Philip Yancey Fell: What Do I Do When My Christian Hero Fails? The Painful Truth About Grace, Betrayal, and How We Avoid Falling Ourselves

An honest reflection from Beto and Mili of the Cristian Podcast Latino—because we're all fallible, but Jesus' grace never is.

The Moment That Shook Us

Picture this: The author who helped you grasp grace when life hurt the most—books like What's So Amazing About Grace?, Where Is God When It Hurts?, and The Jesus I Never Knew—confesses to an eight-year extramarital affair with a married woman. At 76, married to Janet for 55 years, Philip Yancey steps away from all ministry: no more writing, speaking, or social media. It hurts. It shakes you. Many readers feel betrayed: Were his words hypocritical? Can I still trust what he wrote?

Mili and I talked about this in our latest episode with heavy hearts. We're not here to judge—we're sinners saved by grace—but we are here to turn this pain into real steps forward. Because if a giant like Yancey can fall, it reminds us that sin doesn't care about age or legacy. And most importantly, it forces us to fix our eyes only on Jesus.

What Actually Happened

In early January 2026, Yancey confessed publicly in a statement to Christianity Today: His actions were inconsistent with his faith, his books, and his beliefs about marriage. They caused deep pain to Janet, the other family, and readers. He's entering professional counseling and accountability; Janet shares about unimaginable trauma but reaffirms her marriage vow and faith in God's forgiveness (echoing Proverbs 28:13: The one who conceals sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy). It's visible repentance, but the damage is real.

Why This Feels So Personal -and Biblical

Beto: This hits like David: king, warrior, psalm writer… and he fell with Bathsheba. Serious sin, covered up, devastating fallout. But from true repentance came some of the deepest psalms we still read today. God restores when there's genuine confession. Yancey did that: he owned it, stepped back, sought help. That's courageous. But it also challenges us: I could fall too. I don't want to, but I'm human. That's why we need real safeguards: accountability with trusted friends, total transparency in marriage. Mili knows everything about me; I know everything about her. That protects us.

Mili: Exactly, Beto. We don't downplay the pain—Janet is living real trauma, and so many spouses in similar situations understand that heartbreak. But the grace Yancey preached is scandalous: it forgives the unforgivable when there's repentance. It doesn't erase consequences, but it does bring mercy. We're all capable of failing; only Jesus never does. This calls us to stop putting full trust in leaders or big platforms. Let's return to the Bible: If I have an hour to read, I choose God's Word first. It has everything we need.

Three Decisions You Can Make Right Now

So what do we do with this? Here are three intentional decisions you can make today:

1. Check Where You're Placing Your Trust

   Is it in authors, pastors, or perfect churches? Shift it. Fix your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). Action step: This week, read a Bible chapter before any Christian book. Ask yourself: Does this draw me closer to Jesus or to a platform?

   
   

2. Build Real Protection Walls

   Sin thrives in secrecy. Choose accountability: Talk openly with your spouse or a trusted friend this week. Key questions: How are we guarding our marriage? Is there anything you're not telling me? If you're in ministry, join a small, honest group. Remember: It's not by our strength—it's by the Holy Spirit (like my 21-day water-only fast: God removed the hunger and gave strength).

   
   

3. Live Out the Grace We Preach

   Forgive as Janet is seeking to forgive. Pray for healing in wounded families. Stay humble: God keep us from falling, but declare: If I fall, I'll confess and turn away.

   
   

Back to the Basics-Where Real Hope Lives

The church in the U.S. (and everywhere) needs to get back to basics: small, authentic communities, not spectacles. Our friend from Italy visited big churches here—tables loaded with food, production-level events, even live animals for Christmas—and left asking: Does this please God? He had a point. Let's follow Jesus in the everyday: family as our primary church, the Bible as daily food, grace for the fallen.

If this post touched you, share your thoughts in the comments: What step will you take today? Subscribe to the podcast for more real conversations. We're not perfect, but we're seeking Jesus together.

Blessings.

Beto & Mili

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