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The Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) is a Christian organization in Oak Brook, Illinois that serves as an umbrella organization for several ministries. IBLP was established by Bill Gothard for the purpose of introducing people to his brand of Christianity, and is dedicated to giving clear instruction and training on how to find success by following God’s principles found in Scripture. It is a non-profit tax-exempt religious or charitable organization by the IRS,[1] and the Institute claimed assets of $63-million on its year 2000 federal tax forms.[2][3][4]
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History
IBLP was founded by Gothard in 1964. The organization was originally named Campus Teams, then changed to Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts in 1974, and to its current name in 1989. IBLP started promoting Gothard's "Basic Youth Conflicts" seminars in areas around the United States and several nations, which according to the ILBP, during the 1970s had attendances of up to 20,000 persons [5]. IBLP's programs have keys services, which include seminars, public services, training for ministry, community outreach, troubled youth mentoring, and an international ministry. They all deal with education and contributing to the community. According to the IBLP, many of the ministry's workers have received (and continue to receive) Presidential medals for their work in helping the community in various ways [6].
Controversies and criticism
Teachings
After 15 years of working with inner-city gangs, church youth groups, high school clubs, youth camps, and families in crisis, Bill Gothard wrote his master’s thesis at Wheaton Graduate School on a youth program that eventually led to seven Biblical, non-optional principles of life. An organization called Personal Freedom Outreach (PFO) has published criticism about Gothard in three basic areas: a view that Gothard's views are legalistic teachings and interpretations of Scripture, a belief that IBLP and its adherents exhibit a "cult-like" mentality, and concern about Gothard's application of authoritarianism within his own organization.[7] Gothard was also accused by some of being hyprocritical for not practicing what he preaches about conflict resolution.[8]
References
- ^ IRS, Search for Charities, Online Version of Publication 78 (last accessed 8/30/06)
- ^ Silja J.A. Talvi "Cult of Character" In These Times January 9, 2006
- ^ Culture Wars Follow this leader and your kids will obey their masters and join lockstep with God or else by Bob Norman. New Times Broward-Palm Beach September 12, 2002
- ^ DCF head warms to faith groups LEONORA LaPETER and CURTIS KRUEGER St. Petersburg Times August 22, 2002
- ^ http://iblp.org/iblp/about/history/
- ^ http://iblp.org/iblp/about/whatwedo/
- ^ G. Richard Fisher, "A Study in Evolving Fadism: The Cultic Leanings of Bill Gothard's Teachings", Personal Freedom Outreach Quarterly Journal, April-June 1996.
- ^ Ron Henzel "Bill Gothard and Institute in Basic Life Principles" Midwest Christian Outreach 2006
External links
- Official website
- Christianity Today: "Exegeting Bill Gothard", a book review and discussion of theological issues related to the Institute, critical of the Institute.
