The practices of the Institute in Basic Life Principles have been criticized for being extreme and potentially harmful. The insular nature of the group has led former followers to call it a cult. Members often wed within the church, and women are discouraged from pursuing full-time careers or leaving their homes before marriage.
A 2016 exposé of the organization in Chicago Magazine revealed that the IBLP and its founder, Bill Gothard, have been sued for sexual harassment and inappropriate sexual conduct (Gothard has since left the IBLP). A former IBLP member who spoke to the New York Post claims that sexual abuse is common in the IBLP, enabled by the organization's teachings on obedience to men and its blame-the-victim approach.
If the Amazon documentary backs up these claims, it could explain not only the Duggars' lifestyle, but also their defense of Josh when he admitted to molesting several of his sisters (via In Touch Weekly). Sisters Jill and Jessa gave a TV interview in which they downplayed the abuse, and mother Michelle claimed he was just "curious" (via ABC News).
Amazon promises that its series will uncover not only IBLP's secrets, but also "explore the broader zeitgeist of reality television, social media, faith, fundamentalism, patriarchy, and power."
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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