Pastor who wrote popular relationship book divorces, denounces Christianity

A former pastor whose book was widely used by young couples to seek guidance in courtship has divorced his wife and is no longer a Christian.

Joshua Harris, author of I Kissed Dating Goodbye, this week announced that he had parted ways with his wife after 21 years since ‘significant changes have taken place in both of them.’

Further, Harris noted that he has undergone ‘a massive shift in regard to his faith in Jesus’ and he is no longer a Christian.

[Harris and his wife]

Harris’ book sold over a million copies in the late 90’s and the news came as a shock to his fans who are yet to understand why he has taken this drastic step.

“I am learning that no group has the market cornered on grace. This week I’ve received grace from Christians, atheists, evangelicals, exvangelicals, straight people, LGBTQ people, and everyone in-between.

“Of course there have also been strong words of rebuke from religious people. While not always pleasant, I know they are seeking to love me. (There have also been spiteful, hateful comments that angered and hurt me,” he wrote on his Instagram page.

Adding: “The information that was left out of our announcement is that I have undergone a massive shift in regard to my faith in Jesus. The popular phrase for this is “deconstruction,” the biblical phrase is “falling away.”

“By all the measurements that I have for defining a Christian, I am not a Christian,” he said.

Further, Harris stated that he has lived in repentance for the past several years and sought forgiveness from the LGBTQ community for the views he taught in his books regarding sexuality.

“I regret standing against marriage equality, for not affirming you and your place in the church, and for any ways that my writing and speaking contributed to a culture of exclusion and bigotry. I hope you can forgive me,” he pleaded.

Harris also urged his Christian friends to give him time as he goes through this phase in his life.