Are the teachings of Arnold Murray and Shepherd’s Chapel biblical?

Response

Shepherd’s Chapel is a church/ministry in Gravette, Arkansas, USA, recognized primarily for its television broadcast featuring the Bible teachings of Arnold Murray. Unfortunately, the teachings of Arnold Murray and Shepherd’s Chapel contain numerous inaccuracies.

Murray exhibited the characteristics of a false prophet. He displayed attitudes that were notably un-Christlike. Murray’s tendency to label anyone who disagreed with him as a tool of the devil was a clear indication of his theological stance. Instead of offering guidance or correction with love and compassion (Galatians 5:22-26), Murray responded with anger, aggression, and secrecy, inciting similar feelings of disdain and anger among many of his followers.

Murray’s teachings often took verses out of context, allowing for the distortion of their intended meaning. He frequently referenced original Greek and Hebrew word meanings, but only when he could select an alternative translation that appeared to align with his beliefs. When challenged by others, Murray attacked the questioner instead of defending his perspective. Murray approached the Bible with preconceived notions and then manipulated the Word of God to suit his agenda.

For instance, Murray asserted that Cain was actually the son of Eve and Satan—the serpent seed doctrine. He disregarded Genesis 4:1, which states, “Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, ‘With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man’” «And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. », (Genesis 4:1). Adam was indeed Cain’s father, and there is no basis to believe otherwise. Murray also linked the parable of the good and bad seed in Matthew 13 to God’s curse of the serpent in Genesis 3, despite no connection in the context.

Next, let’s examine the text to connect the two passages.

Murray taught that there will be no rapture, despite passages such as 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:51–52. As is all too common with Arnold Murray, he claimed that 95 percent of churches that teach the rapture will accept the Antichrist as their savior (from a November 1985 newsletter). In this way, Murray effectively denied the salvation of anyone who believes in the rapture. It is unsettling to hear a Bible teacher making such claims about those he disagrees with concerning a non-essential point of eschatology.

Shepherd’s Chapel also teaches modalism, a heretical doctrine that denies the Trinity. Murray taught that “Father,” “Son,” and “Spirit” are different titles that God uses at different times. As God takes on different roles, He uses various names for Himself. Modalism was condemned as a heresy in the first few centuries of the Christian church. It turns God into a deceiver because passages such as Matthew 3:16-17 clearly describe the Father, Son, and Spirit interrelating with each other. How can the Father speak in the presence of the Son and the Spirit descend on the Son without making it appear that the three of them are separate persons?

Murray also subscribed to the Christian Identity Movement, which teaches that the British are the true descendants of the ancient Israelites. This movement has been the basis, fuel, and ammunition for a significant amount of racial bigotry. Murray denounced interracial marriages, an unscriptural position that itself flirts with racism.

In addition to doctrinal errors, Arnold Murray also exhibited violent personality traits incompatible with the role of a church leader. His lack of compassion and condescending remarks towards those who disagreed with him were the most noticeable signs of his instability. Christians should be cautious of anyone who behaves like Arnold Murray and should steer clear of any teacher who adheres to the unscriptural teachings of Shepherd’s Chapel.