Institute in Basic Life Principles: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:45, 6 February 2025

Revision as of 22:12, 7 February 2025

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Women are encouraged to wear dresses or skirts that are knee-length at a minimum, and wear loose fitting, opaque shirts and blouses and the presence of text printed onto dresses is discouraged as it is thought to bring attention to the body. Men are expected to wear dark suits and white shirts for church related services. Parents are encouraged to have their sons circumcised for religious reasons.

Children are typically homeschooled and their educational materials are supplemented with curriculum published by IBLP, but it isn't a requirement. [[Sex education|Sexual education]] is not part of IBLP teachings other than the biology of sex. The practice of not teaching modern sexual education such as use of condoms, sexual gratification, homosexuality, transgender ideology and other sexual behavior that isare not Biblical has been criticized by adults who have since left the IBLP. Some who no longer participate in IBLP blame the organization for their own personal relationship problems.

According to Chicago Magazine "Real-world consequences at IBLP included scolding, intense counseling, demotions, and even being kicked out altogether." Though IBLP has encouraged counseling for rebellious behavior in its participants, the other claims in the Chicago Magazine article of abusive responses are not part of IBLP teachings.

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== Allegations and investigations==

A number of former participants of IBLP programs have alleged that the organization is a [[cult]], although this has been shown to be untrue. Don Veinot, president of [[Midwest Christian Outreach]], falsely alleged that Bill Gothard and IBLP had authoritarian control, practiced isolation of members, severe punishments, and demand for absolute and blind loyalty, and that this added up to IBLP being "cult-like". But when these allegations were investigated, it came to light that there was no authoritarian control from the IBLP organization over families who participated in it, no isolation of members, no severe punishments inflicted by IBLP, and no demand for absolute or blind loyalty to the organization.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ndEtVmbVlM |title=DUGGAR CULT DEBUNKED! - SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE LIES CONTINUED - IBLP, Gothard Cult Claims Debunked! |date=2024-04-23 |last=Shiny SLANDER |access-date=2025-02-07 |via=YouTube}}</ref>

It has been established the IBLP by definition is not a cult. It is an organization that promotes Biblical principles for success in life as interpreted by its founder and leadership.

In the 1980s, the organization faced "a major sex scandal" when Gothard's brother, Steve Gothard, resigned as administrative director after having affairs with several secretaries of the institute. According to some accounts reported by [[Midwest Christian Outreach]] founders Ron and Joy Veinot (in their book ''A Matter of Basic Principles''), the board recommended that Bill resign from the board. But in truth, Bill Gothard requested a leave of absence to allow the investigation of the allegations to conclude. A few weeks later he returned to his position and continued his leadership role in the organization.

In 2014, Gothard resigned as President of IBLP after reports that he had sexually harassed multiple women and failed to report allegations of child abuse in the organization which he believed would damage the organization if he remained although he denied any sexual misconduct or criminal activity. An investigation into these allegations by the IBLP board concluded he did not act "criminally" in any way including sexually, but did act "inappropriately" by not avoiding the appearance of evil, and notified him that he would not be returning to the organization in any capacity. The board was concerned that it would appear to condone sexual harassment in the age of "me too" and therefore did not want Gothard to return to his position.