X-ATI Guy

Bill Gothard to launch marriage advice column

2010-01-05T21:51:00.000-08:00

After the wild success of his courtship tutorial Seven Courtship Secrets for a Successful Marriage, Bill Gothard recently announced that he has agreed to write a weekly marriage column for a national newspaper chain.

"Thousands of young ATI couples are experiencing the blessing of God by loving the Lord Jesus Christ and honoring both sets of parents while pursuing their life partners," said Gothard. "We now want to give them the tools to build successful marriages. After all, these are two individuals who have never been kissed -- they need to be taught."

Gothard's syndicated column will feature advice about finances, sex, children, housekeeping, and other highly-contentious issues that newlyweds often face. "After 50 years of advising couples in how to resolve their conflicts, I have discovered in God's Word many steps to achieve a powerful marriage," he said.

ATI choir to perform Super Bowl halftime show

2010-01-05T21:15:00.000-08:00

After the debacle of Janet Jackson's performance, National Football League officials have sought "family-friendly" entertainers to perform during the NFL's highly-rated halftime show. Recent artists have included U2, Tom Petty, and the Rolling Stones.

ATI families around the country were thrilled to learn that the IBLP Headquarters Staff Choir has been selected to perform for Super Bowl XLV. (For a sample of their work, click here.) "The NFL strongly believes in character qualities and humanitarian service," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "We searched far and wide and selected the IBLP Choir as the best representatives of our league. We're confident this group will have no wardrobe malfunctions."

"The IBLP Choir is thrilled to have this opportunity to shine their light for the Lord," said Bill Gothard, ATI's well-loved president and founder. "Football itself can be a distraction from the higher calling that God has for us, but we trust that our acapella harmonies and handbells will persuade the Super Bowl audience to lay aside worldly pursuits and begin developing a mighty spirit."

Gothard applauds Sarah Palin resignation

2009-07-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

Responding to the news that presidential hopeful Sarah Palin has decided to resign, IBLP founder and president Bill Gothard issued the following statement:

I applaud Mrs. Palin's decision to step down as governor of Alaska. I believe the media criticism Mrs. Palin has received is a God-given irritation to lead her to His will. It's time for her to fulfill her God-given role as a dedicated mother and a Proverbs 31 wife. By submitting to her husband Todd, Sarah is providing a godly examples for thousands of other wives who struggle with the temptation to pursue their own selfish careers.

X-ATI Guy is alive and well

2009-05-14T22:34:00.000-07:00

Sorry kids, the blogging has been pathetic lately. I struggle with guilt - "maybe I shouldn't write about Gothard"- and then I rise above it - only to plummet when I get an angry email from an ATI mother.

Still fight the tendencies. Yesterday I made a commitment to make no more commitments.

Sheesh.

But hey -- I just joined Twitter, so maybe that'll help! Social media is kinda like a Gothard program . . . there's always a new one around the corner to get us excited.

Gothard: "Who is this Michael Scott?"

2008-10-02T21:20:00.001-07:00

Bill Gothard called an emergency staff meeting at Headquarters tonight to pray for Michael Scott. "I don't know much about him," said Gothard, "but I'm glad to see the mainstream media embracing the character values we've been espousing for years."

One alert staffer suggested bringing Michael Scott to Headquarters for a time of service. "His servant leadership would be an example for all of us," she said.

Is moose hunting a character quality?

2008-09-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

Salon.com reports that under Mayor Sarah Palin, the Alaska town of Wasilla was a City of Character. All I can say is that when God closes a door, he opens a window. My heart broke when Mike Huckabee bowed out of the Republican race. And now it turns out that the vice presidential candidate brought "fringe biblical teachings to her work" as mayor.

Heroes of the Faith

2008-07-07T22:40:00.000-07:00

Resurrecting the popular Heroes of the Faith series, which featured champions like Dwight Moody, Oswald Chambers, and the Elephant Man, IBLP has announced that it will begin writing a contemporary HoF series. This time, the subjects of the booklets will be Heroes of the ATI Faith.

Dr. Bill Gothard will personally write these booklets, and he has proposed focusing on godly young leaders within ATIA who gave up college to come home with their parents and younger siblings to develop character. The Heroes will possibly include Rob Robbins, Loren Elms, Kathy Voyer, the Sammons kids, the McKims, Troy Robinson, and Christiana Reed.

This announcement set off some grumbling among past construction and kitchen crews, who claim to have done all the "real" work building ATI and IBLP. "We were too busy working to just stand around on stage and look good," one disgruntled worker said. "I might not have a four-point testimony, but at least I know how to lay red carpet. You tell me which is more important."

Additional Hero suggestions can be sent here.

UPDATE: An alert reader suggested (how could I forget??) Prem Jacob and the Denton Brothers.

Gothard to Logan: "Try to be scarier, Jim"

2008-06-27T21:45:00.000-07:00

Back in the heyday, the stories about demons in your bedroom and footsteps in the hall scared many young ATIers sinless -- convincing them to give up rock music and worldly dress. Recognizing some quality drift among its homeschoolers these days, IBLP has decided to take action. We've obtained a confidential memo from 707 W. Ogden Ave to Dr. James Logan.

Jim, we've got to step it up a notch. This kids just don't believe that CCM is a spritual cancer. Is there any way you can uncover some more shocking stories of worldliness turning into full oppression? It could help. ~BG

She might have a point...

2008-05-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

This from an observant reader:

Subject: "Very Sad!"

This whole sight and bitter comments are very sad. Be very careful how you talk about God's servants! Have you no real fear of God? You need to humble yourself and remember that Jesus said it would be better for a millstone to be tied around your neck and that you should be cast into the deepest sea... rather than lead someone astray. That is pretty serious business. Everything we do and say should glorify God and bring others to Him or closer to Him. Every idle word will be written. What exactly is your goal? Are you a believer? Do you want to do what is right or just smear and discourage?

Daily Success (the Bill Gothard way)

2008-04-13T20:10:00.000-07:00

As I've said before, I subscribed to Bill Gothard's Daily Success emails so you don't have to. Every once in a while a gem comes along that I feel is worth sharing. Like Command 26: Honor Your Parents. Included in the ten suggestions for honoring one's parents is this:

Thank them with gifts of appreciation. In this passage, the Greek word translated as honor, timao, means “to attach a value to something.” We honor the government by paying taxes. We honor the Lord by giving tithes and offerings. It is therefore appropriate to honor parents by giving them meaningful and valued gifts.

Consider it a public service announcement with April 15 coming up. Don't forget to honor the government!

Foxworthy and Gothard working together?

2008-04-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

Sources tell us that Jeff Foxworthy has approached Bill Gothard about developing a new hit TV gameshow: "Do You Have More Character than a Homeschooler?" Contestants will answer questions about ethical dilemmas and compare these answers with a "class" of ATI students.

Stay tuned...

Sketchy Character?

2008-03-06T19:37:00.000-08:00

For years, families have enjoyed the captivating "read-aloud" nature stories in Character Sketches, Vol. I -III, and have eagerly awaited the often-promised Volume 4.

Just today a group of current and former ATI families filed a class action lawsuit against IBLP for failing to write the remaining volumes of the series.

"How will we illustrate the rest of the character qualities to our children if the Institute never gets around to writing about them?" asked an ATI parent. "We just want Mr. Gothard to deliver what he's promised."

A spokesman for IBLP said he had not reviewed the lawsuit, but called the action "baseless and irreverent."

"We are engaged in serving the Lord every day," he said. "To suggest that we've defrauded families in ATI is very disrespectful. Besides, it's Larry Guthrie's fault the other Character Sketches never got written."

New IBLP Courtship Service

2008-02-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

Recognizing the popularity of eHarmony.com, the Advanced Training Institute has launched an online courtship service for IBLP members. The program, eCourtship.com, will provide a Character Test and several dozens of questions such as "What is your spiritual gift?" and "What is your favorite IBLP ministry location?" and "How many siblings do you have?" A computer will analyze the results and provide an eCourtship compatibility match.

Bill Gothard says eCourtship is superior to all other online matching services because it focuses on Godly character rather than personality traits that can change. Additionally, eCourtship will contact the parents of the participants, rather than directly introducing the young man and young woman to each other. "This will ensure that parents can provide wise insight before ungodly soul ties are created," says Gothard.

X-er invited to work for IBLP

2008-02-01T23:32:00.000-08:00

Well, the job market must be a little tight, because we just received an invitation to volunteer for IBLP. Time to fire the guy in charge of mailing lists!

The Demons have been Exorcised

2008-01-05T10:06:00.000-08:00

Call it a sign of spiritual healing. Overcoming the past. Facing your demons. Whatever…

After years of avoiding the color, X-ATI Guy has bought a navy blue suit.

It Will Be Worth It All...

2007-12-30T20:31:00.000-08:00

Asked recently who he'd most like to meet in Heaven (other than Jesus, of course), Bill Gothard had a simple answer. "X-ATI Guy."

Gothard Hearts Huckabee II

2007-12-24T16:03:00.000-08:00

Mr. Gothard, separate yourself from this man! Do we really want a president who plays Satan's music?

Thanks to emanon for sending the photo.

ATI concerned that "ALERT isn't cool anymore"

2007-12-19T01:33:00.000-08:00

Confidential documents obtained from the Advanced Training Institute headquarters show that the leadership is "greatly troubled" about the dwindling numbers of ALERT recruits.

There was a time when the sight of an ALERT troop rappelling from the Knoxville
dome with an American flag inspired awe and patriotism (and strong romantic
feeling among the young ladies). These days ALERT feats hardly raise an
eyebrow.

The military bearing, cargo pants and walkie-talkies just don't
seem to inspire the same admiration. We actually saw a group of girls walk by
three ALERT men without looking at them. The novelty is clearly gone.

What measures can IBLP take to "up the coolness" factor?

Surviving the ITC

2007-12-18T23:11:00.000-08:00

I'm told someone over at the Crossings is asking how to survive the Indianapolis Training Center. The best way is just don't go.

But if you've already paid money to attend, or your parents are sending you against your will, never fear. X-er has first-hand experience with several training centers, and years ago wrote the definitive survivial guide.

How to Survive Training Center Life
Training Center Life Part I
Training Center Life Part II

Gothard Hearts Huckabee

2007-12-17T22:52:00.000-08:00

Finally, a presidential candidate with character.

Gothard: Don't blame heavy metal

2007-12-13T18:21:00.000-08:00

Bill Gothard called on critics to avoid pointing fingers at heavy metal bands as the cause for Matthew Murray's killing rampage in Colorado. "It's premature to cast blame on any individual for this young man's actions," he said.

Colorado killer was in ATI

2007-12-12T20:08:00.000-08:00

This deserves to be noted. Sadly, it's not the first time an ATI student has been involved in violent crime. But is Gothard to blame?

Bill Gothard's comments here.

Discuss.

Equal opportunity offenders

2007-12-07T22:42:00.001-08:00

Well, it's not IBLP, but almost as fun. How do you know when your ministry is irrelevant? When you write things like this and this and this.

Doug Phillips is the president Vision Forum, a patriarchal organization who espouses an overly-euphoric view of the "good old days" of colonial America. He's spoken at ATII events and is very popular among conservative homeschool families.

As you may remember, Don Veinot, Vision Forum's whipping boy, is the author of A Matter of Basic Principles.

In case you missed it....

2007-12-04T21:49:00.001-08:00

The IBLP Year in Review 2006. Many amazing things happened.

Part I

Part II

Tell your story!

2007-12-04T21:44:00.000-08:00

Okay, we'll admit blogging has been light.

Non-existent.

So we need your help. CALLING ALL IBLP STAFFERS: Most of us have forgotten what it looks like there at HQ, Indy, or Dallas. Upload your videos to YouTube and send us a link. We'll post it all to enjoy. Yes, we'll protect your identities. Can't have you Light of the World folks consorting with X-er....

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

2007-12-04T21:42:00.001-08:00

We're adding an RSS feed (to the left in the "About" box). Let me know if this doesn't work...this is too complicated for an ATI guy who was raised without modern technology.

If debt is wrong...

2007-10-16T21:35:00.000-07:00

...then why is Bill Gothard loaning money?

Perhaps I should back up. Some time ago X-ATI Guy signed up for Bill Gothard's Daily Success email. I did this for two reasons. One, you can never have too much success. Two, I figured I'd read the dang things so you don't have to -- whenever there's something worthwhile I can pass it along. (Please note: I'm on Day 57 and it's the first time I've mentioned it.)

So I'm reading recently and Bill says this:

As I wrote this e-mail, God gave me a clear application for this command. A specific individual has been asking me to give him a certain amount of money, yet I have resisted for two reasons. First, he had previously affirmed that there was no debt. Secondly, I was aware of strong reaction that would come from another individual if I gave the money.

As I was pondering this, the phone rang. It was the individual whom I knew would react. We discussed the matter, and we agreed that it would be God’s will to give the money. I have a sense of excitement, because on the one hand it will mean significant personal sacrifice, and on the other hand, it will provide an opportunity for God to show His power.

Huh. And all these years I thought debt was a sin.

Looking for Wisdom Booklets?

2007-08-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

What a steal.

(Thanks to alert reader "K" for sending the link)

And while we're on the topic of money....

2007-08-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

Via Wikipedia, check out IBLP's income tax report to the IRS.

Read and discuss.

You'd be judgmental too...

2007-04-06T06:58:00.000-07:00

...a message from an ATI father.

The only refrain I hear more often than "It Will be Worth It All" (sung beautifully by the Knoxville choir) is the common accusation: "ATI families are so judgmental."

Well, you would be judgmental too if you tried to be an exemplary Christian. Some Christians are content with a quick prayer before meals. ATI families have learned to "cry out." As Dr. Gothard has explained many times, some Christians are happy to be plain old enlisted military, while others are called to be Marines. Semper Fi!

You would be judgmental too if you sought to raise high standards for yourself and your family, only to be confront by worldly Christians who would rather listen to sappy CCM than enjoy a good hour in the Word.

You'd be judgmental too if your children demonstrated spiritual maturity. Other kids are into Pokemon and South Park...my children play the Character Qualities game.

You would be judgmental too if you exercised the spiritual disciplines: fasting, early rising, meditation, and moral purity. It grieves mature Christians to see the defrauding dress that is permitted in our own churches. Worse, young ladies are allowed to sing sensual music at church services, actually breathing into the microphone.

While the world is becoming more depraved, and the church seems to be following right on the world's heels, thank God for the vision of IBLP/ATII and all the committed staff who work for Dr. Gothard. Thank God for the families who have decided to raise the standard.

Yes, we ATI families are judgmental. With good reason.

X-ATI TV

2007-03-12T22:29:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon to a TV near you (if you have a TV near you)...

XATI-TV. This new TV station attempts to bring quality family-friendly programming to an audience that is greatly unreached by the medium of television: ATI families. Programming consists of new fare (none of the old movies you have seen many times over) that current and former participants in the ATI program will be able to readily identify with.

The new lineup on XATI-TV includes the following shows which are guaranteed to be a wonderful blessing to you and your family.

Family Fella
Homeschool Dad
Steps to Freedom from "American Idols"
The O(K)C
Knoxville
Everybody Loves Gothard
Seven Non-Optional Principles Before Courting My Teenage Daughter
Miss Modesty Pageant
The Sopranos: It Will Be Worth It All
South Campus
Survivor: Eagle Mountain
Rules Prior To Engagement
World Series of Character Clues
The Unit: 37 (ALERT Edition)
Training Center Musical
Oak Brook, 60522
Judging Others
Pilot Families: The Next Generation
Character Hotel
Sabrina, The Teenage Staff Girl
Walker, Texas Drill Instructor
Married...With (Many) Children
theTV Unplugged
Eight Is Not Enough

Our late-night fare may not be suitable for impressionable children, but provides an alternative to traditional late-night TV.

Prayer Closet Break
Desperate Midwives
CSI: Indy TC
How I Courted Your Mother
Northwoods Exposure (Warning: contains brief scenes involving pants)

-Submitted by JN

Guest Blogger: Should Christians attend a church?

2007-02-26T15:29:00.000-08:00

People frequently ask me whether Christians should regularly attend a local church. Most believers who ask this question reference Hebrews 10:25, which tells us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together.

The Greek word for "assembling" is "episunagoge," and it means to gather in one place. But significantly, the definition does not reference a formal church setting. Many ATI parents have told me that the benefit of gathering with other like-minded ATI families is richer than their local church life. Whether they gather at Knoxville, at a Regional Seminar, at a Basic Seminar, or just in their homes, these families are clearly following the Scriptural mandate.

More importantly, I believe we should give special emphasis to the second half of Heb. 10:25: "...but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as ye see the say approaching." It's clear from Scripture that God intends us to gather with other believers for the purpose of exhortation. But if exhortation is not taking place, Christians should flee.

Many families have experienced heartache by staying in a local church that exposes their young people to the dangers of peer influence, sensual music, and a live-for-myself theology.

The problem is that there are Christians who are comfortable as regular infantry, while some Christians are called to be Marines -- the elite of the elite. God has called us to accomplish Great Things for him, and if the local church is interfering with that vision, then there is no obligation to continue attending.

Bill Gothard

Bill Gothard thanks his critics

2007-02-24T13:10:00.000-08:00

[Editor's Note: We promised to bring you Dr. Bill Gothard as a guest blogger on X-ATI Guy. Here is the first installment. Enjoy. ~X ]

Dear former ATIA students,

When I was 15, I dedicated my life to helping young people make wise decisions. I realizedthat God was asking for the utmost devotion, so I purposed to postpone marriage until I could accomplish the vision He had given me.

I began by working with inner-city gangs. The conflicts these young men had with their God-given authorites, and the Scriptural principles we applied to resolve these conflicts, eventually led to the Basic Seminar--attended by 2.6 million people.

Since those days I've poured my heart out to serve you and your family. We've shared many rich times. It grieves me to see so many formerly-vibrant ATI students walk away from the standard their parents have raised.

I want to discover why you rejected God and His Principles. I hope this can be the start of a long and productive conversation. So please send your comments and questions to Mr. X-er and we will seek God's wisdom together.

In Christ,

Dr. Bill Gothard

Guest Blogger: 7 Principles for Anna Nicole Smith

2007-02-24T12:33:00.000-08:00

The death of Anna Nicole Smith has illustrated the tragic conflict that can arise when families allow bitterness to take root in their relationships. I believe the Seven Biblical Principles could have been used in Anna's life to make wise choices and avoid failure.

The Basic Life Principles

1. Design
Anna Nicole should have understood the specific purposes for which God had created her. Sadly, she never learned true self-acceptance, choosing to radically modify her God-given body. Thanking God for her design would have helped Anna Nicole to avoid defrauding millions of men.

2. Authority
Anna Nicole rejected the responsibility God had given to her authorities, particularly her mother, Virgie. Because of this, Anna was unable to learn how God provides direction and protection through authority.

3. Responsibility
Anna Nicole is responsible to God for every thought, word, action and motive. Her lack of a clear conscience forced her to seek man's approval through morally defrauding actions.

4. Suffering
Anna Nicole could have identified the blind spots in her life by learning from the hurts of others. The artificial pleasures she enjoyed on this earth were no replacement for Genuine Joy.

5. Ownership
Rather than fighting for years in court to seize her husband's inheritance, Anna Nicole should have realized that everything she owns has been entrusted to her by God, and should have wisely used it for His purposes.

6. Freedom
Because of the ground surrendered to Satan after years of immorality, Anna Nicole no longer possessed the desire and power to do what is right. Rather, she claimed the privilege to do what she wanted.

7. Success
Many people said that all Anna Nicole wanted was to be loved. Anna Nicole struggled with a lack of Life Purpose because she never engrafted Scripture into her heart and mind. Scripture enables us to think God's thoughts and make wise decisions.

Until next time,

Dr. Bill Gothard

Guest Blogger!

2007-01-24T21:44:00.000-08:00

After many months of negotiations, Dr. Bill Gothard has agreed to spend some time guest blogging here at X-ATI Guy. Send your comments and questions here and we'll pass them along.

Stay tuned...

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

2007-01-24T21:43:00.000-08:00

Who left the light on?

Year in Review includes these uplifting updates:
Mexicans choose chalk talks over rock music!
Bill wears a lime green tie!
ATI student serves Long Island Ice Tea!
Students "bless" others with character qualities!

And don't miss: Bill's Daily Success, the weekly email service that sent Bible verses for the reasonable price of $49, is now being offered for free.

ATIA Theme Song

2007-01-24T21:07:00.000-08:00

We've said it before, but Metallica's Unforgiven is the perfect ATIA theme song.

Return of the X-er

2007-01-23T23:59:00.000-08:00

It's been a long two months. Seriously, after receiving letters like this and this we started examining this website, the motivation behind it, and the ungodliness of pointing the finger at one of God's most humble servants. I checked into a training center (location not disclosed).

After weeks of solitude in a prayer room, haunted by ghosts of Pastor Fields and Mickey Bonner, I finally realized the damage we'd done. It's like this blog was...a jurisdiction---ground given over to Satan on the Internet, and he had built a stronghold, and here come the tormentors....

Oh, who am I kidding.

In honor of the return to blogging, we thought it would be fun to post real comments and letters from several of our devoted listeners. Enjoy.

Congratulations on doing the 100% WORST website I've ever seen! HOW DARE YOU accuse Bill Gothard, a man who dearly loves the Lord?? I am going to tell whoever I see on the street today NOT to check out this website. ATI people are the most loving people I've ever met.

At which point everyone on the street will say "Say what?"

While there are some things that I do not agree with, Bill Gothard is only trying to help people. He should be commended, not ridiculed. If you call yourself a Christian, it is NEVER right to judge another believer for their weaknesses. Instead, you should pray for them.

We don't ridicule Bill Gothard, though the temptation is often strong. We just ridicule his ridiculous theology.

For all the X-ATIers - whatever you call yourselves - I want to let you know that we will be praying that the Lord will bring you back to the right path.

Come get on our path! It's so much more fun! Plus there's no dress code.

X-er admits depression

2007-01-23T23:47:00.000-08:00

In a rare moment of candor, X-ATI Guy recently admitted to suffering from a feeling of failure. While numerous readers visit the website from IBLP Headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois, the website seems to have escaped the attention and condemnation of IBLP leadership.

"The Institute has never attempted to shut this site down," X-er said. "When we first started the blog, we were sure it would be a mere matter of weeks before receiving a cease and desist letter---or at least a threat to contact my parents---but NOTHING!"

This can only mean the Institute views X-ATI Guy as a mere annoyance that can be ignored. "Worse, I'll bet Bill Gothard has thanked God for this source of irritation. He probably thinks we've made his ministry stronger. Bummer."

Calling all Midwest X-ers

2007-01-23T16:16:00.000-08:00

We've got a party for you to crash.

Have yourself an IBLP Christmas

2006-12-25T00:21:00.000-08:00

ATI Home for Aged

2006-11-19T11:17:00.000-08:00

OAKBROOK, Illinois -- The Institute in Basic Life Principles recently announced it will purchase a facility to convert into a retirement center for aging ATIA parents.

IBLP has long taught against retirement, so residents will be expected to contribute to the care and upkeep of the facility by doing the housekeeping, cooking and cleaning, and security.

A perpetual Basic Seminar will air on an in-house television network.The facility will feature conferences in marriage, healthy living, and how to convince adult children to enroll their families in ATIA.

Farewell

2006-09-04T18:06:00.000-07:00

Ken Pierpont is leaving Flint. We're sorry to see that spying on residents of the Character Inn didn't make his list of favorite memories.

Ask Don Veinot

2006-09-04T07:57:00.000-07:00

Independent Guy's podcast with Don Veinot is up. Listen to it here.

Group hug

2006-08-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

You write the caption.

(Thanks Walt)

The Perils of Crying Out

2006-08-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

Christians persecuted in Berlin for effectual, fervent prayer.

(Thanks to JL)

Character, conscience, voting -- oh my!

2006-08-11T00:03:00.000-07:00

Much ado....

It's time for IBLP to sue preachers for plagarism

2006-08-10T23:36:00.000-07:00

Or is it just me?

X-er receives apology

2006-08-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. X-er,

I'm writing to ask your forgiveness. The Lord has convicted me in my heart that it is wrong to harbor a root of bitterness. You see, I believe your website and "humor" are disrepectful toward Dr. Gothard and the thousands of parents who have followed the Lord in to ATIA. They are sincere about their convictions and are obeying God by raising a standard for the world.

In fact, I believe your "satire" is biting, cruel, and disgusting. There is nothing funny about attacking the character qualities of a man who has served God his entire life. Why do you try to hurt Christianity by poking fun at one of God's messengers?

That's not to say I believe every word out of Dr. Gothard's mouth. He is human, and I'm sure he makes mistakes. But that is between him and God.

If Dr. Gothard or IBLP has offended you, you should obey Matthew 18 and go directly to him with your complaints. It is wrong for you to air your problems on the Internet and cause others to take up offenses for you.

But I must confess that for many months I have allowed bitterness to creep up. Every time I checked your site, it made me angry and I cursed you in my heart. This was wrong and I need to ask your forgiveness. I have gone through the Bitterness Stronghold with a spiritual counselor to confess my bitterness toward you. Once I went through the last step, it was amazing how the burden lifted! Now I praise the Lord continually.

I pray for you, and hope the Lord will bring you back into the fold.

In Christ,

A Concerned Reader
Dallas, Texas

Ask Don Veinot

2006-08-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Independent Spirits is doing an interview with Don Veinot of Midwest Christian Outreach and co-author of A Matter of Basic Principles. Dying to ask him a question? Submit your ideas here, and the interview will go live in a few weeks.

Gothard's Empire

2006-08-04T19:01:00.000-07:00

Gothard's Empire

submitted by Duane

Though others criticize him
Questioning the things he's taught
We're following our leader
Without sight and without thought.

Gothard's mighty empire
Will continue without end
But someday he'll expire
What will happen to us then?

Chicago, Illinois
Was a most unlikely place
To birth the man who gave us
The Gothardic Era of grace.

Bill Gothard's mighty empire
Will continue without end
But someday he'll expire
What will happen to us then?

From humble street beginnings
Reaching gangs with names like "Kings"
He travels now around the world
And choirs with him brings.

Now Gothard's mighty empire
Will continue without end
But someday he'll expire
What will happen to us then?

Youth's conflicts are behind us
Life's principles we seek
Accepting only seven
All others we critique

And Gothard's mighty empire
Will continue without end
But someday he'll expire
What will happen to us then?

From Russia to New Zealand
From sunrise to sunset
He's spread his version of the truth
To every one he's met.

For Gothard's mighty empire
Will continue without end
But someday he'll expire
What will happen to us then?

Beat-less music, formal dress,
Court someone, and when you're done
You'll find out that you were missing
All the things that make life fun.

Now Gothard's mighty empire--
(That's *Doctor* G to you)
He never will retire, but
One day his reign will end.

When courtship doesn't work

2006-06-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

BRIDGEPORT, MA -- After three months of marriage, Anne and Joe Toepe recently concluded that courtship is a failed experiment.

"We went through all seven principles of courtship," said Anne. "After we met at an ATI function, Joe began to sense God's leading toward marriage. He spent months in prayer and fasting. After seeking his parents' counsel, he called my father. They corresponded for a year, with my father giving him projects for spiritual growth."

Joe agreed. "Anne's father was committed to protecting his daughter, which impressed me all the more. I knew she was a pearl of great price."

"My father and mother eventually told me there was a young man interested in me," Anne continued. "They asked me to pray for God's direction before they told me who the young man was. I decided if my parents approved of him, God's blessing was on it."

Joe traveled from IBLP Headquarters to spend time with Anne and her family. Her parents and siblings were impressed with his character, and enthusiastically gave their approval.

Joe and Anne were married a few months later. Their wedding was a God-honoring ceremony, and a testimony to the effectiveness of courtship. Several couples who attended the wedding pledged to trade dating for courtship in their relationships. Joe and Anne touched for the first time when the pastor declared, "You may kiss the bride."

Now that Joe and Anne are married, they were shocked to discover that the courtship principles did not adequately prepare them for marriage! "We're constantly discovering new areas we'd never talked about before marriage," said Joe. "I just assumed with God and our parents' blessing that marriage would be easier."

"We disagree on things frequently," says Anne. "We fight more than Brad and Angelina in Mr. and Mrs. Smith."

Joe and Anne contacted IBLP to discuss their relationship. The ATI coordinator was grieved to hear their story, and encouraged them that the principles of courtship could be used to strengthen their marriage. "They told us to review the courtship booklet -- that maybe we did something wrong during the courtship phase," said Joe.

At this point, Joe and Anne became fed up with ATI. "We decided to trade courtship for dating." They are now happily dating.

News Update

2006-06-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

IBLP RUNS OUT OF GOD'S GRACE
Dr. Gothard's new book helps Christians achieve new levels of legalism in their lives.

IF LEGALISM IS YOUR THING
...go here.

THE ROOF IS ON FIRE!
Which one of you x-ers is responsible for this?

FRIENDS ARE EVIL
A recent survey of IBLP alumni revealed that 85% of attendees raise their hands when Mr. Gothard calls for a commitment because of peer pressure.

A TRAITOR AND A REPROBATE
An IBLP transportation driver was recently caught with a Dixie Chicks CD in his vehicle.

HOPE IS LOST IN ALABAMA

VACATION PLANS?
Please consider Hotel St. Gothard!

"Mighty Deeds" drinking game

2006-06-09T22:58:00.000-07:00

Richard has several excellent recommendations for watching IBLP promotional videos.

=====================

Each year the Institute puts out a year in review video detailing the events in which the Institute participated. For example, 2005 was the year of Doors of Opportunity.

When we were in the Institute we used songs and "games" to get us through difficult events. In order to help us celebrate our fond memories of the Institute and yet still endure the trial these videos present, let me suggest: The "Mighty Deeds" Game!

During the video, perform Nine Mighty Deeds to Conquer Despair and Bitterness.

To do these mighty deeds:
Download the required video(s). Gather at least three more X-ers. Select your non-optional alcoholic beverages of choice and perform the following Mighty Deeds as indicated.

- Every time the word "Opportunity" is said, take a drink.
- Every time Mr. Gothard is called "Dr. Gothard" take two drinks.
- For every ridiculous statement drain your glass!
- For every attractive blonde put on the video, blow a kiss and take a swig.
- For every ugly brunette, take a drink THEN blow a kiss.
- For every video shot that has been structured so that the room looks full, take a drink.
- For every coordinator, manager, director or leader with acne take a drink.
- For every statement where the Church is mentioned in such a way as to make you think that the Institute IS the "church" drain your glass.

Note: You should feel very Mighty by the end of each year in review. If you are really committed to being Mighty, you can have consequences for those who show weakness and rewards for those who demonstrate their evident spirituality. For example, the first one to pass out has to volunteer at Indy for a year. Last one standing gets to do some PG-13 handholding with their significant other.* After all, if they can do these mighty deeds, they can obviously handle the temptations that arise from some physical contact.

Good luck!

*If they don't have a significant other, they can just hold hands with the "first one down" because where they're going, they'll be grateful for some attention.

Authority Diagram

2006-05-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

You write the caption.

Top ten Gothardite pickup lines

2006-03-14T18:56:00.000-08:00

10) Let's study the "one anothers" passages together.

9) I couldn't keep my eyes off your coutenance all day.

8) I think I'm getting a rhema about you.

7) Would I ever like to give YOU a new jurisdiction!

6) Got a map? (Why?) 'cause I'm lost in your countenance.

5) Can I offer you my umbrella...

4) Do you believe in the Power of Crying Out?... 'cause baby I've been pleading for you.

3) I feel so... uplifted... when you're around.

2) Your countenance looks great in that blouse.

1) If you were a character sketch, you'd be a FOX!

-Submitted by Sarah

Sound Foundations

2006-02-07T19:08:00.000-08:00

Reader JB sends this gem to us:

OK... you asked for pictures... not being an institute staffer and having only been to a training center once - for Sound Foundations - I don't have too much to draw from. But that memorable SF stay left me with a vivid memory of this picture. This hapless music student was part of a team which was assigned to"teach" a music lesson of their choice to the group of 100+ other Sound Foundations attendees at the ITC. So, with all the prim 'n' proper ATI students gathered 'round, she exhibited her fine ability to accidentally misspell the musical tem "ritard" - and lectured long and hard on exactly what the purpose of a "retard" is. Meanwhile, the ENTIRE crowd was practically in tears trying to hold back their pent-up laughter (which she had no clue of the cause of!) and we are left with this picture as a reminder of the academic and musical prowess of ATI's training. But, heck, the picture is so much funnier without the context!

ATI at its best.

Man receives forwarded Daily Success emails: no joy, no peace

2006-01-22T09:46:00.000-08:00

DALLAS, TEXAS - A Dallas man expressed frustration that ever since reading the new Daily Success updates from Mr. Gothard, his spiritual life has not only failed to improve, but has taken a turn for the worse.

"Ever since I started receiving Daily Success I have felt spiritually oppressed," stated the frustrated spiritual life self-improvement enthusiast, "Is God punishing me for not paying for these emails? Will my sin cause my children to be punished as well?"

In response to similar situations, the Institute has released a three step approach to getting the full spiritual blessing out of Daily Success:

Pray for guidance in everyday life
Ask God for the strength to follow His will
Yoke not yourself with those who do not share the same level of commitment to higher standards

Daily Success has over 3,000 paying subscribers. However, the Institute is worried that an organized email forwarding campaign is taking place. In fact, IBLP has announced that they will be joining with Hollywood industry executives in their new "copying is stealing" campaign.

Institute legal staff are optimistic that prosecution of those caught forwarding Daily Success will begin in earnest in the next month or so. Sadly, the man in Dallas continues his struggle with Daily Success induced guilt.

My apologies...

2006-01-20T11:05:00.000-08:00

...for the lack of content recently. I've been locked in a Prayer Room. No, actually, I took the emails to heart -- the ones telling me "you need to get a life" and sort of got busy. Perhaps I can start posting bitter rants again, now that I'm listening to heavy rock music and can't control myself.

Be sure to check out the folks at Independent Spirits (excuse me while I take a sip of my own independent spirits) where a lot of good discussion is happening.

The Cult of Character

2006-01-20T02:17:00.000-08:00

Investigative reporter Silja J.A. Talvi writes an interesting piece on IBLP's character program:

IBLP's master plan appears to be well underway. That is, until inquiring minds finally begin to ask where, exactly, all of this is headed. What, pray tell, lies behind the smiling bears, elephants and zebras so ready and eager to deliver their character traits to you, your children and your community?

If they could talk, they might be able to tell you that all's not well in the peaceable kingdom, no matter how innocent it might look at first glance.

Doors of Opportunity

2006-01-20T01:59:00.000-08:00

IBLP's year in review is up.

Daily Success! has 3,500 subscribers. At $49 a pop, my non-public school education says they're pulling in $171,500. Not too shabby...

I remember when Mr. Gothard...

2005-12-16T03:06:00.000-08:00

When my family was on staff at ITC shortly after it first opened, I volunteered to conduct tours of the building to visitors. This went fine, until one day, when Mr. Gothard was visiting, he suggested to Leadership that they should start conducting tours to visitors. When they told him that I was the "tour guide" for the place, he called me into a meeting in his office there at ITC, with his staff. I was so excited about this personal interview. I thought that Mr. Gothard would surely see what a wonderful ATI girl I was. Maybe he would even invite me to work at Headquarters!

The session began with him asking me what exactly I was telling people during the tours. I eagerly began to recite my little spiel, when, mid-sentence, I realized that he was sound asleep. I hesitated, looking up his assistant, who was attentively hovering over the chair of the sleeping Great One. He nodded encouragingly for me to continue, so I talked a little more, only to be interrupted by a snore and then a muffled choke. I stopped. I just couldn't go on. In the awful silence that followed, Mr. Gothard's eyes snapped open. He seemed not to realize that I was there. His gaze drifted across the room to where a fly was perched upon the windowsill. In an ominous voice he uttered: "SOMEONE KILL THAT FLY!"

As his solicitous aides scrambled about with newspapers and books, in search of the offending fly, he began talking to his assistant about something completely unrelated to tours at ITC. I sat there for about 15 minutes and then quietly left the room. No further mention was made or tours at ITC by Mr. Gothard. I think he forgot about them.

Stories from the front

2005-12-16T02:56:00.000-08:00

Dear X-er,

Over ten years ago in the Spring, I went to the Indy training center for one of the early counseling training sessions. It was still open to both sexes and was in its early stages. When I arrived everything was gleaming, the red carpet was new, the training center was impressive to a willing participant. I was assigned a roommate and sent off to my room which happened to be a suite.

While exploring the "amenities," we discovered that the door connecting to the room next door was unlocked. My roommate, being a fun-loving girl herself, and I decided to play a prank for April Fool's Day. We sneaked into the room next door early in the morning and tic-tacked it. We put tic-tacs in their shoes, bags, beds, make-up bottles, you name it we did it. We were looking forward to getting to know these girls and having a good laugh later.

Well, we went down to the morning session and the first subject was April Fool's day complete with scripture and lectures about silliness and pranks. I never felt so guilty in my entire life, talk about humiliation, I never said one word to those girls and prayed they would never figure out who did it. My roommate and I agreed to never speak of it again.

Then came the chores, the lousy food (the wheat rolls were the only decent thing), the chores and the really "good girls." They had wavy hair, sweet voices, mentioned God or a principle in every sentence and made me feel like I would never measure up. I worked at a bank when I went to Indy and one of those girls asked how I justified working at a bank and getting people into debt.

Unfortunately I had the worst gift for a girl at Indy, exhorter with lots of points in the prophet category. If I answered the question, "what is your spiritual gift?" I would get a cautious, "oh my." If only I could have been a "mercy" or a "servant" or a "teacher." I got stuck with laundry duty and when the place flooded, I organized clean-up. One sweet faced sugary voiced girl said, "Are you an 'organizer'?" I replied, "No, I just have experience." I tried to remind myself that these were fifteen-year-olds who didn't know much about anything.

I never thought of myself as a feminist until I went to the Northwoods. I was a member of a select group of girls and guys who got to go to Michigan and help with the Character in Business thing when it first started. We were supposed to get to know the business leaders and market the program. Great, I was excited, it was my first opportunity to be involved, I wanted serve God through some sort of missions program and this looked like it might be it.

When we arrived, Mrs. Furman informed us that any slits in our skirts would need to be sewn shut, the curtain in our room had been sewn shut (did she honestly think we were going to stand in front of it naked?), and we would be eating our meals in the hall away from the cadets and business leaders and we were not to "defraud" the cadets by speaking with them, looking at them, or wearing any inappropriate navy and white garb.

What was the point of inviting us to be there? All of us were dedicated to the program, we were all 18 to 25, Christians, intelligent, and interested in careers in business and ministry, (not typical, I know) and we were being treated like harlots. Only the guys were allowed to associate with the businessmen outside of sessions, it was absolutely ridiculous. After our complaints, we were finally allowed in the dining room for the final banquet. (I don't think any of us planned on learning lessons from "God" about eating in the hall.)

I made no networking contacts, was miserable the entire time, and I had to pay to be there. Good old ATIA. I didn't even get to meet any Cadets who might have been interested in courting a good-looking, intelligent woman. I am convinced that Courtship is Mr. G's way of keeping us single and working for free.

Best wishes,
Lisalia
P.S. This blog is one of my favorites, I found it by typing "IBLP sucks" in Google.

Don't buy the car...

2005-12-10T14:47:00.000-08:00

Update on Mr. Gothard's car:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

From: [deleted]
Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2005
To: Ken Pierpont
Subject: Re: Mr. Gothard's Car

I don't have a job as I was laid off from working with a Christian ministry in March. We also found out that my wife was pregnant the same week I lost my job. It's been a hard year but we're trusting God will provide. I was also in ALERT. WAY back in the day. Would you consider giving me the car? It would mean a lot and help provide for my family.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

From: Ken Pierpont
Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2005 4:50 PM
To: [deleted]
Subject: Re: Mr. Gothard's Car

[deleted];

Thanks for writing. Right now someone is working on repairing Mr. Gothard's car. If you received it as a gift, it needs so much work that it would cost more to fix it than it would to purchase a car that would provide adequate transportation.

I am sorry to hear about your job. This is the worst of times of the year to be laid off. I trust you will find work soon.

Sincerely;
Ken Pierpont

I remember when Mr. Gothard...

2005-12-10T14:41:00.000-08:00

Reader forlibery sends in his recollections of Mr. Gothard from his days as a staffer. Have your own story? Send them here.

=================

I only had a few, but they were enough for my lifetime.

FUCH and Such
During a seminar on the West Coast, an admiring alumnus took Mr. G and the staff out for a ride on his yacht. The alumnus happened to bring a friend who didn't know Uncle Bill from Adam. I suspect the alumnus was hoping that the aura from the master would rub off on his friend. Alas, the opposite may have occurred, as this guy entertained us with a lengthy etymology of the F word. It was entertaining, really, esp. watching Mr. G. just listen and smile at the appropriate times.

Yes Men
One thing that helped open my eyes was my observation of Mr. G's interactions with others in IBLP leadership. They treated him like a god. I expected that from the average IBLPer, but I was surprised to see people I thought would stand up to him bow down and worship. From my few observations, it appeared that nobody had the will to say, "That's the craziest thing I've ever heard!"

Except his mom. According to a friend of mine, she gave him a reality check a few times during a trip to Taiwan. He shared some rhema, and she said, "Bill, now where do you get that from? I don't see that there." And when he "suggested" a fast to everyone, she pulled out a chocolate bar and started munching away.

No Bubble Zone
Most Westerners have a "personal space bubble," but this saint is free of the inhibitions that afflict the rest of us. One time, he reclined his car seat back...all the way back, so that his head was literally in my lap. Alas, we were all "under the influence," so nobody told him to quit being rude.

The Dilbert Principle
There was one thing that made me feel sorry for the man, but I suppose it's his own fault. I had the "privilege" of being his assistant for a day, and in his directions, he treated me like a child. He couldn't just tell me to send a letter for him; he had to explain how to fold it, how to seal the envelope, and oh, remember to put a stamp on it. It was so laughable, but apparently he was accustomed to incompetent help. Scott Adams' maxim is true, at least in IBLP; only the incompetent get promoted, and the right-hand man position is reserved for the most incompetent of all.

(No offense to any ex-right-hand men out there, but that's the only conclusion I could draw from his strange behavior.)

forliberty

Calling all IBLP staffers

2005-11-29T20:50:00.000-08:00

Work for the Institute? Own a camera phone? Show the world what Institute life is like!

Snap a shot and send it to X-ATI Guy. We'll post any good ones.

Separated at birth?

2005-11-29T20:42:00.000-08:00

Bill Gothard

Significant religious work: Basic Seminar

Advocate for childbirth: Godfather to Thousands

Personal magnetism

Surprisingly short

Mel Gibson

Significant religious work: The Passion of the Christ

Advocate for childbirth: 7 children

Personal magnetism

Surprisingly short

Official Drink of IBLP

2005-11-23T07:52:00.000-08:00

OAK BROOK, Illinois - Long a fan of soft drinks, Bill Gothard recently announced a pending endorsement deal with Coca-Cola. Details are still being worked out, he said, but he looks forward to a mutually profitable relationship. "Imagine it," he said. "Navy and white, with a can of Coke. It will be the official drink of IBLP!"

Gothard quickly pointed out that Christians should avoid ungodly products such as alcohol and coffee. "But nothing refreshes the soul like a cold Coke. Wow, we could use that in a commercial!"

"Hopefully this will forever settle the Coke vs. Pepsi debate that rages among Christian young people and distracts them from serving Christ," he said.

Unqualified must not reproduce

2005-11-23T07:25:00.000-08:00

OAK BROOK, Illinois - Bill Gothard, founder and president of IBLP, recently had a revelation that not everyone is qualified to have children. "Many individuals have fallen into sin, or are unable to raise a godly seed," he said at a Headquarters staff meeting, where he often shares new rhemas. "Additionally, many individuals will be overly tolerant and will fail to instill the basic principles in the lives of their children," he said. For these individuals, Mr. Gothard recommended a life of celibacy. "Paul tells us it is better to be single and focus on the things of the Lord."

As a result, the Institute will soon offer a new service to ATI families (and nonmembers for a low cost). The new program will consist of a rigorous testing process to make sure there are no overwhelming Sins of the Fathers in either branch of the family. Once a family is cleared to reproduce, they can raise a godly heritage with confidence. Young people are encouraged to go through this process with their courtship partners to "screen" potential spouses.

Gothard admitted that he was motivated to start this new program because of all the rebellious offspring who have departed from ATI in sin. "So much heartache and tragedy could have been avoided," he said.

More help for you screwed up X-ers...

2005-11-15T20:59:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check out the new site: Independent Spirits. "Freedom from the umbrella of deception."

ATI still wildly unpopular among ATI graduates

2005-11-08T00:59:00.000-08:00

Graduates of the ATI home education program are not re-enrolling in the program in record numbers, according to recent internal documents obtained by X-ATI Guy.

As recruitment from mainstream, "worldly" Christians is not possible, ATI program directors counted on a high rate of re-enrollment by graduates of the ATI program. Unfortunately, despite an aggressive campaign by IBLP/ATI to halt the attrition rate, ATI students typically decline to enroll their own children in the home education program.

"We're worried about the ungodliness of this generation," said an ATI spokesman. "We thought ATI would create a new way of life. Instead, most former ATI students seem to have been lured away from the complex richness of the principled life."

In order to generate revenue for the ATI program, the leadership has proposed charging families to visit the organization's website.

Broken lives

2005-11-07T18:06:00.000-08:00

More real-life stories from readers. ATI cannot be blamed for all of this family's suffering, but notice the Institute's holier-than-thou response.

====================

I grew up with ATI, I even went to the first CI they held in Knoxville, whenever that was. My mom followed all the rules for raising a good, upright family. My dad appeared to be a moral father, doing things right down to a wisdom search at the crack of dawn. They had 7 kids, I'm the firstborn. We were with the program til about two and a half years ago, when my mom discovered that he was looking at porn. She took her first step away from the submissive wife deal by kicking him out of the house, saying he couldn't return til he had seen a counselor and confessed to everything. She got more of a confession than she was expecting. Turns out my dad was hiding his pedophilia behind the whole "good ATI father" facade. Needless to say, our lives were turned upside down immediately. The government started investigating the situation, sending DCF (Department of Children and Families) agents over to our house unexpectedly every once in a while. My parents wound up getting a divorce, which was necessary because my father did not seem to be actually sorry for what he did, making excuses and justifying it to no end. If my mother had stayed with him, she would have lost the kids. So she divorced him. She wanted to stay in ATI at first, appealing to the higher powers in the system, explaining our situation, but they insisted that she had done something morally wrong by divorcing my dad, regardless of his HUGE issue. She the moderator for an online ATI mom's group, but they kicked her out of that too, and the other moms in the group gave her the same opinion that she should have stayed submissive to her husband.

Anyway, the next year or so was a blur of various legal struggles. My mom was struggling hand and foot trying to make ends meet, trying to keep her kids, going to school so she could get a real job, and trying to find a job in the meantime. Listen, I loved my mom before this whole thing started, but I never admired her as much as I do now. For a while, the court system was trying to blame my mom for the whole thing, saying that if she had been married to him for 16 years, how could she not have known? Eventually, and after a whole lot of stress, painful reality checks, and rude awakenings, they decided she was a good enough mother to keep her kids and let the case go. They never did convict my dad, but they left the case open so they can convict him later if the evidence arises.

During those two years, I was so angry at everyone it was unbelievable. I hated ATI, I hated my dad, I was even mad at my mom. I wasn't allowed to know for a while why he wasn't there anymore, I only knew that my dad had suddenly dissappeared, so I didn't know who to blame. I buried myself in "bad" music. I screamed with Linkin Park, Evanescence, and P.O.D., among others. My brothers and sisters and I huddled together in one of the bedrooms sometimes just crying and talking, trying to figure out among ourselves what the hell was going on with our family. We didn't understand, our family had been such a role model to everyone around us. On a side note, have you ever noticed the way a lot of ATI members take pride in not being proud? We did that. Anyway, we got through that period with the help of a lot of people, mostly NOT ATI. We had been going to a large contemporary church in our area, occasionally thinking we should probably find a different one because it was so not ATI. But they helped us so much. We needed food, clothes, yard work, help with housework, a whole lot of stuff. Everybody helped. We had people coming over to help watch the kids, people cooking for us, people cleaning for us, it was beautiful.

All in all, our rude awakening did us a lot of good, I think. Granted, none of us have completely gotten over it, we still have plenty of problems, but ultimately we're better off. Now I'm 18, in college, supporting myself and renting an apartment with 4 other college kids (guys too, horrors!), and still learning to function normally in society. My family is doing fine, the house is usually clean now, my sister knows how to tile a floor, and my mom is working in a pediatrician's office. My mom and 16 year old sister are in college, my brother is in junior ROTC or some such kid military thing coping with his anger. We're all still kinda screwed up, but we're still moving along. Keep this site going, please!

-Anonymous

We WILL hunt you down...

2005-11-01T22:14:00.000-08:00

The Institute is now using its families coordinators as sales people. This is an actual email -- not satire -- and yes, I have permission to post this from a recipient.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

From: "Sarah McMains"
To: [recipient]
Subject: Important Feedback Needed
Date: Mon, 31 Oct 2005 19:47:44

Dear Mr. [Recipient],

I have noticed that you have not yet signed up for Daily Success! I just wanted to make sure that you don't miss out on such a valuable tool that can help you in discipling your family. Daily Success is not an in-depth program, but rather a simple daily email sharing insights on one command of Christ per week. Some have used them for morning Wisdom Searches with their family, while others have used them in their personal devotions to help them in their walk with the Lord. Our family has found them to be a great encouragement personally in keeping our focus on the things of the Lord during the day.

Mr. Gothard has asked me to contact you and find out if there is something hindering you from receiving the Daily Success emails. Please call or email me and let me know how we can assist you in receiving this valuable discipleship tool. I will send this information on to Mr. Gothard and we will do what we can to help you. If I do not hear from you within the next few days, I will try calling you as Mr. Gothard is looking to remove hindrances as soon as possible.

God bless your family and may His Word be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path today!

In Christ,

Sarah McMains
ATI Family Consultant
[e-mail and phone deleted]

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Obviously, anyone who has not signed up for Daily Success! (for the cost of $49) is in spiritual crisis.

True Confessions, Part III

2005-10-30T22:35:00.000-08:00

My "personal bests" would have to be highjacking a wireless highspeed internet signal from what I believe was a family wifi a few floors up, giving me Internet in my room...Working very very hard to find a "way around," a hack if you will, to Characterlink, which many fondly referto as Clink. And succeeding... Disconnecting the "WAKE UP" Speakers so it wasn't sucha horrible morning, every morning... Getting a hold of Master keys... and getting copies made... Having a TV tuner on my computer, which let me watch any TV show on any given night. Movies as well... Hooking up the phone line into my room that had been disconnected so I could make phone calls...

For me, these were necessary means of survival.

-Anonymous

==============

Yikes, the stories I can tell. Like the time I got locked out in the courtyard at the DTC so I climbed a tree, climbed over the wall and ran around to the door to let myself back in (in my skirt, of course). Or the time I got in trouble at HQ for singing that song "Going to the Chapel" with someone while cleaning up the kitchen. Or the time I was told not to mention skiing in front of the young men because that would imply I sometimes wore pants, and that might defraud them. How about the time I and several other girls from Brook Manor broke into Mr. Gothard's office to retrieve some always-coveted junk food from the kitchen? And we can't forget the girls' swimsuit sunbathing club which met faithfully on sunny weekends in the summer on the back deck at Brook Manor. For the record: I bought my first "rock" CD and my first pair of short shorts while living at HQ. I was just driven to it.

-Anonymous

==============

Once I went for a walk with a young lady while staying in OKC for an OBCL function. Even though we were both adults and only visiting, certain of the Holy Order deemed it necessary to actually go and search the bushes for us. Afterall, what ELSE could a couple that went on a walk be doing besides making like rabbits... Upon returning one particularly righteous individual informed us of our sin (and subsequent lost salvation) and proudly handed down a curfew and "bedtimes". I think they built an extra wing on his celestial mansion as a prize. I think they even threatened to call our parents (oooh scary), my father would have laughed I do believe. The following year we returned engaged and reaped our ample revenge upon them with public kissing and hand-holding. Maybe one or two suffered extreme physical abnormalities from the exceedingly unholy corruption. I should repent now... or not.

-Anonymous

According to Bill...

2005-10-30T19:33:00.000-08:00

...the Basic Seminar is bad for business. From billgothard.com:

A Doctor Confirms the Health Benefits of Basic Seminars

Dr. Billy Boring attended a Basic Seminar when he was a medical student at the University of Texas Medical School. He began memorizing and meditating on Scripture, and his grades climbed. As a resident at the University of Texas, Southwestern Dallas, he achieved the top percentile and was voted the resident student of the year.

Over the last ten years he has sent more than 200 of his patients to the Basic Seminar and studied the results. Before attending the Seminar they averaged 4.8 doctor's visits per year. After attending the Seminar their visits to his office dropped to an average of 1.2 visits per year.

========================

Or maybe his patients stopped coming because they were afraid he'd send them to the Advanced Seminar.

True Confessions, Part II

2005-10-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

More confessions. Perhaps a disclaimer is in order: "We at X-ATI Guy in no way recommend the breaking of any rules at an IBLP institution." Yeah....

=====================

All these stories happen at HQ. I've been at OTC and Indy as well, but I never did anything radically wicked there.

I gues my juciest one was when me and a friend split 3/4 of a bottle of Vodka - on campus. Then we called another friend and went bowling. All of this happened AFTER curfew, of course - we didn't get home until like 3:00. After that me and my unnamed friend went out into the woods and tried to burn the forest down, but were unfortunately unsuccessful.

I took a girl (a goth chick, no less) to see Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (at the Canterra IMAX) instead of going to staff meeting on saturday night.

I went with a friend to see same chick at her apartment in downtown Chicago. We left HQ at midnight or so, and got back around 5:00. We spent the evening alone in her pad listening to anime music (all unapproved, of course).

I had a bottle of 96 proof spiced rum (which I liked, and drank all of, and even got a hangover from the evening I had seven shots) and a bottle of 94 proof plum brandy (which sucked, and I didn't like and didn't drink more than a few shots from) hidden in my closet at 12 pine. I kept a bottle of Jack Daniels in my closet at Colonial (I still have some of that left, in fact).

I had a poster for Kirin Ichiban beer on my bathroom door at Colonial. I've never had the beer, I just thought it was cool to have a beerposter in my room. :P

I downloaded hundreds of gigabytes of music, movies and anime - some of which I distributed to others. I gave copies (legal and otherwise)of CDs to girls, some of whom were staff. I invited friends over (ignoring curfew) to watch movies in my room - regardless of the annoying house leaders who would peek in to find out what was going on.

As I approached the 9-month mark, I began to blatantly ignore curfew,and after the one-year mark, I would deliberately stay out for several hours PAST curfew, just on the principle of the thing.

My house leader once got on to me for staying out so late and not telling me where I was, and I lectured him for about 20 minutes about how unscriptural what he was asking me to do was. I told him that he needed to have more faith in God. That God tells us not to worry, and that (since he had told his mom that he was worried about me) we were to not talk to others about the issues we had with other people until we had brought them before the other person. A friend came to me afterwards and complimented me on a job well done. Apparently I had - again, using scripture - made him out to be an extremely bad person with no understanding of God or Christianity. I was pleased, to say the least. I feel compelled to finish the story with my regret, which is that to date, I have never managed to get along with him, and I can no longer with a clear concience state that I have no enemies.

I went out to dinner and a movie several times with some girls who were at HQ, and have done so several times (with different girls) since leaving. I don't know that I'd call them dates though, more like mutually agreeable rule breaking rather than anything having to do with romance. *grin*

I saw my first concert while living at HQ, a heavy metal band called Nightwish.

Speaking of heavy metal, before I got my new stereo system in my car I was driving down from Heritage towards the Staff Center right aroundcurfew on a weeknight, listening to a black metal band called Dimmu Borgir (if anyone cares, I think the song was "Progenies of the Great Apocalypse" from their latest album, Death Cult Armageddon). I was there because I was supposed to meet a girl for a few minutes, and Isaw a group of girls ahead that looked like it included her. I turned the music down a bit, rolled my window down, and pulled up besidethem. And none of the girls was the one I was expecting. I hastily spun the volume knob all the way down and had a casual chat aboutnothing with one of them, and then drove on. I don't think they ever knew. :P

I once, in an interim phase at 12 Pine during the Christmas holiday, used a friend's 100-watt-per-channel stereo system with my Sony 120watt floor speakers to rattle the ENTIRE house with Blind Guardian ("Under the Ice" and "Battlefield" were the songs played)... And thenone of the other members of the house came out of his room and mentioned how loud they were getting over at the tennis court. I think he knew - no one is THAT dumb, but I never got in trouble for it.

If anyone knows any secrets about me (from the leadership's perspective or otherwise), I'd like to know them, if they don't mindsharing. I seem to have lead a charmed life during my stay, never getting in trouble for things that lots of other people did, eventhough I KNOW the leadership knew a lot of what I did. Mr. Wait, in fact, NEVER lectured me on my SUPREMELY MESSY room, eventhough he came down like the wrath of God on my former houseleader and housemate - and my room was messier than theirs EVER was.

- s e m i r r a h g e -

New slogan for the Advanced Seminar?

2005-10-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

Yeah, it's a repost...

Bono an IBLP alumnus?

2005-10-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

from the interview...

How big an influence is the Bible on your songwriting? How much do you draw on its imagery, its ideas?

I don't read it as a historical book. I don't read it as, "Well, that's good advice." I let it speak to me in other ways. They call it the rhema. It's a hard word to translate from Greek, but it sort of means it changes in the moment you're in. It seems to do that for me.

Word verification

2005-10-21T19:01:00.000-07:00

We seem to have attracted an active spammer audience. Word verification is now on.

Top 10 X-ATI Rock Anthems

2005-10-21T00:48:00.000-07:00

10. Re-Arranged, Limp Bizkit

9. I Hate Myself for Loving You, Joan Jett

8. One Step Closer, Linkin Park

7. Maggie's Farm, Rage Against the Machine

6. We are the Champions, Queen

5. Bullet with Butterfly Wings, Smashing Pumpkins

4. Bleeding Me, Metallica

3. Acrobat, U2

2. Hurt, Nine Inch Nails

1. The Unforgiven, Metallica

True Confessions, Part I

2005-10-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

We hardly anticipated the flood of e-mail when we asked for your best rule-breaking story. From quite shocking to relatively benign...my, but a lot of rebels worked for the Institute. It seems a number of you quite actively lowered "the Standard."

Here's the first installment.

====================

I had a camera at a Counseling Seminar at HQ in '89 - '90...back when it was ATIA...during a break I was trying to take a picture of the girl I had met there as a remembrance while we were on a break one day...she was vain and didn't want me to snap it...the perfect ATIA type...long blond hair, thin...my brother was with me and took the camera to snap the picture. "They" pulled him aside and said he should not be taking pictures of girls...needless to say I never got the picture...

-Anonymous

====================

When my father (and consequently, my entire family) was on staff at the Indianapolis Training Center about 10 years ago, I committed a dire deed that was eventually discovered. My sister and I were very involved in a certain local church and its activities. Our involvement was met by deep suspicion among the other staff members at ITC. My sister and I were often closely questioned regarding exactly what WENT ON at youth group and during youth fellowship times. No one seemed to understand just why we attended these dubious events, or why we wanted to be involved in something so questionably moral as church.

One particular youth activity (involving ice skating) required the girls to wear pants or jeans. This was to avoid the immodesty that might result from an unexpected fall and skirts flying in the air. What was a Training Center girl to do? Desiring to be a part of the youth activity, and yet not knowing how to depart from the Training Center in jeans, I came up with a clever plan. Soon the front desk staff saw me leave in a full, modest skirt to attend my worldly youth activity. Little did they know that as soon as I closed my car door, that said skirt was quickly removed to reveal (HORRORS!) a pair of defrauding, sinful, carnal JEANS!

I was very pleased with myself until I reached the bus that was to take the youth group to the skating rink. There, to my horror, stood ANOTHER ATI GIRL FROM THE TRAINING CENTER. (She was able to attend since her parents lived in town and she was home for the weekend.) And SHE was not so carnally clad. SHE had not sunk to the depths of deception that I had. Indeed, SHE was clad in a long, flowing SKIRT, that hid not deceitful jeans.

SHE ignored me the entire time, choosing to stay close to her equally snobby sister. I prayed and hoped that she would keep her mouth shut at the ITC as much as she did to me during that horrible youth activity.

No such luck. The very next day at the Training Center was second to the Spanish Inquisition for me. My parents were informed and berated for my rebellion. I was counseled by several young girls (most of them around the age of 14) regarding my worldliness. Meanwhile, SHE settled in to bask in the new-found glow of favor that all tattlers and spies receive at any ATI establishment. I, on the other hand, drifted into the darkness of disfavor.

-Anonymous

====================

I spent the school year of 1994-5 teaching English in a Moscow public school. All of the English teachers that year were male, except two. The next year was the first year that girls were allowed to teach on equal footing with the guys.

This was all well and good, but what really ticked me off was that that year, all English teachers had to sit through a course by a girl who had never taught in Moscow. Even those who had more experience than me had to attend the course. The biggest problem in my school, which was a special-English school and most of the 6-7th graders spoke English moderately well, was discipline. Not once did the course cover this. We spent most of the time covering how to teach really simple stuff.

After a few weeks of this, I decided to have my revenge. We were assigned "demo lessons" to do, which would be recorded on video. My roommate and I planned to make a joke of it. My roommate was assigned to teach "greetings". He would call on several of the other members of the class and practice a short dialog with them. Each time I would raise my hand and frantically wave it to be the volunteer. When he finally called on me, it went something like this:

Roommate: Hello, Robert. Shake. (Hand extended.)
Me: (Both hands in front, shaking vigorously without touching him.)
Roommate: Uh... no. Wave. (Waving.)
Me: (Hands on knees, then thrown up into the air in sport-stadium wave.)
Roommate: No, WAVE.
Me: (Doing Michael Jackson, break dance-type wave.)
Roommate: No. Sit down, Robert.

The class was laughing so hard they were crying.

A few months later, the video department edited the video into a special "English teachers video" with excerpts from a promotional video of George Mattix talking about the juvenile delinquent program at the MTC.

Mr. Mattix: These kids come to us with all sorts of... problems.
Me: (Doing the wave in slo-mo.)

A long time after, people would come up to me at the MTC and say, "Robert, wave!"

There was also the time when some Russian students would stay too late in rooms with their classmate (same gender) talking, while others were trying to work or sleep. Therefore, the rule was passed down in true Institute form that NO ONE was allowed to go to ANY room that was not theirs. Therefore, we were cut off from almost any free time fellowship with anyone outside our room except for meals. The very night we heard about it, several of us guys grabbed some spare mattresses, piled them in the hall and lay around, chatting. We weren't in anyone's room, but no one could make it down the hall. The rule lasted less than a week.

-Anonymous

====================

My roommate at EXCEL and I would often play Dutch Blitz together after "Lights Out" - we just pulled our thick drapes closed, put a towel against the bottom of the door, taped a card over the peephole that the team leaders looked through to see whether our lights were indeed out, and played together to our hearts' content. The door across the hallway was too small for the doorframe - the gap from the floor alone was two inches - and my roomie and I often felt sorry for the girls across the hall, who could never have gotten away with such mischief.

Most daring was the operation carried out in our last week at the training center, when my roommate looked out and saw an unopened can of Pepsi on the windowsill a floor below us. She created a "fishing line" of sorts out of a paperclip and a length of string and "snagged" the can (the occupants of the room below may have helped). After that, we and our one-floor-down neighbors began to exchange notes via this fishing line, feeling extra daring because "the Brandons" were just one floor below them. I've been out of ATI circles for so long, I can't remember who the Brandons were, just that they were Important People.

-Anonymous

====================

Inappropriate posters.

-Jeff

What's your story?

2005-10-06T02:28:00.000-07:00

We all broke rules at Headquarters and the training centers. What's your personal best? E-mail your stories here.

We're not talking about immoral or criminal behavior -- no. But of all the asinine rules created by IBLP powermongers, most could be ignored without moral consequence.

Warning: please specify whether we can republish your story (anonymously, of course) on this blog.

Indy's thriving black market

2005-10-06T02:05:00.000-07:00

INDIANAPOLIS -- ITC officials were dismayed to discover recently that several ATI students had set up a black market and had successfully operated it for years. A Russian orphan, whose pickpocketing skills were well-honed, worked on the kitchen staff cleaning up after meals. Recognizing a capitalistic opportunity, each day he would filch delicacies from the ITC kitchen. Recruiting a partner, the two ran a healthy "Robin Hood" business with many of the ITC male residents, making the exchanges outside the multi-mirrored Cosmetology class (secrecy guaranteed by several well-placed bribes).

Students traded practically anything in exchange for food, from newspapers (particularly the Arts and Entertainment section), to valuable information on possible dangers from loyalist (rat fink) students. Young men in the Life-Focus program, often encouraged to practice "voluntary" fasting, were a major source of business.

The group pulled off its most daring stunt by stealing Mr. Gothard's birthday cake the night before the training center threw a party in his honor. Pieces of the cake were auctioned off in exchange for a TV monitor, VCR, and several DVDs (including Sixteen Candles and Fight Club).

When the ITC leadership realized food was disappearing, they engaged in frantic witchhunts to track down the thieves, which gave the black marketeers an opportunity to knock off several annoying brownnosers in a matter of weeks. The Robin Hood ring was careful to avoid direct wrongdoing, rather arranging for character assassinations in exchange for a tin of brownies or a stray bowl of ice cream. One troublesome young fellow, fond of reporting rule infractions to the leadership, was sent home after an Oprah magazine was "discovered" in his backpack. Another was accused of defrauding a young lady with his roving eyes.

The black market operated gleefully for several years before key members moved on to new opportunities. Not willing to allow his legacy to die out, one of the originals anonymously mailed a "confession" to the ITC.

Character Inn to be sold?

2005-09-23T18:02:00.000-07:00

News stories here and here.

Apparently hotels with character standards are not profitable.

ALERT men wimp out

2005-08-30T00:50:00.000-07:00

SOMEWHERE, Texas - Homeschoolers often note the ubiquitous presence of ALERT men at homeschool conferences, particularly in the vicinity of attractive young women.

During a recent homeschool conference in Somewhere, Texas, however, parents were grieved to witness a shocking display of cowardice. On the second day of the convention, a number of protesters broke past security and began demonstrating in the exhibit hall. The protestors accosted attendees and generally acted in a rude and threatening manner.

A homeschool mother, recalling that ALERT training develops the discipline, character, and skills necessary to prepare men to meet the needs of people in crisis, decided to call upon ALERT men for help. Repeated calls on the walkie-talkie, however, were never responded to by the ALERT men.

"Just think of it," said the homeschool mother. "When the protestors were insulting the virtue of our daughters and attacking our homeschool values, the ALERT para-military boys were hiding!"

This mother and several others had no choice but to act as a human shield to bar the protestors admission to the conference. After engaging in a Red-Rover-type struggle for half an hour, the homeschool mothers finally threw back the protestors.

Soon afterward several ALERT men appeared on the scene, only to be scolded and berated by several irate conference attendees. "The actors in Mel Gibson's movie The Patriot are better trained than you!" said one mother.

ALERT men were seen beating a hasty retreat.

Character Week

2005-08-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

The Institute of Basic Life Principles recently announced that, having discovered that the days of the week are named after pagan gods, it plans to re-name each day for a character quality.

"We were shocked to realize Christians have been using a worldly system of days," said an Institute staffer. "For example, Thursday was named for Thor, the Norse God of Thunder!"

"God has called mature Christians to live above the standards of the world," said Bill Gothard.

The Institute will also recall all previously-sold IBLP Character Calendars and will issue new calendars with Institute-approved days of the week, for a small fee.

X-ATI Guy obtained a draft proposal of the new days of the week, listed below.

~~Sunday~~ Self-Control Day
~~Monday~~ Meekness Day
~~Tuesday~~ Thoroughness Day
~~Wednesday~~ Wisdom Day
~~Thursday~~ Thriftiness Day
~~Friday~~ Flexibility Day
~~Saturday~~ Sincerity Day

ATIA's Patron Saint

2005-08-09T21:31:00.000-07:00

The Advanced Training Institute International recently announced that it will start the canonization process for the 102 families who originally joined the home education program formerly known as ATIA.

The Institute decided to nominate ATI's pilot families for sainthood after recognizing the need for modern Heroes of Faith. "These courageous parents and obedient children have raised a standard for thousands of ATI students and parents," said an ATI spokesman. "It is time to honor their character by making them saints."

Families applying for sainthood must meet the following criteria:

Fathers who faithfully lead the family in Wisdom Searches.
Mothers who have discovered the secrets of child raising.
No rebellious children in the family. College-age children must have returned home when the family joined ATIA.
Children who can sing in harmony and recite Scripture with hand motions.
Must have attended every annual ATIA conference (Oklahoma City, Indianapolis, Knoxville, Regional Seminars).
A home that is free of the sensual influences of worldly books, rock music, and television.
Must have performed at least three documented instances of mighty deeds.

No stumbling in heaven

2005-07-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

OAK BROOK, Illinois - Capitalizing on an "exciting new option for Christians with a higher calling," the Institute in Basic Life Principles has begun selling reservations to Heaven's Weaker Brother section, where sensitive Christians will be spared the drinking, loud music, dancing, or other charismatic expressions of praise at Heaven's wedding feast.

Weaker Brother admissions are costly, admitted Bill Gothard, founder and president of IBLP, but he pointed out the parable of the treasure hidden in a field. "This man sold all he had for joy over the treasure."

Gothard is scheduling a meeting of ATI families in the Weaker Brother section. "Just imagine the heavenly choice of mighty young men and women singing 'It Will be Worth It All,'" he said.

IBLP families immediately responded with joy. "This is just what we need," said one ATI mother. "I was so concerned about the peer pressure my children would face from carnal Christians in heaven."

Bill Gothard agreed. "Godly families that have raised a higher standard should not be forced to compromise their beliefs in order to reside in heaven," he said.

Miss Modesty: an assortment

2005-07-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Miss Modesty,

At church, I've had some people tell me that there are some things wrong with ATI. One girl even showed me some Scripture passages. (I had trouble paying attention through the whole thing because it was really long. I appreciate the way Mr. Gothard just uses one or two verses to back up his points.) How do I deal with these attacks?

Standing Alone

Dear Standing,

When several different people repeat the same doubts about ATI ,and when they bring out Scripture to support their arguments, you can be sure that it is time for your family to find a new church. If there is no acceptable church in your area, then I recommend you find new friends who will edify you in the faith, not tear it down.

-- Miss Modesty

Dear Miss Modesty,

I find that many of the contemporary praise songs really minister to me. Our church has only a piano, so there is no backbeat. Is it okay to like these songs?

Careful Worshiper

Dear Careful,

There are many songs which may be played without a backbeat, and have a form of godliness about their lyrics. But remember that these "borderline" songs breach the wall which protects churches from the spiraling pit of "Christian" rock. So even if they are not evil in and of themselves, it is best to avoid them because of where they could lead.

-- Miss Modesty

Dear Miss Modesty,

I understand that being under authority is the most important way a Christian can live. But I'm puzzled as to who Mr. Gothard's authorities are. He personally encouraged my dad to stay in our church and be under the authority of our pastor, even though our pastor's preaching isn't very solid. Does Mr. Gothard have a local church and pastor in authority over him?

Curious

Dear Curious,

Your letter reveals a lack of self-control, that you cannot restrain your curiosity about others' private affairs. It also reveals a lack of discretion, that you would ask impertinent questions about your authorities. I am skeptical that your parents are aware that you wrote this letter.

-- Miss Modesty

~Mairzy

IBLP Beauty Products

2005-07-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

Eye Bright for young ladies.

Dear Miss Modesty

2005-07-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Miss Modesty,

I've seen your past letters and am very impressed with your ability to discern the heart of a problem even when hearing only one side of the story, in very few words, from someone you've never met. I hope you can help me.

For the past five months, I've been courted by a young man of excellent and Godly character. I'll call him "Joel." My parents approve of him highly. Since Joel lives across the country, we haven't been in one another's company very much, but when he visits, we discuss our weaknesses and expectations. I've grown to enjoy his letters to me, which we read as a family after supper.

A week ago, Joel and my dad discerned that the time had come to initiate the steps toward marriage. He proposed to me on my birthday, surrounded by my family, and I accepted his offer with gratitude. But one thing went wrong, and that's why I'm writing to you.

When I said "surrounded by my family," I unfortunately cannot include my father. Being an ER doctor, my father was called to the hospital only ten minutes before Joel planned to propose. Because Joel was already wrapped up in the big box that my brothers delivered to my feet, he decided to go ahead with the proposal without my father there.

This decision was a wrong choice, it turns out. My father was very displeased to find us engaged. Joel explained that he assumed he had my father's blessing already. But my father says that I am still under his authority, and that the engagement is not valid since he was not present. My mother pointed out that our selfishness robbed my father of the great blessing of seeing his daughter become engaged. Right now, Joel is still in town but can't come to see me unless he admits that we are not engaged; and possibly allowing bitterness to take root, Joel hasn't submitted yet.

So now I'm confused. I don't know if I'm engaged or not, so I don't know whether I'm able to fall in love with Joel yet. Please help me!

Sincerely,
Unengaged?

Dear Unengaged,

From your letter, I am tempted to think that your father may have overstated his case. Many Godly marriages began between the couple in private, and are perfectly valid. However, it is not your place -- or Joel's -- to correct your father. Leave that to God!

You did not mention whether you attempted an appeal to your father. If your appeal is rejected, you can accept it joyfully as an important lesson about submission before you get married. Another blessing you gain is the opportunity to suggest a creative alternative. Have you considered re-gathering the family, possibly after your father's favorite dinner, and letting Joel re-propose?

If Joel refuses to accept this solution, perhaps God is indicating that Joel is not His best for you, but merely a decoy of Satan's to bring you to ruin. By staying under your parents' authority, you can be protected from this possible danger. Until then, by no means should you commit "emotional adultery" and give your heart to this young man.

-- Miss Modesty

Why not just use eBay?

2005-07-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

More valuable than the Virgin Mary on a grilled cheese sandwich: Mr. Gothard's car.

There appears to be some rust damage at the bottom of the driver-side door, but otherwise in good condition. Send your bids (but please no critical comments) to Ken Pierpont.

UPDATE: Ken Pierpont does not appreciate the free advertising we've provided, and blocked the picture of the Gothard Mobile. We anticipated this and uploaded a copy.

Pray for ATI

2005-07-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

Let us all cry out for the ATI students who have fallen prey to the Stronghold of Education. Does no one listen to Inge Cannon anymore? We all know that college degrees are worthless.

McIBLP

2005-07-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

OAK BROOK, Illinois - IBLP recently announced a merger between the ATI homeschooling program and McDonalds. "It was simply the next step of integrating the Character First! training in the workplace. We are taking it to a whole new level," said IBLP and ATI founder Bill Gothard.

Noting the similarities between the Wisdom Booklets and the ever popular McD's menu, Mr. Gothard recently shared marvelous insights he gained while doing a McNugget-and-BBQ-sauce-only fast. "I was ordering breakfast when I noticed that there are exactly 49 items on the menu. I was so excited I forgot to get my soda!" He and his staff worked late for three days and found that each item corresponds with a character quality and a Command Of Christ. They are sending out the first two in the monthly Basic Care bulletins and the rest will be available in book form by the next Training Conference at Big Sandy. ATI families are encouraged to eat only McDonalds food and to share it at their local church potlucks.

Critics noted concern about the empty calories and possible health problems from eating so much junk, authorities responded that the menu includes balanced meals for all ages and the food is made under strict health department rules and FDA approval. "These are proven life-changing foods that have proven effective for feeding Russian orphans and LITs and have found their way into schools and workplaces all over the world," stated an IBLP McCharacter publication. "The seven basic Value Meals can fill anyone's hunger if eaten on a regular basis."

Ivan Benhad, a new ATI father from California noted; "We met this family in our local church whose children had such bright countenances that we couldn't help notice the ketchup on their faces and we found out they were in this program based on universal, non-optional principles. My wife encouraged me to apply, and after she prayed about it we told the children that there were going to be some major changes in our home. We threw out the TV and the fridge."

We contacted local McDonalds and asked about any immediate changes we should look for other than the obvious new color schemes. An employee in St. Louis, Missouri informed a journalist that Happy Meals will now contain figures of animals that show character. He admitted to marketing concerns, however: "They won't be as popular as Spider-Man if you ask me."

An inside source from an unnamed TC in Indianapolis spoke on condition of anonymity."This news has been met with mixed feelings. First of all, it has been a major shock because we hear of opportunities like this at least twice a month and this has been the first success since the Character Inn. Most of the staff have been glad to resolve the stronghold that nutrition had on their lives and change their diet to the powerful flavor found in cheeseburgers. Personally, I don't care. At least McDonalds employees earn minimum wage."

~Matthew Sesser

The universal principle of spiritual damage

2005-07-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

Contrary to the first basic principle of design, we are not entirely unique. True, my gifts and talents are different from yours, your personality is different from his, and his reactions are different from hers. But in one area we're all alike: everybody, but everybody, has suffered spiritual damage.

Those of us leaving the ATI system find healing by (ATI buzzwords here) identifying and rejecting wrong ideas. What we forget, in our zeal to throw off shackles and reach for God, is that if ATI weren't in the picture, we'd still be throwing off shackles. If our parents hadn't found ATI, we'd have come out of church with wrong ideas about God. If not from the church, then society. If not from society, then from our own fallen minds. Spiritual damage is not the exclusive merchandise of IBLP/ATI. It's simply the human condition.

Some of us did indeed incur damage from the Institute. Others found that the teachings covered over and festered existing wounds. Hold Bill Gothard and IBLP responsible for the teachings and attitudes that clouded your view of God. But focus foremost on our real enemies: Satan and sin.

These twin enemies wreak devastation in every soul, regardless of system or religion or personal experience. We Xers don't wear a badge because we were hurt and are now speaking out against it. Our badge is our testimony to Christ's power, as He took our sin-battered souls and lifted us up to Him. That message is what makes us unique. Use it with power.

~Mairzy

ATI's newest reality television show

2005-06-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

Who wants to have 16 children?

Fruit of the womb activism

2005-06-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

Adam Davis, an ATI father, describes himself as the Robin Hood of Genesis 1:28. Several years ago, while meditating upon this verse, he experienced a startling rhema. "I realized that I, in my own strength, could never fulfill God's call to populate the earth," he said. "The twelve children my wife and I have are only the first step."

Davis decided to take drastic action. After crying out for wisdom, he began visiting grocery and drug stores and covertly poking a pin through the condoms on display. In the last three years he has personally compromised over 10,000 prophylactics. Davis says he is filled with an "indescribable joy" when he contemplates the number of births he has caused. "I think of them as my spiritual children," he says. His dream is to one day bring a group of these young people to sing at the annual ATI Regional Conference in Big Sandy, Texas.

Davis focuses his activism on centers of worship. "It's tragic how many Christians refuse to accept God's command to fill the earth. I try to target stores with a high percentage of Christian customers. Sometimes I'll sit across the street and watch folks pick up their Trojans from the CVS drive-thru on their way home from church," he laughs.

Public health officials in Davis' home town say that the birthrate has quadrupled in the last three years. "It must be something in the water," said one.

New IBLP Product?

2005-06-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

Maybe.

ATI E-mail Update

2005-05-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

ATI e-mail update forwarded to me.

=========================================

Dear ATI Families,

We would like to thank you all for your prayers for the Big Sandy Training Conference. We have been hearing many reports of how families were impacted by the powerful messages that were shared. The conference speakers were outstanding! Several seasoned ATI parents presented keys on how to raise children who will remain faithful to the Lord. Dr. Gothard spoke on the rewards of memorizing and meditating on Scripture, and included presentations by individuals who have memorized large portions of Scripture. Testimonies were shared by several individuals who have experienced severe trials, and have seen God's faithfulness in the midst of tragedy. All families were welcome to join in the First Year Family training which was presented by Dr. Gothard and Phil and Diane Bowman. The sessions were very practical and inspiring for families with children of all ages. (For a review of the Big Sandy Conference, please visit www.ati.iblp.org/events/trainingconferences/gallery05/.)

Plan now to attend one of the 2005 Regional Training Conferences! There is still time for your family to experience the inspiration, fellowship, and refreshment of a Regional Training Conference. Join us at one of the following conferences:

May 31-June 3, 2005 in Nashville, Tennessee
July 5-8, 2005 in Sacramento, California
August 9-12, 2005 in Indianapolis, Indiana

For more conference information visit the website shown above.

As we prepare for the Nashville Training Conference, we would appreciate your continued prayer support. Please consider the requests below as the Lord brings them to mind.

In Christ,
George Vogrin
ATI Director

Wednesday, May 25
Please pray that the city of Nashville and surrounding areas will be protected from evil influences, and that the conference will benefit those in the community. Pray also that the weather next week best accomplishes the needs of the attendees.

Thursday, May 26
The publications team at Headquarters is preparing many of the resources that will be offered to the families. Please pray for wisdom, efficiency, and safety as they prepare and transport these materials. Pray that vehicles and equipment will function well, and that these resources will have a lasting impact in the hearts and homes of those who use them.

Friday, May 27
Please pray for Dr. Gothard as he prepares for the conference. Pray that each attendee will be encouraged with a special message from the Lord that will impact their future decisions.

Saturday, May 28
A major topic for the Nashville Conference is using our kingdom authority in Christ to disable Satan's work. Obviously, Satan is trying to stop this message however he can. Please ask the Lord to do something great in each life and protect the people, facilities, and equipment from interference.

Sunday, May 29
Please pray for safety, encouragement, and strength for the ATI staff as they plan, and for the Nashville Training Center staff as they finish preparing their facility. In the midst of final preparations, pray that each person will honor the Lord's Day as He directs them.

Monday, May 30
Please pray for the staff traveling to Tennessee today, and for all equipment to work as the video team preserves the messages given this week for future use. Pray that hearts would be cleansed for the Lord to work freely.

Tuesday, May 31
As families travel to Nashville today, please pray for safety, family harmony, and circumstances that will prepare everyone for a good week. Pray also for the staff as they coordinate last-minute details. As the sessions begin tonight, pray that the Lord will work in each heart in a powerful way.

Wednesday, June 1
Today's sessions address marriage harmony, hearing a child's heart, Scriptural foundations for education, and conquering fears. As ALERT Cadet, Pre-EXCEL, COMMIT, Children's Institute and WINGS programs begin today, pray that team leaders will have wisdom and sensitivity to work with challenges that arise, and that each child will benefit from this week.

Thursday, June 2
Today, please pray that the Lord will use the messages of Dr. Karl Coke, Dewey Novotny, and George Keller to bring about world-changing results. Pray also for the musicians who are ministering throughout the week, and for mothers who have young children with them.

Friday, June 3
On this last morning of the conference, pray for continued strength for each family. Please pray for Dr. Gothard and others as they present insights today on showing love to offenders, meditating on Scripture, and using kingdom authority. As the student choir sings tonight and the conference concludes, pray the Holy Spirit will prompt total surrender in each heart and that relationships will be restored.

Saturday, June 4
Praise the Lord for His blessing on the week! As the families and staff return home, pray for safe travel, time to reflect on lessons learned, and that God will be glorified in new and greater ways through each life!

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I am Jack's Ripped Spirituality

2005-05-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

There's a scene in the nihilistic movie Fight Club where Jack (Edward Norton) nudges his friend Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) and gestures toward a Calvin Klein advertisement featuring a buff, bare-chested underwear model. "Is that how a man looks?" asks Jack. "Self-improvement is masturbation," Tyler retorts.

I feel that way about spiritual discipline sometimes. Growing up in ATIA, where one's maturity was measured by the number of disciplines he practiced, I have a respectable resume of spiritual self-improvement. For years, I rose early in the morning to pray and read Scripture. I've memorized whole chapters and a few short books of the Bible, and read biographies of great Christians. I kept a journal full of insights and rhemas. I tithed regularly. And this was all during my teenage years.

I was not alone -- I was joined by a company of other dedicated young people, all improving our spiritual fitness, increasing our stamina, and occasionally flexing to compare our spiritual muscles.

Our chief model and example, of course, was Mr. Spiritual Universe himself: Bill Gothard. He's rumored to have memorized the entire Bible (in at least three different versions), he fasts, he gets up at 4:00 a.m. to pray...and then there's the whole 70 years of celibacy.

But somewhere in the drive to increase my spiritual discipline, I lost focus of the true goal: a relationship with Christ. My disciplines, however well-intended, became an end in themselves. Whenever I sinned (which happened regularly enough), I would try to compensate by increasing my level of discipline. Somehow it seemed to make up for my unworthiness.

Self discipline is an essential part of the Christian life, but it is not a replacement for holiness. If I gauge my spiritual value by how disciplined I am, it will inevitably lead to pride and independence. In that respect, spiritual improvement is a self-satisfying act and a destroyer of intimacy with Christ.

These days I'm not quite the spiritual superman that I once was. But it's okay. I'd rather just be a follower of Jesus.