Bonus Episode: I Kissed Christianity Goodbye
48Description
A Bonus Episode of The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill
Love it or hate it, if you grew up in a youth group after 1997, you probably had to reckon with Joshua Harris’s I Kissed Dating Goodbye, his treatise on dating and courtship. The book sold millions and made him, in Collin Hansen’s terms, an “evangelical boy wonder.”At 29 years old he became the lead pastor of a Maryland megachurch and a rising star in Sovereign Grace Ministries. But when that movement was torn apart by controversy, conflict, and accusations of a systemic cover-up of child abuse, he found himself reeling, unsure of his calling and convictions. He left ministry in 2015, and in 2019, announced that he no longer identified as a Christian.
In this bonus episode of The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, we’ll explore Josh’s story as a contemporary of Mark Driscoll, someone who was his polar opposite in temperament, and who’s struggles in ministry led to a divergent outcome. We’ll talk about faith, doubt, and celebrity, and discuss how Christians might think about their own doubts and deconstruction, recognizing them as a normal part of the Christian life.
Subscriptions to CT are one of the best ways to support this kind of journalism. If you want to help us continue doing this kind of work, consider joining today at orderct.com/marshill.
“The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill” is a production of Christianity Today
Executive Producer: Erik Petrik
Producer, Writer, Editor, and Host: Mike Cosper
Associate Producer: Joy Beth Smith
Music and Sound Design: Kate Siefker and Mike Cosper
Mix Engineer: Mike Cosper
Graphic Design: Bryan Todd
Social Media: Nicole Shanks
Editorial Consultant: Andrea Palpant Dilley
Editor in Chief: Timothy Dalrymple
Theme song: “Sticks and Stones” by Kings Kaleidoscope
Closing song: “Spirit (Keep On)” by Jeremy Casella
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
United States
seems like this Joshua Harris guy is kind of a thoughtless turd. All humans can be. What I find wacky is how a whole culture and a specific pastor is being put under the magnifying glass and yet the same old dog and pony show moves forward in the ads placed in the programming. YouTube views, stupid missions, using certainty to hit people over the head with Jesus.....the show goes on. 🙄
I really, really enjoyed this episode. Thank you for the reporting that clearly went into it but also the hopeful message for those of us who are broken and searching.
Negative evangelical church experiences are ubiquitous and Anderson is a fucking snake. How's that for "reactionary."
This happens when we put our trust in men and not God the Father, the Holy Spirit and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
I find it strange because you can be masculine and humble at the same time
I don't know anyone who claims to have been hurt by purity culture but I know a lot of people trying to co parent with a crazy ex who was smoking hot and stuff happened.