Anonymous wrote:I cannot get over the gushy note to Tyler in the cookbook. It felt like reading something a 16 year old would write in a boyfriend’s yearbook! At least at 16 everyone forgives the cringe. Cannot imagine behaving that way pushing 50. Didn’t anyone tell her that was a terrible idea ??

THIIISS. Yessss.

She said she measured that decision by the fruit, good or bad. Does she consider Jackie Hill Perry’s testimony to be bad fruit or good fruit? What about Beckett Cook? And others like them? Would Jen say bad fruit? We could ask her, but… [delete]…[block]…

For sure no obligation to remain in same state of being without growth. I see what you’re saying though. She had a well written public stance on loving but not affirming beliefs until her daughter came out to them. Then she yanked it down and curated her new public response and swung hard in the other direction. The question is not why anyone follows her. It’s entertaining, I get that. The question is why would anyone follow her for faith advice or encouragement? She is more like a faith warning. How much could she have possibly believed what she was saying in the first place if it only took a flailing teenager to shake her?

Clearly people are upset Jen has changed and evolved. Get over it. She isn’t upset and she has no obligation to remain the same in her beliefs. None of us do.

This is ludicrous. “Simply because her daughter is gay.” Wooooooof man. Listen to yourself.

Omg. This is so reductive. Growth is real and alive and important. Even if you’ve planted your beliefs publicly.

I don’t read the above responses as jealousy so much as anger and glee. Anger from the Christians, and glee from the agnostics/atheists. All the emotion directed at Jen is likely because she made a mockery out of traditional Christian beliefs by teaching them enthusiastically for years (and getting rich off of doing so) until one day she just decided that simply because her daughter is gay, those beliefs can be tossed in the trash. Of course that makes people gleeful who want to see Christ followers fail. And of course it makes Christ-followers angry when they’re watching someone confuse other people who are striving to understand scripture. I say confuse rather than mislead, because it’s misleading if she knows it’s wrong and says it anyway. It’s confusing if she’s sitting on information or interpretations that helped her understand things differently but refuses to share with others. I’m giving her the benefit of the doubt that she did thorough research and is just not sharing for some reason—therefore confusing others. Does the average person need to explain themselves? No. Does someone whose career is built on guiding hundreds of thousands of hearts into heaven or hell? Yes. For the Christians, being a “stumbling block” to others is sort of a big deal…well, you know, if you still believe scripture is truth. Not sure what anyone would be jealous of though…? Her crash-and-burn failed marriage? Her weird image-controlled relationships with her kids and friends? Her obsession with beauty products and shilling and desperation to appear young and hip and in-the-know? Her hatefulness toward entire groups of people just because they disagree with her? Her desperate obsession with a guy who shows no passion towards her at all? Her tour ticket sales (or rather lack of)? And on and on. Don’t call people jealous. The people here seem disgusted/frustrated/sad because of what she’s done to the Christian community who supported her. Or they seem delighted at how she’s leading masses away from the Lord. Neither side seems jealous.

I’m not jealous of Jen in the slightest. Farthest thing from it. I just think she’s a sleazy phoney who’s business model is based on exploitation and manipulation of vulnerable women. How can anyone be jealous of that? Except maybe others who desire the same thing?

Anonymous wrote:i don't think most of the people on this thread would claim to be christian. maybe cultural, if at all.

+1. This thread reads like a bunch of atheists thrilled that they’ve found a brand new outlet to bash Christianity.

i don't think most of the people on this thread would claim to be christian. maybe cultural, if at all.

Yeah, that’s why I said almost. The point was that it’s not new or uncommon.

All you “Christian” ladies might want to brush up on what the Bible says about envy; y’all sound mighty jealous at this point. It’s one thing to dislike an author, but the way you’re trashing this poor woman like you’re middle school mean girls is revealing. How many books have you written? How many speaking engagements have you booked? I left the conservative evangelical church years ago, and the viciousness on this thread shows me I made the right decision. This level of gleeful speculation and gossip is uncharitable, unchristian, and unbecoming. Grow up.

Actually, only the ELCA Lutherans are "affirming".
The LCMS and other Lutherans hold to a traditional, "orthodox" view of marriage.

She doesn’t need to write a book about it or explain her views. Do you all realize that almost the entire Methodist, Episcopalian, and Lutheran church are affirming? It’s not like Jen Hatmaker was groundbreaking. If you want to answer some questions try attending a class or talk at one of these denominations, or speak with a church leader. If you just want to put her on the hot seat get over it.

Thanks for this. Have read the first Mama Bear book but didn't know there was a podcast and hadn't heard of Christopher Yuan before.

He has an incredible story. His mother's story is amazing, too!