Book SummaryShepherds for Sale, by Megan Basham

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Shepherds for Sale

The influence of progressive thought within evangelical groups.

The foundational teachings of the Bible are progressively being forsaken within evangelical instruction.

Progressive language frequently acts as a disguise for the introduction of left-leaning ideologies into church congregations.

Basham contends that progressive activists gain entry into churches by using “Christianese” terminology to disguise explicitly worldly ideologies. Activists with secular agendas deftly circumvent the vigilant community members who steadfastly uphold theologically conservative Christian values, ever watchful to prevent the encroachment of progressive ideologies. Basham bolsters her argument by emphasizing the responsibility to care for the surroundings and to welcome new individuals. She references historical examples of socialist infiltration into churches during a period in the early twentieth century and emphasizes that the same tactics and language about "economic equity" can be seen today in the endeavors of non-religious billionaires who fund campaigns to influence conservative religious communities on contentious issues like environmental stewardship and immigration policies.

Megan Basham highlights that the financial backing for the National Religious Partnership for the Environment, despite contributions from entities such as the Rockefeller and MacArthur Foundations, was not enough to secure significant legislative victories without expanding its influence to encompass evangelical churches. The initiative known as the Evangelical Environmental Network was established to reframe "environmentalist" with the term "creation care." The EEN rapidly established partnerships with well-known evangelical groups, including Christianity Today and the National Association of Evangelicals, recruiting influential religious figures to provide a faith-based endorsement to progressive causes.

The National Immigration Forum worked alongside the National Association of Evangelicals and the interfaith assembly known as Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice to establish the "Evangelical Immigration Table," which subsequently championed the progressive goals linked to its secular sponsor, a well-known philanthropist.

The oversimplification of intricate matters into trivial catchphrases.

Megan Basham conveys the idea that the Church has weakened the transformative power of Jesus's teachings, especially those about loving one's neighbor, by simplifying them into slogans that align with various social or political agendas. She notes a decline in the importance placed on "valuing the people in your life" within specific segments of the evangelical community, frequently mentioned without thorough reflection on the scriptural teachings or understanding the basis of diverse views held by the faithful that are rooted in biblical principles. In reality, this strategy was employed by leaders in politics and media, who lacked ties to the Christian faith, and was most prominently utilized to promote immunization and facial covering mandates under President Biden, the initiatives for young immigrants initiated during President Obama's tenure, and the legislation concerning abortion rights promoted by California's governor. These individuals remained steadfast in their convictions, promoting immunization as a demonstration of affection for fellow humans, advocated for the free passage across borders as an expression of kindness, and maintaining the freedom to end a pregnancy until birth as an act of benevolence towards others.

Basham references numerous examples in which evangelical Christians equate the fight against climate change with the principle of loving one's neighbor, advocating for the acceptance of their carbon emission reduction plans as a mandate presented as being endorsed by Jesus Christ. Critics who have been accused of ignoring Christian principles that advocate for embracing new arrivals have faced criticism for their stance against granting legal forgiveness to undocumented immigrants. In her book, Basham often points out cases where the concept of love for one's neighbor is appropriated by different speakers and writers, who use it as a key motivational appeal to sway Christians towards progressive goals, ignoring significant theological or secular objections.

Church leaders reprimanded the congregation for their hesitation to adopt progressive ideals.

Megan Basham contends that the rise of progressive thought in the Church is due to the suppression of dissenting opinions by means of embarrassment when they challenge the deviation from established scriptural doctrines. Influential figures within well-known evangelical communities have adeptly taken advantage of the unspoken norm that discourages questioning church authorities, leading to a scenario where church members often struggle with the appropriate reaction to doctrines that deviate from scriptural truths. They trust not only the person sharing the information but the entity that distributes it as well. Consequently, while some influential members within the evangelical circle often critique mainstream adherents for purported racial prejudice, reluctance to accept LGBTQ individuals, and neglect of environmental concerns, they refrain from similar censure to avoid appearing combative or unsympathetic. The so-called Eleventh Commandment seems to be applied in a unidirectional manner.

In her book, Basham references a stern warning from a former leader of the...

Shepherds for Sale Summary The clash between scriptural principles and modern social movements.

Advocating for political objectives while ostensibly adhering to the principle of "Love Your Neighbor"

The book offers a scrutinizing examination of how certain biblical texts are selectively employed to support the recognition of undocumented immigrants under the law.

Basham points out that the Bible offers many rich arguments for how Christians should approach issues like immigration policy, not just in how they support personal responsibility and provide for the needy, but also in how they vote to ensure that governments uphold the rule of law and promote policies that maintain national sovereignty. These complex and sometimes contradictory urges call for a nuanced examination of the teachings found in the scriptures, rather than simplifying them to just a handful of slogans.

Megan Basham highlights how the phrase "Welcoming the Stranger" has been promoted by the Evangelical Immigration Table as a means to persuade evangelical Christians to support amnesty for those without legal residency status. The writer stresses that although the idea of welcoming strangers has its basis in specific biblical teachings, this should not detract from a country's obligation to...

Shepherds for Sale Summary The erosion of standards and impartial procedures due to societal changes.

Faith-based institutions are adopting measures in accordance with Title IX to address allegations of sexual misconduct.

The Diminution of Women's Autonomy and Accountability in the Era of MeToo

Basham highlights the risks associated with the #ChurchToo movement, especially when it implements procedures similar to those used in Title IX to address allegations of misconduct among adults in circumstances that are devoid of any coercive elements. It is a core duty of churches to provide support to those in need, especially women and children, while also stressing that every person has the freedom to determine their own life course and must accept accountability for their choices.

To support this, she cites the case of John Crist, a Christian comedian ostracized from churches after allegations of pursuing “young women” via Snapchat became public. Using terminology that seems to come from Karl Marx and “conflict theory” rather than Scripture, mainstream evangelical commentators like Ed Stetzer and Trillia Newbell rushed to condemn Crist for his abuse of “power.” Many of the accusers lacked a mentor-mentee, educational, or supervisory relationship with Crist. His profession...