Introduction
In a time where the Christian Church seems to be at a crossroads, Megan Basham’s Shepherds for Sale provides a meticulously researched exposé on the infiltration of leftist ideologies into evangelical institutions. Basham, a culture reporter for The Daily Wire, has crafted what may well be the most important book on modern Evangelicalism in recent years. Her work stands as a bold and clear account of how progressive powerbrokers have sought to co-opt the Church for political purposes, revealing a startling truth: the enemy is not only outside the gates but has also made its way inside.
This review will explore the key themes and revelations in Basham’s book, examining the broader implications for the Christian Church in America. For those interested in delving deeper into this subject, Shepherds for Sale is available on Amazon for purchase.
The Progressive Infiltration
One of the most compelling aspects of Basham’s work is her in-depth investigation into how left-wing billionaires, foundations, and think tanks have deliberately targeted Christian media, universities, megachurches, nonprofits, and entire denominations. She uncovers a concerted effort by progressive powerbrokers—ranging from George Soros to the founder of eBay, to former members of the Obama administration—to co-opt evangelical leaders for political gain.
Basham’s exposé is not merely a critique but a documentation of facts, supported by evidence that leaves little room for doubt. The book provides a detailed account of the financial backing behind these movements, revealing how revered institutions such as Christianity Today and influential megachurches have been swayed by leftist agendas, often at the expense of biblical truth.
For instance, Basham highlights the involvement of the Arcus Foundation, founded by billionaire Jon Stryker, in promoting the LGBTQ agenda within the church. She details how this foundation, along with others like the Lilly Endowment, has poured millions into evangelical institutions, subtly influencing their doctrinal positions and public stances on issues such as sexuality, abortion, and climate change.
The Compromises of Evangelical Leaders
Basham does not shy away from naming names. She exposes how some of the most trusted evangelical leaders have compromised their biblical convictions for the sake of political correctness and financial gain. One striking example is the case of a celebrity megachurch pastor who secretly encouraged a group of pastors to reconsider their views on sexuality—a move that clearly aligns with the broader agenda of progressive influencers.
The book also delves into the actions of a revered Presbyterian theologian who, despite his respected status, backed a congregation that was rebelling against the conservative teachings of his own denomination. This act of support, as Basham illustrates, was not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of compromise among evangelical leaders who have chosen to “whisper” about sexual sins and downplay the importance of critical moral issues.
The Cost of Compromise
What Basham lays bare in Shepherds for Sale is not just the infiltration of leftist ideologies into the Church but the devastating consequences of these compromises. By accepting financial incentives, career advancements, and the praise of secular society, many evangelical leaders have betrayed their congregations and, more importantly, the teachings of Scripture.
The book is filled with examples of how these compromises have weakened the evangelical witness in America. Basham argues persuasively that the Church’s failure to stand firm on issues such as sexual immorality, abortion, and systemic racism has not only led to doctrinal erosion but has also emboldened secular progressives to push their agendas further into the heart of Christian institutions.
The Call to Action
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Basham’s book is its call to action. She warns that the Church must return to the truth of Scripture and reject the world’s wisdom if it is to withstand the ongoing assault on its foundations. This is not a call to retreat from engagement with the culture but rather a plea for Christians to engage the culture from a position of biblical conviction, rather than capitulation.
Basham’s work echoes the sentiments of influential Christian voices such as John MacArthur, who describes Shepherds for Sale as “bold, clear, and very well-researched.” Similarly, Os Guinness warns that the Church faces a gathering storm, with enemies both inside and outside its gates—a warning that is vividly illustrated throughout Basham’s book.
Editorial Praise
The book has received widespread acclaim from conservative Christian leaders and commentators. Ben Shapiro, for example, praises Basham as an indispensable voice in a chaotic time, noting that her book serves as a clarion call for churches to return to the faith of their ancestors. Voddie Baucham, bestselling author and dean of the School of Divinity at African Christian University, describes Shepherds for Sale as “riveting” and “difficult to read,” given the uncomfortable truths it uncovers.
Mollie Hemingway, editor-in-chief of The Federalist, commends Basham for dragging the plot of evangelical infiltration out into the light, exposing how corrupted leaders have betrayed their doctrines to advance left-wing political goals. These endorsements underscore the importance of Basham’s work in the current cultural moment.
A Critical Analysis
While Shepherds for Sale is a crucial work, it is not without its challenges. The book’s title, for instance, suggests that greed is the primary motive behind evangelical compromise. However, as Basham’s own research reveals, the motivations of these leaders are more complex, often involving a mixture of fear, desire for relevance, and genuine, albeit misguided, attempts to engage with the culture.
Moreover, while Basham’s focus on the infiltration of leftist ideologies is essential, it is worth noting that the Church has faced similar challenges throughout its history. The tactics may have changed, but the underlying battle between the wisdom of the world and the truth of Scripture remains a constant.
That said, Basham’s book is an invaluable resource for understanding the specific challenges facing the evangelical Church in America today. It provides a detailed, well-researched, and engaging account of the forces that have sought to undermine biblical Christianity from within, and it offers a clear call to return to the unchanging truths of Scripture.
The Broader Context
To fully appreciate the significance of Basham’s work, it is important to understand the broader context in which these events have unfolded. Over the past several decades, the political left has made a concerted effort to take over key institutions in American society, including the media, universities, and the bureaucracy. However, as Basham reveals, the attempt to co-opt Evangelical Christianity is perhaps the most insidious and least-discussed aspect of this broader cultural shift.
By targeting evangelical leaders and institutions, progressive powerbrokers have sought to neutralize the Church’s influence in the culture wars, steering it toward positions that align with their political goals. This is not just a battle over doctrine; it is a battle for the soul of the Church, and by extension, the soul of the nation.
Basham’s work is therefore not just a book for Christians; it is a book for anyone who cares about the future of religious liberty and the preservation of America’s Judeo-Christian heritage. The implications of her findings extend far beyond the walls of the Church, touching on the very foundations of American society.
A Personal Reflection
As someone who has followed Megan Basham’s work for some time on Twitter X, I approached Shepherds for Sale with high expectations, and I was not disappointed. The book is a testament to Basham’s journalistic integrity and her commitment to uncovering the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.
What I found particularly compelling about the book was its balance of rigorous research and engaging storytelling. Basham does not merely present the facts; she weaves them into a narrative that is both informative and thought-provoking. Her writing is clear, concise, and compelling, making Shepherds for Sale a must-read for anyone interested in the future of the Church in America.
Conclusion: A Must-Read for All Evangelicals
In conclusion, Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda is a book that every evangelical should read, ponder, and pray over. It is a wake-up call for the Church to return to the truth of Scripture and reject the world’s wisdom. Megan Basham has done the Church a great service by shining a light on the forces that have sought to undermine its foundations, and her book will undoubtedly be remembered as a landmark work in the history of American Evangelicalism.
For those who are ready to confront these challenges head-on, Shepherds for Sale is available for purchase on Amazon. I highly recommend adding this book to your reading list and sharing it with your church community.
By equipping ourselves with the knowledge and insights provided in Basham’s work, we can stand firm in the faith, resist the pressures of the culture, and ensure that the Church remains a beacon of truth in a world that desperately needs it.
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