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About the Christian Research Journal Article: |
"More than a Parenting
Ministry?
About the
Christian Research Journal Article:
An Evaluation of Growing
Families
International"
The Christian Research Institute, a nationally recognized Christian authority on cults and apologetics, has just published a cover story on Growing Families International (GFI) in its Christian Research Journal. This meticulously researched article contains information especially helpful for those with questions about GFI, including pastors and elders considering the material for use in their churches.
To quote from the article's summary:
Parenting programs authored by Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo and promoted by Growing Families International...are both wildly popular and highly controversial. The programs mix sound parenting advice with highly disputable ideas, but this does not fully account for the controversy. GFI has provoked unprecedented public censure from Christian leaders because, although it is not a cult, it has consistently exhibited a pattern of cultic behavior, including Scripture twisting, authoritarianism, exclusivism, isolationism, and physical and emotional endangerment.
The key thrust of the article is that while GFI is not a cult, it exhibits cult-like characteristics including:
Scripture twisting and de facto assertion of extrabiblical revelation. A powerful analysis of the misuse of scripture in GFI's materials is included as well as examples of how this leads to theological confusion and legalism.Authoritarianism. The article describes how GFI discourages questioning or individual interpretation of the materials and how the Ezzos appear to not be accountable to anyone. Their elders are on their payroll, have been on their payroll in the past, or have admitted they can not hold the Ezzos accountable. The GFI board of directors consists of Gary Ezzo, his wife, and his son-in-law.
Exclusivism. The article describes how GFI's missionary zeal (they literally send self-described missionaries to spread the word of GFI into churches) and elitist attitudes combined have resulted in significant division throughout the Christian community. It also notes that this pattern of division has followed in Gary Ezzo's wake for almost twenty years. The church he led in New Hampshire before coming to Grace was split due to controversy over Ezzo with the church voting him out. Grace Community Church, where his parenting programs started, also split due to controversy over Ezzo, with a splinter group forming his current church. GCC has had to take the rather unprecedented action of issuing a public statement of rebuke and concern about Gary Ezzo. The three key couples who developed GFI with him all left due to concerns with his integrity and the impact of the materials.
Isolationism. The article describes the tendency for GFI followers to distance themselves from others not on the program, including other Christians.
Physical and emotional endangerment. The article describes the significant failure to thrive problem associated with GFI's infant program and describes the concerns expressed by child development experts over the programs for older children. It also notes that while Gary Ezzo has dismissed the concerns of many experts in medicine, lactation, and child development, and claimed to be an authority on parenting, he himself does not even have an associate's degree from a community college, much less a bachelor's degree. His M.A. in Ministry "gives credit for life experience, does not require study in the original biblical languages, and requires no previous college degree."
I would urge those who read the article to read the extensive footnotes as well. Not only is the article extensively referenced and documented but, as one reader remarked, "There is practically a whole other article in the footnotes!"
The article described above is available for free by calling 949-858-6100. Anyone interested can get a copy of the Journal at their local Christian bookstore or by calling CRI at 1-800- 2- JOURNAL (It is important to not forget to dial the "2" or you will get the Wall Street Journal). People may order the Journal as a single issue for $7 or three copies of the same issue for $13 -- both these prices include shipping and handling. Single issues are mailed out bulk rate. If someone is ordering the single issue only, they MUST specify which issue or CRI will not know which issue to send. The GFI article is in their April-June 1998 issue. You can order by credit card over the phone or send a check or money order made to Christian Research Institute, P.O. Box 7000, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. CRI does not give any electronic or Internet reprint or posting permission. Please do not have anyone scan or retype the article and post it on their websites.
The above article offering a synopsis of the CRI article is not copyrighted; feel free to distribute it wisely.
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