Shepherd’s Chapel, based in Gravette, Arkansas, and led by the late Arnold Murray and his son Dennis Murray, is a Christian ministry known for its television broadcasts and verse-by-verse Bible teaching. However, several of its teachings deviate significantly from orthodox Christian doctrine, raising concerns among theologians and apologists. Below is a concise overview of the primary doctrinal errors associated with Shepherd’s Chapel.
1. Denial of the Trinity (Modalism)
Shepherd’s Chapel teaches a form of Modalism, asserting that God is one person who manifests in three different "modes" or "offices" (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) rather than existing as three distinct persons in one Godhead, as affirmed by orthodox Trinitarian theology. This view contradicts biblical passages like Matthew 3:16-17, which depict the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as distinct yet coexisting.
2. Serpent Seed Doctrine
One of the most controversial teachings is the "Serpent Seed" doctrine, which claims that Eve had sexual relations with Satan, resulting in Cain as Satan’s offspring. This teaching identifies the "Kenites" (descendants of Cain) as an evil lineage working against God. This interpretation lacks biblical support and is considered a speculative and heretical addition to Scripture.
3. Christian Identity Movement and Racial Teachings
Shepherd’s Chapel subscribes to British Israelism, a belief that Anglo-Saxons (British, Americans, and Canadians) are the true descendants of the lost tribes of Israel. This doctrine has been linked to racist ideologies, and the ministry has historically opposed interracial marriages, a stance considered unbiblical and discriminatory. While Arnold Murray publicly disavowed racism, critics argue that his teachings on the Kenites and racial distinctions foster division.
4. Denial of Physical Resurrection
The ministry teaches that believers will be raised spiritually, not physically, contradicting the orthodox Christian belief in the bodily resurrection of Jesus and believers (John 20:27, 1 Corinthians 15:42-44). This view undermines a core tenet of Christian eschatology.
5. Pre-existence of Souls and Pre-Adamism
Shepherd’s Chapel promotes the idea that souls existed before their earthly lives and that a race of people lived before Adam. This teaching, akin to Mormon and other non-orthodox views, suggests a pre-Adamite world and a spiritual pre-existence, which lacks clear biblical grounding.
6. Rejection of Eternal Hell (Annihilationism)
The ministry denies the existence of an eternal hell, teaching instead that sinners face annihilation (non-existence after death). This contradicts biblical teachings on eternal judgment (Matthew 25:46, Revelation 20:10).
7. Selective Use of Scripture and Hostile Attitude
Arnold Murray’s teaching style often involved taking verses out of context to support his interpretations, using tools like Strong’s Concordance selectively. Additionally, his condescending and aggressive demeanor toward critics, labeling them as tools of the devil, is seen as un-Christlike and divisive, fostering a similar attitude among followers.
Conclusion
While Shepherd’s Chapel claims to offer in-depth, verse-by-verse Bible teaching, its doctrines significantly deviate from historic Christian orthodoxy. Christians are encouraged to test these teachings against Scripture (Acts 17:11) and approach them with discernment, focusing on the core gospel message of sin, grace, and redemption through Christ alone. For further reading, resources like GotQuestions.org and CARM.org provide detailed critiques.