Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Sold Out to a Leftist Agenda

by Megan Basham (Author) 

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Book Overview:

"Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Sold Out to a Leftist Agenda" delves into a critical and controversial issue within the modern evangelical movement. The book explores how certain evangelical leaders, once stalwart defenders of biblical truth, have gradually shifted towards embracing leftist ideologies. This shift, often cloaked in the language of social justice and progressivism, has led to a significant departure from traditional evangelical values, causing confusion and division within the Christian community.

The author argues that these leaders have compromised their theological integrity, prioritizing cultural acceptance and political influence over biblical fidelity. Through a blend of historical analysis, theological critique, and contemporary case studies, the book exposes the subtle yet profound ways in which leftist agendas have infiltrated evangelicalism. It challenges readers to discern the truth, return to the core teachings of Scripture, and resist the allure of cultural conformity.

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Key Themes:

1. Theological Drift: How and why certain evangelical leaders have strayed from traditional doctrines.
2. Political Influence: The role of political power and cultural acceptance in shaping evangelical leaders' decisions.
3. Social Justice vs. Biblical Justice: A critical examination of how the concept of social justice has been redefined and co-opted by leftist ideologies within evangelical circles.
4. Impact on the Church: The consequences of this ideological shift on the wider evangelical community, including divisions, loss of biblical authority, and the erosion of gospel-centered ministry.
5. Call to Action: Encouragement for believers to return to a biblically grounded faith, resist cultural pressures, and hold leaders accountable.

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Table of Contents:

1. Introduction: The Selling of the Shepherds
2. Chapter 1: From Pulpit to Politics: The Rise of the New Evangelical Elite
3. Chapter 2: The Social Justice Gospel: Redefining Truth
4. Chapter 3: The Silent Pulpits: Where Have All the Preachers Gone?
5. Chapter 4: The Seduction of Influence: Power, Politics, and the Evangelical Compromise
6. Chapter 5: Divided Congregations: The Fallout of a Leftward Shift
7. Chapter 6: Biblical Justice vs. Social Justice: A Theological Perspective
8. Chapter 7: Reclaiming the Faith: A Call to Return to Biblical Truth
9. Chapter 8: Holding the Line: How to Resist the Leftist Agenda in the Church
10. Conclusion: A Future at the Crossroads

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. What inspired the writing of this book?

The book was inspired by a growing concern within the Christian community regarding the apparent shift of some evangelical leaders towards leftist ideologies. The author felt compelled to address this issue head-on, providing clarity and insight for believers who are struggling to understand these changes.

2. How do you define 'leftist agenda' in the context of evangelicalism?

In this book, a 'leftist agenda' refers to the promotion of ideologies that prioritize cultural and political progressivism over traditional biblical teachings. This includes a focus on social justice, identity politics, and other concepts that may conflict with orthodox Christian doctrine.

3. Are you suggesting that all forms of social justice are incompatible with Christianity?

No, the book differentiates between biblical justice, which is rooted in Scripture, and the redefined concept of social justice, which has been influenced by leftist ideologies. The author argues that while Christians are called to pursue justice, this pursuit must align with biblical principles.

4. Can you provide examples of evangelical leaders or organizations that have embraced a leftist agenda?

The book includes several case studies of prominent evangelical leaders and organizations that have shifted their focus towards leftist ideologies. These examples are used to illustrate the broader trend within evangelicalism, though specific names are discussed with a view to analyzing the broader implications rather than singling out individuals.

5. What is the book's ultimate message to evangelical believers?

The book calls evangelical believers to return to a biblically grounded faith, resist the pressures of cultural conformity, and hold their leaders accountable. It emphasizes the importance of discerning truth from error and remaining faithful to the core teachings of Scripture, even in the face of societal pressure.

6. How does this book differ from other critiques of modern evangelicalism?

While there are many books critiquing modern evangelicalism, "Shepherds for Sale" specifically focuses on the influence of leftist ideologies within the movement. It provides a detailed analysis of how these ideologies have infiltrated the church and offers a robust theological critique, setting it apart from other works that may address different aspects of evangelical decline.

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Conclusion:

"Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Sold Out to a Leftist Agenda" is a timely and provocative examination of a significant issue facing the evangelical church today. It challenges readers to reflect deeply on the direction of their faith communities and to take a stand for biblical truth in an increasingly secular and politically charged world.