Megan Basham's Shepherds For Sale: The Problems With This Book
Jul 31, 2024
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Megan Basham, an author concerned with truthfulness and theology, joins Gavin Ortlund, a theologian dedicated to promoting theological depth. They dive into the controversies surrounding Basham's book, particularly its claims about truth and theological triage. The conversation shifts to climate change, discussing the need for respectful dialogue within the church and the dangers of fundamentalism. Ortlund emphasizes the importance of honest conversations around critical issues, highlighting the church's role in navigating truth and controversy.
The critique emphasizes the importance of maintaining respectful dialogue within the church about contentious issues like climate change rather than fostering division.
The discussion highlights the necessity of theological triage, advocating for a nuanced approach to doctrinal disagreements to preserve church unity.
Deep dives
Misrepresentation of Claims
The critique addresses serious misinterpretations found in a book discussing contemporary church disagreements, particularly regarding climate change. The author argues that they were inaccurately characterized as making climate change policies a fundamental test of biblical faithfulness, which contradicts their actual message that emphasizes respectful dialogue and the complexity of environmental issues. They assert that their intent was to foster open discussions on difficult topics within the church context rather than polarizing them with political agendas. This claim is underscored by re-examining the specific language used in the book, revealing a pattern of selective quotations and distorted representations designed to fit a narrative that vilifies the author.
Concerns Over Triage in Church Disputes
A significant point raised is the concept of triage, which involves prioritizing theological disagreements properly within the church. The author critiques the adversarial stance taken by the book's author, stating that it fosters a harmful environment of division, labeling individuals within the church as sellouts or enemies based on differing views on climate change. They argue that doctrinal disagreements, particularly about science and social issues, should not lead to accusations of heresy or disqualification from faith. The call is for a more nuanced approach that appreciates the diversity of thought within Christianity while avoiding the extremes of liberal and fundamentalist ideologies.
A Plea for Constructive Dialogue
The author emphasizes the necessity of maintaining dignity and respect in discussions, especially regarding contentious issues like climate change, which should not lead to personal attacks or character judgments. They argue for promoting an environment where differing views are welcomed, and individuals can engage in constructive conversations without fear of being labeled misleadingly. This, they believe, is crucial for preserving the integrity of relationships within the church, especially amidst the perceived chaos in contemporary society. Encouraging dialogue rather than divisiveness can significantly impact how the church addresses public issues while fostering a culture of love and understanding.
Misleading Accusations and the Bigger Picture
The discussion highlights the misleading nature of accusations directed towards the author, suggesting motives and positions that do not align with their actual views or intent. The author reflects on the overarching theme of the critique, noting that many points in the opposing narrative were exaggerated or outright false, diminishing the reliability of its claims. They express concern that such approaches contribute to the disintegration of the evangelical community, pushing individuals towards more rigid positions without a genuine engagement in truth-seeking. Ultimately, there is a longing for a return to foundational Christian values that allow for respectful discourse and mutual understanding amidst denominational differences.
Gavin Ortlund responds to the new book by Megan Basham, Shepherds For Sale, stating concerns that it is not truthful and fails to do theological triage.
See the original video on climate change:
https://youtu.be/XRDkBHUXNd0?si=CE5_5n59Wmk8SsoU
Truth Unites exists to promote gospel assurance through
theological depth.
Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is
President of Truth Unites and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.