Sources on discerning Jen Hatmaker

Christianity Today is reporting on some news Jen Hatmaker has sparked. Jen Hatmaker is an author and reality television personality whose most famous book, 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess was reviewed here on The End Time in 2013. That link is below. At that time I engaged in a two part look at Jen Hatmaker. Part 1 was a review of her book. Part 2 was a closer look at her emerging Catholic-based mysticism.

Hatmaker is in the news of late because she has come out solidly for homosexual marriage, claiming it is not only biblical, but can be a holy ordinance. As a result, Christian bookstore LifeWay, an arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, has stopped selling her books.
LifeWay Stops Selling Jen Hatmaker Books over LGBT BeliefsOne of evangelical women’s favorite authors loses her place in one of America's largest Christian chains.In an interview published Tuesday, the Austin-based author and pastor’s wife told Religion News Service columnist Jonathan Merritt that she supports same-sex marriage and believes that LGBT relationships can be holy. ... The Southern Baptist chain stated Thursday that the author’s statements “contradict LifeWay’s doctrinal guidelines,” and it has discontinued selling her books in its 185 stores or online.
Now is a good time to review what makes Hatmaker's theology aberrant and why she should be avoided.

The following book review published in 2013 at The End Time gives an overview of how Hatmaker approaches the Bible and her response to it.

Book Review & Discernment- "7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess" by Jen Hatmaker, part 1

Part 2 looks at some key phrases in her book which reveal her entrancement with Catholic mysticism and liturgy. If you are a solid teacher of the Bible and a discerning student of it, you will not be promoting practices from false religions. It's that simple.

Book Review & Discernment- "7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess" by Jen Hatmaker, part 2

Here is another good essay discerning Hatmaker,  written in May 2016 by Timothy J. Hammons, titled Jen Hatmaker's Messiah Complex. Mr Hammons takes issue with Hatmaker's flawed view of homosexual sin.

Amy Spreeman at Berean Research posted an article about Hatmaker in January 2016 which references her own essay and re-posts Christine Pack's essay on Hatmaker, too. Four Concerns about Jen Hatmaker's Teachings.

Just because a Bible teacher or leader is popular does not mean they are solid. In fact, oftentimes the opposite is true. (Luke 6:26).

As always, think these things through and do your investigations comparing to the Bible. Ask the Spirit for help and wisdom. He will give it!

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5).


Comments

  1. I remember when that Shack book came out. I watched so many read that book, and gush over it. Same thing happened with one of those "heaven tourism" books, forgot which one, but just saw everyone love it.

    Here we go again with this woman; she's grossly unbiblical but everyone's lapping it up. I remember your review of "7". What a bizarre book. Isn't she on HGTV? (Yup, just checked one of your links.)

    Goodness, discernment is at an all time low.

    That said, I'm shocked LifeWay ditched her. They'll sell nearly anything...

    -Carolyn

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  2. Hello Elizabeth.
    Your scriptural reference in your last paragraph sums it up perfectly. If you are in need of guidance you shouldn't be reading books written in these days about what God wants, expects or promises. Just go down on your knees and ask The Lord for input and you'll get it. Jesus promises, so does God the Father. (Jeremiah 29 verse 13)
    My son is gay and it tears me up no end. Before he told me about it he was such a dedicated Christian torn between his desires and what he already knew in his heart. Since then his morals have gone down the tubes, it really distresses me.
    Anyway, I still love him immensely and hope God will be good to him and open his eyes.
    Blessings my friend, Geoff.

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    1. I'm so sorry about your son, Geoff. Keep praying.

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    2. You have my respect, Geoff. It can't be easy and I hope your son finds his way back. Your first two lines are spot on: I've never understood this urge to read a book about the bible or Jesus. Of course, we all do - but at least a CS Lewis or a John Macarthur, etc stick to textual interpretation. Modern day books seem more to do with here and now self help. Blessings and our prayers for you and your son.

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