the ceremonial law a requirement for sanctification. They also show just how slippery Gothard is in any manner of confrontation. Factoring in his confirmed dalliances, it seems the political pejorative "Slick Willy" would be apropos for this theological Bill.

In Chapters 5 & 6, the authors continue to demonstrate the legalistic tenancies of Gothardism. They not only continue showing how Gothard resists biblical teaching on grace but also how inconsistent he is in applying his principles. They also take time to define the biblical presentation, contrasting the lovelessness of Gothard's principles.

Chapter 7 demonstrates Gothardism's abuse of authority, describing it with the apt moniker Orwellian.

Chapter 8 shows goes beyond just how inconsistent Gothard is with his principles, even flaunting legal safety obligations.

Chapters 9 & 10 show the horrible dating (or courtship) advice as well as the bad medicine he peddles.

Strongly recommended!

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was highly recommended to students by a professor at Ambassador Baptist College. It is a (in my opinion, well-deserved) polemic against Bill Gothard and the Institute of Basic Life Principles. Ambassador is part of a movement within Fundamentalist Christianity that can at times be a little too eager to draw a hard line against their very close neighbors, to the point that they recommend books critiquing those neighbors written by people who live even further away. This can be problematic for them, because, as the Brits have it, "Truth will out." In this case, in the present books opposition to Gothard, the authors fault the very foundation of Gothard's theology of spirituality, and present their own more Scriptural theology of spirituality as an alternative. While Ambassador's opposition to Gothard is on his use of the Old Testament, abuses within the institution, spiritual abuses, and the particular rules Gothard advocates as binding on Christians. However, at its core, Ambassador's theology of spirituality is similar to Gothard's. The authors do such an effective job using Scripture to undermine Gothard's system, if actively undermines Ambassador's as well. For three years, I was deeply committed to that system. When I read this book, it was during my senior year, and I was already moving along a Scriptural and spiritual journey that would lead me out of that system before years end. This book helped me along. And I am grateful. I would gladly recommend this book to anyone either dealing specifically with Gothard and Gothardism, or more generally with Fundamentalist spirituality systems.

[Sam Chretien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very hard to read, so many heart breaking events that are described .
I’m grateful for the author’s help to see behind the veil of smoke and mirrors the false narrative of Bill Gothard . I await the updated edition to learn more
of what keeps people in a gerbil exercise wheel . That exhausts the human soul to mimic a man , that one will never be able to satisfy in just living out “ his “
life principles.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veinot is shrill at times, but he reveals it is shrillness from continual frustration at the doctrines, practices, verse-manipulating and all-out shifting slipperiness of one of Evangelicalism's foremost leaders. Will probably not convince those already under Gothard's influence to get out if they like him, but if you are curious and want to know more, this is a sound warning of what can happen even to a Christian.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
After watching Shiny Happy People, I wanted to read a Christian critique of Bill Gothard’s teaching. I grew up in ATI, IBLP’s homeschool program, and the authors’ representation and assessment of the teaching was accurate. I appreciated the biblical rebuttals of Gothard’s writings and the extensive footnotes and documentation in this book. I gave 3.5 stars because the tone was sometimes sarcastic and the cultural references were often campy, but the teaching was sound.

[Jeanne griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

I would definitely recommend this book to those who have been burned by Bill Gothard's false teaching. Thankfully I was never homeschooled using his curriculum. Sadly many people were hurt and deceived by him. For those who want more information about him see the Recovering Grace website.

[Jorgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilling. No surprise that his veil has finally been torn down. Completely surprised that it took so long, especially with a book like this being around for more than a decade.

[Joy Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful and vital to anyone every touch by Gothard's insidious teachings - like I was. Also see recoveringgrace.com

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very important book for anyone influenced by Bill Gothard's teachings!

[Yibbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommended this book long before I finished it. I really had no understanding of Gothard’s basic theology, but even being a little way into this book I knew that it would expose the terribly unbiblical beliefs he propagated. I just finished Becoming Free Indeed by Jinger Dugger Vuolo. While it was good, I just didn’t get a clear picture of what she was disentangling from. This book filled in the gaps and made her story even more interesting.
What a burden of works and fear he placed on his followers! It was really heartbreaking. The author writes plainly but with frustration about trying to open people’s eyes to the dangers of Gothard. It all looked so good from the outside, but a closer look brought out so many problems. Gothard replaced God and the Holy Spirit with himself and God’s Words with his own imaginings. He replaced Christian freedom and sanctification with fear-based rules. He taught integrity but lived in pragmatism and deceit. It’s heartbreaking that so many were, are, caught in his lies.
Unfortunately, there are a couple of drawbacks. One is the over detailed chronicling of the author’s interactions with Gothard. It does illustrate his hypocrisy quite clearly, but the minute legal details get a little distracting. Then sometimes Gothard’s fallacies are presented with the assumption that the reader has an understanding of the counter argument. In some places that works, but if this book is directed at those who have been steeped in his teachings, that is a terrible omission. I would have liked to have seen a robust contrast with the Biblical plan of sanctification and hermeneutics. It’s clear that what is being presented in this book is wrong, but it leaves the reader to sort out the truth on their own.
I would still recommend it, but I would recommend reading it with a couple of others as well. For starters I would recommend Your Heavenly Reward by Erwin Lutzer, Holy Sexuality by Christopher Yuan, How to Eat Your Bible by Nate Pickowicz, and Holiness by H.A. Ironside. They are wonderful books about sanctification, personal responsibility, grace, and the right way to understand the Bible. Together, they will point you to a path of Biblical understanding and eternal freedom withing Biblical boundaries.

[Diane Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok first off if you have been exposed to these teachings or are curious whatbill gothard and the iblp believe this book will explain it. Though lengthy and sometimes wordy it does a good job of showing his teachings, along with the scripture he uses and then explaining how he got to the belief he holds. It also exposes his misuse of scripture in examples from his own publications. He takes things out of context on a regular basis. This was a very hard read because some of these principles and concepts i had been taught and believed to be truth the bulk of my life. It was subtle for me as I never attended a seminar, but people around me growing up did. I wasn't even aware I was bring taught non-bible based ideas. Yet those ideas shaped me into a young adult who then went on to choose a mate based on them, putting myself into a harmful situation. It has had long repercussions that I'm still trying to disentangle myself from today. It's a good book. It's a hard read for those exposed to these teaching. I hope it's a first step to freedom for you as it was for me.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

For thoe being freed from the Gothard cult, this is an powerful read. The authors have done their research and due diliegence in trying to ocmmuicate with Bill Gothard before publishing this book. It goes through scriptures IN CONTEXT, pointing out where Gothard has twisted scripture and created new doctrines, removing grace from "Christianity". There were chapters that I cried through as they were so close to home. For authors that have viewed the cult from the outside, they have really understood what it is like for those having been forced to grow up in it. I appreciate the kindness in which it is wrtten, giving grace to those who seek to be freed and articulating what is true and what is false.

[Christiana Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book helpful in identifying and confronting some of the major issues in Gothard’s teaching. The book is not comprehensive (how could it be, with the numerous books Gothard has published), but it addresses some of the key issues with Gothard’s approach and “principles.” Whether you have been personally affected by ATI/IBLP/“Gothardism” or you know someone who has, I highly recommend this book. Written by Christians, it not only confronts the falsity of Gothard’s principles, but counteracts them with truth.

[Gerald Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A scathing review of Bill Gothard and his teachings. I attended Gothard’s Basic Youth Conflicts seminar as a young teen and did not really see all the issues with what I was presented, I think mostly because of my age at the time. But this book has shined the light on multiple doctrines that are truly harmful to Christians that Gothard has pushed through the years. Anyone who is considering using any of Gothard’s materials should investigate this book first.

[Marbeth Skwarczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Matter of Basic Principles by Don Veinoit is a clear and detailed examination of Bill Gothard and his organization, the IBLP. Veinoit dissects Gothard's theology and shows how his misuse of out-of-context Scripture enforces a legalistic cult built on submission to authority. Gothard's materials and ideas have infiltrated Christian churches throughout the globe despite their complete lack of biblical or spiritual depth. Of course, Gothard himself does not follow his own principles, as is revealed in example after example in this book. Don Veinoit does an excellent job backing up his claims with copious outside sources in the endnotes. A Matter of Basic Principles is a must-read for anyone wanting to learn more about the influence of Bill Gothard and the IBLP.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent in showing the true BG.Yowza!

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was also co-written by Joy & Ron Henzel. If you were ever involved with the ministry of Bill Gothard or are thinking about it, this is a must read. The book surveys many of the dangerous aspects of Bill Gothard’s teachings and ministry. The book serves as a warning of the trap of taking extra-biblical practices and making them Christian “identity markers.” The downside of the book is that it sometimes comes across as an exposé, although the authors try to maintain fairness and display the fruit of the Spirit.

[Mark Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The good news is that Gothard was kicked out of his own organization and appears to have disappeared from the scene. Between that and the Duggar family scandal with their oldest son, this quasi-cultish sect may be reduced to minimal status.

The book itself is very informative. IF you ever get any Gothardites to come to your church, send them down the road unless you don't mind them taking over things. I've dealt with them personally and had to leave a church because of their influence.

[Barry Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT.
Very well written.
Chapters are introduced with great analogies with historical culture.
As a "Gothardite" in the early to mid-80's i recall much of what
occurred as recorded in this book, and I was enlightened by what
was happening during that era of IBYC/IBLP.
In light of the events revealed in the past couple of years, this book
is well worth reading.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST-READ for all Christians, or anyone who has ever been to a "Seminar" Very tastefully done, no slamming or belittling, and enough humor to lighten up the serious nature of the book.

[Kelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read to protect yourself, your family and your church from unbiblical/extrabiblical practices and legalism.