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The Myth of Institutional Innocence
Description
A chapter from God's Word Is Not Bound.
In this episode, we examine the idea that Christian organizations are immune to temptations common to man.Drawing on decades of firsthand testimony and documented scandals, we examine the darker side of Christian publishing, from ruthless business practices and corporate profiteering to ghostwriting, manufactured celebrity, fake bestseller campaigns, and the commodification of the Church. We consider how the desire for money, influence, and a seat at the table keeps many silent, while the presence of genuinely godly people lends credibility to institutions whose practices contradict the teachings of Christ. Can good intentions or charitable donations justify dishonest and exploitative methods? And why have we entrusted the exclusive control of God's Word to an industry plagued by these very problems? Ultimately, we confront the ancient sin of simony in its modern forms and call the Church to reject institutional idolatry, expose corruption, and recover the biblical command to freely give what God has freely given.
The same institutional corruption has profound implications for Bible translation, where publishers and translation organizations claim exclusive control over Scripture through copyright, licensing restrictions, and commercial distribution. When God's Word becomes an institutional asset to be protected, monetized, and controlled, the Church must ask whether these organizations are worthy of this sacred trust.