Institute in Basic Life Principles: Difference between revisions

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The '''Institute in Basic Life Principles''' ('''IBLP''') is a [[nondenominational Christian]] [[Christian fundamentalism|fundamentalist]] organization that serves as an umbrella organization for several ministries established by American Christian minister [[Bill Gothard]] in 1961. The stated purpose of the organization<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://apps.irs.gov/app/pub78 |title=IRS, Search for Charities, Online Version of Publication 78 |access-date=February 13, 2013}}</ref> is to provide instruction on how to find success in life by following biblical principles. This involves programs that include seminars for ministry, community outreach, troubled youth mentoring, and an international ministry.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://iblp.org/about-iblp/what-we-do |title=IBLP: What We Do |date=September 5, 2012 |access-date=February 13, 2013}}</ref> <ref name="Chicago" /> Since its inception in 1961, the organization has grown rapidly, both in the United States and internationally, but lessened in popularity due to recent controversy.

==History==

IBLP was originally organized in 1961 under the name Campus Teams. The organization changed its name to Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts (IBYC) in 1974 (consistent with the title of its founder's seminar) and adopted its current name in 1989 (to reflect its expansion beyond the seminars). From its inception until around 2015, IBLP was headquartered in the Chicago area, after which, according to ''Chicago Magazine'', it relocated its headquarters to a facility east of the small [[East Texas]] town of [[Big Sandy, Texas|Big Sandy]].<ref name="Chicago" />

IBLP started promoting Basic Youth Conflicts seminars in areas around the United States and other nations, which according to its own history, saw attendances of up to 20,000 individuals during the 1970s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://iblp.org/about-iblp/iblp-history |title=IBLP History |date=September 5, 2012 |access-date=February 13, 2013}}</ref>

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In 2008 the rise to celebrity status of one group of IBLP followers, the [[Duggar family]], through the [[TLC (TV network)|TLC]] series ''[[19 Kids and Counting|17 Kids and Counting]]'' and its subsequent shows, brought a new wave of interest in the organization and its teachings.<ref name= "LA Times 2023" />

From 2009 to 2012, the Institute in Basic Life Principles began a steady decline, losing money, assets, and greatly reducing the number of annual seminars it conducted, as the public became increasingly aware of controversy (more specifically, false allegations of sexual misconduct) associated with Bill Gothard, the then president of the organization.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pulliam |first=Bailey |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/conservative-leader-bill-gothard-resigns-following-abuse-allegations/2014/03/07/0381aa94-a624-11e3-b865-38b254d92063_story.html |title=Conservative leader Bill Gothard resigns following abuse allegations |date=March 7, 2014 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=March 11, 2014 |___location=Washington, DC}}</ref> The controversy led to Gothard resigning in 2014. Though they didn't admit to anything more than "a violation of trust", IBLP's boardBoard of directorsDirectors accepted his resignation and, after their own investigation, concluded that Gothard had "acted in an inappropriate manner" and therefore was "not permitted to serve in any counseling, leadership, or Board role within the IBLP ministry".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://iblp.org/time-transition/|title=A Time of Transition - Institute in Basic Life Principles|date=June 17, 2014 }}</ref> Since that time, Gothard has not been involved in IBLP in any manner, and the organization's website only mentions him in its historical section. There have never been any proven allegations against Bill Gothard for sexual misconduct or criminal activity of any kind.

==Programs and teachings==

{{more citations needed|section|date=December 2021}}

One of the core teachings of IBLP is this idea of umbrellas of authority. God is the largest umbrella, the father is directly under that, followed by his wife, and finally their children. The idea is that if each person stays under their umbrella, then nothingthey badwill canbe happenprotected tofrom themSatan and thathis ifdestructive somethingactivity badin doestheir happenlife. This is taught in the context of the father being a Godly man who treats his family with love and respect and follows Biblical principles himself. The umbrella concept is meant to youspeak to fathers about being Godly men who protect and provide for their families, thenwives itto issupport becausethem youin moveddoing outthis, fromand underchildren yourto umbrellabe obedient to their parents while still living in their home.

In addition to adherence to the Bible and their idea of Christian ideals, the IBLP considers men, in particular the patriarch of a family, to be [[Biblical patriarchy|superior]], whereas women are expected to be more submissive to the head of the house, whether that be their father or husband. This includesleaders in the home, school,whereas workplace, and marriage. Womenwomen are raised to learnsupport howtheir to become good wiveshusbands and mothers, and to raise children according to IBLP principles. A woman's husband is chosen by a woman's father, and couples are matched after a complex courtship overseen by both sets of parents. Women are discouraged from flirting or encouraging affection from mennurture their age because of this systemfamilies. Women are also discouraged from seeking higher education as their role is in the home.<ref name="Chicago" />

Women are raised to learn how to become good wives and mothers, and to raise children according to Biblical principles. Both men and women are encouraged to seek the advice and counsel of their parents when choosing a spouse. Neither are required to marry anyone against their will or desire.

The consumption of media, such as television, movies, most music, and the internet, is limited due to concern about immoral content or content that doesn't align with their religious beliefs, though non-contemporary Christian music is accepted. Similarly, some toys aren't permitted for the same reasons. All music which features [[syncopation]] such as rock, heavy metal, jazz, and pop are highly discouraged. Substances that have mentally impairing properties such as alcohol, drugs, psychedelics, etc. are not permitted.<ref name="Chicago" />

Courtship is encouraged rather than modern dating. Courtship includes involving the parents in the relationship by being transparent and not being completely alone without a chaperone until engagement.

Women are expected 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 not allowed, as it is thought to bring attention to the body. Men are expected to wear dark suits and white shirts, as blue jeans are seen as ungodly. Men are also expected to be circumcised, as being uncircumcised is seen as being un-pure.<ref name="Chicago" />

The consumption of media, such as television, movies, mostsome music, and the internetsocial media, is limiteddiscouraged due to concern about immoral content or content that doesn't align with their religious beliefs, though non-contemporary Christian music is accepted. Similarly, some toys aren't permitted for the same reasons. All music which features [[syncopation]] such as rock, heavy metal, jazz, and pop are highlyis discouraged. Substances that have mentally impairing properties such as alcohol, drugs, psychedelics, etc. are notalso permitteddiscouraged.<ref name="Chicago" />

Children are typically homeschooled and are taught using the homeschool curriculum published by IBLP, but it isn't a requirement.<ref name="news.google.com">{{Cite web |title=Ocala Star-Banner - Google News Archive Search |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ihgyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0w4EAAAAIBAJ&dq=bill-gothard&pg=2953,5145077 |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=news.google.com}}</ref> [[Sex education|Sexual education]] is not part of IBLP teachings, leading some children and teens to not understand what sexual assault is, and the practice of not teaching sexual education has been criticized by adults who have since left the IBLP and struggle with relationships.

Women are expectedencouraged 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 dressesclothing is not alloweddiscouraged, as it is thought to bring attention to the body. MenThey are expected to wear darkbe suitsmodest and whitewell shirts, as blue jeans are seen as ungodly. Men are also expectedgroomed to beshow circumcised,respect asfor beingthemselves uncircumcisedand is seen as being un-pureothers.<ref name="Chicago" />

The Bible is read daily, and everyone is expected to spend time meditating on its messages. Children are taught to obey God's message and the rules of their fathers, and that violation of this leads to bad consequences, such as contracting a cold or other sickness. According to Chicago Magazine "Real-world consequences at IBLP included scolding, intense counseling, demotions, and even being kicked out altogether."<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Cult Next Door |url=https://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/July-2016/Institute-in-Basic-Life-Principles-Hinsdale/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Chicago Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

Children are typically homeschooled and aretheir taughteducational usingmaterials theare homeschoolsupplemented with curriculum published by IBLP, but it isn't a requirement.<ref name="news.google.com">{{Cite web |title=Ocala Star-Banner - Google News Archive Search |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ihgyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0w4EAAAAIBAJ&dq=bill-gothard&pg=2953,5145077 |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=news.google.com}}</ref> [[Sex education|Sexual education]] is not part of IBLP teachings, leadingother somethan childrenthe andbiology teensof tosex. The practice of not understandteaching whatmodern sexual assaulteducation issuch as use of condoms, andsexual thegratification, practicehomosexuality, oftransgender notideology teachingand other sexual educationbehavior that is not Biblical has been criticized by adults who have since left the IBLP. andSome strugglewho withno longer participate in IBLP blame the organization for their own personal relationship relationshipsproblems.

IBLP endorsed the teachings of [[Michael and Debi Pearl]] on [[Corporal punishment|physical discipline]] which have come under scrutiny over the last several years for their methods.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Horton |first1=Adrian |title='Insidious organization': a reality TV family and the dangers of fundamentalism |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/jun/01/shiny-happy-people-duggar-family-amazon |website=[[The Guardian]] |date=June 2023 |access-date=12 June 2023}}</ref>

The Bible is encouraged to be read daily, and everyone is expected to spend time meditating on its messages. Children are taught to obey God's Word and their parents, and that violation of this leads to bad consequences.

The Bible is read daily, and everyone is expected to spend time meditating on its messages. Children are taught to obey God's message and the rules of their fathers, and that violation of this leads to bad consequences, such as contracting a cold or other sickness. According to Chicago Magazine "Real-world consequences at IBLP included scolding, intense counseling, demotions, and even being kicked out altogether."<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Cult Next Door |url=https://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/July-2016/Institute-in-Basic-Life-Principles-Hinsdale/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Chicago Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> 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.

It is also not possible to be "kicked out" of IBLP because there is no membership that can be revoked. ATI, or the Advanced Training Institute, is the homeschool program and families that did not want to adhere to the standards they agreed to when they applied could be removed from the homeschool program for violations.

IBLP, at one time, endorsed the teachings of [[Michael and Debi Pearl]] on [[Corporal punishment|physical discipline]] which have come under scrutiny over the last several years for their methods.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Horton |first1=Adrian |title='Insidious organization': a reality TV family and the dangers of fundamentalism |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/jun/01/shiny-happy-people-duggar-family-amazon |website=[[The Guardian]] |date=June 2023 |access-date=12 June 2023}}</ref> When it came to light that some of the teachings of the Pearls were overly harsh and therefore not in line with other IBLP teachings, the endorsement of those materials was removed along with the books and materials from their ministry.

=== Teaching on Marriage ===

IBLP's curriculum focuses heavily on the roles and responsibilities of men and women within a marriage covenant. A husband's leadership authority over his family is God-given, and he is required to be kind, patient, loving, respectful and unselfish in his dealings with his wife and children. He is also to be humble and ready to listen.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Cult Dad Debunked |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iyyf-xyMZo |url-status=live}}</ref> Men are responsible to protect and provide for their families.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marriage ceremony in IBLP |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdqjVOweZF8 |url-status=live}}</ref>

IBLP's curriculum focuses heavily on the roles and responsibilities of men and women within a marriage covenant. A husband's authority over his wife is God-given, as is his wife's non-negotiable duty to submit to him; she must respect his position regardless of his "deficiencies".<ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=2011-10-10 |title=How can I help my husband take on spiritual leadership? |url=https://iblp.org/questions/how-can-i-help-my-husband-take-spiritual-leadership |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Institute in Basic Life Principles |language=en |author1=Admin }}</ref><ref name="news.google.com"/><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2011-10-21 |title=How can I make an effective appeal? |url=https://iblp.org/questions/how-can-i-make-effective-appeal |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Institute in Basic Life Principles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202001533/https://iblp.org/questions/how-can-i-make-effective-appeal |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Within marriage, IBLP teaches that God "grants spouses [[Marital rape|full access]] to each other's bodies for sexual gratification" and warns against "[[Sexual consent|resistance]] or indifference to a husband's need for physical intimacy".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last= |date=2011-10-21 |title=How can I meet my husband's basic needs? |url=https://iblp.org/questions/how-can-i-meet-my-husbands-basic-needs |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Institute in Basic Life Principles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202001533/https://iblp.org/questions/how-can-i-meet-my-husbands-basic-needs |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Wives and children are occasionally referenced as "goods" belonging to the husband, which may be subjected to torment by Satan himself should the husband remove the home's spiritual protection by harboring unconfessed sins.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Speed |first=Paul and Jenny |date=2011-10-08 |title=Can my moral failures cause problems in my child's life? |url=https://iblp.org/questions/can-my-moral-failures-cause-problems-my-childs-life |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Institute in Basic Life Principles |language=en}}</ref> A married woman should not seek financial independence, take "matters into her own hands", resist her husband's physical affection, or ask for outside counsel without her husband's permission.<ref>{{Cite web |title=IBLP Online Store: Seven Basic Needs of a Husband Booklet |url=https://store.iblp.org/seven-basic-needs-of-a-husband-booklet.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=store.iblp.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2011-10-21 |title=How can I meet my wife's basic needs? |url=https://iblp.org/questions/how-can-i-meet-my-wifes-basic-needs |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Institute in Basic Life Principles |language=en}}</ref> Inwardly, married women are admonished to nurture a meek and quiet spirit, while outwardly maintaining beauty, remaining "well-groomed", and striving to dress to "please their husbands".<ref name=":0" />

The wife is expected to respect her husband and his position, encourage and support him, keep the home and nurture her children. Within marriage, IBLP teaches that God "grants spouses [[Marital rape|full access]] to each other's bodies for sexual gratification" and warns against "[[Sexual consent|resistance]] or indifference to a husband's need for physical intimacy".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last= |date=2011-10-21 |title=How can I meet my husband's basic needs? |url=https://iblp.org/questions/how-can-i-meet-my-husbands-basic-needs |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Institute in Basic Life Principles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202001533/https://iblp.org/questions/how-can-i-meet-my-husbands-basic-needs |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> A married couple should not seek financial independence from one another. Inwardly, married women are admonished to nurture a meek and quiet spirit, while outwardly maintaining beauty, remaining "well-groomed", and striving to dress to "please their husbands".<ref name=":0" />

=== Seminars ===

The Basic Seminar is the organization's introductory program, and in 2020 the organization reported that more than 2.5 million people had taken the Basic Seminar.<ref name="NBC 2020" /> Originally, once a person attended a Basic Seminar, they could attend it free of charge for life in the following years. The Basic Seminar was endorsed by [[Mike Huckabee]].<ref name="NBC 2020" />

The Advanced Seminar built upon the teachings in the Basic Seminar; unlikeand thewas Basicalso Seminar,set itup was notfor free ofattendance chargefor afterlife firstonce attendancea participant paid the initial fee. Other seminars offered includeincluded one on Anger Resolution, and the "Financial Freedom Seminar" (taught by Jim Sammons, a Fort Worth-based businessman), which mainly taught that families should stay debt-free, avoiding all forms of debt including college debt and mortgages. All materials are available for purchase through IBLP's online store; the organization no longer hosts in-person seminars.

=== Advanced Training Institute ===

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| access-date = 2023-07-16

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609191235/https://atii.org/ |archive-date=2023-06-09 |url-status=live

}}</ref> Of the original 54 booklets, 15 are now available for purchase by the general public from IBLP's online store.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://store.iblp.org/wisdom-booklets|title=IBLP Online Store: Wisdom Booklets}}</ref>

=== ALERT ===

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===Former Programs===

IBLP previously provided "medical advice" through the '''Medical Training Institute of America (MTIA)'''. MTIA issued numerous pamphlets, called "Basic Care Bulletins" (similar to ATI's Wisdom Booklets) which were heavy on spiritual advice but virtually non-existent on actual medical advice. In his very first pamphlet, Gothard suggested that a patient be allowed to speak with former patients of their doctor having similar conditions, (even though such would likely violate [[HIPAA]]) and suggested that doctors use prior x-rays ("tounless avoidnecessary unnecessaryto rads",diagnose evena though the physicalcurrent condition likely changed in the interim).

Sometime subsequent to 2002 (when Veniot's book was published), IBLP discontinued MTIA and it is no longer shown on their website, nor are the "Basic Care Bulletins" offered for sale.

One of the more interesting aspects of MTIA was Gothard's heavy emphasis on the issue of "constipation", leading Don Veniot (leader of [[Midwest Christian Outreach]]) to ask "[w]ill God's judgment be thwarted by a regular helping of shredded wheat every morning?"<ref>Don Veniot, Joy Veniot and Ron Henzel, ''A Matter of Basic Principles: Bill Gothard and the Christian Life'', ISBN 0-9717009-2-3, p. 289</ref>

Sometime subsequent to 2002 (when Veniot's book was published), IBLP discontinued MTIA and it is no longer shown on their website, nor are the "Basic Care Bulletins" offered for sale.

== Leadership ==

[[Bill Gothard]] was the founder and developer of IBLP up until his removal from the organization in 2014. He has not had any involvement with the organization since his removal. Tim Levendusky has been president since 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://iblp.org/about/#Leaders_and_Beliefs|title=About - Institute in Basic Life Principles|date=January 10, 2023 }}</ref>

'''Tim Levendusky, President (2014–Present)'''<ref name="iblp.org">{{Cite web |date=2023-01-10 |title=About - Institute in Basic Life Principles |url=https://iblp.org/about/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=iblp.org |language=en-US}}</ref>

Tim Levendusky became the interim president of the Institute in Basic Life Principles after the resignation of [[Bill Gothard]] and was appointed to the position of president by the board of directors that same year. He graduated from [[Slippery Rock University]] and went on to teach physical education at [[Southern Methodist University]]. He attended his first IBLP seminar in 1985 and has since volunteered both locally and abroad for the institute, and currently lives in Big Sandy, Texas with his wife Angie and son Josiah.<ref name="iblp.org"/>

'''Gil Bates, Board Member'''

Gil Bates has been on the board of directors for many years and owns a tree service business in Tennessee where he lives with his wife Kelly and their 19 children. He and his family started in the television show ''[[Bringing Up Bates]]'' which aired from 2015 to 2021 which aired for a total of 143 episodes.<ref>{{Citation |title=Bringing Up Bates |date=2015-01-01 |type=Reality-TV |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4857508/?ref_=tt_mv_close |access-date=2024-12-11 |others=Gil Bates, Kelly Jo Bates, Katie Bates |publisher=Figure 8 Films}}</ref> In addition to his work with IBLP and his business, he is also the pastor at Bible Baptist Church in East Tennessee.

'''David York, Board Member'''

David York has been on the board of directors for many years and attended his first IBLP event in 1969 in Chicago and helped launch the Advanced Training Unit along with other members of the organization. He attended the [[University of Michigan]], [[Dallas Theological Seminary]], and Trinity Divinity School in order to become a pastor in Wisconsin where he still lives with his wife Brenda and his many children and grandchildren.<ref>{{Cite web |title=David York - Family Conferences |url=https://familyconferences.org/speaker/david-york/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== John Bechtle, Board Member ====

John Bechtle is on the board of directors at IBLP and has spent two decades as the Director of Telos Institute International, a learning program meant for homeschool families with college-age children. He has a Ph.D. in Ministry from [[Western Conservative Baptist Seminary]] and has written books and hosted seminars for IBLP. He is a pastor at his local church and churches in Japan and Austria<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dr. John Bechtle - Family Conferences |url=https://familyconferences.org/speaker/dr-john-bechtl/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Notable prior leaders===

[[James R. Leininger]] was a member of the organization's [[advisory board]]. [[Sam Johnson]] was a member of the organization's [[board of directors]].<ref name="NBC 2020" />

Though not a member of the Board, [[Mike Huckabee]] has been actively involved and has openly supported IBLP, as has [[Rick Perry]].

[[Bill Gothard]] was the founder and developer of IBLP up until his resignation from the organization in 2014. He has not had any involvement with the organization since then.

== Facilities ==

IBLP once maintained a number of facilities around the United States. However, as of August 2023, the only United States facilities shown are the organization's headquarters in Texas, a retreat center on 3,000 acres near [[Watersmeet, Michigan]],<ref name=Chicago /> and a post office box in [[Conway, Arkansas]] for its prison ministry. IBLP also lists several locations (some of which are mailing facilities only) in various countries worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://iblp.org/contact-us/|title=Contact Us - Institute in Basic Life Principles|date=April 21, 2023 }}</ref>

Their former headquarters was a 223-acre compound in [[Hinsdale, Illinois|Hinsdale]], the hometown of Gothard (though it would prominently feature its "Box One, Oak Brook, Illinois" mailing address on its promotional materials). At its peak the Hinsdale headquarters had 200 to 300 staffers. Staffers were housed in nearby buildings owned by the organization. In the 1980s and 1990s IBLP repeatedly proposed expansions of their presence in Hinsdale with office buildings, dozens of houses, and a hotel but was unable to do so due to community opposition.

In 2000 David Green, President of [[Hobby Lobby]], purchased the former Texas campus of [[Ambassador College]] located east of [[Big Sandy, Texas]], and subsequently leased the facility to IBLP. The facility would initially house the ALERT program due to its size and ___location away from heavily populated areas. However, after Gothard's resignation in 2014, due in large part to declining financial support resulting from the numerous scandals surrounding IBLP, the organization would relocate its headquarters and the majority of its remaining operations to the Texas facility, and no longer has any operations in the Chicago area.

== Allegations and investigations==

A number of former adherentsparticipants of IBLP programs have describedalleged that the organization and/or associated circles asis a [[cult]].<ref name=Chicago>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Bryan |title=The Cult Next Door |url=https://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/July-2016/Institute-in-Basic-Life-Principles-Hinsdale/ |access-date=September 11, 2020 |work=[[Chicago (magazine)|Chicago]] |date=June 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title='I broke away from a strict homeschooling community cult' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42701297 |access-date=September 11, 2020 |publisher=[[BBC]] |date=February 2, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Tracy |first1=Jenna |title=My childhood in a cult is hard to imagine - but my survival is truly unbelievable |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/01/childhood-in-cult-hard-imagine-survival-truly-unbelievable |access-date=September 11, 2020 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=June 1, 2015}}</ref>, although this has been shown to be untrue.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Cult Claims Debunked |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ndEtVmbVlM |url-status=live}}</ref> Don Veinot, president of [[Midwest Christian Outreach]], saysfalsely alleged that theBill Gothard was a charismatic leader, had authoritarian control, IBLP practiced isolation of members, severe punishments, and demand for absolute and blind loyalty, that this addadded up to IBLP being "cult-like".<ref name=Chicago /> But when these allegations were investigated<ref name=":3" />, many of these claims have come into question.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Shiny Slander YouTube channel |url=https://www.youtube.com/@ShinySLANDER |url-status=live}}</ref> 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 whatsoever.

It has been established the IBLP by definition is not a cult.<ref name=":1" /> 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.<ref name="newrepublic.com">{{Cite magazine |last=Pease |first=Joshua |url=https://newrepublic.com/amp/article/151787/bill-gothard-fundamentalist-trap |title=The Fundamentalist Trap |magazine=[[The New Republic]] |date=22 October 2018 |access-date=22 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601163818/https://newrepublic.com/article/151787/bill-gothard-fundamentalist-trap |archive-date=1 June 2023}}</ref> According to accounts reported by [[Midwest Christian Outreach]] founders Ron and Joy Veinot (in their book ''A Matter of Basic Principles''), the board recommended that Bill (whoresign alsofrom admittedthe toboard. sexualBut misconduct)in resigntruth, fromBill theGothard board,requested whicha heleave did,of onlyabsence to takeallow the advantageinvestigation of anthe ensuingallegations powerto struggleconclude. to regainA hisfew positionweeks andlater controlhe ofreturned IBLP,to thereafterhis fillingposition boardand positionscontinued withhis peopleleadership absolutelyrole loyalin tothe himorganization.

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.

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.<ref name="newrepublic.com">{{Cite magazine |last=Pease|first=Joshua|url=https://newrepublic.com/amp/article/151787/bill-gothard-fundamentalist-trap |title=The Fundamentalist Trap |magazine=[[The New Republic]] |date=22 October 2018|access-date=22 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601163818/https://newrepublic.com/article/151787/bill-gothard-fundamentalist-trap|archive-date=1 June 2023}}</ref> According to accounts reported by [[Midwest Christian Outreach]] founders Ron and Joy Veinot (in their book ''A Matter of Basic Principles''), the board recommended that Bill (who also admitted to sexual misconduct) resign from the board, which he did, only to take advantage of an ensuing power struggle to regain his position and control of IBLP, thereafter filling board positions with people absolutely loyal to him.

On October 20, 2015, a civil lawsuit based on repressed memories alleging a sex-abuse cover-up involving several minors was filed in DuPage County, Illinois against IBLP and its board of directors. ''Gretchen Wilkinson et al. vs. Institute in Basic Life Principles and William W. Gothard Jr.'' was brought on behalf of five female plaintiffs in order to "seek redress and damages for personal injuries based on the negligent and willful and wanton acts and omissions of the defendants with regard to sexual abuse and sexual harassment and similar allegations of malfeasance suffered by the plaintiffs."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wilkinson v. Inst. in Basic Life Principles, 2020 IL App (2d) 190254 {{!}} Casetext Search + Citator |url=https://casetext.com/case/wilkinson-v-inst-in-basic-life-principles |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=casetext.com}}</ref> "Besides monetary damages, they have asked a DuPage County judge to bar IBLP leaders from alleged plans to liquidate resources estimated at more than $100&nbsp;million while they close the institute's headquarters near Oak Brook and relocate to Texas, the lawsuit states."<ref name="chicagotribune">{{Cite news |last=Gutowski |first=Christy |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-dupage-ministry-lawsuit-update-met-20160218-story.html |title=More former followers of DuPage ministry allege abuse, harassment |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=April 18, 2017}}</ref> Five additional accusers joined the suit in January 2016, and even more in February 2016, bringing the grand total of complainants to sixteen women and two men. TheEach caseplaintiff was voluntarilyseeking dismissed$50,000 onper Februarycount 26,with 2018,an dueaverage to [[statutetotal of limitations]]$400,000 per person.

In 2014, Gothard resigned as President of IBLP after reports that he had once again sexually harassed multiple women and failed to report allegations of child abuse in the organization. Gothard allegedly selected young women for administrative positions within the organization, then manipulated and harassed them while in his employment.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/bill-gothard-quits-institute-he-founded-after-allegations-of-rampant-sexual-harassment-cites-bible-passage-on-reconciliation-115795/ |title=Bill Gothard Quits Institute He Founded After Allegations of Rampant Sexual Harassment; Cites Bible Passage on 'Reconciliation' |last=Menzie |first=Nicola |website=The Christian Post |date=March 7, 2014 |access-date=March 19, 2014}}</ref> An investigation into the allegations by the IBLP board concluded he did not act "criminally" but did act "inappropriately", and (notwithstanding their loyalty to Gothard) notified him that he was permanently disqualified from returning to the organization in any capacity.<ref name="christianitytoday.com">{{Cite news |url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2014/june/results-bill-gothard-harassment-investigation-released-iblp.html |title=Results of Bill Gothard Harassment Investigation Released |work=Christianity Today |access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref>

It has now been disclosed that every count in the lawsuit was based on repressed memories<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wilkinson vs IBLP Third Amended |url=https://www.recoveringgrace.org/media/Third-Amended-Complaint-filed-08-18-2016.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Transcript Wilkinson vs IBLP |url=http://www.discoveringgrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/cs-01-10-19-wilkinson-vs.-iblp-pm.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> The claims made by the women involved have been disputed due to their lack of evidence, the fact that repressed memories have been shown to be false<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dr. Elizabeth Loftus, How Reliable are Repressed Memories? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB2OegI6wvI |url-status=live}}</ref>, and in many cases testimony of family members, friends and personal correspondence several of the women sent to Gothard that shows a completely different picture than the one described by their complaints.<ref name=":2" />

On October 20, 2015, a civil lawsuit alleging a sex-abuse cover-up involving several minors was filed in DuPage County, Illinois against IBLP and its board of directors. ''Gretchen Wilkinson et al. vs. Institute in Basic Life Principles and William W. Gothard Jr.'' was brought on behalf of five female plaintiffs in order to "seek redress and damages for personal injuries based on the negligent and willful and wanton acts and omissions of the defendants with regard to sexual abuse and sexual harassment and similar allegations of malfeasance suffered by the plaintiffs."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wilkinson v. Inst. in Basic Life Principles, 2020 IL App (2d) 190254 {{!}} Casetext Search + Citator |url=https://casetext.com/case/wilkinson-v-inst-in-basic-life-principles |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=casetext.com}}</ref> "Besides monetary damages, they have asked a DuPage County judge to bar IBLP leaders from alleged plans to liquidate resources estimated at more than $100&nbsp;million while they close the institute's headquarters near Oak Brook and relocate to Texas, the lawsuit states."<ref name="chicagotribune">{{Cite news |last=Gutowski |first=Christy |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-dupage-ministry-lawsuit-update-met-20160218-story.html |title=More former followers of DuPage ministry allege abuse, harassment |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=April 18, 2017}}</ref> Five additional accusers joined the suit in January 2016, and even more in February 2016, bringing the grand total of complainants to sixteen women and two men. The case was voluntarily dismissed on February 26, 2018, due to [[statute of limitations]].

==In the media==

[[Amazon Prime Video]] debuted the limited series ''[[Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets]]'' in June 2023 which has been shown to be full of inaccuracies, false claims and misrepresentations of the Duggar family, IBLP and Bill Gothard. It has been claimed that the program was an attempt to use propaganda to disparage Christians and homeschoolers by using scandals in the Duggar family and IBLP.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Real Agenda of Shiny Happy People, Duggar Family Secrets |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG7oPokUbEw |url-status=live}}</ref> The series centers on the Duggar family's connections with the IBLPorganization.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/tv/duggar-family-docuseries-producers-reveal-most-shocking-thing-they-discovered-what-didnt-make-the-cut-exclusive/|title=Duggar Family Docuseries Producers Reveal Most 'Shocking' Thing They Discovered — and What Didn't Make the Cut|work=People}}</ref><ref name= "LA Times 2023" >{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2023-05-30/shiny-happy-people-duggar-family-highlights-amazon-studios|title=What 'Shiny Happy People' reveals about the Duggars: 'We were taken advantage of'|newspaper=LA times|date=May 30, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2023/06/02/duggar-family-documentary/|title=The new Duggar doc is the cold, hard 'reality TV' we needed all along|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>

==References==