Beth Moore is an American Bible teacher, author, and speaker who has been a prominent figure in evangelical circles for several decades. Based in Houston, Texas, she founded Living Proof Ministries, which aims to encourage women to engage with the Bible. She has written numerous Bible studies, books, and devotional materials, and her ministry has gained widespread influence, particularly among women in evangelical churches. In recent years, however, Moore has drawn criticism for her evolving theological positions and practices, especially regarding her role in preaching and teaching to mixed-gender audiences.
Why Beth Moore Should Be Regarded as a False Teacher and Avoided
1. Preaching to Mixed-Gender Audiences and Violating Biblical Teachings on Church Leadership
One of the most concerning aspects of Beth Moore’s ministry is her decision to preach to mixed-gender audiences, thereby assuming a role of authority over men in the context of the church. Despite her initial focus on women’s Bible studies, Moore has increasingly preached and taught in church services, conferences, and events attended by both men and women. This practice directly contradicts the biblical teaching that prohibits women from exercising authority over men in the context of teaching or church leadership.
The apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote, "I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet" (1 Timothy 2:12). Paul’s instruction is grounded in the created order and not in cultural considerations, as he references Adam and Eve to support his teaching (1 Timothy 2:13-14). By disregarding this clear biblical instruction, Moore demonstrates a lack of submission to the authority of God’s Word and sets a dangerous example for other women who might be tempted to do the same. God’s design for church leadership is that qualified men should serve as elders and teachers, leading the congregation in a manner that honors Christ’s headship (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).
2. Promoting Subjective Experiences Over the Authority of Scripture
Beth Moore often emphasizes personal experiences, impressions, and supposed revelations from God in her teachings, which can lead to a subjective approach to faith and spirituality. She frequently shares stories about how she has received direct guidance from God or how God has "spoken" to her in specific situations, often in ways that go beyond or outside of the teachings of Scripture. This emphasis on personal revelation can easily lead her followers to prioritize their experiences and feelings over the objective truth of God’s Word.
The Bible teaches that Scripture is the ultimate authority and is sufficient for all matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Believers are instructed to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God" (1 John 4:1) and to ensure that everything aligns with the clear teachings of Scripture. By frequently appealing to personal experiences and subjective revelations, Moore encourages her followers to rely on experiences rather than on the authoritative, unchanging Word of God, which is dangerous and leads to potential error and deception.
3. Associating with and Endorsing False Teachers and Questionable Movements
Beth Moore has increasingly associated herself with questionable movements, such as the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and other charismatic groups that emphasize signs, wonders, and experiential manifestations of the Holy Spirit. She has also shared platforms with well-known false teachers who promote unbiblical doctrines, such as prosperity theology and Word of Faith teachings, without publicly distancing herself from their errors. By aligning herself with these teachers and movements, Moore lends credibility to their teachings and creates confusion among her followers.
The Bible commands believers to "contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3) and to "avoid such people" who promote teachings that are contrary to sound doctrine (Romans 16:17). By failing to distinguish herself from false teachers and by sharing platforms with them, Moore compromises the truth of the Gospel and exposes her followers to dangerous and unbiblical influences.
4. Evolving Theological Positions and Lack of Doctrinal Clarity
Over the years, Beth Moore’s theological positions have shifted on various issues, leading to confusion and a lack of doctrinal clarity. For example, she has increasingly embraced more progressive views on topics such as social justice, gender roles, and charismatic practices. Her willingness to adapt her theology to fit current cultural trends suggests a lack of commitment to the timeless truths of Scripture and creates uncertainty about where she stands on essential matters of the faith.
The Bible warns against being "tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14) and calls believers to hold firmly to sound doctrine. Paul instructed Timothy to "guard the deposit entrusted to you" (1 Timothy 6:20) and to "keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching" (1 Timothy 4:16). By failing to provide clear, consistent, and biblically grounded teaching, Moore demonstrates a lack of faithfulness to the truth of God’s Word and leads her followers into doctrinal confusion.
5. Promoting an Emotion-Driven Approach to Faith
Beth Moore’s teaching style often relies heavily on emotional storytelling, personal anecdotes, and emotionally charged experiences, which can lead her followers to base their faith on feelings rather than on the solid foundation of Scripture. While emotions are a natural part of the human experience, basing one’s faith on emotional experiences can lead to instability and vulnerability to deception, as feelings are often unreliable and subjective.
The Bible teaches that believers are to be grounded in the truth of God’s Word, not in emotional experiences. Jesus said, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32). Paul emphasized the importance of renewing the mind with Scripture (Romans 12:2) and being rooted and built up in Christ (Colossians 2:6-7). By promoting an emotion-driven approach to faith, Moore encourages her followers to prioritize their feelings over the objective truth of God’s Word, which can lead to spiritual immaturity and deception.
Conclusion from Scripture
The Bible consistently warns against false teachers who distort the truth, lead others into error, or compromise the authority of God’s Word. Paul wrote, "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions" (2 Timothy 4:3). Beth Moore’s decision to preach to mixed-gender audiences, her emphasis on subjective experiences, her association with false teachers, and her shifting theological positions align with teachings that deviate from the clear instructions of Scripture.
The apostle Paul also stated, "Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet" (1 Timothy 2:11-12). By assuming a role of authority over men in her preaching and teaching, Moore violates this biblical directive and demonstrates a lack of submission to God’s established order for the church.
For these reasons, based on the authority of Scripture, Beth Moore should be regarded as a false teacher, and her teachings should be avoided. Christians are called to "test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and to remain grounded in the truth of God’s Word, which is "living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12).
The true Gospel is about repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, and the transforming power of God’s grace. It calls believers to live lives of holiness, obedience, and submission to Christ’s lordship, not to pursue experiences, progressive trends, or culturally popular teachings. Therefore, believers should reject Beth Moore’s teachings that deviate from Scripture and remain faithful to the unchanging truth of God’s Word, which offers the way to eternal life, true spiritual growth, and genuine transformation through Christ alone.