Shepherds for Sale

The Betrayal of Trust in "Shepherds for Sale"

Have you ever felt that sinking feeling when you realize that the leaders you trusted, the people you looked up to, have been pulling the wool over your eyes?

Have you ever felt that sinking feeling when you realize that the leaders you trusted, the people you looked up to, have been pulling the wool over your eyes? ... That unsettling feeling is at the heart of what we're diving into today.

Basham, a culture reporter for the Daily Wire and a seasoned journalist, brings her investigative skills to expose how some evangelical leaders have traded the truth for a leftist agenda. This book, "Shepherds for Sale", is a wake-up call...

Hijacking Noble Causes: A Tactic Exposed in "Shepherds for Sale"

First, let's look at how seemingly noble causes can be used to shift the focus from fundamental biblical truths.

First, let's look at how seemingly noble causes can be used to shift the focus from fundamental biblical truths. Take, for instance, the issue of climate change.... It's become a platform for promoting broader political agendas, often at the expense of core Christian doctrines.

The Evangelical Climate Initiative, or ECI... you'll find that the ECI has been used to push for policies that align more with progressive political ideologies than with traditional biblical interpretations.

It's not about denying the reality of environmental issues. It's about recognizing when a legitimate concern is being used as a Trojan horse for a different agenda.

Another example is the issue of immigration...some evangelical organizations, like the Evangelical Immigration Table (EIT), have taken this biblical principle and twisted it to support open borders and amnesty policies.

The key takeaway is that seemingly good causes can be hijacked to promote agendas that contradict core biblical values. It's like the story of the Trojan horse – a seemingly harmless gift that concealed a hidden threat. "Shepherds for Sale" highlights this.

The Corrupting Influence of Money and Media: Insights from "Shepherds for Sale"

Next, let's examine the subtle yet powerful influence of money and media in shaping the evangelical narrative.

Next, let's examine the subtle yet powerful influence of money and media in shaping the evangelical narrative. Basham exposes how large sums of money from progressive foundations have flowed into evangelical organizations, influencing their messaging and priorities.

Consider the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE)...has received significant funding from groups like the Open Society Foundations, founded by George Soros...The money creates a subtle influence...

It's like the old saying, "He who pays the piper calls the tune." The money doesn't necessarily buy explicit control, but it certainly influences the music being played. "Shepherds for Sale" details many of these instances.

Christian publications, websites, and podcasts, often dependent on advertising revenue and donations, can be subtly pressured to promote certain narratives and avoid others.

We often assume that Christian media is unbiased...But Basham's research reveals that this isn't always the case. Money and influence can subtly distort the message. This is a core theme in "Shepherds for Sale".

The Weaponization of Racial Reconciliation and CRT: "Shepherds for Sale"'s Analysis

Now, let's turn our attention to the issue of racial reconciliation.

Now, let's turn our attention to the issue of racial reconciliation... But Basham shows how the concept of "racial reconciliation" has been weaponized, used to promote a divisive ideology known as Critical Race Theory, or CRT.

CRT, at its core, views the world through the lens of power dynamics, dividing people into groups of oppressors and oppressed based on their race...And it's infiltrated many evangelical churches and organizations, often under the guise of "social justice."

Consider the Southern Baptist Convention's Resolution 9, which affirmed CRT as a "useful analytical tool." This resolution sparked a firestorm of controversy...The debate highlighted the deep divisions within the evangelical community. "Shepherds for Sale" addresses this.

Look for language that emphasizes group identity over individual identity, that focuses on systemic injustice without acknowledging individual sin, and that promotes a sense of collective guilt based on race. These are all hallmarks of CRT, and they're fundamentally at odds with the biblical message. "Shepherds for Sale" warns against this.

Cultivating Discernment and Biblical Literacy: "Shepherds for Sale"'s Guidance

One key principle is to go back to the source: the Bible.

One key principle is to go back to the source: the Bible. Scripture is our ultimate authority, our standard for measuring truth. We need to be like the Bereans in Acts 17...

Develop a habit of reading and studying the Bible for yourself. Don't just rely on sound bites or interpretations from others. Dig deep, ask questions, and seek to understand the context and meaning of the passages.

Another helpful tool is to cultivate discernment. This means developing the ability to distinguish between truth and error...It's like learning to identify counterfeit money – the more familiar you are with the real thing, the easier it is to spot the fake.

Compare what you're hearing or reading with the overall message of Scripture. Does it align with the character of God, the teachings of Jesus, and the principles of the Gospel? "Shepherds for Sale" provides tools for this.

One common challenge is the fear of being labeled "divisive" or "unloving" for questioning the prevailing narrative...But Basham reminds us that true love doesn't shy away from truth.

Speak the truth in love, but don't be afraid to speak the truth. Remember, Jesus himself was often controversial...We need to follow his example, speaking the truth with boldness and grace. "Shepherds for Sale" encourages this boldness.

• Seemingly good causes can be hijacked to promote agendas that contradict core biblical values, like the Trojan horse.
• Money and media exert a powerful influence on the evangelical narrative, shaping what is presented as truth.
• Critical Race Theory (CRT) and other worldly ideologies have infiltrated the church, often disguised as "social justice."
• Discernment is crucial: Ground yourself in Scripture (be a Berean) and speak the truth in love.
• The book, "Shepherds for Sale", exposes how progressive ideologies infiltrate evangelical circles.
• Evangelical leaders have traded truth for a leftist agenda, as revealed in "Shepherds for Sale".
• "Shepherds for Sale" highlights how political and cultural pressures have infiltrated the church.
• Initiatives like climate change, immigration reform, and racial reconciliation are used to shift focus from core biblical teachings, according to "Shepherds for Sale".
• The Evangelical Climate Initiative (ECI) is used to push for policies aligning with progressive ideologies.
• The Evangelical Immigration Table (EIT) twists biblical principles to support open borders and amnesty.
• Progressive foundations' funding influences evangelical organizations' messaging, as detailed in "Shepherds for Sale".
• The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) received funding from groups like the Open Society Foundations.
• Christian media can be subtly pressured to promote certain narratives, a key point in "Shepherds for Sale".
• "Shepherds for Sale" shows that the concept of "racial reconciliation" has been weaponized to promote CRT.
• The Southern Baptist Convention's Resolution 9 affirmed CRT as a "useful analytical tool."
• Spot CRT influence by looking for language emphasizing group identity over individual identity.
• Go back to the source: the Bible. Scripture is the ultimate authority.
• Cultivate discernment: the ability to distinguish between truth and error.
• Don't fear being labeled "divisive"; true love rejoices in the truth (1 Corinthians 13:6).
• "Shepherds for Sale" reveals the infiltration of progressive ideologies in even conservative evangelical circles.

• Christians, especially those within the evangelical tradition, who are concerned about the potential influence of political and cultural agendas on their faith.
• Church leaders and pastors seeking to understand the subtle ways progressive ideologies can infiltrate their congregations and ministries.
• Individuals interested in media literacy and discerning truth from deception in the information they consume, particularly within Christian media.
• Anyone questioning the alignment of certain social justice initiatives with core biblical teachings, as explored in "Shepherds for Sale".
• Readers seeking practical tools for biblical discernment and navigating complex cultural issues, a significant theme in "Shepherds for Sale".
• Those who feel uneasy about the direction of some evangelical organizations and leaders, and want to understand the underlying factors, as detailed in "Shepherds for Sale".
• People who value standing for biblical truth even when it's unpopular or controversial, a core message of "Shepherds for Sale".
• Individuals wanting to understand the interplay of money, media, and influence within the evangelical world, a key investigation in "Shepherds for Sale".
• Readers who want to learn how seemingly good causes can be used to promote agendas that are not in line with the bible, which is throughly discussed in "Shepherds for Sale".

How does 'Shepherds for Sale' by Megan Basham address the influence of 'Celebrity Pastor Culture' on modern church practices?

• Marketing Techniques: This refers to the increasing trend of churches prioritizing marketing and branding strategies to attract larger congregations, sometimes at the expense of theological depth.
• Branding Strategies: Churches employ strategies like social media campaigns, polished websites, and targeted advertising, similar to businesses.
• Superficial Aspects: This can lead to a focus on superficial aspects of faith, potentially diluting the core message.

What are the implications of 'seeker-sensitive' approaches, as discussed in Megan Basham's 'Shepherds for Sale'?

• Fame and Influence: This is the phenomenon where pastors gain significant fame and influence, often resembling secular celebrities.
• Large Followings: This can lead to large followings, book deals, speaking engagements, and media appearances.
• Public Image: The focus can shift from spiritual guidance to maintaining the pastor's public image and brand.

How does Megan Basham's 'Shepherds for Sale' explore the concept of 'Big Eva'?

• Appealing and Accessible: These are church services designed to be appealing and accessible to those unfamiliar with traditional church practices.
• Contemporary Music: This often involves simplifying the message, using contemporary music, and creating a comfortable atmosphere.
• Dilute the Gospel: Critics argue this can dilute the Gospel message and prioritize entertainment over spiritual growth.

In 'Shepherds for Sale,' how does Megan Basham describe the impact of 'church growth consultants'?

• Influential Evangelical Leaders: 'Big Eva' refers to the network of influential evangelical leaders, organizations, and institutions.
• Megachurches: This includes megachurches, publishing houses, and conference circuits.
• Cultural Influence: Basham argues that 'Big Eva' often prioritizes cultural influence and political power over traditional Christian values.

What is the significance of 'The Gospel Coalition,' according to Megan Basham's 'Shepherds for Sale'?

• Increase Attendance: These are external consultants hired by churches to help them increase attendance and revenue.
• Business Principles: They often recommend strategies based on business principles and marketing techniques.
• Numerical Growth: This can lead to a shift in focus from spiritual growth to numerical growth.

How does 'Shepherds for Sale' by Megan Basham analyze the role of 'social justice' movements within evangelicalism?

• Reformed Theology: The Gospel Coalition is a prominent evangelical organization that promotes Reformed theology.
• Online Presence: It has a significant online presence and hosts large conferences.
• Biblical Principles: Basham critiques its influence and its alleged drift from core biblical principles.

According to 'Shepherds for Sale' by Megan Basham, what are the dangers of 'pragmatism' in church leadership?

• Social Justice Issues: The book examines the increasing emphasis on social justice issues within some evangelical circles.
• Racial Reconciliation: This includes topics like racial reconciliation, poverty, and immigration.
• Overshadow the Gospel: Basham raises concerns about the potential for these movements to overshadow or distort the Gospel message.

What does Megan Basham mean by the term 'Christian Industrial Complex' in her book 'Shepherds for Sale'?

• Practical Results: Pragmatism in this context refers to prioritizing practical results and effectiveness over theological principles.
• Secular Business Practices: This can lead to adopting secular business practices and compromising on core beliefs.
• Measurable Outcomes: The focus shifts from faithfulness to God to achieving measurable outcomes.