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 how these so-called convictions blur the line between personal interpretation and biblical truth, and why the “convictions vs. preferences” debate still feels like a theological illusion. I finish walking through the list, highlighting how these convictions seem less like deep spiritual truths and more like recycled commandments with a fresh coat of Gothard gloss. We’ll talk about how this teaching impacts real families and why the lack of definition between a conviction and a preference isn’t just confusing—it’s convenient for control.

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 unpack how the phrase “doing it in your own strength” was used to judge anyone who dared to struggle, how a “slothful” son is somehow destined to beat his father to retirement (???), and why daughters were told to adopt their father’s “God-given goals.” From there, we dive into Gothard’s infamous Conviction Quiz and his so-called Ten Basic Convictions — which turn out to be little more than Commandment cosplay. Behind the Scripture references lies a system built on control, contradictions, and shifting definitions of what “faithfulness” really means. Join me as we look at how Gothard turned spiritual growth into a checklist, convictions into control, and parenting advice into a blame game that kept everyone under his authority — right where he wanted them.

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. By turning outward appearance into a spiritual test of obedience, Gothard blurred the line between faith and his own authority. Join me as we look at how these standards shaped the culture of IBLP and raised troubling questions about power and grooming.

Umbrella Rebellion is a podcast where we share our experience in the ATI/IBLP and fundamental cults. We are on a journey of healing and exposing the teachings that lead to and justify abuse. It is our hope that those who are experiencing abuse can find support and escape from it.

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