Joshua Harris Apologizes to LGBTQ Community For Writing ‘I Kissed Dating Goodbye’
‘I Kissed Dating Goodbye’ author and former pastor of Covenant Life Church, Joshua Harris, has released a new and ‘updated’ apology for writing his infamous book, highlighting the harm it has done to LGBTQ folks “in particular.”
In 1997, at 21, Joshua Harris published his first book, “I Kissed Dating Goodbye.” The book became a bestseller and resonated with many young Christians who sought guidance in their romantic relationships. Harris advocated for a more intentional and biblical approach to dating, promoting the idea of courtship and abstinence before marriage.
The success of “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” propelled Harris into the national spotlight, and he became a sought-after speaker at conferences and events. He went on to publish several other books, including “Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship” and “Not Even a Hint: Guarding Your Heart Against Lust.” His writings emphasized the importance of sexual purity, emotional purity, and surrendering one’s desires to God’s will.
Harris would eventually take over the pastorate of Covenant Life Church from C.J. Mahaney but step down in 2015 to do a little deconstructing. By 2019, he had renounced his faith, divorced his wife, and became a pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ atheist.
Considered one of the most famous apostates in the last 50 years to publicly repudiate his faith, Harris explains in a series of posts on Instagram,
“I originally shared this statement on my website in 2018, but I’ve never shared it on Instagram. I still get asked why my thinking on I Kissed Dating Goodbye changed, so I wanted to share an updated version of full statement with you on these slides.
To those who were harmed by the book, I want to say I am truly sorry. I regret the ways its message caused fear, shame, or confusion about relationships, identity, and sexuality. While I can’t undo the harm, I hope this apology and the steps I’ve taken since will bring some measure of healing.
This was a painful but necessary journey of re-evaluation, reflection, and apology. I hope it brings clarity, creates space for honest conversations, and sparks compassion as we continue to navigate these deeply personal issues together.”
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