News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Joshua-and-Shannon-Harris-Main_article_image.jpg
Instagram/harrisjosh
Church News

Author of Christian books announces he's no longer a Christian

Only recently, the author had made it public, by posting on Instagram that he and his wife Shannon Bonne had decided to separate after 21 years of marriage.

In his latest revelatory Instagram post, Joshua said: "I have undergone a massive shift in regard to my faith in Jesus."

"The popular phrase for this is 'deconstruction,' the biblical phrase is 'falling away.' By all the measurements that I have for defining a Christian, I am not a Christian."

Harris added that he is open to "a different way to practice faith," but is "not there now."

Harris also apologised in his post for "self-righteousness, my fear-based approach to life, the teaching of my books, my views of women in the Church, and my approach to parenting."

These he has apologised for before, but he announced he had another regret.

Joshua wrote: "I specifically want to add to this list now: to the LBGTQ+ community, I want to say that I am sorry for the views that I taught in my books and as a pastor regarding sexuality.

"I regret standing against marriage equality, for not affirming you and your place in the church, and for any ways that my writing and speaking contributed to a culture of exclusion and bigotry."

Harris said: "This week I've received grace from Christians, atheists, evangelicals, exvangelicals, straight people, LGBTQ people, and everyone in-between," he said. But he added that there "have also been strong words of rebuke from religious people. While not always pleasant, I know they are seeking to love me."

In addition to writing a best-selling book, Joshua also served as senior pastor at Covenant Life Church an American megachurch in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

 
 

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate