Best IBLP Podcasts (2025)

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94 - Creating Joy When Life Has Been Heavy 30:54

Play Pause

3d ago30:54

30:54

The holidays come with an expectation of joy. For many people, that expectation can feel impossible. In this quiet, honest conversation, Amanda shares a truth she’s been sitting with for a long time: healing doesn’t automatically make you receptive to happiness or joy. When your nervous system formed in trauma, joy doesn’t arrive on command, and it…

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93 – Am I a Bad Person? (Moral Scrupulosity OCD) 38:21

18d ago38:21

38:21

In this episode, Amanda and Kyle dive into moral scrupulosity OCD and how it has shaped Amanda’s life. She shares openly about the intense anxiety and compulsive behaviors she developed growing up in a high-control religious environment under Bill Gothard’s IBLP cult. These patterns looked like “perfectionism” on the surface but were actually roote…

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First Family Sickness & Thanksgiving Wishes 1:54

1M ago1:54

1:54

We’ll see you next week, when we’re feeling better, for an episode Amanda is so excited to share with you all! We’re grateful for you and we love you guys! Send us text! Please note this platform only supports one-way communication. Support the showBy Amanda & Kyle Briggs

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Breaking Free from Purity Culture: A Conversation with Sex Educator Erica Smith 1:19:55

1M ago1:19:55

1:19:55

Send us a text To support this podcast Subscribe to Stephanie Warren's Substack In this episode Stephanie sits down with sex educator Erica Smith for a candid, shame-free conversation about sex, embodiment, and healing from the long shadow of purity culture. Although Erica didn’t grow up in Christian fundamentalism, her work intersects directly wit…

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92 - A Day in the Life of a Deconstructing Parent 35:15

2M ago35:15

35:15

Sit in on the first conversation Amanda and Kyle have had together about what they’re learning on their journey as new parents. Amanda opens up about lifelong fears around the kind of mother she might become, and Kyle reflects on what he actually sees in her. Together, they laugh (and yawn) their way through the learning curves of parenting and sha…

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Exposing IBLP: Gothard’s Convictions — Clarity, Is That an Option? 25:25

2M ago25:25

25:25

We continue and finally finish our look at Gothard’s “Ten Basic Convictions,” we continue through the list of scripture-backed beliefs from the IBLP Men’s Manual. The deeper we go, the more it becomes clear that clarity was never the goal. Gothard leans heavily on carefully selected Bible verses—but that doesn’t mean the logic holds up. I explore h…

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91 - Holy Disruptor: Breaking the Silence and the Rules 59:16

2M ago59:16

59:16

Amy Duggar King joins us to talk about her new book Holy Disruptor, and she does not hold back. From growing up around the Duggar family and IBLP to setting boundaries and breaking cycles of silence, Amy brings her whole heart to shining a light on the darkness that shaped her childhood and family. We talk about the gap between reality TV and real …

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90 - From Resilience to Resourcefulness: Elizabeth Estabrooks on Trauma Recovery 1:56:05

2M ago1:56:05

1:56:05

Author, veteran, and advocate Elizabeth Estabrooks joins Amanda and Kyle to explore the realities of trauma, institutional betrayal, and what it truly means to heal. Drawing from her decades in sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy, Liz shares the inspiration behind her book Broken in the Stronger Places—and why healing is less about perfec…

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Exposing IBLP Gothard's Commandment Cosplay and Blame Shifting Logic | Episode 14 29:06

3M ago29:06

29:06

In this episode, we combine three parts of the Exposing IBLP series to explore Bill Gothard’s tangled web of “convictions,” parenting formulas, and blame-shifting theology. Gothard teaches that when families struggle, it’s because someone’s disobeying — a dangerous idea that traps followers in endless cycles of guilt and “spiritual fixes.” We’ll un…

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“When Appearance Becomes Obedience: Gothard’s Hair Rules Examined 37:23

3M ago37:23

37:23

In this episode, I unpack some of the most unusual and revealing IBLP materials—Biblical Principles of Hair Length for Single Ladies, Seven Basic Needs of a Husband, and the Wisdom Booklet #15 medicine section. These teachings on hair and appearance weren’t just odd—they reflected Bill Gothard’s personal preferences and served as a tool for control…

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89 - Dear Diary, Everything Has Changed 33:01

3M ago33:01

33:01

In this episode of The Cult I Left Behind, Amanda once more opens up her old diaries from her time in the IBLP cult and the early days of leaving. She reads while Kyle reacts in real time. Together, they talk through what those pages reveal about life inside IBLP, the challenges of leaving, and the moments of growth and hope along the way. Amanda a…

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Shaping a generation, How Focus on the family used children as tools of propaganda- With Dave, Voice of Jimmy Barclay 1:23:05

3M ago1:23:05

1:23:05

Send us a text Support the podcast subscribe to the SUBSTACK In this podcast episode, Dave, a recurring guest, and former voice actor for the character Jimmy Barkley in the children's radio program 'Adventures in Odyssey,' reflects on his experiences and the legacy of his work. The conversation touches on the impact of James Dobson, the founder of …

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88 - The Time Kyle Acquired the Fire: Shiny Happy People Season 2 Recap 57:52

3M ago57:52

57:52

We’re diving into Shiny Happy People Season 2 — and this time, Kyle’s the one with the inside scoop. While Amanda expected to lead the conversation, it turned out Kyle’s past experience at an Acquire the Fire event made this season his wheelhouse. In this episode, we share our live reactions, unpack the big themes of Season 2, and talk through why …

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Dobson's impact- Tophers story 1:36:01

4M ago1:36:01

1:36:01

Send us a text To support this podcast please subscribe to my SUBSTACK I regularly publish essay style articles on the very things my guests and I discuss on the podcast. Welcome back Topher! Topher and I discuss the impact Dobson and MacArthur had on the children raised inside Christian Fundamentalism. This will be the first in what I hope to be a…

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87 - Chantelle’s Story: From Shame and Control to Healing and Freedom 1:42:57

4M ago1:42:57

1:42:57

When Chantelle was sent to the cult Headquarters as an “encouragement case,” she encountered Bill Gothard’s inappropriate and abusive behavior toward teenage girls firsthand. She shares what it was like to grow up in IBLP and ATI, survive both Headquarters and the cult’s finishing school for young ladies, and ultimately marry young to escape her fa…

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DL and Krispin Mayfield - Strongwilled and not mourning James Dobson 1:30:35

4M ago1:30:35

1:30:35

We’re talking with Krispin and D.L. Mayfield about their project over on Substack called Strongwilled. James Dobson and Focus on the Family have impacted millions of people with their teachings about corporal punishment and breaking the will of children. Many of these children have grown up to speak out about how traumatic their upbringing was. Wha…

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86 - Mother Wounds with Jessica Jocelyn (Part 2) 1:20:20

4M ago1:20:20

1:20:20

In the second half of our conversation with poet Jessica Jocelyn, we pick up where the shocking story of her mom left off. Jessica shares how poetry became a way to make sense of loss, love, and the wounds only a mother can leave behind. Together, Amanda and Jessica talk about healing mother wounds, the fear of becoming like the women who hurt them…

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85 - Mother Wounds with Jessica Jocelyn (Part 1) 1:24:53

5M ago1:24:53

1:24:53

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we’re honored to welcome poet Jessica Jocelyn—whose writing has been a healing touchstone for Amanda and may already be familiar to listeners of the podcast. Jessica is a best-selling poet whose work explores love, loss, motherhood, and the complexities of family with raw emotional power. She’s the author of…

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Lunar Aligned: Summer 2025 Oracle Reading 22:27

5M ago22:27

22:27

Meliea of Lunar Aligned reads a 6 card spread from the Soul Trees oracle deck by Allyson Williams Yee. Referenced in this Episode: Soul Trees & Soul Seeds | Allyson Williams Yee Interact with Lunar Aligned via: Email | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok SEND US A TEXT Support the Show | Buy Me a Coffee Leave Us A Voicemail | 980.355.9665 Interact with M…

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84 - Sometimes, You Get What You Want 29:23

5M ago29:23

29:23

Amanda has gotten a lot of questions about whether she would ever let anyone from her biological family back into her life. For a long time, the answer was no. But then something changed. It’s been a year and a half, and we've waited a long time to talk about it. This is the first time we're sharing the story. Send us text! Please note this platfor…

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Surviving Prayer Journals- Using AI to decode religious trauma in written form. 1:25:30

6M ago1:25:30

1:25:30

Send us a text 🚨 Update: I’m officially closing my Patreon and migrating everything over to Substack! Substack gives me more flexibility to share my work—whether it’s writing, podcasting, or connecting in a more social, community-driven space. You can now find all my content (and support my work) in one place: 👉 https://substack.com/@thestrongwille…

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83 - Dear Diary 45:59

6M ago45:59

45:59

Amanda reads from her childhood diaries—yes, actual entries from her cult years—and then melts through the floor in embarrassment. It’s awkward, vulnerable, and a surprisingly raw window into growing up homeschooled under fundamentalism. Send us text! Please note this platform only supports one-way communication. Support the show…

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Design Flaw - The 1st IBLP Principle of Design 12:30

6M ago12:30

12:30

On this episode I'm beginning this series of my story with the Institute in Basic Life Principles or IBLP - which you may recognize from the Amazon documentary featuring the Duggar family from TLC's 19 Kids and Counting. They may have been on a reality tv show, but this is my story of how these teachings played out in my day to day real life. This …

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S3-E15 True Crime Interview: Escaping Her Childhood Abuse and Crime Family with Donna Hall 31:23

6M ago31:23

31:23

Howdy! Send us a text to share what you’re listening to, or just say, “Hi!” Jeryl Spear interviews Donna Hall, whose childhood was derailed by the neglect and abuse of her crime family; her escape from her tormentors at age 15; and how she has carved out a new life defined by unconditional love. Website: https://www.onegoodthingmedia.com/ Facebook:…

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82 - One Story, Two Journeys 41:51

6M ago41:51

41:51

Amanda opens this episode with some never-before-shared stories from her early experiences in therapy—including one that caught even Kyle off guard. From there, the mic turns, and Kyle shares what it was like to hear Amanda’s story for the first time and slowly step into the world of advocacy and trauma-informed care. What begins as reflection beco…

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What the Exodus Teaches Us After Trauma and Oppression 40:18

6M ago40:18

40:18

What does God's rescue of the Israelites from Egypt have to do with your healing from trauma or spiritual abuse? In this live episode, we explore how the Exodus wasn't just about escape—it was about transformation. God's first command to His people after slavery was to rest. Why? Because He was teaching them to live as sons, not slaves. If you've c…

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S3-E14 Podcast Reviews: Summer Staycation Ear Candy for Lounging, Napping and Entertainment 25:57

7M ago25:57

25:57

Howdy! Send us a text to share what you’re listening to, or just say, “Hi!” Podcast Reviews to enhance your best staycation ever! Light Horror, a mass hysterical event, human foibles and gossip, and noise-blocking color sounds for uninterrupted sleep. As dedicated podcast explorers, we immerse ourselves in hundreds of shows across the spectrum so y…

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81 - Losing Parents the Second Time 45:08

7M ago45:08

45:08

In a deeply personal episode, Amanda opens up about the circumstances that led to the end of her relationship with her adoptive parents. What started as a long-building tension came to a head when Amanda asked to be treated like a real daughter—and was told no. She and Kyle walk through the factors that shaped the outcome, what was said, how it unf…

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CFC 2.0, The Return of The Tenneys 34:32

7M ago34:32

34:32

We return, older, wiser, and more sleep deprived than ever to discuss the tough stuff around spiritual abuse in Christianity.

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S3-E13 Podcast Reviews for Family Road Trips! 31:45

7M ago31:45

31:45

Howdy! Send us a text to share what you’re listening to, or just say, “Hi!” Podcast Reviews for Summer Vacations on the road. Have you ever weathered the storm of siblings at war in your backseat while trying to enjoy the open road? Your summer road trip salvation has arrived. This episode tackles the universal parenting challenge of keeping young …

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80 - Family Ended With Boundaries 1:14:07

7M ago1:14:07

1:14:07

Content warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual violence, including against children. When Amanda set boundaries with her bio family—and the brother who abused her—she expected it to be hard. But not like this. In this highly personal episode, she shares a glimpse into the painful correspondence with her three younger brothers and their…

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S3-E12 Interview: Psychic Medium, Relationship Expert, and Spiritual Guide June Edward Shares Lessons from the Universe 23:00

7M ago23:00

23:00

Howdy! Send us a text to share what you’re listening to, or just say, “Hi!” Discover your psychic abilities, mediumship, and love lessons we're all meant to learn while on earth. For psychic medium June Edward, a simple meditation session unleashed her abilities that she had suppressed since childhood — abilities we all possess to varying degrees. …

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S3-E11 Podcast Reviews: Tropical Island Crime, Dark Comedy, and Cautionary Tales 29:27

8M ago29:27

29:27

Howdy! Send us a text to share what you’re listening to, or just say, “Hi!” Podcast. Reviews and recommendations! Summer Bucket lists are the best! Ready to embark on a podcast journey to three different tropical islands? In Season 3, Episode 11 of One Good Thing Media, host Jeryl Spear shares vacation-themed podcast adventures for perfect audio es…

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79 - Mother’s Day, Mother Wounds 45:40

8M ago45:40

45:40

As The Cult I Left Behind listeners know, Mother’s Day isn’t a sappy Hallmark holiday for Amanda. In this episode, Amanda and Kyle talk about what the day brings up—not just for Amanda, but for anyone who experienced harm from their mothers. Amanda shares a letter she wrote to the mother figures in her life and reflects on how watching motherhood p…

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S3-E10 Interview: “I Married a Narcissist” Interview with Relationship Expert Dana S. Diaz 41:10

8M ago41:10

41:10

Howdy! Send us a text to share what you’re listening to, or just say, “Hi!” Relationships: Narcissistic Spouses, Friends, Co-workers, and Relatives: What keeps intelligent, capable people trapped in relationships with narcissists? Dana Diaz discovered the answer through her painful journey—a 25-year marriage to a man whose charm masked a pattern of…

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Title: Exposing IBLP: Gothard’s Formula for Raising Kids, Dodging Blame, and Distorting Truth | Episode 13 16:48

8M ago16:48

16:48

In this episode, we examine three deeply troubling aspects of Bill Gothard’s teachings from the IBLP Men’s Manual. First, we look at how Gothard pairs scripture with a racially charged illustration—one that subtly reinforces harmful stereotypes under the guise of spiritual leadership. Next, we unpack his message to fathers, where perseverance is pr…

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S3-E9 Mystery Week: Discover Gripping Whodunits to Amplify Your Mystery Playlist! 22:53

8M ago22:53

22:53

Howdy! Send us a text to share what you’re listening to, or just say, “Hi!” Mystery week! Host Jeryl Spear covers compelling mysteries that will keep you on the edge of your seat. • Sequestered podcast told from the perspective of juror #11, Sarah Reed, who shares her experience during a high-profile Tennessee murder trial where she was completely …

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Not So Shiny. Not So Happy. The Duggars & The Downers - My Story with Bill Gothard & The IBLP 8:25

8M ago8:25

8:25

On this episode I'm presenting the prologue of my story with the Institute in Basic Life Principles or IBLP - which you may recognize from the Amazon documentary featuring the Duggar family from TLC's 19 Kids and Counting. They may have been on a reality tv show, but this is my story of how these teachings played out in my day to day real life. Thi…

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Exposing IBLP: Gothard Twists Childhood Development into Rebellion - Demands Obedience Through Fear 21:14

8M ago21:14

21:14

In this episode, we delve into Bill Gothard’s troubling teachings from the IBLP Men’s Manual, where normal childhood behaviors are labeled as rebellion, and natural curiosity is framed as spiritual defiance. We start with Gothard’s “Early Signs of Rebellion” checklist, which misinterprets typical developmental stages as threats to parental authorit…

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S3-E8 Interview: IBLP Duggar Cult Survivor Speaks Out About Female Abuse, Eye Traps, and Much More 30:50

8M ago30:50

30:50

Howdy! Send us a text to share what you’re listening to, or just say, “Hi!” Interview: Escaping the cult embraced by the Duggar family. What happens when your entire childhood is controlled by religious extremism? Amanda Briggs takes us behind the curtain of the Institute of Basic Life Principles (IBLP)—the same cult featured in the Duggar family's…

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Exposing IBLP: Quiet Influence, Twisted Advice, and Misplaced Blame | Episode 11 18:21

8M ago18:21

18:21

In this episode, we explore the surprising theological roots of Bill Gothard’s interpretation of a woman’s desire. First, we uncover the quiet influence of Susan Foh—a scholar whose work Gothard quietly borrowed to justify silencing women. Then we turn to his parenting teachings, where a strange list of cause-and-effect claims blames specific types…

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S3-E7 Podcast Reviews and Recommendations: Autistics and Telepathy; Teen TikTokers Solve Crime; Soap Operas and the Podverse; Long Lost Podcast Returns; Much More! 32:35

9M ago32:35

32:35

Howdy! Send us a text to share what you’re listening to, or just say, “Hi!” True Crime, Telepathy, Paranormal Games; New podcasts! Host Jeryl Spear delves into the extraordinary world of podcasts that explore telepathic communication in non-speaking autistic individuals, true crime solved by teenage TikTokers, and fiction that blurs the line betwee…

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78 - Discipline Outside the Cult 46:24

9M ago46:24

46:24

In this companion to the earlier episode on discipline inside the cult, Amanda and Kyle shift their focus to what healthy, respectful discipline actually looks like. They reflect on what they’re learning in their adoption training classes and how sharply it contrasts with the abusive tactics Amanda experienced growing up in the IBLP cult. They also…

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Exposing IBLP: The Harmful Legacy of Gothard’s Marriage Teaching and Its Forgotten Influencer | Episode 10 17:14

9M ago17:14

17:14

In this episode, we examine the damaging legacy of Bill Gothard’s teachings on marriage—teachings that placed heavy burdens on wives while offering little guidance for husbands. From his interpretation of the term 'helpmeet' to his unbalanced emphasis on female submission, Gothard’s doctrine has shaped generations of evangelical families. But behin…

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S3-E6 Interview With a Sex Worker: Annie Temple's Journey from Erotic Masseuse to Creative Entrepreneur 32:42

9M ago32:42

32:42

Howdy! Send us a text to share what you’re listening to, or just say, “Hi!” Interview! Ready to challenge your assumptions about sex work and gain business insights from an unexpected source? Erotic Masseuse Annie Temple opens up about her 20-year journey through the adult entertainment industry in this eye-opening conversation with host Jeryl Spea…

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Exposing IBLP: Gothard’s Page Jumping Tactics and His Flawed 'Wives' Reaction' Teaching | Episode 9 17:17

9M ago17:17

17:17

Bill Gothard’s teachings in the IBLP Men’s Manual are filled with unrealistic expectations and puzzling tactics. In this episode, we examine his flawed and idealistic view of wives’ emotional responses, despite never being married himself, and how his perspective creates damaging expectations within marriages. We also take a closer look at his unus…

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S3-E5 Podcast News and Reviews: Stalkers, Survivors, Supernatural Beings, and Much More! 34:19

9M ago34:19

34:19

Howdy! Send us a text to share what you’re listening to, or just say, “Hi!” True Crime, horror, and exceptional new podcast recommendations! From the haunting depths of forgotten asylum graves and the terror of being held hostage in Haiti, to two cyber stalkers who finally got their comeuppance, we're spotlighting the most compelling podcasts of 20…

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77 - Unpacking the Past: Cults, Faith, and Family Truths 33:56

9M ago33:56

33:56

In this episode, Amanda and Kyle dive into listener questions about what made Amanda’s parents susceptible to joining the cult, how they became involved, how the cult accumulated massive assets, and whether Amanda’s rapist brother ever received any mental health diagnoses. They also discuss how Amanda’s college viewed the cult's ideology and its cu…

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Exposing IBLP: The Grip of Parental Oversight on Faith and Convictions | Episode 8 19:30

9M ago19:30

19:30

IBLP teaches that a father’s authority extends into every aspect of a child’s faith, shaping their spiritual journey through strict oversight, ‘faith checks,’ and high-pressure expectations. In this episode, we examine how these teachings manipulate personal convictions, enforce submission through spiritual control, and create an environment where …

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Exposing IBLP: The Unreachable Standard and Unchecked Authority of Gothard’s Patriarchs | Episode 7 19:44

9M ago19:44

19:44

Bill Gothard’s teachings on fatherhood are full of contradictions. He tells fathers to be kind and loving, yet excuses their failures by blaming Adam’s sin. He encourages fathers to make parenting a competition while insisting they must earn the right to be heard. And most concerning of all, he teaches that a father’s authority never ends—not when …