#1: Faith
WARNING: Read at your own risk
My book is called 10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith. But what are the 10 things that I hate? I am beginning a series of posts about them today.
To start things off right I am kicking it up a notch. I have posted a sample of the book right here, right now.
Here is the intro and first chapter to tempt your curiosity. It is not the final draft-just the text. It has not been laid out or edited so you may even see a few spelling and grammar errors.
I hope you'll give it a read and leave a comment below- positive, negative, whatever. It will probably take about 20 minutes. I just want your real and honest first impressions. I am trying to get a feel for how people will take what I've written and generate some interest as publishers who are considering the book stop by my site to see what's going on in regard to it.
Thanks for your time!
Jason T. Berggren
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SAMPLE
My book is called 10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith. But what are the 10 things that I hate? I am beginning a series of posts about them today.
To start things off right I am kicking it up a notch. I have posted a sample of the book right here, right now.
Here is the intro and first chapter to tempt your curiosity. It is not the final draft-just the text. It has not been laid out or edited so you may even see a few spelling and grammar errors.
I hope you'll give it a read and leave a comment below- positive, negative, whatever. It will probably take about 20 minutes. I just want your real and honest first impressions. I am trying to get a feel for how people will take what I've written and generate some interest as publishers who are considering the book stop by my site to see what's going on in regard to it.
Thanks for your time!
Jason T. Berggren
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SAMPLE
So I gotta say... I don't normally enjoy reading anything other than my bible. However, this managed to keep me quite interested and now I'm intrigued to read more. Good stuff man...
Danny P.
Reply to this
Reading through the first 15 pages you've posted was quite interesting. I myself am not what I'd call a spiritual person in the least, and i tend to be the person whom is questioning everything, so i did relate to a bunch of the things that you had touched upon. I've read quite a few books that seem to be so one sided on the subject of faith and religion, and its nice to see a personal touch that doesn't seem to just be "I'm right because I'm right." you truly are putting yourself into the pages. I can't wait to read more!
Reply to this
Hey Jason!
Good read; I'm certainly looking forward to the rest of the book.
I will try to blog more thorough first-impression thoughts tonight after work, but my initial take is that it is definitely engaging and readable.
Reply to this
"I hate all this tension, and I hate having to face it."
Yes... totally.
Still could quote a lot of stuff, I relate to most of it.
I like what I've read so far, because everything is personal. It's all about your experience.
Looking forward to the rest (really).
Reply to this
I can definitely relate to alot of the things that you have written so far. I'm excited for the book to come out, to meet you and hear you speak at Unified Underground.
Reply to this
Great so far. I can see myself learning from this book. Maybe I can finally learn some to these answers myself. Or maybe I can just tag along with the ride and pick up what I can and try to pass the wisdom along to someone else who needs it.
I can see how the things I "hate" with Christianity are also things that non believers don't understand and won't accept. I have to learn how to push through the "hate" and learn how to explain those things to non believers. Thanks Jason.
Reply to this
I am looking forward to checking out your book. Thanks!
Alex
Reply to this
Wow...reading this almost brought me to tears. I have a very close friend whom I led to Christ a year and a half ago. After about a year, he started to wonder about some of these very issues brought up in your book, and eventually, not finding the answers he wanted to hear, left God and got back into his old lifestyle. He is now well on his way to becoming an alcoholic and has completely lost respect for himself and for women. I have prayed for him every day, that God will reveal himself fully and that my friend will come to an understanding about what our faith is really about and what it requires. But yeah...your pages here really hit home for me. God bless, I hope yo udo well with this, Jason!
Reply to this
It was an interesting read so far. I can't wait to find out what else you have in store in the book.
Reply to this
Wow...thank you for your sincerity in this. I'm from a similar place and often struggle with a general negativity of Christianity. I hate even calling myself a Christian simply because other people totally taint what that is. I see being a Christian as being Christ-like or "little Christ" - and by no means am I even close to that! I'd love to see more of what you have to say!
Reply to this
This is really good and I cannot wait to read the whole thing. I think you'll connect with a lot of people and make a lot of people think.
Reply to this
I LIKE IT! Keep it up!
Reply to this
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
Reply to this
So far looks very interesting! Cant wait to read your thoughts more in depth through your book.
Reply to this
I like when I find out someone I respect is on the same page as me. "It's just an awkward situation by default". Awesome.
Reply to this
Honesty. I think it's the one thing that we as Christians need more than anything else. We need to show all the different areas of our faith that are "irrational" in nature and be open about them. Faith is not something for those that are rational, but rather for those who believe that through all the chaos that is life there is something/someone keeping in order and caring for it and it's inhabitants. Someone who loves what He's created and still says it's good in spite of its cracks and other defects. Jason, you are doing a service to increase the dialogue of those of the faith that are willing to step outside of a small compact faith that is pigeonholed and has a limited view of God into one that wrestles with things and does not blindly accept. I am excited to read more of this memoir and thankful you have chosen to do this!
Reply to this
If you've got 9 more chapters like this, you've got a real winner on your hands!
Reply to this
Great start. Very interested in how the rest of it flows. It is a gutsy step to tackle the big issues of faith. Many do not do it with balance and poise and their biased frustrations cloud truth. I commend you on tackling the deep stuff with integrity and faith. I hope this makes a great impact on the world. Congrats.
Reply to this
The best part of the writing this type of book is working through cynical attitudes that so many of us have. There are issues with the church that I see, but without working through and letting the spirit and the gospel transform our understanding of our brothers and sisters
(and those outside of the body) we will remain ineffective for redemptive change.
Keep asking questions...we overlook so many things that the bride needs to work on.
Keep loving it.
Blessings, Matt Trego
Reply to this
great start, i hope to get the whole thing soon, i'm definitely excited about all this.
Reply to this
Maybe it's selfish, but the thing that stuck out immediately was how I related to the material presented. As someone who considers himself a man of faith but who's life hasn't turned to sunshine and rainbows, I found the themes in your life that you present to be in my life as well. Specifically, I like the idea that everyone has the same amount of faith because faith is trust. It's about whom you place your trust in. When 'the other Jason' asked about, "why did I think it was true?", I found myself asking myself the same question. To my relief, I realized my answer is no longer "It's what I was taught as a kid" but that it boils down to my own experience.
As far as the writing style goes, I found it to be interesting and it held my attention. It seems to make a lot of sense that your writing reflects personal experience instead of academic theories since by your own confession, your faith is a personal matter that can only be explained as such. I look forward to reading more.
Reply to this
I believe you have a lot of good things to say my friend. My friends and I, my sister and I, are constantly struggling with our faith as I think most people do. A lot of times we fall into that tricky part of how much of it is intellectual and how much of it is just sort of accepting that we won't understand everything. I've also recently come to realize that life is very much a dichotomy, it's very yin and yang. You love to hate and hate to love. I think one of the big things I'm facing right now is the concept of Hell. It seems hinted at that you wonder about the eternal life of your friend jason, and with good reason, but it's so hard to think, wow, a guy like jason, who suffered all of this, really tried to stick it out with his defunct mom, is God really going to send this guy to Hell? I've faced this recently with a local lawyer in town who passed away. I work at a country club where he was the president of the board, a really nice guy, sort of a people's champion. Supposedly he also did cocaine and left his wife to date someone who was almost 20 years younger than himself. He had also stopped going to church. Despite all of these things that he may or may not have done, he was a good guy with at least some sort of faith in Christ. I'm not sure what happens to his soul honestly. I'm hoping you may address this at some point in your book because the afterlife is something my friends and I try not to focus on because it's so difficult to understand. Maybe asking the right questions will dig up something worthwhile to consider. Thank you for sharing your struggles. Side note, I have a few friends from florida who absolutely loved a band you were in. You weren't a failure.
Reply to this
Being a big time, old school Strongarm fan, I am VERY excited for this book!! I read the sample and can't WAIT to read the rest!! I think I'll have a lot to relate to. Thanks man!
Reply to this
interesting, i'm looking forward to this being published.
Reply to this
i enjoyed this and can't wait to get a copy.
Reply to this
I'm very excited about this book. I hope the publishing process is quick one for you.
Reply to this
It feels as if you went right into my head and pulled out some of my thoughts that I couldn't express. I really can't wait to get a copy to see what's next. I think that this is a must read for new believers and those seasoned believers as well. I will help us all to understand some of our own difficulties and the trials of others as well.
Reply to this
As a former Christian, current agnostic, and Strongarm fan, I am eagerly anticipating the book's release. Based on what I read, I'm not sure if there's enough to bring me back to the faith, but I'd like to believe that I'm still open-minded. Thanks, Jason, for all your hard work on the book and in Strongarm.
Reply to this
interesting read so far. Would love to read more when it comes out. Good luck!
Reply to this
very authentic, real, and transparent... Please give that copy to someone else... but I did want to encourage you and let you know that it is cool that your putting yourself out there...
Reply to this
Man i am stoked for this! I think the older we get the more our mind starts to wonder about a faith we came to know much earlier in life. I cant wait for the whole thing. Good work my friend, and good luck with everything.
Reply to this
Wow i can't wait to read this book it seems like this will be a good read
Reply to this
Good teaser for the rest of the book - I am looking forward to finding out what the 10 things are! It's refreshing to hear a cynical/self-analysing person who still maintains their faith. Often it's easy to feel outnumbered for not giving up! Hope the release goes well.
Reply to this
Just wanted to thank you mostly for writing about the great love you had for your friend. That to me is a great example of why we need to get the best understanding of faith and the hope of the gospel and truly live it. I look forward to getting a copy of the book. I hope that you will examine many of the stories of faith that we find in the Scriptures so that more misunderstandings and wrong expectations of faith can be shattered and people will come to believe in Jesus who has all authority in the heavenly places and on earth.
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" -Hebrews 11:1
Reply to this
hey this books sounds great. i hope it comes out soon.
Reply to this
I greatly respect how you are standing up for what you believe in and aren't afraid of saying exactly what you feel.
The world needs more christians like you.
My life has been affected so much by what you have said through Strongarm, that I can never thank you enough!
I take it as my honor to read this, and to hopefully read the rest real soon!
God Bless!
Jamie Kranig
Reply to this
Sounds very good, can't wait to read the rest of it
Reply to this
Okay Jason, looks like most of the comments here are positive. Hope you don't mind something negative, though not completely one-sided.
Though the title is rather bold (bold=good in terms of marketing), I don't find it particularly compelling, for a myriad of reasons. A lot of what passes as "self-examinatory" church books are really just protracted blog rants warmed over from a few minutes under the heat lamp. While this complements the attention span we bring to the internet, it doesn't really cut to the meat of the animal, so to speak. Most "I hate church and Christians suck"-themed blogs can be reduced to "This guy at youth group acting like a prick to me, and now I have doubts about my faith." Forgive if that's a strawman or sounds snarky, but the curse of youth is to buy too much stock in the "I feels" of growing up and the human experience. Yes, you were hurt when you were younger; weren't we all? Didn't Jesus tell us this would happen? Should we be surprised? Is going through a bad experience enough to make us qualified as spokesmen for the entirety of the disenfranchised? Heck if I know.
Sometimes this is taken to extremes and we have some Christians apologizing to their readers profusely for things that were no fault of their own. Pervert priests, televangelists,...heck, the Crusades? Isn't there an ethical statute of limitations placed on garbage that happened a millennium ago?
I'm mentioning this because your introduction leaned toward this manner of communication. We church is desperately trying to get those outside to like her that we'll receive the blame for things that no one alive has committed and the heavy hand of which no one alive has felt. This is neither ultimately an effective witnessing tool nor Biblical in the first place. This may all not have been your intention but that is what I took from it. If this seems to be an issue for you then you may consider revising the intro.
Now for the good stuff.
As a general rule of reading I don't like personal memoirs or overly anecdotal books. They are mostly penned by individuals that are famous but very shallow; they will move a certain number of copies guaranteed because there is a fanbase already. It's certain sales. They could crap in a bags and still recoup the costs and then some.
But fortunately you have enough honesty and personal insight that you are saved from this inherited sin (sorry for the pun) of publishing. There's a lot of meat. The points where you struggle to put a rational voice to an ultimately irrational faith resonated with me, as someone who hates coming off as an intellectual twit in discussions.
It's a very epistemic (concerning epistemology...the study of belief and knowledge) dilemma, religious faith is. It's no small task explaining something so internalized as a relationship with God to someone that doesn't have that logical basis in the first place. Luckily everyone has a type of faith which has illogical roots, but we Christians are stuck...
Reply to this
(continued from last comment)
but we Christians are stuck, in this age of modern science and inductive reasoning, with the task of having to tie up every little supernatural loose ends or face the loony bin. It's rather unfair but that's the flow of the times.
If more of your book is like the first chapter then you're onto something good. I'm just not seeing a strong connection between the actual content and the title/intro.
I apologize for the long comments.
Reply to this
Really looking forward to reading more. Thanks
Reply to this
Hey, I would really like to read your book. I'm excited about your view on the topic, especially because I still listen to my Strongarm cds. I do agree with an earlier poster that the topic has been done before and sometimes seems like a bit of a marketing tactic, I often think about the way we live and the way we should live. Anybody that writes about this from a Christian perspective is most definitely thinking about something worth thinking, and writing about. Thanks, and I hope I get an early copy of the book!
Reply to this
Interesting... is this your first book? I am interested in what steps you plan to publish.
Reply to this
Jason, first let me thank you for giving me the opportunity of reading your first chapter. I find the topic very opportune to say the least. If the topic has been done before, well it may just mean that there are others that feel the need to address the issue of faith. This is what makes it timely; i do believe that at any time there are those who struggle with the faith.
Regardless, Jason I think that you have done a good introduction on your first chapter. Keep on with it.
Reply to this
Hey Jason, I'm not one to really relate to other, more faithful, members of the Christian faith, although I have received my confirmation, the rite of full initiation into my Church community, I find that I have many doubts about God and faith. But, reading those 15 pages has shown me that even those that do fully believe have doubts and I am truly inspired by your words and honesty, and I can relate to you so much. I cannot say for certain that my trust/faith in God will increase by reading the rest of, based on the first chapter, a seemingly brilliant read but, I will certainly be looking inside and doing some major/minor renovations of my spirit. Awesome book and I'm extremely anticipant to read the rest of what you have to offer. Keep on rockin' and "God" bless!
Reply to this
Wow,I didn't even intend to read all 15 pages, especially since it's 3am, but
I related to about 98% of what you were speaking about. The one point that stuck w/ me was something I'd heard at church last sun.,basically like with your friend,sometimes you just have to to use radical boldness. This is quite a hard thing for me to practice and something that I fail at quite frequently usually walking saying "sorry lord, I missed it again", looking forward to more or your book.
p.s. thanks for the Strongarm years!
Reply to this
The first 2 pages were slow in developing and did not captivate my attention. I hung on, and from page 3 to 15 it became more interesting. I enjoyed the story about Jason, and thought of a few of my friends who experienced the same suicide episode where they questioned themselves. I am sure they would enjoy reading this. I appreciated the fresh insight into faith, and the ironies, such as doubt being part of faith. Overall, I give it a 9/10.
Reply to this
I would be curious to see how this plays out. I'm always fascinated with the (so-called) introspective books that people write and see how scripture plays a role in the intrspection.
Reply to this
I really like that you use hate and Christianity in the same breath. I also enjoyed reading your interaction with Jason on Faith. It sounds like a talk I had with my twin recently.
Reply to this
sweet, so i found where the comment button was finally. seriously, really good stuff, i like how honest you are about your struggles with faith and how you still find that it's the only way to go about with life.
Reply to this
i can't wait to check this out. i've wrestled a ton with my faith...and moreso how it is worked out in the Christian community around me. i've run from participating for years, only to realize that God is calling me dive deep into the muck and mire. thanks for sharing your struggles as well!
Reply to this
I think I'm #50!!
I like the preview...Looking forward to the rest.
Reply to this
Great start! I enjoyed your illustrations about "Bill the neighbor" and and felt your sadness over your friend Jason. I believe your angst over spiritual matters is something many people identify with too.
Reply to this
Jason,
I am one of many who have faced the challenges of Faith. I am really happy to see how you explained the word "Hate", and you hit the nail on the head. You have said what a lot of people are thinking, and I can't wait to read more.
Reply to this
All I have to say is I can't wait to read the rest.
I read the first 15 pages and your views completely hit home with me. The whole "personal conflict" thing is something I deal with everyday. I guess it's just a lifelong process...no one just wakes up and is perfect in their faith.
I have a friend who questions me the way your friend Jason did. We have in depth conversations about God, Jesus, faith, relationship vs. religion, etc. I just hope one day she can work through it all.
Please keep me posted as to when your book will be complete.
Thanks for the read...
Reply to this
I will definitely be buying this book when it comes out!
Reply to this
I read your first chapter. Thank you for the breath of fresh air. I feel like I'm in a Christian twilight zone half the time and it's nice to know I'm not alone. I'm looking forward to reading the rest.
Reply to this
really good stuff brother!!! The story about Jason was heart-breaking, but at the same time so relevant and in an odd way, uplifting about the decisions we choose to make in faith and through Christ.
I'm hoping a chapter where you talk about the struggles as a Christian musician and the genre of music that I'm sure caused backlash. That will be an uplifting and interesting piece to read if you do write it.
Reply to this
Just a quick hello and reply to your book.
personally, I liked it and would eventually in this busy lifetime want to finish reading it. I can relate. those many different seasons in our lives, weaknesses, struggles.... and I think that people that are our brothers and sisters in Christ and those that are not yet or may not ever be, could also get a glimpse of what life is like haveing a personal relationship with Jesus. When i first started reading it, Joseph came to mind, how God allows things to happen in our lives and turns those attack from the ememy around for our good and for His glory. I am pusuing writing myself and am just getting started in a writing course for children, just finished my second assignment and have much more to learn.
So far you are doing a great job.
To God be the Glory.
Sincerly,
In Christ,
Alej
Reply to this
I did'nt read the whole thing because the computer screen makes my eyes hurt. But, I cant wait to pick this up.
Jon Bryson
Reply to this
Jason:
I'm very intrigued. I enjoy your writing style here, it seems very conversational- and therefore easy to read. You've definitely grabbed my attention!
Reply to this
Jason,
I liked it... have fought the same fights... not big on religion but as a pastor now, I love the relationship with Jesus. Looking forward to reading your book. One thought... i would have loved to see you use scripture to back up your journey... what it meant to you and what it meant to your faith in getting over the hurdles. Other people will have same questions... so showing them how you made the journey through your relationship to God and His Word is very important. That's my only thought. Well done!
Reply to this
Jason, I agree. Faith is not some knight on a white horse full of confidence and assurance. Faith is full of questions. Sometimes even fears. Faith is following Jesus in spite of what is going on around you in the natural realm.
Very interesting chapter. Different way of coming at faith.
You should have my info from earlier today.
Reply to this
Jason,
I like the emotional tone. You need to watch that your hate does not translate to angry writing. I would guess that you have a very winsome personality. You have a knack for grabbing people's attention. Just make sure that you do more than amuse people and speak in cleaver and captivating ways.
I wise man once told me that "it is easier to smell a rotten egg than it is to lay a good one." I have read too many books that talk about what is wrong with the church and not enough about what we are to do about it.
My encouragement for you is to engage the Scriptures and bring that teaching to bear in the lives of your readers. I want to know who or what is the object of your faith. Everybody has faith in something. What makes your faith special?
Thanks for inviting me to read and respond. I look forward to reading the finished product.
Reply to this
A simple and relatable book for anyone to deepen their faith and potentially dispel their doubts.
Reply to this
From what I've read the book is interesting and thought provoking. I love Christianity. Its not easy, in fact only one perons was ever able to live it. He did such a good job at it that it was named after Him. He never said it would be easy. In fact He promised in this world we would have harships, trials, challenges. He also promised that He would never leave us or turn His back on us. He promised that He would never allow us to be tempted beyond what we could handle without giving us the grace to get through it, or a way out. Ultimately He always gives us more than we can handle on our own, but nothing we can't handle if we depend on Him. I would appreciate a copy of your book.
Reply to this
Jason,
I am amazed! After not talking to you for 17 years (has it been that long?!?) you have eloquently expressed much of what I wish I could explain to people about my own faith. I would never have pegged you as a writer, but if the rest of the book is like this I will be recommending it to all of my friends and students!!
Reply to this
Jason,
Let me first say that your writing style is very emotional and intense. I can sense the passion in what you are relaying to the readers and I think that is good. Second, I really love what you have written thus far. Alot of writers have passion without emotion or they are reluctant to express their thoughts on a particular point. You have done that quite well. I recommend this book to any avid reader and I know it will bless their socks off. Thank you for your words and expressions and sharing your work with us. Continue to enlighten us with your pen and help us in our faith walk.
Reply to this
so great. it really is.
blessings in all you do.
-erika
Reply to this
Hey Jason, I'm really interested in reading this book. I hope to learn a lot from it, gain a new perspective.
Reply to this
Amazing how we all struggle with pride and knowledge. Interesting to read how you wish God would just show up in flesh sometimes. For some reason I doubt showing up would ever be enough, then one miracle, then two, etc. When we've seen things work out in our lives in only ways God could create, we start to understand.
Reply to this
Jason I am impressed... love the flow of the story and how you use your words. I was skeptical about the title but understand now. Can't believe you>a writer???? Not the Jason that played TOO much with Chris in the halls! LOL Can't wait to read the whole thing!
Reply to this
good draft - great way to get other opinions.
this book will give us a mirror image of your life that will serve as a reflection of so many followers of jesus who have been confronted with the negative image of christianity.
as you deal with many issues, i will encourage you to wrestle through the issues of your faith first - many of us followers have come from many different facets of faith, following jesus, local churches, youth groups, teachings, etc . . . . .help us to arise to new levels in our walk in the christian faith.
good luck and be blessed!
Reply to this
Hey jason,
Intriguing writing... I can't wait to read the rest. It's cool to have someone act pretty down-to-earth and humble about their faith, while still being honest; there aren't enough people like that in the world.
Reply to this
proofing:
page 11
"I said I..."
comment:
i like how it relates more to those struggling or unsure of the Christian faith. I'm eager to read the rest.
Reply to this
Hey Jason,
I started reading this thinking I may be able to help in some way add a little helpful criticism here or theere, but You don't need any help from me. I thought this was a truly heartfelt and sincere presentation of your feelings and experiences. It was good to see on paper what a lot of us have felt. I look forward to reading more from your book. Great job!!!
Reply to this
I read the 11 first pages, then I had a problem with my network connection. My english understanding isn't very good but all that I understood was very interesting, I think. I like your way of writing, your humour (I found some sentences very funny cf "I hate that I love coca cola" (i love coke too). I wish I will be able to read the rest of your book. Congratulations for your work =)
Reply to this
Jason..
Great read.. You really know how to capture the words and I enjoyed it very much. I am looking forward for your book when it comes out so I can read the rest. I thought the writing was very intriguing and very heartfelt and makes you think about your own faith.
Thanks for the read...
Excellent JOB !!!!
Reply to this
A good read so far. Honest. I think we can all identify with the latter part of your relationship with Jason - not wanting to be too intrusive and ruin the friendship you'd had. Unfortunately in this instance you might have been the one person who could save him. Conflict is truly propelling once you work through it. As I said, good read so far. Looking forward to the rest.
Nikuma
Reply to this
Hey Jason,
I just read your first chapter. Very easy to read and great content!! That's saying a lot for such a deep subject like faith...good job. -Holly
Reply to this
Loved it so far.
I'm an artist and sometimes have a hard time putting things into words. In this sample chapter you've put words to so many things that have gone on in my head. Good stuff. I can't wait to read the rest. I'm not an avid reader but I had no problem reading through it! You've got my attention!
Reply to this
I really enjoy what you are saying so far. i think you are digging into things that people have wanted to say for some time and just haven't yet! I really look forward to reading the entire book!
Reply to this
Ok, Jason. I have to admit I am conflicted in my desire to read your book. There's this huge part of me that is thrilled for you. And then there's the other side of me that has to fight off being 14 again when I think about you. Silly, I know. So I read it anyway. And, since you asked, here are some of my thoughts:
My memories of you are filled with the honesty and straight-forwardness that you deliver in your book. No games. Just Jason laying Jason out on the table. A guy who is willing to let the world know that while he loves Jesus, he doesn't always get it. I appreciate your writing in a conversational way. No need to use the biggest words you can find and make the reader need a dictionary. Just real...even when it isn't pretty.
Sharing your story about Jason was quite encouraging. We're so often taught that if we put the time and energy and commitment into witnessing then the Holy Spirit will intervene and that person will get saved, and our faith will be increased. It's in those times that we can't lose sight of the fact that God is still God. That person we share Jesus with may not have a life changing experience and get saved, but our lives are forever changed when we enter into dialog with someone and share our faith.
The first chapter is everything I expected, and actually a little more.
So far the book seems headed in a great direction. Right now my plug is that an old friend of my wrote this great book! But I'm counting on some unique concepts that will inspire me even further to recommend the book.
Again, I'm thrilled to see all that God has done in your life. Very cool!
Blessings!
Reply to this
Jason - liked what I see so far - look forward to more!!!
Reply to this
Hi Jason,
My name is Owen and I grew up in Alpharetta back when the Dairy Queen was the biggest thing happening. I don't visit anymore because everything's so different and I'd rather not disturb my bucolic nostalgia. Anyway, I really appreciated reading chapter one and the beginning of #2. Your candor is refreshing and, I think, speaks to the doubts, misgivings and longing for a deeper faith among many of us. I want to know that God can handle our most intense questions, doubts, misgivings and scrutiny -- but how can he when we (believers) are so busy apologizing for him, making up excuses and sometimes outright fabrications regarding our experience of him and his ways. From what I've read so far, you articulate a growing trend to embrace honest mystery rather than always rationalizing... to be humbled like Job and (as per Pascal) accept that the heart has its reasons of which Reason knows nothing. Best wishes with your publication, may it encourage all who follow Jesus and seek his Kingdom.
all shall be well,
Owen Fulghum
Reply to this
Hey Jason, what an interesting book! I definitely think it has a lot of potential. Besides it being a topic of wide interest, your honest and vulnerable writing style will be refreshingly received (as it was with me). Yes, your perspective on faith is heavily feelings based and quite emotional, but that is your honest opinion, and of course I could relate to many of your thoughts. I don't think I would've stuck with Christianity thus far, though, if it were ENTIRELY about faith and feeling. You wrote, for example, "Yes, I believe in Jesus. I can’t really explain
it. It’s basically a decision I made based on a feeling. And I trust in the sincerity of that feeling.” You said that ultimately this caused you some embarrassment. That's partly why I'm a huge C.S. Lewis fan! He is able to convincingly articulate how the Christian faith is actually quite logical and rational in many ways. And I do believe that it is. I wonder how your friend Jason would've taken to reading "Mere Christianity." Of course, there is much to doubt, and much uncertainty, but, honestly, the same would come of the choice to follow no religion at all. Still, you openly describe what almost inevitably enters all of our minds as Christians. Your writing is easy to read and relatable. A good editor will help with the flow, but overall I think you've got a winner on your hands! I can't wait to read the other 9 chapters. Thanks for the preview! (-:
Reply to this
Well what can I say that hasn't been said above in the great comments.
You knew me years ago and as far as Religion is concerned I have pretty much stayed an Spiritual Agnostic, BUT that being said I really look forward to reading the rest of your book because I can relate to what I have read so far.
Just don't pull any Darth Vader lines on me about Finding my lack of faith amusing.
Reply to this
Thanks Chris. Those were the days...Or at least, that's what you're supposed to say. Personally, I hated High School.
And I relate. I feel like an agnostic sometimes. I just can't ignore some truths I believe to be real deep down inside.
And get your Star Wars right! It's "I find your lack of faith disturbing." I guess you're not the nerd you thought you were. BTW-the band I was in sampled that line. You can actually download the song here on the left. It's called "Increase".
Reply to this
let's just set the record straight lol I hated high school. remember I was the one the dropped out in 10th grade and ran off to join the Navy.
Now let me say I led a pretty rough life and made some HUGE mistakes but if I were to go back and do it all over I wouldn't Change a thing. every morning I get up and see my two wondrful boys and if I changed anything I wouldn't end up where I am and I wouldn't have them. so call it whatever but I believe god put me thru all that crap so that I would end up right here right now.
and for that I am oddly thankful.
Reply to this
Great perspective. I agree that there is always good and bad in any situation.
I have had my share of mistakes, for sure. I disagree on one point: I would change some things. I wish I would have made some better choices along the way. Sure, they are all learning experiences. I just wish sometimes I wasn't such and idiot: having to learn things the hard way so many times.
I guess the point is to learn either way...And that's what really you're saying.
Reply to this