The publishing decisions of LifeWay, a prominent Christian resources provider, have come under scrutiny for their association with Beth Moore, a well-known Bible teacher and author. The controversy surrounding Moore centers on accusations that she is a “false teacher” and her teachings deviate from traditional Southern Baptist beliefs.
The debate took center stage at the 2023 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) annual meeting, where the future of women pastors and abuse reform within the denomination were also being discussed.
Who is Beth Moore?
Beth Moore has been a significant figure within the Southern Baptist Convention for nearly three decades. She has been a respected Bible teacher, known for her devotion to Jesus and her commitment to teaching others the importance of the Bible in their lives.
However, her influence and teaching style have caused discomfort among some evangelical leaders who adhere strictly to the belief that only men should be allowed to preach.
Despite adhering to Southern Baptist teachings on the role of women and supporting the denomination’s missions and evangelistic work, Moore’s criticism of Donald Trump and her advocacy for sexual abuse victims have made her a controversial figure within the denomination.
Her stance on these issues led to accusations of being “liberal” and “woke” and even being labelled a false teacher for delivering a message during a Sunday morning church service.
Moore eventually reached a point where she no longer identified as a Southern Baptist, though she still considers herself a Baptist. In an interview with Religion News Service, Moore expressed her love for many Southern Baptist people and churches but stated that she no longer identified with certain aspects of the denomination’s heritage. She also ended her publishing partnership with LifeWay, although the company will continue to distribute her books.
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During the SBC meeting, a question was directed at LifeWay, asking if they would continue promoting false teachers like Beth Moore. In response, LifeWay CEO Ben Mandrell asked if the person questioning had read Moore’s book, seemingly implying that the accusations were unfounded.
However, critics on social media expressed their dissatisfaction with Lifeway’s handling of the situation, describing it as a “dumpster fire” and criticizing Mandrell for evading the questions raised.
Overall, Beth Moore’s departure from the Southern Baptist Convention underscores the deep divisions and challenges facing the denomination.
