The worst book ever written by any IFB Author ever!!!
Why I Consider Justice the Worst Book Ever Written by an IFB Author
A bad Christian book can teach error. A dangerous Christian book can teach people to defend error while believing they are honoring God. In my judgment, Justice by Jack Hyles falls into that second category. Of all the books associated with Independent Fundamental Baptist leadership, this is the one I consider the worst because of what its teachings can do to a church’s conscience.
The problem goes beyond disagreements about leadership style. This book addresses how Christians should respond when someone reports wrongdoing. That is precisely where a church needs clear thinking, honest investigation, and concern for people who may have been hurt. Instead, I believe Hyles presents principles that can make questioning authority seem sinful and silence seem spiritual.
These concerns are central to our film Disclosure, which examines abusive ministry philosophies and the culture surrounding coverups. They also connect directly to Empire of Error, my examination of what happens when loyalty to a preacher becomes more important than truth. This criticism concerns a particular philosophy within the movement. It does not describe every independent Baptist church.
Here are five major problems with Justice.
1. It places unreasonable restrictions on accountability
In chapter two, Hyles limits judgment to assigned areas of authority. He extends that restriction beyond taking action to forming judgments in one’s own mind about matters outside that jurisdiction.
There is a legitimate difference between having authority over an organization and recognizing that something is wrong. A church member does not need to become the pastor before he can examine the pastor’s teaching. A parent does not need to run a ministry before raising concerns about a child’s safety.
Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for searching the Scriptures to test what they heard. Christian discernment belongs to every believer. When authority becomes a reason to discourage examination, the congregation becomes dependent on the very leadership it may need to question.
2. It makes the person reporting wrongdoing into the spiritual problem
In chapter nine, Hyles associates accusing the brethren with the Devil’s activity, even distinguishing that activity from merely making false accusations. He does include an exception concerning broken civil law when describing his practice of defending the accused. That qualification belongs in any honest discussion of his position.
Nevertheless, the broader spiritual framing is deeply troubling. Reporting wrongdoing is not automatically slander. A truthful witness and a malicious liar are doing different things. Treating both as threats to a ministry creates fear precisely where honesty is needed.
Consider Nathan confronting David. His accusation exposed actual sin. His faithfulness was demonstrated by telling the truth to a powerful man. Churches need the moral courage to hear uncomfortable testimony without first treating the speaker as disloyal.
3. It turns witness requirements into a barrier to investigation
Hyles teaches that two eyewitnesses should come together before an accusation is heard within the proper jurisdiction. Elsewhere, he describes refusing even to investigate without two eyewitnesses appearing together.
Requiring evidence before declaring someone guilty is right. Refusing to begin examining a concern is a different matter. An initial report may be the very thing that leads to additional witnesses, admissions, or other evidence.
Imagine someone reporting misconduct that occurred in private. If the immediate response is that the person must first produce another eyewitness, the process may end before anyone asks a meaningful question. A responsible church should be able to take a report seriously while reserving judgment. Listening carefully does not require declaring guilt.
4. It redirects public rebuke toward the accuser
Hyles interprets the public rebuke in 1 Timothy 5:20 as applying to false accusers rather than as authorization to expose a sinning elder.
The passage says, “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” The surrounding discussion concerns elders, accusations, and impartiality. Verse 21 explicitly warns against partiality. That context should make every preacher sober about his own accountability.
False accusations deserve correction. But a passage that protects elders against unsupported charges must never become a shield against substantiated wrongdoing. Biblical leadership includes biblical accountability. A preacher’s position cannot exempt him from the standards he preaches to everyone else.
5. It presents secrecy after admitted wrongdoing as loving treatment
In chapter ten, Hyles recounts privately arranging a staff member’s resignation after admitted misconduct, suggesting that he leave the area, and offering financial assistance. The account does not specify the misconduct, so it should not be represented as an admission involving a particular crime.
The principle still deserves scrutiny. A private resignation does not automatically answer every question about responsibility, disclosure, or the protection of others. Forgiveness does not establish fitness for leadership. Financial assistance does not settle whether other people need truthful information.
We must care about a wrongdoer’s family. We must also care about anyone harmed and anyone who could be harmed afterward. Christian compassion cannot stop at the office door of the man whose reputation is at stake.
The larger concern behind Empire of Error is how a ministry can become organized around preserving a leader’s standing. When success excuses scrutiny and personal loyalty overrides evidence, people learn to defend the institution before they consider the wounded. Our churches need shepherds who welcome accountability and congregations whose consciences remain governed by Scripture.
That is why I consider Justice such a terrible book. Its subject demands careful safeguards against both false accusation and concealed wrongdoing. My objection is that its approach can leave sincere Christians afraid to ask the questions that truth requires.
I encourage you to purchase Empire of Error (https://amzn.to/4v7tbmE) and examine the broader philosophy for yourself. Then watch our film Disclosure, which addresses the abuse and coverup concerns that make this discussion necessary.
For a deeper examination, purchase our Disclosure video collection on Gumroad, containing over 20 hours of footage. https://spencersmith312.gumroad.com/l/disclosure
Read the book. Watch the film. Examine the footage. Test what you hear against Scripture, including what you hear from me. No preacher’s reputation should become more important than truth, and no ministry’s success should make wounded people expendable.
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