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Pastor Arnold Murray, founder of Shepherd’s Chapel, gained a large following through his televised Bible teachings. Many appreciated his no-nonsense delivery and deep dives into Scripture. But as his popularity grew, so did concerns from theologians and fellow pastors about the accuracy—and safety—of his teachings.
One of the most prominent concerns involves Murray’s embrace of the “Serpent Seed” doctrine—the belief that Eve had a literal sexual relationship with Satan, resulting in the birth of Cain. This teaching is widely rejected by mainstream Christian scholars and has been linked to various fringe ideologies.
Murray also taught modalism, denying the Trinity in favor of a view where God takes on different roles rather than being three distinct Persons. Critics point out that this contradicts centuries of Christian orthodoxy rooted in Scripture. Additionally, he frequently used coded language to suggest hidden meanings in the Bible that only the “elect” can understand—raising red flags about exclusivity and gnostic tendencies.
There are also pastoral concerns: Murray discouraged church attendance outside of Shepherd’s Chapel, elevating his own interpretations above communal worship and accountability. He was fiercely critical of mainstream churches and often implied that most pastors were misleading their flocks.
And yet, thousands still follow his teachings online. Some say they’ve learned more from his verse-by-verse style than from years in traditional churches. Others claim his ministry helped them take Scripture seriously for the first time.
So how should we approach it? Should we label Shepherd’s Chapel as false teaching outright—or is there something more nuanced going on? And how do we talk with loved ones who’ve become devoted followers?
Have you or someone you know encountered the teachings of Shepherd’s Chapel?
What do you think makes teachings like Murray’s appealing to certain Christians?
How can we guard our hearts from error while remaining humble in our pursuit of truth?
It is difficult to speak candidly on the topic of false teachers without running the risk of becoming one. I will remind us Luke, Paul, Peter, & John all recognized this as a contemporary and a continuing problem for the church; a problem to be wary of, to be avoided, that would proliferate, and at certain times a problem to confront with the power of The Spirit of God. A topical listing of the many scriptural teachings on this subject would be voluminous. Paul rarely writes to a congregation without mentioning this topic somewhere in his epistle. This is one topic we should all be well versed in, and yet it seems remains a sticky web for many unsuspecting folks.
There is but a single remedy to this problem which serves as both vaccine and antidote - intimate, personal, and internalized understanding of the Word of God. No daily devotional, verse-a-day calendar, weekly sermon, or plaque on your bathroom wall will protect anyone from the crafty deception which oozes from the father of lies. Only a nutritional, regular, thoughtful, intentional, yielding to The Word of God will train one in the use of defensive weaponry, and settled dependance on the provided armor of God.
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
If he denies the Trinity, which the Gospel of John clearly teaches, he can’t be trusted to interpret other Scriptures correctly. His approach to the church sounds as though he might be a cult leader.
Arnold Murray passed away in 2014.
His son has taken over as the leader of the cult
But apparently, they still run his shows.
He is not worth your time.
Google him if you must, and you will read how far off he is from true Christianity.
I would recommend not wasting your time with him.
Sadly he is not the first nor will be the last over in false teachings to twist things of God’s Holy Word. Really if you want to be a preacher, need to stick first and foremost to God’s Word all the way.
IMHO I don’t trust TV preachers over what happened with Jim Bakker. A pastor/preacher needs to stay on the Holy Bible and do so humbly and modestly yet speak about the one and only TRUE preaching that comes from God the Father, Jesus the one and only Son, and the Holy Spirit.
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