“I don’t think you’re in any position to judge what might be ‘helpful; or not in getting those girls past their abuse at the hands of a greasy 79 year old pervert.”
I was commenting on materials which were supposed to speak on what the Bible has to say to those who have gone through sexual abuse. You are assuming I was saying how it might or might not help girls Gothard supposedly abused, but since I obviously did not accept that premise, it should be equally obvious that is not what I was referring to.
“He paid her to buy push-up bras and wear them. Then he began feeling her up. When people became suspicious of all the time they were spending together, Gothard fired her.”
I will admit that the accusation is troubling because it should be easily refuted by someone in his position because he should have been following a policy which all reputable ministers follow of not spending time alone with these girls. If he was never alone with them, then it could not have happened.
I did read a number of articles as you suggested, and it is hard not to think there is some truth to them. Gothard apparently owned up partially in this statement that also denies anything sexual happening: “This emphasis on outward appearance was also manifested by bringing selected young people to serve at the Headquarters and causing others to feel rejected and offended by my favoritism. My actions of holding of hands, hugs, and touching of feet or hair with young ladies crossed the boundaries of discretion and were wrong. They demonstrated a double-standard and violated a trust. Because of the claims about me I do want to state that I have never kissed a girl nor have I touched a girl immorally or with sexual intent.”
For someone who taught such high standards as to sexual purity, I find it inexcusable that he did not abstain from physical contact with these girls. It definitely casts a shadow.
“Are you a friend or relative of his, or the Duggars?”
I have never met the Duggars or watched their show, but I am familiar with who they are and their connection to Gothard.
I have met and talked with Gothard, and have been very impressed with what I have seen and heard from his ministry. I have seen people’s lives totally transformed for the better - leaving immorality, drugs, etc. That however will not excuse any behavior that was sexual to these girls. I hope and pray the truth does come out regardless of whether he is exposed or vindicated.
Keep in mind that Gothard never married...rather odd for someone who made family life the center of his teaching. It's clear now that he stayed single because he liked them young, and his work was a method of having his pick of naive girls he personally brainwashed.
Yes, Gothard has denied committing any sexual abuse or harassment. That's one denial versus thirty-four accusations.
It more than "casts a shadow". That's like the Duggars' excuse that Josh made youthful mistakes. Gothard is a greasy old predator of young women.
"I have met and talked with Gothard, and have been very impressed with what I have seen and heard from his ministry. I have seen people’s lives totally transformed for the better - leaving immorality, drugs, etc. That however will not excuse any behavior that was sexual to these girls. I hope and pray the truth does come out regardless of whether he is exposed or vindicated."
You could have a nice conversation with any criminal, but it wouldn't mean much.
Gothard's teachings aren't Biblical. He created them himself with an eye toward victimizing girls. If anyone's life has been transformed, it was because they met Jesus Christ in spite of Bill Gothard. He himself has no power to transform.