tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post3259382612960950323..comments2024-02-16T19:07:42.535-08:00Comments on Darcy's Heart-Stirrings: Letter to a Family Considering Joining ATI (Guest Post)Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03702441292981376229noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-26859798453777845432016-03-12T09:34:33.671-08:002016-03-12T09:34:33.671-08:00This letter paints the picture of the highly defun...This letter paints the picture of the highly defunct situations created by Bill Gothard's teaching. That grace is defined as the power to do God's will, rather than His unmerited favor, is the hinge-point of Gothard-syndrome. God bless you, Robin, for applying your 1st-hand experience to help others.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-45648195196239002692015-06-13T20:16:18.949-07:002015-06-13T20:16:18.949-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-55430239124284821312015-06-13T20:16:01.647-07:002015-06-13T20:16:01.647-07:00Mrs G. - Modesty, character building, family unity...Mrs G. - Modesty, character building, family unity....etc can be taught straight from Mathew 5 & 6 without any additions from others. My grandfather back in 1962, when I was ten yrs old, told me: be kind and honest to all you meet going up the latter, because you will meet them on the way back down. I guess he was telling me what I learned in the Bible: Matthew 7:12"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets." Take care and God blessAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-75256077429706782082015-01-07T06:17:26.085-08:002015-01-07T06:17:26.085-08:00You might also be interested to know that the lead...You might also be interested to know that the leader of ATI and IBLP was taken down this year under multiple accusations of gross sexual misconduct spanning over 30 years. You are right to see everything he's written and the Duggars promoting with suspect. They were written by a man who groomed and molested underage girls for 3 decades. You can see this site for more details: http://www.recoveringgrace.org/category/the-gothard-files/Darcyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03702441292981376229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-38382829525455497912015-01-06T23:05:34.135-08:002015-01-06T23:05:34.135-08:00Wow I am stunned. I have always looked up to the D...Wow I am stunned. I have always looked up to the Duggars as mentors and i had no idea whay AFI even was. I just finished there book so i had to research AFI. I am at a lose for words really. I almost dont know what to do? As a home schooling mama to five I strive to not only teach my kids general ed i also try to install Godly characters. I love so many things they stand for. Modesty, character building, family unity....etc. but now i am almost scared to processed with anything they recommended as I do not want any faults teachings in my house. We are AHA so i know that would be hars to squeeze in but still. Scary.....I need to do more research for sure.Mrs. Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08239721890410750183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-66413594656290233512014-08-07T07:56:20.303-07:002014-08-07T07:56:20.303-07:00I came across this post while researching ATI afte...I came across this post while researching ATI after hearing the Duggar girls speak about their involvement with the group. I am grateful for your posting your experiences (all of you) or I would not have known what was going on (other than the resignation of Bill Gothard along with his open letter of confession and repentance that I also found). Thanks to all of you for posting honestly and as respectfully as possible. The transformation of our lives is possible ONLY through and by the grace of God and the presence of His Holy Spirit...not through anything we do apart from the presence and power of His Spirit. The more time I spend with Him, the natural grace-filled obedience becomes....not by my power or strength, but by His. May His Grace and Peace be with each one of you as you seek to know The Lord and to make Him Known in SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH. In His Love By His Grace, This Homeschooling Momma Nicki Chandlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11286173212103253285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-47715604810824421672014-06-03T21:01:18.565-07:002014-06-03T21:01:18.565-07:00Attacking other religions was not her intent, as I...Attacking other religions was not her intent, as I read it. She was merely pointing out that Christians can and have been lead astray. Christianity does not uphold the teachings of the Book of Mormon. Mormons do profess to BE Christians, but among the reasons we reject Mormon teachings is this; Mormons believe that Jesus is the son of God, but they do NOT believe he is diety, that he *IS* God, -God the Son.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-43323351668024816782014-02-26T13:21:58.256-08:002014-02-26T13:21:58.256-08:00My family was apart of ATI from 1989-2000. While m...My family was apart of ATI from 1989-2000. While my siblings and I were apart of all kinds of oppurtunities and met several GREAT people from all over--so much harm was caused in our family harmony as adults and most importantly, our theology! My best advice for Christian families wanting more for their family, be involved. Everywhere. Secular. Christian. Get your children involved in their interests. I am the youngest and my family got out when I was 16, because I graduated early. I only suffered a few years of being stunted and not going to college (although, ATI has changed their position on that....). My older siblings, while full of experiences and friends, struggled into their early 30's to begin a career. So happy this blog is here and I'm basically commenting to keep it current and high for google searches!!! Parents beware. Don't do it!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06999943382785424911noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-91826008117354265612013-10-22T19:19:14.553-07:002013-10-22T19:19:14.553-07:00Please don't attack other religions if you don...Please don't attack other religions if you don't know much about them. I'm a Mormon and proud of it! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-9985946711113575522013-02-07T06:39:13.953-08:002013-02-07T06:39:13.953-08:00P.S. I realize that the girls my daughter met from...P.S. I realize that the girls my daughter met from ATI who are gracious and 'normal' do not reflect the many others who are shunners.Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17737078483764048071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-60094661630044399992013-02-07T06:27:52.297-08:002013-02-07T06:27:52.297-08:00I just re-read Michael Pearl's article against...I just re-read Michael Pearl's article against Bill Gothard's 'Patriarchal' system. Bill Gothard wrote a letter in response which is very interesting. He seemed to go backwards a bit in what he previously stated/believed, but not fully. You can google it.<br /><br />My 15 year old daughter is VERY interested in going to the ATI homeschool conference this year, and has been working and saving her money. We don't use the curriculum. She really likes the girls she met from there, (most of the girls she met dress normal and are not legalistic in any way), but also has a very clear understanding of legalism and a disdain for it, too. I explained to her all the negative comments I have been reading online, and she says she knows and understands. She has her own little motives for wanting to go, which I will not question, and I am allowing the Lord to lead. It may be a learning experience. I am praying for an alternative conference, though...one that is not worldly, yet does not contain so much legalism. <br /><br />*Sigh* After reading so many negative reviews from ex-ATI students, I am disheartened because, ladies, let me tell you as a pastor's wife, that it is just as bad to go in the opposite direction. I am weary of the serious carnality and casual, flippant regard of God so prevelant in many churches today. It makes me equally as disturbed as the things I read about ATI. When I have to see hundreds of women's/teen girls' cleavage in church on any given Sunday, counsel numerous couples who think living together is okey doke with the Lord, constantly debunk the 'it's o.k. to watch someone pretend to have sex in a movie...it doesn't affect me' comment, and weep with mothers whose kids are addicts because their parent's standards are no different from the world's anyway....it's time to regroup and RIGHTLY DIVIDE the word of God. Not turning too far to the right, nor too far to the left. <br /><br /> I love to follow the Lord! All that I do and say for Him is out of a gratefulness to Him for all He has done for me! It is out of love and a thankful heart for His grace. This is the big difference - the reason for 'striving'. You see, God's word does say 'for I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man' (Paul). But the *motive* for doing so is different! Not striving to gain salvation. Not striving to appease an angry God. It is a joy to return the love to one who loves me. <br /><br />No, the hypocrisy is not limited to ultra-rules groups, but is also found in non-denominational, grace-leaning, verse-by-verse Bible teaching groups as well. Seriously. We can cheapen grace by giving all sorts of worldly/carnal junk the thumbs up under the guise of 'freedoms'. <br /><br />Will the middle ground please stand up? <br /><br />I am thankful that the author of this article did not go in the opposite direction.Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17737078483764048071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-59404537417675056892013-01-16T22:42:38.968-08:002013-01-16T22:42:38.968-08:00My family was not apart of ATI but we did attend a...My family was not apart of ATI but we did attend a basic seminar once. I also agree with what you have to say. Just also wanted to mention that Micheal Pearl had a debate against Bill Gothard in the Pearl's Newsletter I believe, which I am sure you can find online. I know to some Mike Pearl is also taboo but on that one subject I think you would agree with him and makes me think the Pearls are more on track. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-75208759052572127242013-01-11T20:04:47.761-08:002013-01-11T20:04:47.761-08:00Thank you for your post! I inwardly critisized my...Thank you for your post! I inwardly critisized my husband for not wanting to "give up everthing"-esp. sports, movies,etc. He and my daughter are Lord of the Rings fans, P.O.C. fans etc.! I thought why can't he see that this ATI program is what our family needs? Now I see that once again I should follow my husband not some group! He is a godly man who makes good decisions but I was comparing him to what I see on the outside looking in at a couple of ATI dads I know from TV (won't mention names!) I still admire those families. They seem so happy and I wish we could find close family friends like they seem to have but I thank you for your honesty. We will think twice and definately study more on it!<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-12561749729591383662012-10-11T05:57:02.177-07:002012-10-11T05:57:02.177-07:00Thank you so much for this. Although my family is ...Thank you so much for this. Although my family is not in the ATI movement we have known several families who are and we have seen the damage. Two of my brothers were interested in two young women whose families were in the movement and proceeded to court them for three years, all to have their parents decide "no" for them in the end. I saw the Gothard followers tear my brothers apart with their criticisms and judgments and "shunning". It has also torn our church apart, which makes me very sad, and affected how my younger brothers view Christianity. They have seen how those who identify as Christians have treated their family and been burned by the process. I don't want them to reject the the good principles WITH the bad. Thank you again for this article! It is a well-balanced, well-reasoned argument. I appreciate it's telling the truth in love and lack of bitterness, something that is hard to find often in those coming out of the movement.Elisabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14895397581223986068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-73843828685657403722012-07-07T12:50:32.861-07:002012-07-07T12:50:32.861-07:00I think that it is a mistake to believe that peopl...I think that it is a mistake to believe that people who reject some parts of a religion but still hold to other parts haven't "questioned everything". I would say that most of the people I know who have gone through questioning and rejecting of the beliefs they grew up with HAVE questioned everything, and we have all fallen on different parts of the religion spectrum. Just because you deem all religion as wrong, doesn't mean that those who still hang onto parts of it haven't done as much questioning as you have.Darcyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03702441292981376229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-50687204221990771072012-07-07T08:55:46.256-07:002012-07-07T08:55:46.256-07:00Interesting how it takes people so much courage to...Interesting how it takes people so much courage to question a particular sect of a religion few have the courage left over to question the religion as a whole. They always seem to migrate to a less offensive teaching. Take the next step. Question everything!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-79885938810518737192012-07-07T07:42:49.492-07:002012-07-07T07:42:49.492-07:00Thank-you for putting into words what I wasn't...Thank-you for putting into words what I wasn't able to. I can relate because I also am the oldest of 10 kids, raised in ATI since I was 6. What you said is entirely true and I think it's wonderful that you are warning potential ATI families to save themselves a lot of heartache. This also reminds me of the Independent Fundamental Baptist Church I grew up in too. I have a sister who is still stuck in it and is shunning the rest of the family because we do not measure up to their "standards."chantellenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02960088518668860402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-9532646658330464742012-06-22T07:27:12.422-07:002012-06-22T07:27:12.422-07:00This post is so inspiring, Robin. It inspires me t...This post is so inspiring, Robin. It inspires me to become a better person and to focus more on my relationship with Christ, rather than my deeds. Very insightful.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-35102834974236176472012-01-24T19:49:43.972-08:002012-01-24T19:49:43.972-08:00I feel like you have experience everything I did. ...I feel like you have experience everything I did. Except I wasn't homeschooled, everyone else in my church was though, and I was the "bad" kid who went to gasp Christian school!<br />But in the end my sister and I and one other girl around our age were the only ones who didn't end up pregnant...parents at our church then began going through a "oh maybe we don't need to be so legalistic" phase and i feel like they are still trying to find a balance. <br />But seriously! So great to read about someone who knows what I've gone through!charisdancerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10015353176040890766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-53837335463925380362011-09-21T01:46:23.968-07:002011-09-21T01:46:23.968-07:00Have you noticed that no one has come forward with...Have you noticed that no one has come forward with anything remotely like any kind of defense for the herracy of ATI. Not that they'd have a leg to stand on.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-54078734446124323412011-08-25T21:45:41.467-07:002011-08-25T21:45:41.467-07:00I know I'm commenting on an older post, but th...I know I'm commenting on an older post, but this article was really interesting and almost comforting to read. I've had little connection with anyone involved with ATI, but I have seen it close enough to sense that something is off there. I've been so blessed to have parents who taught that the clothes we wear and the music we listen is and should be a reflection of what is in our heart, and not try it the other way around: somehow inject godliness into our hearts by the external things. <br />"In ATI-speak they talk all the time about being people who are "striving to please the Lord". Think about that. Deeply. Striving? To please our Heavenly Father who loves us and gave His Son for us while we were yet sinners? How can we possibly earn His favor? All our righteousness is as filthy rags. The works that we do, grow out of our love for Him and gratitude for what He has done for us, and His working in our lives. They are the RESULT of God's grace (favor), not an attempt to earn it."<br />Amen!<br />This was an excellent article, and very worth the long read!Rebekah https://www.blogger.com/profile/09063046517374411040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-17147148659906446672011-08-15T19:03:41.112-07:002011-08-15T19:03:41.112-07:00I am now so thankful that my Dad couldn't let ...I am now so thankful that my Dad couldn't let go of his Star Wars and sci-fi habit and decided we couldn't be a part of ATI as kids......my parents seriously considered joining and in the end decided (thank God!) that they couldn't live up to the standards. While we still got a hold of some of the indoctrination resources, it was nowhere near as bad as it could have been! Thanks for a very honest and revealing post!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-88362348683675802662011-07-29T04:01:48.073-07:002011-07-29T04:01:48.073-07:00it is very good and informative.I high appreciate ...it is very good and informative.I high appreciate this post.I imagine this is a massive violation.<br /><a href="http://www.sampleletters.in/friendship-letter-to-best-friend.html/" rel="nofollow">Friendship letter to best friend</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-55796093912642276232011-07-06T06:45:33.648-07:002011-07-06T06:45:33.648-07:00Thank you for your posting! You hit it right on th...Thank you for your posting! You hit it right on the head. My boyfriend's family is completely wrapped up in ATI. They are very, very sick. My boyfriend had to leave at the age of 19 due to their abuse and he has been free ever since. Although he "rebelled" from ATI, he did not leave the faith. He is still following the Lord. He says that in ATI you follow your parents, not God. The things his parents have done to him are extremely sickening! I pray one day they realize their sickness. It amazes me how these "Christian" people can treat others. They are in complete bondage and all of their kids will leave one by one.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-19306098599169888972011-06-30T17:26:24.365-07:002011-06-30T17:26:24.365-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Sarah Bradshawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09585626595081705542noreply@blogger.com