Changes

The book is a critical analysis of Gothard and his teachings which he publicized through his [[Institute in Basic Life Principles]] (IBLP), a (then) Illinois-based Christian organization known for its highly ultra-conservative and legalistic interpretations of the Bible and how Christians should live (to the point where IBLP has been called "cult-like", as it does not deny any of the historical tenets of Christianity).<ref>IBLP later relocated to a site outside of [[Big Sandy, Texas]], which was once the home of Ambassador College, operated by the [[Worldwide Church of God]] cult.  It previously had a vanity Post Office Box, "Box One" in [[Oak Brook, Illinois]] and some operations in that area, but later ceased all operations in the Chicago area where the organization was founded.</ref>

The book is a critical analysis of Gothard and his teachings which he publicized through his [[Institute in Basic Life Principles]] (IBLP), a (then) Illinois-based Christian organization known for its highly ultra-conservative and legalistic interpretations of the Bible and how Christians should live (to the point where IBLP has been called "cult-like", as it does not deny any of the historical tenets of Christianity).<ref>IBLP later relocated to a site outside of [[Big Sandy, Texas]], which was once the home of Ambassador College, operated by the [[Worldwide Church of God]] cult.  It previously had a vanity Post Office Box, "Box One" in [[Oak Brook, Illinois]] and some operations in that area, but later ceased all operations in the Chicago area where the organization was founded.</ref>

The Prologue begins with notable religious movements within American Christianity (both genuine and heretical) and its impacts on society at large, leading ultimately to the anti-intellectualism of what would be called [[Fundamentalism]] in opposition to the rise of liberal Christianity and the 1960's anti-authoritarian movements.  It then mentions Gothard's upbringing and his earning of both a B.A. and M.A. from [[Wheaton College]], his termination from a ministerial position after "confessing to spiritual pride" and the harsh treatment he received, his entry into youth ministry which ultimately led to the founding of what was then called '''Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts''' (ultimately changing its name later) and its unlikely success in the turmoil of the 1970's where Gothard (dressed in a conservative dark suit) would preach what appeared to be standard Christian doctrine: follow Biblical principles in making decisions and obey authority figures God has ordained.

The Prologue begins with notable religious movements within American Christianity (both genuine and heretical) and its impacts on society at large, leading ultimately to the anti-intellectualism of what would be called [[Fundamentalism]] in opposition to the rise of liberal Christianity and the 1960s anti-authoritarian movements.  It then mentions Gothard's upbringing and his earning of both a B.A. and M.A. from [[Wheaton College]], his termination from a ministerial position after "confessing to spiritual pride" and the harsh treatment he received, his entry into youth ministry which ultimately led to the founding of what was then called '''Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts''' (ultimately changing its name later) and its unlikely success in the turmoil of the 1970s where Gothard (dressed in a conservative dark suit) would preach what appeared to be standard Christian doctrine: follow Biblical principles in making decisions and obey authority figures God has ordained.

But while IBLP was growing in popularity (and financial success), behind the scenes Gothard was showing signs of the same "spiritual pride" that cost him his first job.  The book then accounts for the 1980 scandal involving Gothard's brother, Steve (accused of sexual misconduct; he was one of roughly 15 people -- including Bill -- credibly accused of such) and the ensuing attempts by Bill at cover-up, which ultimately led to Gothard resigning from IBLP in July 1980 (only to, within weeks, regain his position, terminate much of the staff which he believed was behind his removal and reorganize IBLP to where he would never have to fall under the "authority" which he taught to his followers).

But while IBLP was growing in popularity (and financial success), behind the scenes Gothard was showing signs of the same "spiritual pride" that cost him his first job.  The book then accounts for the 1980 scandal involving Gothard's brother, Steve (accused of sexual misconduct; he was one of roughly 15 people -- including Bill -- credibly accused of such) and the ensuing attempts by Bill at cover-up, which ultimately led to Gothard resigning from IBLP in July 1980 (only to, within weeks, regain his position, terminate much of the staff which he believed was behind his removal and reorganize IBLP to where he would never have to fall under the "authority" which he taught to his followers).