Who's going to Hell? Why do bad things happen to good people? Does praying work? Are miracles even happening today? The #1 book featured on ABC News and described as "fascinating and rather risky," 10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith is geared to help all types of people explore and work through the frustrations of faith. It is an excellent resource for the spiritually curious, new followers of Jesus, and seasoned Christians struggling with disillusionment. Combined with the official Discussion Guide (available @ 10thingsihate.com), it is the premiere tool for small groups, college classes, reading clubs, or Bible studies looking to talk about something out-of-the-ordinary. Be ready for a healthy examination and exciting journey through the foundations of the Christian faith and spirituality. Includes subjects like: *Faith *Prayer *The Bible *Sin *Rules *Love *Hell *Answers (to difficult questions) *Church *Christians *The Problem of Evil and Suffering *Pluralism and Relativism *Premarital Sex *Homosexuality *Coming Soon: additional resources to help group leaders--like how to approach the 5 different personality types in your group and how to navigate the 5 most difficult issues. From the back cover: Hate: (n) a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action* My dad never let me use the word hate. He said it sounded too violent. But it was often the only accurate description of how I felt. Part of me understood, but another part of me rebelled. We can all feel hate. Even in the good, productive, and meaningful aspects of life, there's frequently a level of frustration that overwhelms us when we are faced with trying to achieve certain goals--like getting in shape, making the grade, or straightening out our finances. This is where I got stuck in my spirituality. Within these pages are the 10 things I've hated about Christianity over the years and how I've worked through my frustrations. I call it the intersection of real life, simple faith, and raw emotion. And I am confident it can help in your own spiritual journey. *WordNet® Princeton University lexical database for the English language
Jason T. Berggren is a writer, blogger, and film critic for iRATEfilms.com. His first book, 10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith, conveys his conviction that "positive momentum begins with negative tension" and has attracted national attention. He has been featured in the debut of ABC's show "Beliefs", is a frequent radio guest, and the book continues to receive positive reviews.
Every week on his site Jason openly discusses faith, current events, and pop-culture (along with some miscellany mixed in to ease the tension). He has what he describes as an Unauthorized Approach to Christianity. He frequently blogs on the issues that are easier to avoid, because they are sometimes polarizing and often politically incorrect--but they seem to be the things that people are always talking about behind closed doors (or he gets asked about in interviews).
Berggren felt compelled to write the book after realizing that all of his spiritual difficulties and challenges often originated from the same ten foundational areas of the Christian faith. Through addressing these issues with absolute honesty, it connects with both the church insiders and the outsiders who may be wondering what he or she can really expect from faith in Christ.
His personal mission is to frame his "faith in a way that is honest, helpful, and challenging for those that claim to be Christians, while peaking the curiosity of those that don't." He is both the deep thinker wrestling with theological truths and the plainspoken regular guy with an aversion to "church speak," the embodiment of both the tattooed rebel and the father trying in vain to limit his children's junk food intake.
His first words penned to explore his Christian faith were "sung" (read: screamed) at the concerts of a series of hardcore bands that he formed and fronted as a teenager. Berggren grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, the son of parents who divorced when he was just an infant. His mother, a militant feminist with a PhD, was never around. His father, a native of Sweden, with a mostly socialist worldview, remarried a woman who openly admitted to not loving him. They had another child, whom they favored. From an early age, he knew he was the outsider.
At age fifteen, when he heard that he had value and was created with a purpose in mind, Berggren was immediately drawn into a relationship with God. For the skeptic looking on, such a decision is a sign of weakness. But for most who make it, it brings hope to a void that seems to surround and permeate the heart. Berggren says, "That's what faith brought me."
Shortly after his conversion, Berggren formed his first band. He admits, "It was horrible." By age twenty, his third band, Strongarm, signed with Tooth & Nail Records. He served as both the lyricist and the lead singer. Strongarm is widely considered to be one of the most influential Christian hardcore bands and still enjoys a devoted following. During his time with the band, he recorded an album, shot a video, went on several small tours, and also recorded a single for a second album. Although he decided to leave the band, the other members continued to tour for a couple of years.
After the band, he earned an AA in Mass Communications and a BA in Theology. In 2000, Berggren helped to start the Calvary Fellowship church in Miami, FL, fulfilling the role of associate pastor, overseeing several areas of service. In 2005, he decided to explore a different calling, returning to a childhood ambition of being a writer.
While his fledgling writing career begins to take flight, he also runs a handyman business to provide for his family. Jason and his wife have been married since 1999. They have four boys and attend North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA, where they lead a small group.
