Mr. Harris\u2019s book seems to have taken a special toll on young Christian women, who felt controlled and objectified when church leaders told them that immodesty, even if unintentional, makes them responsible for violating men\u2019s spiritual and emotional purity. Worst of all, some readers told Mr. Harris they had lost their faith because of the shame and spiritual duress his book inflicted.<\/p>\n
Hearing such things left Mr. Harris \u201cin a place where I would find my own faith really shaken,\u201d he said in December. \u201cThe brand of Christianity that I practiced was so specific, and was so tied to thinking certain ways, certain practices.\u201d Questioning them means \u201cI\u2019m having to figure out what does that mean, in regard to my relationship with God, because my relationship with God was those things.\u201d Mr. Harris was questioning whether \u201cI can let go of this, and not let go of God.\u201d<\/p>\n
In July, Mr. Harris made two personal announcements on Instagram: He and his wife were separating, and he had \u201cundergone a massive shift in regard to my faith in Jesus,\u201d he wrote. \u201cMany people tell me that there is a different way to practice faith and I want to remain open to this, but I\u2019m not there now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Many Christians responded with mourning, but I\u2019m hopeful. Abandoning untrue beliefs is progress, and a faith that doesn\u2019t stand up to the toughest inquiry isn\u2019t worth believing. The Book of Hebrews says that \u201cwithout faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.\u201d Mr. Harris, please keep seeking, and I\u2019ll be praying as you wander.<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n Downside of the Purity Narrative…Joshua Harris Kisses Christianity Goodbye https:\/\/t.co\/yEEmBT2TW5<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Living Without Lust\/Jay Haug Executive Director (@LWLorg) August 2, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n