When I was in High School, I heard about a book entitled, “I Kissed Dating Goodbye.” It is a book about staying sexually pure, finding your one true love, and focusing on how to prepare for that life-long commitment.
The book was an instant best-seller. Harris’ revolutionary ideas had made a huge impact on the many lives of Christians especially in a day and age where sexual promiscuity and divorce are rampant.
A book embraced by millions
A lot of Christians applauded the book and made it their life’s guiding principle when it comes to forming a relationship with the opposite sex.
Admittedly, I haven’t read the book. What I know is that the book has been greatly popular to the point that some people made a religion out of it. A lot of youth groups in various churches use the book as their bible study material to learn godly dating or courting.
From pastor to unbeliever
However, in a surprising announcement, Joshua Harris made an Instagram post stating that he and his wife, Shannon, are having a divorce. After 20 years of marriage, they decided to separate but would still remain friends.
I would say this is the most unexpected announcement you will hear from a man who championed chastity, pure love, and undefiled marriage.
Now, a deeper investigation in the life of Joshua Harris would soon tell you that his announcement should not be a surprise.
A few years back, Harris admitted that he regretted writing the book. He even feels somewhat ashamed for being known to be the man who wrote I Kissed Dating Goodbye. For this reason, he decided to discontinue the publication of the book.
In 2014, he stepped down from being a senior pastor at Covenant Life Church. In recent statements, he apologizes to the LGBT community for not standing by their side and fighting for their rights.
Finally, he confirms what most people have long been suspected of. He announced that he is no longer a Christian.
With all the changes in his life, his marriage inevitably took a toll. No doubt, the divorce with his wife is simply a symptom of a greater problem.
When church leaders quit
It is sad to see church members fall away from their faith; but it is more shocking to see ministers, pastors and church leaders make a fatal mistake in their spiritual life.
People, Christians, and church members hold them high on a pedestal – and that’s where the problem lies.
When Joshua Harris published his book, there’s no doubt; people think that he knows the key to a successful marriage. They believe that this guy embodies the principles of a godly marriage. If there’s any guy who knows how to make a marriage work, this should be him!
Obviously, this thinking has led many discouraged, frustrated, and disappointed with Harris’ announcement of divorce. They thought that Harris is bulletproof against marital problems and issues.
Christians are saddened, while unbelievers and scoffers cast a grin that says, “I told you so.”
This post originally appeared on BecomingChristians.com and was republished with permission. The article was written by Joshua Infantado.
Joshua’s Outpost is a source for men to find encouragement to be bold in their faith and walk with Jesus Christ.
These stories of those who fall and then applaud their own actions is a killer of many Christians who are deluded. May God open his eyes and shine His truth into his heart, may he turn away in repentance. I pray for a holy fire to fall upon our leaders and those who do not read the Bible — nationally and globally. A calling to us to pray and share in love.