Bill Gothard and his schtick

Christian ethics and theology with an Anabaptist perspective
JayP
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Bill Gothard and his schtick

Post by JayP »

Back in the 80s and 90s Gotherd and his program was rather influential is Anabaptist circles.
FWIIW I never had any regard for him. If he said anything that I happened to agree with I would put it down to even a blind squirrel finds a nut or two.

So does his movement still have any influence? Or are the other such folks I just happen to know that have similar influence today?
Last edited by ohio jones on Sat Jul 05, 2025 8:35 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: spelling in title
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JayP
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Re: Bill Gotherd and his schtick

Post by JayP »

Sorry, cannot figure out how to edit. I meant new such folks that I do NOT know. I figure there is always another Jimmy Swaggert or Bill Gotherd around the corner.
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JohnH
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Re: Bill Gotherd and his schtick

Post by JohnH »

I occasionally still run into someone who is all-in on Gothardism. I think it’s mostly died out though.

Unfortunately, the concepts and ideas have not died out and seem to persist in certain circles, particularly among people who have recently left the Old Order.
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Ernie
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Re: Bill Gotherd and his schtick

Post by Ernie »

JayP wrote: ↑Fri Jul 04, 2025 10:50 am Back in the 80s and 90s Gotherd and his program was rather influential is Anabaptist circles.
FWIIW I never had any regard for him. If he said anything that I happened to agree with I would put it down to even a blind squirrel finds a nut or two.

So does his movement still have any influence? Or are the other such folks I just happen to NOT know that have similar influence today?
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barnhart
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Re: Bill Gotherd and his schtick

Post by barnhart »

I still see his books on shelves, but I haven't heard much talk about him.
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joshuabgood
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Re: Bill Gotherd and his schtick

Post by joshuabgood »

JohnH wrote: ↑Fri Jul 04, 2025 11:49 am I occasionally still run into someone who is all-in on Gothardism. I think it’s mostly died out though.

Unfortunately, the concepts and ideas have not died out and seem to persist in certain circles, particularly among people who have recently left the Old Order.
Like John mentioned, the ideas linger fairly strongly in pretty many circles.
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Ken
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Re: Bill Gotherd and his schtick

Post by Ken »

Resigning in disgrace after dozens of women accuse you of sexual harassment tends to diminish one’s influence.

See for example John Howard Yoder.
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Thomas_muntzer
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Re: Bill Gotherd and his schtick

Post by Thomas_muntzer »

Ken wrote: ↑Fri Jul 04, 2025 1:54 pm Resigning in disgrace after dozens of women accuse you of sexual harassment tends to diminish one’s influence.

See for example John Howard Yoder.
Wow, I didn't know about this person's story. The greatest battle we must wage is in our hearts: not allowing the serpent to speak louder or allowing ourselves to be convinced, as happened to Adam and Eve
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Thomas_muntzer
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Re: Bill Gotherd and his schtick

Post by Thomas_muntzer »

JohnH wrote: ↑Fri Jul 04, 2025 11:49 am I occasionally still run into someone who is all-in on Gothardism. I think it’s mostly died out though.

Unfortunately, the concepts and ideas have not died out and seem to persist in certain circles, particularly among people who have recently left the Old Order.
What were Gothard's ideas? And why did they become so popular?
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Praxis+Theodicy
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Re: Bill Gotherd and his schtick

Post by Praxis+Theodicy »

From my understanding, a big Gothard crowd migrated to Charity Christian Fellowship so the influence might be in some of those circles. I've seen hints of it but rarely by Gothard's name. I've been recommended others who seem similar: Michael and Debbie Pearl. Not sure how similar they are, but they seem similar on my first glance. Enough so that I didn't care to take a second glance.
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