A Critical Review of Megan Basham's Shepherds for Sale
Megan Basham's latest book, Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda, aims to expose a supposed infiltration of American evangelicalism by leftist political forces. Yet, rather than offering a well-researched investigation, Basham delivers a piece riddled with anecdotal evidence, partisan sources, and sensationalist claims.
Introduction
Megan Basham, a journalist known for her provocative and often combative style at The Daily Wire, has taken on evangelical leadership in her book Shepherds for Sale. Published by HarperCollins in 2024, the book claims that prominent evangelical leaders have compromised their religious convictions for leftist political gains. However, this premise is undermined by Basham's lack of rigorous research and her penchant for sensationalism.
Summary of Megan Basham's Book
Basham argues that influential evangelical leaders and organizations, such as the Evangelical Environmental Network and figures like Russell Moore and J.D. Greear, have been manipulated by leftist agendas. She targets individuals like Francis Collins and Marvin Olasky, portraying their actions as betrayals of evangelical values (Wyatt Graham) (Religion Unplugged).
For instance, Basham criticizes former Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear for advising churches to “whisper” about homosexuality while loudly condemning racism. She alleges that this approach creates a double standard, implying that certain sins should be downplayed while others are emphasized. Basham's criticism extends to evangelical institutions like Christianity Today, which she accuses of supporting liberal causes. She points out that staff members at Christianity Today predominantly donate to liberal candidates, which she interprets as evidence of a broader leftist influence within the organization (Wyatt Graham) (Religion Unplugged).
Basham also singles out the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN), accusing it of being co-opted by secular environmental groups and leftist funding sources. She argues that the EEN's partnerships with organizations like the National Religious Partnership for the Environment and the Arcus Foundation are part of a strategic effort to shift evangelical priorities towards progressive causes (Religion Unplugged).
Regarding Francis Collins, Basham contends that his involvement in promoting COVID-19 vaccines and public health measures within evangelical circles was politically motivated. She claims that Collins, alongside theologian Ed Stetzer, used their influence to align evangelical leaders with the Biden administration's public health agenda. However, Basham's account fails to acknowledge that many of these initiatives began under the Trump administration, revealing a selective presentation of facts to fit her narrative (The Dispatch).
Marvin Olasky, former editor-in-chief of World Magazine, is another of Basham’s targets. She describes a 2019 editorial meeting where Olasky allegedly suggested that supporting candidates who promote pro-family policies could be more effective for pro-life goals than simply voting for anti-abortion politicians. Basham portrays this as a betrayal of Olasky’s previously staunch pro-life stance. However, Olasky has refuted her account, stating that Basham misrepresented the context of his remarks and ignored the off-the-record nature of the discussion (The Dispatch).
Her narrative often frames evangelical leaders' engagement with progressive issues as capitulation rather than genuine attempts to address complex social problems within a faith-based framework.
Critique of Research and Sourcing
One of the most glaring issues with Shepherds for Sale is its lack of rigorous research. Basham relies heavily on anecdotal evidence and partisan sources, often drawing on conspiracy theories rather than empirical data. For example, she misrepresents Os Guinness's words to support her claims about evangelical leaders. Guinness clarified that Basham’s quote was taken out of context, noting that he was discussing evangelicals who were not voting, not organizations like Christianity Today or the Trinity Forum as Basham implied (The Dispatch).
Basham's methodology often involves cherry-picking data that supports her thesis while ignoring or misrepresenting information that contradicts it. This approach undermines the credibility of her work, as it does not adhere to the rigorous standards of evidence-based research and balanced reporting. Instead of providing a nuanced analysis, Basham's selective sourcing and contextual distortions create a narrative that appeals more to ideological bias than to objective truth (MinistryWatch) (Religion Unplugged).
In comparison to standard academic and journalistic practices, Basham’s methodology falls significantly short. Reliable research requires balanced evidence, peer-reviewed sources, and comprehensive analysis—elements largely absent in this book. Her tendency to rely on partisan sources and conspiracy theories further diminishes the reliability of her conclusions and casts doubt on the overall integrity of her work (The Dispatch) (Christian Research Network).
Impact of the Book’s Claims
The book's claims perpetuate conspiracy theories and deepen ideological divides within the evangelical community. By framing evangelical leaders who engage with progressive causes as dupes or deceivers, Basham fosters mistrust and polarization. This approach not only risks misleading readers but also exacerbates existing tensions within religious communities (MinistryWatch) (Religion Unplugged).
Counter Perspectives
Alternative viewpoints from credible scholars and sources provide a more balanced perspective on the influence of political agendas within evangelical circles. For instance, the broader influence of both left-wing and right-wing politics in evangelicalism is well-documented, contradicting Basham’s one-sided narrative (MinistryWatch) (Christian Research Network).
Insights from religious scholars challenge the book’s premise, emphasizing that good-faith disagreements exist within evangelicalism. By disregarding these nuances, Basham’s arguments appear overly simplistic and ideologically driven (Religion Unplugged) (The Dispatch).
Values and Stance
Shepherds for Sale starkly contrasts with Biblical values. Basham’s narrative consistently frames left-wing views as inherently deceptive, disregarding the possibility of legitimate, good-faith differences in opinion. This approach undermines inclusive, respectful, and trauma-informed discourse, which is crucial when discussing religious leadership and political influence (MinistryWatch) (Christian Research Network).
Basham’s portrayal of progressive evangelical leaders as sellouts to leftist agendas creates a narrative that fuels division rather than fostering understanding. For instance, she condemns figures like J.D. Greear for suggesting that churches should “whisper” about homosexuality while loudly condemning racism, interpreting this as a selective application of Christian doctrine. This critique fails to recognize the complexities of pastoral leadership and the need to address different social issues with appropriate sensitivity and emphasis (Wyatt Graham) (Religion Unplugged).
Furthermore, Basham's disdain for pro-LGBTQI+ and pro-feminist initiatives within evangelical circles exemplifies her narrow interpretation of Christian values. By labeling these progressive shifts as betrayals, she disregards the evolving understanding of inclusivity and compassion embraced by many contemporary Christians. This rigid perspective not only alienates a significant portion of the evangelical community but also undermines efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for marginalized groups (MinistryWatch) (Christian Research Network).
Basham’s narrative also dismisses the efforts of evangelical leaders to address broader social justice issues, such as environmental stewardship and racial equality. By framing these initiatives as capitulations to liberal agendas, she undermines genuine faith-based efforts to engage with critical societal challenges. This perspective overlooks the diversity of thought within evangelicalism and the sincere attempts by many leaders to integrate their faith with a commitment to social justice (MinistryWatch) (Christian Research Network).
Ultimately, the book fails to engage with the progressive evangelical movement in a constructive manner. Instead, it perpetuates a divisive narrative that misrepresents the motivations of many leaders and hampers the broader conversation about the role of evangelicalism in addressing contemporary social issues. By promoting a narrow and exclusionary view, Basham's book does a disservice to the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and just evangelical community (MinistryWatch) (Christian Research Network).
Conclusion
Megan Basham's Shepherds for Sale is marred by poor research, sensationalism, and ideological bias. The book fails to provide a balanced, well-researched analysis of the issues it purports to address. Instead, it perpetuates conspiracy theories and deepens ideological divides within the evangelical community. For readers seeking a nuanced and evidence-based discussion of evangelical leadership and political influence, this book falls short. Instead, one should turn to more reliable sources and scholarly works that offer a comprehensive and balanced perspective on these complex issues.
References
· Basham, M. (2024). Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda. HarperCollins.
· Smith, W. C. (2024). Review of Shepherds for Sale. The Dispatch. Retrieved from The Dispatch
· Graham, W. (2024). A Timeline of The Debates around Megan Basham's Shepherds for Sale. Retrieved from Wyatt Graham
· Various Authors. (2024). Critiques of Shepherds for Sale. Religion Unplugged. Retrieved from Religion Unplugged
· Warren, C. S. (2024). Review of Shepherds for Sale. MinistryWatch. Retrieved from MinistryWatch
· Various Authors. (2024). Critiques of Shepherds for Sale. Christian Research Network. Retrieved from Christian Research Network Recommended Alternative Reading
1. "Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation" by Kristin Kobes Du Mez
2. "The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism" by Jemar Tisby
3. "The Bible Tells Me So: Why Defending Scripture Has Made Us Unable to Read It" by Peter Enns
4. "Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again" by Rachel Held Evans
5. "Generous Justice: How God's Grace Makes Us Just" by Timothy Keller
6."Disunity in Christ: Uncovering the Hidden Forces that Keep Us Apart" by Christena Cleveland
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in the recommended books are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of our organization. We do not endorse all the content or viewpoints presented in these works. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and engage with a variety of sources to form their own informed conclusions. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal or professional advice. This is solely based on the author and publisher's opinion.
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