An evangelical professor has raised concerns about Jen Hatmaker, a prominent writer and influencer, accusing her of straying from biblical teachings and promoting a form of faith that leans toward market-driven deconstruction. Hatmaker, who was once a bestselling evangelical figure, has changed significantly since she publicly affirmed same-sex marriage in 2016 and has since embraced various progressive views. Despite distancing herself from many of her childhood beliefs, she still claims to be a “huge fan” of Jesus, though she suggests that not many share that sentiment.
In a recent interview with a major publication, Hatmaker announced that she no longer attends church.
Denny Burke, a biblical studies professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary who has critiqued Hatmaker’s shift, emphasized that her departure from orthodox faith has had a troubling influence on others.
“If Jen Hatmaker had quietly left her faith, we probably wouldn’t be discussing this,” Burke stated. “But she still seeks the attention of Christian women and continues to market her products to them. Now, she’s not selling discipleship; she’s promoting deconstruction.”
Burke pointed out that Hatmaker offers a course titled “Demolition + Reconstruction,” which encourages people to question existing beliefs and outlines a process for reassessment. This course, including a “Bible Deconstruction Worksheet,” may come off as questionable or even negative.
“She suggests that one can be a ‘big fan of Jesus’ while criticizing the church,” Burke commented. He referenced a biblical passage highlighting the discrepancy between loving God and hating those around you. “The idea is contradictory,” he added.
Burke characterized Hatmaker’s approach to faith as a significant departure, labeling it an “apostasy.”
Within her interview, Hatmaker critiqued the abstinence movement of the late 90s and early 2000s, claiming it left many young people ill-informed about sex.
Since the pandemic began in 2020, she has ceased attending church after experiencing a painful divorce triggered by her husband’s infidelity.
“By the time churches reopened, I had already distanced myself from my own church,” she explained, noting the emotional toll church gatherings took on her. “The organized religious aspects just weren’t working for me anymore.”
Despite her struggles, Hatmaker maintains that faith remains her grounding force, providing guidance and support.
“I always relied on two institutions: the church and marriage,” she reflected. “With one lost and the other severed, I discovered a faith that exists beautifully outside that framework.”
However, Burke argues that Hatmaker’s version of faith isn’t aligned with Christianity but rather represents her own creation.
“True followers of Christ can see through the facade,” he remarked, even as he acknowledged that many cannot.
It was originally published on August 28, 2025.
