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Diane Irwin's avatar

I never heard of Bill Gothard , I looked him up. Very cult like . Just follow his rules . Oh my , so sorry for all that followed his rules. Love you Tammy

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Tammy Holbrook Cupp's avatar

Love you very much.

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Nina Law's avatar

I never liked the Gothard movement. They brought it into our church and I Remember my Mom trying to take away my music because it had a beat. I still listened to my music. She eventually gave up trying to get me to stop listening. She really couldn’t forbid it because Dad listened to country. I’ve always said that movement done more to destroy marriages, endanger women and children than any other movement of our lifetime. Women felt like they had no choice. Nevermind the fact that the Bible tells the husband to love his wife as he loves himself. They kind of forget that. It was more about following rules than the Grace of God. It was void of compassion and love.

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Tammy Holbrook Cupp's avatar

You're right, Nina. Thank you for sharing. Legalism destroys. Grace saves.

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Jody Mills Hanet's avatar

Growing up in a Southern Baptist Church community in the late ‘70’s left me bewildered and full of shame. I remember the Gothard movement and how I was subjected to its teachings during my teen years, although my parents disagreed with many of his theories. This caused so much confusion in my life as my teachers, youth ministers & peers shamed me into questioning my parents beliefs. Your story is so powerful and I appreciate you even more each time you share a chapter! ❤️🙏

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Tammy Holbrook Cupp's avatar

Jody, I'm sorry that you had these experiences. Your use of the words "shame" and "bewildered" are accurate descriptors. Thank you for the encouragement to share my story, which unfortunately resonates with many. Hugs.

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Fran Atkins's avatar

Oh my goodness, how true this is! The abuse!!

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Fran Atkins's avatar

I love you my precious, precious friend 🧡

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Brenda Pippin's avatar

I had never heard of Bill Gothard or his "teachings". I often struggled with religion as a child. My parents didn't go to church and by the time they placed me in TCCA, I had went to every denominational church there was trying to find my place in life. I certainly didn't have the same beliefs that the school was teaching nor did I have the same beliefs that the UPC church that I was attending. They each showed biblical scriptures to "support" what they were saying but as I read, it wasn't always matching up the same. It wasn't until I was older that I found my own personal relationship with God to be what I needed. I attend church. I love the pastor, his wife and the congregation but for me, reading my Bible and my own prayer life is more important than any organized religion.

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Michaelle Hall's avatar

I've read many articles and watched documentaries about Bill Gothard. Simply put, he used his position of power for access to young, timid and naive teenage girls. Because of his teachings and the brainwashing of their parents, he KNEW that these girls would stay silent about the abuse. That is, until they grew up and realized with horror what he had did. Not a day spent in prison for his crimes. He is a creep.

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