Joshua Harris

Joshua Harris, author and former pastor famous for I Kissed Dating Goodbye who later apologized and re-evaluated his faith. He narrates his journey from evangelical certainty through public deconstruction and back toward curiosity about Jesus. Conversations also touch on purity culture, platform pressure, rapid promotion in ministry, and why slowing down matters for young leaders.

A Bonus Episode of The Rise and Fall of Mars HillLove 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 TodayExecutive Producer: Erik PetrikProducer, Writer, Editor, and Host: Mike CosperAssociate Producer: Joy Beth SmithMusic and Sound Design: Kate Siefker and Mike CosperMix Engineer: Mike CosperGraphic Design: Bryan ToddSocial Media: Nicole ShanksEditorial Consultant: Andrea Palpant DilleyEditor in Chief: Timothy DalrympleTheme song: “Sticks and Stones” by Kings KaleidoscopeClosing song: “Spirit (Keep On)” by Jeremy Casella Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joshua Harris, author and former pastor who wrote I Kissed Dating Goodbye, shares his journey leaving pastoral ministry and rethinking long-held beliefs. He talks about how counseling and seminary shifted his sense of calling. He describes translating ministry skills to marketplace work and the difficulty of changing your mind publicly. He reflects on compassion for former versions of himself.

Joshua Harris, an independent researcher compiling timestamped evidence on prophetic claims, walks through allegations about Jeremiah Johnson. He outlines recurring inconsistencies in prophetic accounts, documented instances of alleged plagiarism across multiple sources, and a leaked leadership meeting that reveals how the narrative was managed. Short, focused, and revealing.

Joshua Harris shares his personal journey of growth and transformation, reevaluating his beliefs and facing challenges. He discusses his best-selling book that has been retracted and explores the process of questioning one's beliefs. The chapter also delves into the challenges and pressures faced by homeschooling parents, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their efforts and understanding.