Faith
Jen Hatmaker Steps Away from Church, Sparks Debate
Faith Facts
- Jen Hatmaker, a progressive Christian author and influencer, has publicly stated she is not attending church and may never return.
- Hatmaker remains committed to a personal relationship with Jesus but now seeks faith outside traditional church structures.
- Her views on marriage, sexuality, and abortion diverge sharply from biblical teachings, causing significant controversy in Christian communities.
Jen Hatmaker, once highly regarded in Evangelical circles, announced she has left the Church and is uncertain about returning. She highlights a personal crisis of faith and disagrees with biblical standards promoted by church institutions.
Hatmaker explained, “I’m out of the church right now. I don’t know that I will ever go back, and I don’t know that I will never go back.” In her comments, she attributes her distancing to disillusionment with church culture rather than disavowing her faith in Jesus.
Her memoir recounts her difficult divorce and criticizes church teachings she believes contributed to her challenges. She claims traditions—such as biblical marriage roles and purity culture—are flawed and responsible for harm within the Christian community.
Hatmaker alleged, “I think that the church… idolizes marriage to such a degree that it pushes people into unhealthy spaces, and it keeps them there. It has done a real disservice to marriage overall.” She frequently voices her discontent with the biblical standards of marriage and sexuality promoted by the Church.
When her divorce became public, Hatmaker accused the Church community of unfairly blaming her for the marital breakdown. “After the divorce became public, it was all eyes on me… It was all my fault, according to the internet,” she stated.
She also openly rejects the Christian teaching on sexuality she experienced as a teen, stating, “It was just shame- and fear-based.” Hatmaker believes the Church’s emphasis on purity culture alienates believers and fails to foster healthy relationships.
Hatmaker’s public advocacy for same-sex marriage and support for pro-abortion policies have separated her from orthodox faith communities. In 2016, she lost publishing support for endorsing relationships and ideas that contradict Christian moral teaching.
Her embrace of worldly standards is further evident in her promotion of sexual wellness products and discussions, which directly oppose the Bible’s call to purity and holiness in all aspects of life.
Christians are called to uphold biblical truth while extending grace to those who struggle or step away. Pray for those like Jen Hatmaker who are wrestling with faith, that they will rediscover the joy and firm foundation of God’s Word and the fellowship of His Church.