Many of you probably know the name Jason Berggren, and if you don’t then let me enlighten you. Jason was the original lead singer of perhaps one of the most influential Christian hardcore bands ever. Bet you can’t guess what band that is….if you guessed Strongarm, then you are right. Jason has an interesting story to tell, and he recently penned his first full length book called “10 Things I Hate About Christianity.” I have read the book and really enjoyed it. I am not a “great reader,” ask my parents, getting me to pick up books when I was a kid was impossible, so thankfully, Jason wrote his book so a dolt like me could understand it and easily relate to it. I started reading and was hooked from the first few pages. I actually sat and read most of the book on a business trip while in the air (connecting flights both ways gives you lots of time).
When I initially heard that the title of the book was going to be “10 Things I Hate About Christianity” I thought “hate, there is a strong word that directly contradicts everything I believe as a Christian.” But Jason also realizes that and does a good job of explaining his rationale, and well, yes, he hates the fact that there are certain things he struggles with regarding his faith, not big doubtful things, but things that really get under the skin of REAL Christians. For example, questions that are just not easy to answer that people who are not of faith might ask….like “if God loves everyone, then why is there suffering?” or even simpler, prayer, I think all of us have had moments where we think that God might not be listening or even hear us.
In his book, Jason tackles 10 areas he has struggled with or still struggles with, namely faith, prayer, the bible, sin, rules, love, hell, answers, church, and Christians. Jason does a great job at framing the questions that have caused him to stumble or frustrated him in his faith, and does his best to give his “everyday guy” response, which I love because it is written in a way that I can relate to and understand.
So would I recommend this book? Of course. It is a good read, it will make you laugh and shake your head and say “AMEN BROTHER” out loud. Jason has a self deprecating sense of humor that makes him and his stories real. He lays it all out for anyone reading the book, which is great, because you don’t get the feeling that Jason would ever look down his nose at any other Christian. Plus, the inside scoop and stories about Strongarm are pretty entertaining too, it shows you that even Christian bands struggle with being humans too. Coming from the hardcore punk scene myself, I know first hand how people can frustrate you that are “Christians.” Those who think that their way is the only way. We are Christians, not perfect and far from sin free, but we all have one thing in common, we love Christ and know that in the end when we meet Him in person, we can say that we did our best in this life, even if we know we all fall short!
You can go and purchase Jason’s book on Amazon, or from his blog “10 Things I Hate.” Also, be sure to check out Jason’s blog “More Things I Hate,” be sure to leave comments about the book or you can check out Jason this summer at Cornerstone fest, he will be there promoting his book, and playing a tribute to Strongarm set with they guys from Life In Your Way backing him up. Best of luck to you Jason and we hope that God blesses you and moves you to write more books. Best wishes!
