Megan Basham, a prominent journalist at The Daily Wire, has ignited significant debate with the release of her latest book, Shepherds For Sale. This explosive exposé uncovers how powerful progressive figures, including billionaires and political operatives, have strategically influenced American evangelicalism by leveraging money, media, and political clout. Basham pulls back the curtain on the hidden alliances and compromises made by well-known evangelical leaders, exposing a troubling trend within the church.

Unmasking the Progressive Agenda

In Shepherds For Sale, Basham meticulously documents the efforts of progressive powerbrokers—such as George Soros, eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, and former Obama administration officials—who have sought to sway evangelical institutions toward a left-leaning political agenda. These powerful figures have targeted Christian media outlets, universities, megachurches, and even entire denominations, offering financial support and career advancement to leaders willing to endorse progressive causes.

The book highlights how these secular influences have shaped the discourse within evangelical circles on key issues like sexuality, abortion, climate change, and systemic racism. Basham argues that in their pursuit of cultural relevance and social acceptance, some evangelical leaders have allowed their ministries to be co-opted for political purposes, often at the expense of biblical fidelity.

Naming Names: J.D. Greear, Russell Moore, David French, and Gavin Ortlund

What sets Shepherds For Sale apart from other critiques is Basham’s willingness to name specific influential figures within the evangelical community who, she claims, have been complicit in this shift. Among those called out in the book are:

• J.D. Greear: The former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, who has been criticized by Basham for promoting a more progressive stance on issues like racial reconciliation and social justice within the church.
• Russell Moore: The former president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), who Basham argues has pushed for a left-leaning political agenda, particularly in his outspoken opposition to former President Donald Trump and his support for certain social justice causes.
• David French: A conservative columnist and commentator, French is criticized in Shepherds For Sale for what Basham describes as his increasingly progressive views on issues like religious liberty, politics, and public morality.
• Gavin Ortlund: A theologian and pastor, Ortlund is highlighted for his role in encouraging a more nuanced and, according to Basham, progressive approach to theological debates, particularly concerning issues of sexuality and culture.

By naming these prominent figures, Basham underscores her central thesis: that some evangelical leaders have traded their commitment to scriptural authority for the allure of financial support, career advancement, and social prestige offered by progressive elites.

The Broader Implications

Shepherds For Sale serves as a clarion call for evangelical Christians to be vigilant in maintaining the integrity of their faith and to resist the temptation to conform to the world’s standards. Basham’s work challenges the evangelical community to reflect deeply on where their allegiances lie and to consider the long-term spiritual consequences of aligning with secular powerbrokers.

While the book has been praised by some for its boldness and thorough research, it has also sparked controversy, with critics arguing that Basham’s portrayal of evangelical leaders may be overly harsh or lacking in nuance. Nevertheless, Shepherds For Sale is undeniably a significant contribution to the ongoing conversation about the intersection of faith, politics, and cultural influence in America.

For those interested in understanding the dynamics at play within the contemporary evangelical movement, Shepherds For Sale is a must-read. It is available now through major booksellers and on Megan Basham’s official website.