Jen Hatmaker is a popular author, speaker, and podcaster who began her career within evangelical circles but has since become a prominent figure in progressive Christianity. Her evolving theological views have led her to embrace positions that differ significantly from confessional Christianity, particularly in areas related to the authority of Scripture, human sexuality, and salvation.
Key Beliefs and How They Differ from Confessional Christianity
1. Beliefs about Scripture and Authority:
- Jen Hatmaker's View: Hatmaker holds a progressive view of Scripture, treating it as a valuable but culturally conditioned text that reflects human experiences of God rather than being divinely inspired and inerrant. She often emphasizes the need to reinterpret the Bible in light of contemporary values, suggesting that certain biblical teachings are outdated or culturally specific rather than timeless truths. Hatmaker has publicly stated that she believes the Bible should be approached more as a guide than an absolute authority, allowing personal experience and reason to play a significant role in interpreting its teachings.
- Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity teaches that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Westminster Confession of Faith emphasizes that Scripture is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice, and it should be interpreted within its historical and grammatical context, with a focus on the unity of its redemptive message. The Bible’s teachings are unchanging and authoritative for all generations.
2. Views on Human Sexuality and Same-Sex Marriage:
- Jen Hatmaker's View: In 2016, Hatmaker publicly affirmed same-sex marriage, stating that she believes LGBTQ+ relationships can be holy and that God blesses same-sex unions. She has since become an advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion within the church, arguing that traditional teachings on sexuality are harmful and outdated. Hatmaker emphasizes love, acceptance, and affirming LGBTQ+ individuals, suggesting that the church should fully embrace and celebrate same-sex relationships.
- Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity holds that marriage is a covenantal union between one man and one woman, as instituted by God in Scripture (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). The Westminster Confession of Faith and Reformed theology teach that sexual activity is reserved for heterosexual marriage and that homosexual behavior is contrary to God’s design (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). While confessional Christianity affirms the dignity and worth of all people, it calls for repentance and submission to God’s will in matters of sexuality.
3. Beliefs about Salvation and Works Righteousness:
- Jen Hatmaker's View: Hatmaker’s progressive theology often emphasizes social justice, compassion, and activism as central expressions of the Christian faith. Her teachings suggest that salvation is not merely about individual faith in Christ but also about engaging in acts of love, service, and justice. This emphasis can lead to an understanding of salvation that appears to prioritize works or human effort as the means of embodying the gospel, rather than focusing on faith in Christ's atoning work.
- Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity teaches that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Westminster Confession of Faith emphasizes that good works are the fruit of salvation, not the basis of it (James 2:17). Reformed theology teaches that believers are justified by faith in the finished work of Christ, and any good works are the result of God’s transforming grace, not the means of earning favor with God.
4. Emphasis on Social Justice and Activism:
- Jen Hatmaker's View: Hatmaker frequently emphasizes social justice, compassion, and activism as integral aspects of living out the Christian faith. She advocates for addressing issues such as poverty, racial reconciliation, and LGBTQ+ inclusion, often framing these causes as central to the gospel message. Hatmaker encourages Christians to engage in acts of service and social change, suggesting that the church’s mission involves actively working toward societal transformation.
- Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity acknowledges the importance of social justice, compassion, and caring for the marginalized (Micah 6:8; James 1:27), while also upholding the call to rejoice in the truth. To teach that LGBTQ+ individuals do not need to repent, just like everyone else, is to jeopardize their souls. It maintains that the central mission of the church is the proclamation of the gospel and the making of disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). The Westminster Confession teaches that, although good works are a natural outflow of faith, they are not the essence of the gospel itself. The Scripture emphasizes that social justice efforts should be grounded in and flow from a commitment to biblical truth.
5. View of Church Tradition and Doctrine:
- Jen Hatmaker's View: Hatmaker often critiques traditional doctrines and church practices, suggesting that they can be oppressive, legalistic, or irrelevant to contemporary society. She advocates for a more inclusive and open-minded approach to faith, encouraging believers to question long-held beliefs and to prioritize love and acceptance over doctrinal purity. Hatmaker’s progressive approach often challenges the authority of historic Christian teachings in favor of personal experience and cultural relevance.
- Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity holds that doctrine is essential for understanding God’s truth and growing in faith (Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 4:2-4). The Westminster Confession of Faith affirms that a traditional reading of the Bible preserves sound doctrine and guides believers in the truth. Believers are called to hold fast to the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3) and to contend for doctrinal integrity.
Summary of Differences
Why Jen Hatmaker should be regarded as a false teacher and why her teachings should be avoided:
1. Affirmation of LGBTQ+ Lifestyles Contrary to Scripture
One of the most prominent and concerning aspects of Jen Hatmaker's teaching is her open affirmation of LGBTQ+ lifestyles and same-sex relationships. She has publicly stated that she believes same-sex marriage can be holy and that LGBTQ+ individuals should be fully affirmed in their relationships. However, the Bible is clear that homosexual behavior is sinful and contrary to God’s design for human sexuality. Leviticus 18:22 states, "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination," and the New Testament reinforces this teaching in passages such as Romans 1:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, where Paul categorically includes homosexual practice among the behaviors that are inconsistent with inheriting the Kingdom of God.
By affirming what God has clearly called sin, Hatmaker misleads people into believing that they can live in ways contrary to God’s will without consequence. This undermines the call to repentance and holiness that is central to the Gospel message. Jesus called people to "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17), and true love does not affirm what God has declared sinful but calls people to turn from sin and receive forgiveness through Christ. So, according to God's word, she is actively harming and keeping in bondage those she claims to love.
2. Undermining the Authority and Sufficiency of Scripture
Jen Hatmaker frequently elevates personal experience, feelings, and cultural trends above the authority of Scripture. She often interprets the Bible in a way that aligns with modern societal values rather than submitting to its timeless truth. However, the Bible teaches that God’s Word is "living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12) and is "breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Scriptures are sufficient and authoritative for all matters of faith and practice, and believers are called to conform their lives to its teachings, not to conform the teachings of Scripture to fit cultural norms.
By undermining the authority of Scripture and suggesting that it can be reinterpreted to accommodate cultural values, Hatmaker encourages others to disregard the clear commands and teachings of God’s Word. This is dangerous and leads people away from the truth that sets them free (John 8:31-32).
3. Promoting a Gospel of Self-Fulfillment Instead of Self-Denial
Jen Hatmaker often emphasizes themes of self-acceptance, personal happiness, and self-fulfillment, rather than calling people to the biblical path of self-denial and following Christ. While God does desire our joy and fulfillment, this joy is found in dying to ourselves and living for Christ (Matthew 16:24-25). Jesus called His followers to take up their cross, deny themselves, and follow Him. The Gospel message is not about personal happiness or achieving one's dreams but about being reconciled to God through Christ, who "gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age" (Galatians 1:4).
By promoting a message that emphasizes personal happiness over obedience to God, Hatmaker presents a version of Christianity that is more aligned with secular self-help philosophies than with the biblical call to repentance, transformation, and discipleship.
4. Compromising on Essential Christian Doctrines
Jen Hatmaker has expressed doubts or outright rejection of essential doctrines, such as the inerrancy of Scripture, the exclusivity of Christ as the only way to God, and the nature of sin. The Bible is unambiguous in its teaching that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father (John 14:6) and that salvation is found in no one else (Acts 4:12). Additionally, Scripture makes it clear that all people are sinners in need of redemption (Romans 3:23), and that God’s Word is truth (John 17:17).
By questioning or rejecting these core doctrines, Hatmaker leads others into confusion and away from the clear, non-negotiable truths of the Christian faith. Paul warns about those who would teach "a different gospel" and calls believers to reject such teachings, declaring that even if an angel from heaven should preach a different gospel, "let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:8-9).
5. Aligning with Cultural Values Instead of Standing on Biblical Truth
Hatmaker’s approach to theology and Christian living is often influenced more by contemporary culture than by the unchanging truths of Scripture. This is evident in her positions on marriage, sexuality, and other social issues, where she has openly advocated for views that align with modern cultural trends rather than biblical teachings. However, the Bible calls Christians to "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Romans 12:2). We are called to stand firm on God's Word, even when it conflicts with societal values, because "the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever" (Isaiah 40:8).
By allowing culture to dictate her beliefs and teachings, Hatmaker ultimately encourages others to compromise their faith, leading them away from the truth and into a form of Christianity that lacks the power to transform lives and glorify God.
Conclusion from Scripture
The Bible consistently warns believers about false teachers who distort the truth and lead others astray. Paul admonishes Timothy to "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions" (2 Timothy 4:2-3). Jen Hatmaker’s teachings fall into this category of “itching ears” theology, presenting a message that is more palatable to modern sensibilities but ultimately contrary to the unchanging truth of God’s Word.
By promoting views that affirm sin, undermine biblical authority, emphasize self-fulfillment, and conform to cultural values, Hatmaker's teachings lead people away from the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, based on the authority of Scripture, believers are called to avoid her teachings and remain firmly rooted in the Bible, which is "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).
Christians must be discerning and vigilant, testing all teachings against the clear revelation of Scripture (1 John 4:1). We must remain steadfast in the truth, standing on the foundation of God’s Word, which alone has the power to save, transform, and guide us in righteousness. For these reasons, Jen Hatmaker’s teachings should be avoided, as they lead people away from the Gospel that centers on Christ, repentance, and obedience to God’s unchanging truth.
-----
Related Resources
Of Hatmaker And Heresy
Max Lucado's Endorsement of Jen Hatmaker: What it Means and Why it Matters by Alisa Childers
The Theological Mess in the Moxie of Jen Hatmaker by Anne Kennedy
Jen Hatmaker and the Power of De-Conversion Stories by Michael J Kruger