Shepherds For Sale
by Megan Basham
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Shepherds For Sale by Megan Basham is a compelling exploration of the recent challenges and controversies gripping the evangelical community. The book delves into the complex dynamics of power, money, and influence within the evangelical sphere and how these factors have led to a crisis of faith and leadership. Basham’s work sheds light on the various issues plaguing the evangelical movement, from the rise of “celebrity pastors” to the erosion of biblical values in favor of political expediency. Through meticulous research and incisive analysis, the author presents a comprehensive overview of the problems that have undermined the integrity of the evangelical community and offers potential solutions for reclaiming its moral compass.
Here are the 8 most egregious incidents that Basham highlights as problems within the evangelical community:
- The elevation of “celebrity pastors” prioritizing personal branding and financial gain over spiritual guidance and biblical teachings. These leaders often cultivate a cult of personality, exploiting their followers for monetary gain and amassing significant wealth.
- The commodification of faith, where churches and religious organizations prioritize profit and marketability over genuine spiritual growth and community building. This has led to a proliferation of “mega-churches” that resemble corporations more than places of worship.
- The politicization of the evangelical movement has resulted in many leaders aligning themselves with specific political parties or ideologies, often at the expense of biblical principles. This has blurred the lines between faith and politics, compromising the church’s moral authority.
- The failure to address systemic issues within the church, such as sexual abuse, financial impropriety, and abuse of power. Many evangelical leaders have been accused of covering up scandals and protecting perpetrators rather than seeking justice for victims.
- The promotion of a “prosperity gospel” that equates material wealth with divine favor leads to a distortion of biblical teachings and a culture of greed within the evangelical community.
- The neglect of social justice issues, such as poverty, racism, and inequality, in favor of a narrow focus on individual salvation and personal morality. This has led to a perception of evangelicals as being out of touch with the realities of the world and indifferent to the suffering of others.
- The reluctance to hold leaders accountable for their actions within the church and the broader public sphere has created a culture of impunity, where powerful individuals can act with little fear of consequences.
- The tendency to prioritize short-term political gains over long-term spiritual and moral integrity has led to evangelical leaders’ willingness to compromise their principles for expediency, ultimately undermining the church’s credibility.
Throughout the book, Basham also refers to the evangelical community’s relationship with the Jewish people and the state of Israel. She notes that some evangelical leaders have been guilty of “extolling Jews as God’s chosen people” in an idolatrous way and directly contrary to scripture. This has led to a situation where some incestual evangelicals have been willing to overlook or excuse the actions of the Israeli government, even when they conflict with biblical principles.
Shepherds For Sale is a powerful and timely critique of the evangelical community. It highlights the many challenges that must be addressed if the movement is to regain its moral and spiritual bearings. By exposing the corruption, hypocrisy, and complacency that have taken root within the church, Basham provides a much-needed wake-up call for evangelicals and offers a roadmap for reclaiming the integrity of the Christian faith.
