(Closed) Curious: anyone familiar with ATI? Experiences?

• farawayviolet
• 5 years ago

• Wedding: November 2013

@MrsFuzzyFace:  

Stay away! PLEASE stay away.

They are frequently considered to be a cult. I suggest you igo to http://www.recoveringgrace.org for an in depth, Christian based perspective (IMO the best resource out there on ATI, Christian or Secular), or go to http://www.patheos.com/blogs/nolongerquivering/2010/01/the-49-character-qualities-of-ruth/ and read through the series done by Razingruth

I take issue with the commitment to quiverfull doctrine. There is a lot of isolation, and a lot of control (how one must dress, what toys children may have, rules pertaining to sex within marriage etc). The “character qualities” and other random rules given by Gothard are extremely prescriptive, and based upon the whims of Bill Gothard and how he interprets the Bible. It is extremely, extremely legalistic I believe that the concepts of authority within Gothardism/ATI/IBLP are dangerous. I also find the place of women (rather infantalising) to be offensive. Also be aware, if you are a Christian, that Gothard redifines a lot of theological concepts, for example the definition of grace is redefined by Gothard to fit his own teachings.

Their “wisdom booklets” are very educationally questionable. As a teacher, I actually read through a few (I knew people involved in ATI), and found the educational value and quality to be lacking.

NB: I am an ex-evangelical agnostic who grew up knowing a lot of people in ATI, and have studied and take an active interest in them as an adult.

• aussiemum1248
• 5 years ago

• Wedding: November 1999

I tried googling if it’s mentioned in Christianity Today ( a highly respected Christian magazine) and found this. It doesn’t say a real lot but at least it’s a 3rd party critique.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2003/march/35.77.html

• aussiemum1248
• 5 years ago

• Wedding: November 1999

Also there’s a Wikpedia article on the founder. Treat the article with caution (I’ve found Wikipedia articles on religious peple or organisation to often be low quality, probably because not many people contribute to them) but it gives you an idea. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Gothard