Summary
Shepherds for Sale is a 2024 book by Megan Basham focused on the alleged infiltration of American churches by progressive powerbrokers. Basham, a reporter for The Daily Wire, a conservative website and media company, draws on research to support her controversial claim that left-wing billionaires, foundations, and think tanks have targeted Christian institutions to co-opt them for political purposes. The book names high-profile figures, including George Soros and former Obama administration members, as key players in this purported campaign.
While supporters hail Shepherds for Sale as a crucial warning about the erosion of biblical values in evangelical leadership, critics have challenged its accuracy and motives. The book has been both praised as a bold, clear-eyed investigation and decried as propaganda, reflecting the deep divisions within contemporary American Christianity.
Plot
Shepherds for Sale explores the alleged infiltration of American evangelical churches by progressive influences. Author Megan Basham contends that left-wing billionaires, foundations, and think tanks have deliberately targeted Christian institutions, including media outlets, universities, megachurches, and nonprofits, with the aim of co-opting evangelicals for political purposes.
The author presents various examples of what she perceives as compromises within evangelical leadership. These include a renowned Presbyterian theologian supposedly supporting a congregation rebelling against his own denomination, and a celebrity megachurch pastor allegedly encouraging other pastors to alter their views on sexuality. Basham argues that many evangelical leaders are now promoting ideas that diverge from traditional church teachings on topics such as sexual morality, abortion, climate change, and racial issues.
According to the book, in exchange for adopting more left-leaning stances, many church leaders and institutions have received financial benefits, career advancements, prestige, and public acclaim. Basham claims to provide evidence of these transactions and names specific individuals involved in what she describes as “astroturf campaigns” designed to shift evangelical perspectives.
Shepherds for Sale particularly focuses on recent developments within major evangelical denominations and organizations, such as the Southern Baptist Convention. The book suggests that these religious institutions are experiencing internal conflicts over issues like critical race theory, and ministries once known for promoting traditional doctrine are now advocating for social justice causes. Basham presents her work as a warning about the potential consequences of the church embracing worldly wisdom over scriptural teachings.
Themes
Infiltration of evangelical institutions by progressive influencers
Compromise of biblical values for worldly gain
Shift in evangelical leadership towards left-wing ideologies
Impact of external funding on church doctrine and practices
Erosion of traditional Christian stances on social issues
Tension between political influence and spiritual integrity
Warning against adopting secular wisdom over scriptural truth
Setting
Shepherds for Sale is set in contemporary America, focusing on the current landscape of evangelical Christian churches and organizations. The book examines events and trends that have unfolded primarily over the past decade, with some historical context reaching back to earlier periods of American evangelical history. It pays particular attention to influential evangelical denominations and organizations such as the Southern Baptist Convention, prominent megachurches, Christian universities, and faith-based media outlets.
Rather than confine itself to a single geographical location, the book explores the interconnected network of evangelical leadership across the United States. It delves into the dynamics between these religious institutions and various secular organizations, including political entities, philanthropic foundations, and media companies, highlighting how these relationships shape the modern evangelical landscape.
Key Figures
Megan Basham: The author, a reporter for The Daily Wire who conducted extensive research into the alleged infiltration of evangelical churches by leftist influences. Her investigative work forms the basis of the book's arguments. Basham presents herself as a defender of traditional evangelical values against progressive agendas.
George Soros: Prominent billionaire and philanthropist mentioned as one of the key figures allegedly funding efforts to influence evangelical churches. The book claims Soros is part of a network of progressive power brokers seeking to change the American church for political purposes.
John MacArthur: Evangelical pastor and author who endorsed Shepherds for Sale, describing it as potentially “the single most important book on modern Evangelicalism in recent years."
J. D. Greear: Former president of the Southern Baptist Convention who publicly contested Basham’s assertions. Greear criticized Shepherds for Sale for what he deemed inaccurate and uncharitable reporting.
Donald J. Trump: US President mentioned positively throughout the book. Critics argue that Basham's work serves as a defense of Trump against his evangelical critics.
Quick facts
Shepherds for Sale became an instant New York Times bestseller upon release
The full title is Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda.
Author Megan Basham is a reporter for The Daily Wire, a conservative website, and self-proclaimed defender of traditional evangelical Christian values.
Shepherds for Sale discusses topics like climate change, immigration, abortion, and critical race theory.
Upon its publication in 2024, the book sparked significant controversy and debate.
Several people mentioned in Shepherds for Sale, including former Southern Baptist Convention president J. D. Greear, publicly disputed the book’s claims.
Along with citing inaccuracies, many critics accused Shepherds for Sale of promoting conspiracy theories.
Supporters of the book included noted evangelical pastors and authors such as John MacArthur and Tom Ascol as well as conservative radio host Eric Metaxas.
About the Author
Megan Basham is an American writer and culture reporter for The Daily Wire. She previously worked as the film and television editor for World magazine, establishing herself as a prominent voice in conservative media circles. She is also known as the author of two controversial books. Her first, Beside Every Successful Man (2009), argues that women could achieve greater financial security by focusing on advancing their husbands' careers. Her second book, Shepherds for Sale (2024), critiques evangelical leaders for allegedly promoting left-wing views due to the influence of powerful infiltrators, which sparked significant debate upon its release.
Known for her active and often contentious presence on social media, Basham engages in frequent discussions on platform X. Her journalistic work has garnered recognition, including the 2024 Boniface Award from the Association of Classical Christian Schools for her “fearless and faithful journalism." She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her spouse and two children. Her work continues to influence discussions at the intersection of culture, religion, and politics in the United States.
