As an exercise in discernment, this series critiques the teaching associated with the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), Advanced Training Institute International (ATI), and specifically their founder, Bill Gothard. His teaching includes a myriad of distortions and this post addresses examples under the first two of six main areas (listed at the end of Part 1): the use of … Read More
A Critique of Gothardism, Part 1 of 5
Over the next five weeks, as an exercise in discernment, I’ll critique the teaching associated with the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), Advanced Training Institute International (ATI), and specifically their founder, Bill Gothard. I believe Mr. Gothard’s teaching as a whole is a great example of a shrunken, distorted, and slightly Gnostic Christianity—in short—how not to be. As I … Read More
Dangers of Growing Up in a Christian Home: Why You Need to Know Them
The… painted perversity of this room had the effect of making him aware, as he had never been aware before, of this room’s opposite. As the desert first teaches men to love water, or as absence reveals affection, there rose up against this background of the sour and the crooked some kind of vision of the sweet and sound. The … Read More
Twas the Night Before Christmas Remix
“In the year 1822, … Dr. Clement Moore, walking home that snowy Christmas Eve, met an old crony, a chubby, jolly Dutchman, and stopped to chat with him and listen again to some of the remarkable tales of the powers of St. Nicholas. When Dr. Moore got home he wrote the immortal Christmas poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’… In … Read More
The Double Helix of Faith and Family, Part 3 of 4: Important Caveats
I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. -2 Tim. 1:5, NLT (words in bold, mine) Regarding passing on a healthy spiritual legacy, the main point we’ve been trying to make and illustrate from the “family is a conduit … Read More
The Double Helix of Faith and Family, Part 2 of 4: Illustrated
I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. -2 Tim. 1:5, NLT; words in bold, mine There was a spiritual strength and stability that my grandparents on my mom’s side brought to our family just by their proximity. My … Read More
The Double Helix of Faith and Family, Part 1 of 4: Why It Matters
I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors… as I remember you constantly in my prayers… I am reminded of your sincere faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well… Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in … Read More
The Undervalued Spiritual Act of Keeping Kids Safe
I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. –the Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 1:5, NLT) My grandmother wasn’t Lois, but my mom was and she’s associated with my earliest spiritual memory. I was three and at Bushkill Falls, … Read More
A Tribute to My “PDL” Friends and Other Sources of Hope
Every 2-3 months I get together for an “in-service” training with three of my heroes. They are part of Care Net’s Pregnancy Decision Line (PDL). Anyone in the country can call 877-791-5475 and these coaches offer live compassion, hope, and help to women and men considering abortion. They do so by presenting realistic alternatives to abortion and referrals to life-affirming … Read More
All “I’s” on Hero-Dads
It was a cool morning in August 2005, and Johan Otter, 44, and his daughter Jenna, 18, were only 90 minutes into their morning hike in Montana’s Glacier Mountain National Park when it happened. Apparently in an effort to protect her cubs, a huge female grizzly suddenly appeared on the trail running straight toward them! Jenna was knocked aside, suffering … Read More