The Book
*UPDATE: THE BOOK IS OFFICIALLY OUT. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE*
**click here to read a sample**
10 Things I Hate About Christianity:Working Through the Frustrations of Faith will deliver a raw story of the process of faith like nothing else. But why the strong title? Two reasons:
1. I think I might be mildly insane.
2. It's time for a measure of candor and honesty that needs to be communicated concerning the Christian faith.
I have a tendency to get tired of pretense and hidden agendas and am drawn to honesty and passion. I live in the real world, with real problems, and I want to say what I really mean. Anything else is a waste. For 20 years I’ve been trying to follow the teachings of Jesus and seek God’s purpose for my life, and I wish there was more openness about this extremely difficult pursuit. So I've decided to take matters into my own hands. 10 Things is built on the premise that over time I started to realize that all my difficulties and challenges kept falling into the same 10 areas.
The title might throw you off, but I am in fact a Christian. I hesitate using the term because of all the baggage that comes with it. Maybe it would be better to say I am trying to follow Jesus as closely as I can, like one of his 12 disciples. It’s not easy. This may be why of the 12, I like the disciples Thomas and Peter the most. Like them, I manage to believe, doubt, and open my big mouth all at the same time and way too much. What might really throw you off is to find out that I am also an ordained minister.
So 10 Things marks 20 years of my faith decision and brings to light the reoccurring issues of trying to cling to what I know is true, while living in our modern world and having many personal shortcomings. It’s been a messy and clumsy progression for me, but there are a few things I have learned along the way that I am going to share and not hold back about. Not because I want to, but because I have to. This forms the basic framework of my first book and the subject matter is something that I feel has to be said. And what are the 10 Things? I will reveal them in time...
Everyone has a story. And it is my hope 10 Things I Hate About Christianity:Working Through the Frustrations of Faith can help others work out some of the issues in their own story.
**click here to read a sample**
10 Things I Hate About Christianity:Working Through the Frustrations of Faith will deliver a raw story of the process of faith like nothing else. But why the strong title? Two reasons:
1. I think I might be mildly insane.
2. It's time for a measure of candor and honesty that needs to be communicated concerning the Christian faith.
I have a tendency to get tired of pretense and hidden agendas and am drawn to honesty and passion. I live in the real world, with real problems, and I want to say what I really mean. Anything else is a waste. For 20 years I’ve been trying to follow the teachings of Jesus and seek God’s purpose for my life, and I wish there was more openness about this extremely difficult pursuit. So I've decided to take matters into my own hands. 10 Things is built on the premise that over time I started to realize that all my difficulties and challenges kept falling into the same 10 areas.
The title might throw you off, but I am in fact a Christian. I hesitate using the term because of all the baggage that comes with it. Maybe it would be better to say I am trying to follow Jesus as closely as I can, like one of his 12 disciples. It’s not easy. This may be why of the 12, I like the disciples Thomas and Peter the most. Like them, I manage to believe, doubt, and open my big mouth all at the same time and way too much. What might really throw you off is to find out that I am also an ordained minister.
So 10 Things marks 20 years of my faith decision and brings to light the reoccurring issues of trying to cling to what I know is true, while living in our modern world and having many personal shortcomings. It’s been a messy and clumsy progression for me, but there are a few things I have learned along the way that I am going to share and not hold back about. Not because I want to, but because I have to. This forms the basic framework of my first book and the subject matter is something that I feel has to be said. And what are the 10 Things? I will reveal them in time...
Everyone has a story. And it is my hope 10 Things I Hate About Christianity:Working Through the Frustrations of Faith can help others work out some of the issues in their own story.
congratulations, Jason! can't wait to see the book! nice site, too!
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Thanks!
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Hi Jason. I like the site, but more importantly the endeavor you are undertaking. Sometimes we find ourselves challenged in our faith. This is not a problem, but an obstacle - and overcoming obstacles is all about growth. I want to say that I applaud your efforts. I see your issue with mentioning that you're Christian. However, feel no shame in that. There are many other worse presumptions that others can have just by mentioning a denomination before the Author of our faith. Just remember that Jesus loves you and no one else can take that away.
Now just so that you don't get any preconceptions, Thomas is the Apostle that I relate to the best. I read more than what the local Church will tell me is healthy. I like the Lord of the Rings, play video games, like metal, etc. I'm an average person and a Christian. Nothing more because nothing else is really more important.
From your explanation, you have been contending with these issues for 20 years. This number is far more than my own. Perhaps you are in a portion of your spiritual development that I haven't yet attained? Or perhaps vice-versa. If you are like me, then you think. A lot. Sometimes you think and you have to stop whatever you're doing to think. You may stay awake at night thinking. You may find yourself thinking about thinking. You may interrupt people in a conversation just to say whatever you're thinking just to make sure the thought is preserved before it is a memory of loss. If this is what you deem as being mildly insane, then no - you are average like me. Perhaps neurotic or eccentric, but not really insane. The content of the thoughts is really the determining factor as to the insanity level.
Thinking is good. God gave us a brain. If we use it to understand what he has set before us, then it gives Him glory. You can imagine what the alternative could be viewed as. But in your deep thoughts keep a little spot in the back of your mind. God never lies and we are but human - like everyone else (except Superman... I think he's an alien or something). Don't let others tell you what you should believe - you have a Bible to help you with that. Read it. I suggest 2 chapters a night as a pretty good routine. Prayer before and after always helps. Read more if necessary.
OK, this is getting long. Please let me know if you have any questions or whatnot. Keep the faith, Jason, and just "Grow with the Flow"
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Erik,
Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate the insight.
I'll be posting a sample of the book real soon. I'd love to hear you comments when I do. So please check back...
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To often those of faith forget about transparency. We commend you for being real and genuine about the struggles to live up to the term "Christian". We can't wait to read more.
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I think this book will be very intersting......good work
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i am very interested in reading the whole finished work here. and i don't read a whole heck of a lot. growing up deeply rooted in the assemblies of God (my father was a children's pastor for eons), i am pretty well versed in the drain that the hidden agenda's and church politics can have on the spiritual life. anywho, like i said can't wait to read the whole thing, best of luck
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After seeing the title, I knew God was at work in your life. For those who want to listen, God always bring to light those things/ ideas that humans have tried to make important/right/wrong. When really God's truths are so simple. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and they neighbor as thy self. I was raised Seventh Day Adventist and it wasn't until 2005 that I really began thinking for myself and listening to that still small voice inside. As God takes you on your present journey, you will be amazed at the things he is trying to teach you. Don't be afraid of them, don't block them, just pray to understand them. You'll see
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Thanks Tammy. And I hope you'll take a look at the rest of the book when it's finally out!
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Hi,
Hi Jason. I like the site, but more importantly the endeavor you are undertaking...........nice article.....
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such a nice post
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