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The Origins of IBLP: How Bill Goldstein Founded the Organization in 1961
In the United States, the influence of churches and Christian organizations is ubiquitous. One striking example is the Institute of Basic Life Principles (IBLP). This organization was founded in 1961 by American Christian pastor Bill Gosted to help people find success in life based on biblical principles. Unlike many sectarian organizations, IBLP is a non-denominational Christian fundamentalist organization that encompasses multiple distinctive ministries.
IBLP’s mission is to provide guidance on how to live a successful life by following biblical principles.
Historical review
The original organizational name of IBLP was "College Team" until it was renamed "Institute for Basic Youth Conflict" (IBYC) in 1974. In 1989, as the organization grew, it was eventually renamed to its current name. By its own history, IBLP's Basic Youth Conflict Workshops could reach 20,000 attendees in the United States and other countries in the 1970s.
In 1976, the college published its first book, Character Sketch, which became the first in a series of books on the character of God.
Over time, the organization grew rapidly. According to reports, IBLP's annual revenue in 2006 was as high as US$63 million. However, since Bill Gosted resigned in 2014 amid a sex scandal, the IBLP's visibility and popularity began to dwindle. Despite the controversy, the IBLP remains committed to its teachings and modus operandi.
Procedures and Doctrine
One of the core teachings of IBLP is the concept of "umbrella of authority". This idea states that God is the greatest authority, then the Father, then the Mother and her children. The organization upholds the father's dominant role in the family and requires women to follow a submissive role to their husband or father in the home. At the same time, women are encouraged to focus on being mothers and wives rather than outside careers or higher education.
In the institution's teachings, men are seen as superior, while women are expected to provide submission to the head of the family.
IBLP restricts consumption of media, including television, movies, and most music, because they fear that the content does not conform to their religious beliefs. Children are usually homeschooled using the IBLP's home education curriculum, but this is not a requirement. Sex education is not covered in IBLP teachings, so many children lack understanding of the concept of sexual assault.
Teaching in Marriage
In the teaching of marriage, IBLP emphasizes the authority that the husband should have and the submission that the wife should have. According to the teachings of the IBLP, a wife must respect her husband's status regardless of his flaws. This concept is emphasized many times in the organization's courses and imposes strict requirements on women's way of thinking and behavior.
IBLP’s teachings mention that the husband’s authority in the family is given by God, and the wife must be completely submissive.
Seminars and Advanced Training Academy
The Basic Seminar is the IBLP's introductory course and attracts a large number of participants every year. According to the organization's report, more than 2.5 million people have attended the seminar since the 1990s. Advanced seminars further extend the basic seminars and provide more in-depth teaching content.
According to reports, IBLP reported more than 2.5 million people participating in basic seminars in 2020.
In addition, IBLP has also established an Advanced Training Institute (ATI) to focus on family education. However, since 2021, this project is no longer part of the "admission process". How the organization's educational philosophy and methods will be adapted in the future to increase its impact remains a question worth exploring.
Future Outlook and Reflection
With the operation of IBLP and the multiple challenges it faces, the future of the institution is full of uncertainty. In particular, the loyalty of believers, the updating of doctrines and the adjustment of skills may become key factors for its survival and development. All of this makes one wonder: How should we view and understand the continuing impact of these values and teachings when religious organizations face controversies and challenges?
