I am already very familiar with his teachings and have read quite a bit from the website you posted as well.
Bill Gothard is just a man. I have carefully compared what he teaches with scriptures and believe most of what he says is well-founded on the Bible. When it comes to the basic tenets of the Christian faith and basic Bible doctrines, it lines up with mainstream Christian doctrine. His ministry is far from being a cult in terms of doctrine.
The grievances against him or his ministry may have validity. I have seen some of what is described first-hand in terms of people who participate in the home school program and other parts of that ministry. They tend to be way out of mainstream in their lifestyle, sort of like the Amish and similar groups. But I do not see that as necessarily a bad thing. These same people are very loving and self-sacrificial.
The problems I have seen tend to be from those who do not have a desire to be part of the ministry but are forced to because of their families being in it; and also many of the participants are focused on the outward conformity to rules without really comprehending the much more important issues of being transformed inwardly by their relationship with Christ.
I personally will continue to hold Bill Gothard in high regard as someone who spent his entire life seeking to serve God and help others in a very self-sacrificial way. I am convinced he is a true brother in Christ and will pray for him as well as those making these accusations. If Bill Gothard sinned in the ways being claimed, God will discipline him. But his trials are not necessarily a testament to his guilt.
May God’s mercy be upon those who are humble, merciful and truthful. May His judgment be upon those who are proud, liars and unforgiving.
Well, I agree with your last two sentences. My knowledge of Bill Gothard’s teaching is first hand, not from the website that has helped expose him. Bill Gothard has finally been exposed, although it has taken 20 years.
He will most certainly fall under God’s judgment for his aberrant teaching and legalism, as well as his own perversions and covering up his brother’s perversions within their so-called ministry—just as Jesus pronounced judgment upon the Pharisees of His day, so it will be with Bill Gothard.