The late Arnold B. Murray, founder of Shepherd’s Chapel, has garnered a significant following through his verse-by-verse Bible teaching, broadcast to millions worldwide. In his article In Answer to Critics, Murray responds to accusations of theological errors, including modalism, racism, the serpent seed doctrine, and questionable credentials. However, a careful examination of his claims against scripture and external critiques reveals that his responses often fail to address core concerns, leaving significant biblical and doctrinal issues unresolved. This article evaluates Murray’s teachings in light of scripture, offering a balanced perspective for those seeking to discern truth.
The Trinity: Modalism or Orthodoxy?
Murray defends his view of the Godhead, describing it as YHVH, Yahshua, and the Holy Spirit, citing Matthew 10:20 and Mark 13:11 to emphasize the Spirit’s role in speaking through believers. Critics, including the Christian Research Institute, argue this aligns with modalism—a heresy that views God as one person manifesting in three roles, rather than three distinct, co-equal persons in one essence.
Biblical Analysis: Murray’s cited verses describe the Holy Spirit’s function but do not clarify the ontological relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Orthodox Trinitarian doctrine, supported by Matthew 3:16-17 (where all three persons are distinct at Jesus’ baptism) and John 14:16-17, affirms three co-eternal persons. Murray’s reported use of “offices” to describe the Godhead suggests modalism, which he does not refute with clear scriptural evidence. His claim that souls pre-existed (using Jeremiah 1:5 and Ephesians 1:4) misinterprets God’s foreknowledge as literal pre-existence, a view lacking biblical support and resembling fringe theologies.
Verdict: Murray’s response on the Trinity is vague, failing to counter modalism accusations or align with orthodox Trinitarian doctrine.
Racism and Anglo-Israelism
Murray denies teaching racism, asserting that Shepherd’s Chapel welcomes all races, as seen in Passover meeting videos, and cites Genesis 1:27-31 and Revelation 21:22-27 to affirm God’s creation of all humanity. Critics, however, link him to Anglo-Israelism, a belief associated with the Christian Identity movement, which claims Anglo-Saxons are the true descendants of Israel’s lost tribes, often implying racial superiority.
Biblical Analysis: Murray’s cited verses affirm racial equality, but they do not address his alleged teaching that Genesis 1 (non-whites) and Genesis 2 (Anglo-Saxons) describe separate creations. This view contradicts Acts 17:26, which states all nations come from one man. His failure to refute Anglo-Israelism directly leaves the accusation of racial bias unaddressed, despite his diverse congregation.
Verdict: Murray’s denial of racism is undermined by his unaddressed Anglo-Israelism teachings, which carry racially problematic implications.
Serpent Seed Doctrine: Biblical or Speculative?
Murray defends the serpent seed doctrine, claiming Eve’s sexual union with Satan produced Cain, whose descendants are the Kenites. He cites Matthew 13:37-39 (the tares as children of the devil), Genesis 3:15 (enmity between seeds), and Revelation 12:9 (Satan as the serpent).
Biblical Analysis: Genesis 4:1 explicitly states Adam as Cain’s father, contradicting Murray’s interpretation. The Greek term in 2 Corinthians 11:3 (exapataō, meaning “deceived”) does not imply sexual seduction. In Matthew 13, the “tares” represent those who reject God, not literal offspring of Satan. Genesis 3:15 refers to spiritual opposition, not a physical bloodline. Murray’s literal reading introduces a speculative narrative unsupported by scripture.
Verdict: The serpent seed doctrine relies on eisegesis, not exegesis, and lacks biblical grounding.
Kenites and Anti-Semitism
Murray defines Kenites as “sons of Cain,” denying that he equates them with Judah (Jews). Critics argue his teachings imply some Jews are Satan’s seed, fueling anti-Semitic perceptions, especially given his Christian Identity ties.
Biblical Analysis: Kenites in scripture (e.g., Judges 1:16) are a tribe, not a cursed lineage. Murray’s “hybrid” Kenite concept lacks biblical support and aligns with Christian Identity’s problematic views. His failure to address these implications or his historical ties to figures like Wesley Swift leaves the criticism unanswered.
Verdict: Murray’s narrow denial avoids the broader issue of anti-Semitic undertones in his Kenite teachings.
Exclusive Messenger and Credentials
Murray denies claiming to be God’s exclusive messenger, calling such accusations lies, and clarifies he never claimed a doctorate from Roy Gillaspie, asserting his teaching ability as his credential.
Biblical Analysis: While no direct quote confirms an exclusive messenger claim, Murray’s dismissive rhetoric toward other churches (e.g., condemning rapture believers) suggests a unique authority. His lack of transparency about his doctorate, with no evidence of accredited education, raises integrity concerns, despite biblical examples of uneducated teachers (Acts 4:13).
Verdict: Murray’s denials are plausible but do not address perceptions of exclusivity or credential concerns fully.
Broader Concerns: Conduct and Teachings
Murray’s aggressive demeanor (e.g., threatening a heckler) and condemnation of rapture believers (contradicting 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) contrast with biblical calls for gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23). His ties to Christian Identity, false prophecies, and secretive practices further undermine his credibility.
Verdict: Murray’s response sidesteps significant behavioral and doctrinal critiques, weakening his defense.
Conclusion: Testing All Things
Murray’s In Answer to Critics fails to refute key accusations of modalism, Anglo-Israelism, serpent seed doctrine, and anti-Semitic implications. His teachings deviate from orthodox Christianity, aligning with fringe movements like Christian Identity. While his call to study scripture (Acts 17:11) is commendable, his interpretations often lack biblical fidelity. Believers are urged to test his teachings against God’s Word, using tools like reputable commentaries, and to approach Shepherd’s Chapel with discernment.
For further study, request Shepherd’s Chapel’s Statement of Faith or review their broadcasts, comparing them with scripture. As 2 Timothy 2:15 advises, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth.”