X-er Receives "Removal of Spiritual Blessing" Note
X-ATI Guy received a special note today, handwritten in small block letters on a Character Sketch note card of the Loyalty variety.
Dear "X-er,"
It has deeply grieved my spirit to read what you have published about ATI and IBLP. I marvel that so many students could allow bad experiences to make them angry, causing roots of bitterness to grow in their hearts. I sincerely hope you take the message of this card to heart. Loyalty is a very important character quality. It is using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those whom he has called me to serve. The only way for you to find true freedom from the bondage of bitterness is to get back under your umbrella of authority. I have been deeply troubled when young people lose the powerful spiritual blessings of loyalty when they rebel. I sincerely hope you will experience true freedom and blessed peace when you commit to those God called you to serve.
In Christ,
BILL GOTHARD
-PSALM 1-
-Submitted by guest poster.
Dear "X-er,"
It has deeply grieved my spirit to read what you have published about ATI and IBLP. I marvel that so many students could allow bad experiences to make them angry, causing roots of bitterness to grow in their hearts. I sincerely hope you take the message of this card to heart. Loyalty is a very important character quality. It is using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those whom he has called me to serve. The only way for you to find true freedom from the bondage of bitterness is to get back under your umbrella of authority. I have been deeply troubled when young people lose the powerful spiritual blessings of loyalty when they rebel. I sincerely hope you will experience true freedom and blessed peace when you commit to those God called you to serve.
In Christ,
BILL GOTHARD
-PSALM 1-
6 Comments:
Dear X-er,
Recently I was made aware of your website. I must admit that from a satirical point of view, it is very entertaining. But I think you have overlooked one very important issue in your postings.
The feelings and reputations of the individuals that are reprented by your remarks.
I would say that many of the families in ATI do not agree with EVERYTHING that Bill Gothard nor the institute teaches or models. I wear pants; I listen to contemporary Christian music; and I don't wear a head covering.
My children are not involved in every ATI opportunity that comes along. But..... they do understand the concept of respect and honor. And they have been taught to show respect and honor to those in authority over them - whether it's Bill Gothard, their teachers, pastor or a police officer.
We are not a perfect lot - are any of us? But there is obviously some axe that you and many former ATI students have to grind with Mr. Gothard and the Institute. You may not agree with his methods, but he has endeavored to seek the Lord during his ministry; no one but the Lord knows his heart. He is not perfect. He's missed the mark on numerous occassions. Hurts have been knowingly and unknowingly afflicted on many students that have worked for the ministry and training centers. But how long can a person hold a grudge?
Why not go to the source of your hurt and pain and discuss it? Let Mr. Gothard know the wrong he has done and give him a chance to correct it. If you have and you do not feel justice was done, then lay your hurt and offenses at the foot of the cross - and MOVE ON! Life is too short to waste it on posting things of this nature.
An ATI Mom
Dear ATI Mom,
Thank you for your thoughts, which were very thoughtfully articulated. I would like to clarify a few points.
1. We are very careful to avoid personal attacks and it is not our intent to damage anyone's reputation. For this reason, we strictly avoid any implication of moral or criminal wrongdoing on the part of IBLP leadership. Furthermore, we repeatedly stress that most of the content on this site is satirical. Impersonations are not reputation-damaging.
2. Unless a person is in the employment of IBLP, Bill Gothard is not an authority figure.
3. Our motivation is primarily humor, secondarily the exchange of ideas in the pursuit of truth. Not, as you mention, hurts or grudges. We simply provide a tongue-in-cheek perspective of the Institute, and trust that truth will prevail regardless of our own viewpoint.
Thank you for your thoughts, and please come back again!
X-er
It is very interesting how Mr.G so easily dismisses any differences in opinion as "Bitterness". I think they should write a book titled, "Seven ways to avoid criticism by using the term bitterness". In fact I have started using the principles myself. I was recently stopped by the police for speeding and the officer approached my window asking, "Sir, you why were you speeding?" I responded, "How terrible it is how you have allowed this spirit of bitterness to take root in your heart. This is why your kids have rebelled, and you have so many medical problems." He immediately realized how this bitterness had taken control of his life, and wrote me a wonderful note to appear in court and explain this same principle to a judge.
“Z”
ha ha ha... that last one about the police officer was funny
Oh god, not the old "umbrella of authority". Give me a break with that already Mr. G. How many times are you going to go over and over the same materials for years on end? I know by experience that in your little cult, yourself, and the ever-obeying-gothard parents are the only umbrella that you see fit, for anyone of the submissive pawns you enjoying playing so well.
Here I've got a quote for you from my bible: Eric Cartman Sayeth "I AM A COP, AND YOU WILL RESPECT MY AUTHORITI!
Wake up and smell the pollution! There is no great umbrella god in the sky that we all need to remain under in order to appease his anger.
Oh, and for you ATI mom - If a person is honestly trying to help others, he will teach them to follow themselves and their God, not to follow him. Mr. G remotely encourages others to follow him through his seminars, and programs. He does nothing to stop the followers from continuing after him. This is known a leader of a sect or cult.
"The only way for you to find true freedom from the bondage of bitterness is to get back under your umbrella of authority. " - I don't bound BTW, I feel free now that I have released myself from the bondage of the navy blue necktie, oh yeah, and that umbrella was wrapped around me pretty tight too. l8ter to that!
ATI Mom - If you really are not like all this describes... then you are one of the very few...
Post a Comment
<< Home