Megan Basham’s book, Shepherds for Sale, which claims that evangelical leaders have traded their values for a leftist agenda, has sparked significant controversy. Despite becoming a bestseller, the book has been criticized by several Christian leaders and journalists for inaccuracies and ethical concerns. Notably, conservative commentator Janet Mefferd and pastor J.D. Greear have called for the book’s removal due to alleged factual misstatements and misrepresentation of their positions.
Accusations of Misrepresentation and Ethical Violations
Among the most serious accusations against Basham is that she violated basic journalism ethics by outing a sexual abuse survivor without consent. Reporters, including the Texas Tribune’s Robert Downen, have condemned this action, asserting that Basham’s decision was both unethical and harmful. Furthermore, several Christian leaders profiled in the book, such as Gavin Ortlund and Phil Vischer, claim that Basham misrepresented their statements and took their words out of context.
Responses from Christian Leaders
Christian leaders like Ortlund have publicly documented how Basham’s portrayal of their views, particularly on climate change, was manipulated. Ortlund detailed how his quotes were spliced together to create a false narrative. Similarly, Phil Vischer criticized Basham for attributing statements to him that he never made, further undermining the book’s credibility.
Widespread Criticism and Calls for Accountability
Beyond individual leaders, organizations like World Relief and The Trinity Forum have disputed the book’s claims, citing factual errors regarding their funding and positions on key issues. Critics argue that Shepherds for Sale focuses on a supposed leftward drift in evangelicalism without addressing similar right-wing influences. This selective scrutiny, they contend, reveals a biased approach.
The Broader Impact
Despite its controversial content, Shepherds for Sale has found support among certain conservative circles, praising its critique of modern evangelicalism. However, the growing backlash raises questions about the book’s accuracy and the ethical implications of its publication.
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