What is an Evangelical? Is there a political view that qualifies the title Evangelical? Are pastors and Christian leaders that lean left turning from the Gospel, or do they disagree on which party's policies best represent the teachings of Christ?
"Shepherds For Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded The Truth For A Leftist Agenda" by Megan Basham has the premise that Christian leaders are trying to appeal to the world by moving to the left, embracing concepts like climate change, Critical Race Theory, #MeToo, etc.
I learned about this book via one of my favorite podcasts: "Unshaken Faith" with Alisa Childers and Natasha Crain. I'll admit - I was disappointed by this book.
One thing is "the truth" in the title refers to political conservatism. No, for the Christian, the truth refers to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the inspiration, infallibility, inerrancy, and sufficiency of Scripture, and salvation by grace rather than works. There is no evidence that the leaders criticized in this book have turned from the faith.
Likewise, there's an assumption that the reason some may not support Trump or are not dogmatic on certain political views is a lack of faith rather than a disagreement on the best way to live out said faith. I'll confess, in 2016 I did not trust Trump and voted Libertarian.
Finally, what is an Evangelical? For the past 40 years, I considered it the more liberal side of Biblical Christianity, trying to reach the world for Christ, while Fundamentalism is more focused on being strict Biblicists. Now, it's used to hint the politics, though on that subject - like with many others - there is variation among Evangelical concerns. So Basham's concerns are items that neither surprise nor concern me. As stated, there is no indication of turning from the Gospel.
There is error in the church that needs correcting. However, some do that correcting in a way that sows discord, that leaves one with a bad taste in their mouth. I felt that way after reading this book. It's rare I do not recommend a book I've read, but this is one of the exceptions. The topic is important, but I think this book did more hurting and dividing than solving the problem.
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