A Matter of Basic Principles (book)

A Matter of Basic Principles: Bill Gothard and the Christian Life is a 2002 Christian apologetics book written by Don and Joy Veinot and Ron Henzel, all affiliated with the Christian apologetics ministry Midwest Christian Outreach (MCO; the Veinots are the founders, Henzel the senior researcher). It was published by 21st Century Press.

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).

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, leading to the unlikely rise of Gothard. 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, and 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.

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 at cover-up, which ultimately led to Gothard resigning from IBLP in July 1980 (only to, within weeks, regain his position and reorganize IBLP to where he would never have to fall under the "authority" which he taught to his followers).

Later, the book accounts numerous attempts to confront Gothard over his teachings and actions (by both MCO and others) and his constant obfuscations, half-truths, and stonewalling in the process, along with critical assessments of both teachings (including his now-discontinued Medical Training Institute of America, which could only be described as "alternate medicine" at best and outright quackery at worst, and his views on courtship, which the Duggar family -- IBLP's most notable followers, and stars of a reality TV show featuring their lifes) and events (such as the disastrous construction of a facility in the Arkansas Ozarks, which contained numerous building hazards and -- contrary to Gothard's teaching to "follow authority" -- failed to follow applicable building codes, and his continued stonewalling and obfuscations in dealing with the problems, leading the property owners to terminate their lease).

The book has not been updated and does not cover later events, such as Gothard and IBLP being sued by prior IBLP volunteers for sexual harassment (the suit was later dropped, but ultimately led to Gothard again resigning from IBLP; the board later determined that although Gothard did not commit any criminal activity, his actions permanently disqualified him from returning to the organization).