Review 2025.01.001
Reviewers Note: It is the beginning of 2025 and one of the skills I desire to grow in is that of writing book reviews (having never done this before). I am doing this so I can better hone my writing (and reading) skills as I seek to think more critically about the books I am reading. I am sharing on Goodreads for my own personal development. I know this will be something I am always growing in so if you actually read these, please be patient with me as I develop this skill. I will also receive constructive criticism if you desire to help me become a better writer (and reader). I plan to use this disclaimer for the entire 2025 year.
Shepherds For Sale by Megan Basham
352 Pages
This book is an expose on different leftist organizations using money and influence with national Christian pastors, figures, and pundits in an attempt to move churches away from biblical beliefs. Mrs. Basham walks through eight different issues.
- Climate Change
- Illegal Immigration
- Pro-Life Movement
- Christian Media
- COVID-19
- Critical Race Theory
- #MeToo #ChurchToo
- LGBTQ
This book is well written and well researched. I did not check every reference due to the sheer quantity of them but I did look at a few. The first reference I checked did not feel fair. It was regarding J.D. Greear and some comments he made in a sermon. All the other references that I checked either felt fair or I could follow her logical arguments to the point she was making.
She is very careful with her word selection which I appreciated. In one instance she said “Keller-endorsed” which I understood but felt out of place and almost like a dig at Keller. That being said, as I continued reading that section I was able to see why she used those words. Personally, I probably would have phrased it differently, avoided it completely, or placed it further into the section. That was the only time I remember doing a double take at the words she used when reading the book.
Before reading the book, there was a Christian media group that I had begun to question some of their actions. This book confirmed some of the things I had already seen myself. It also put me on guard for other things that this group may be doing. Additionally, it made me mindful of other Christian media groups and the content they put out. It also made me review the pastors that I read and follow regularly.
Word selection and order are very important as words have and convey meaning. Mrs. Basham’s ability with words really impressed me. This was the first time I have read any of her work (at least that I know of). My mind was always engaged and I never felt like I was plodding through the book which is important for me. Except in the instances listed about, I never felt like I misunderstood what she intended to say.
One of the biggest factors for me personally when rating a book, is the “did it make me think?” factor. I love a book that makes me think, especially if it makes me think differently. This book definitely made me think about my faith and the outside sources I am consuming (outside the Bible). If I want my faith to be biblical (and I do), then I need to remove as much of the world from it as possible. God’s thoughts are not my thoughts.
I highly recommend Shepherds For Sale to people who are actively seeking to follow Jesus and need help seeing how the world is attempting to push itself into the church.