:: in.a.mirror.dimly ::

In a world of ten step programs, paths to happiness and fulfillment, and recipes for success, there are times when someone needs to speak up and remind us that life doesn’t always follow such plans. For those frustrated with the ways Christianity fails to follow the script or deviates from our faith-based recipes, there is Jason Berggren’s book Ten Things I Hate About Christianity: Working through the Frustrations of Faith.

Far from spinning off a raw diatribe, Berggren aims for a hopeful, constructive place, even if he wades through the more unsavory, difficult-to-understand parts of Christianity. In a sense, he seems to have zeroed in on the things you’re not supposed to mention about Christianity, such as the frustrations of prayer not working out and wrestling with faith. However, he doesn’t set out to complain or rant, but rather offers a glimpse of his own theological process.

Berggren is a very good writer. He has a simple, straight-forward style that may be the strongest feature of the book. I didn’t always agree with his take on things, but I could always tell he was being honest. Nothing he says is pie in the sky or mere speculation. Each lesson has been hammered out in real life.

I think it’s also worth noting that this is a self-published work. Berggren did an incredible job with the design, editing, and his web site. He’s also worked really hard to spread the word (which is how I ended up with a copy). He deserves high marks for writing something that he truly believed in and making sure that it was done with excellence.

The main weakness of the book are a number of asides and anecdotes that distract from each chapter’s main points. One may see the connection at times, but some of these rabbit trails may confuse readers, rather than adding clarity. Suffice it to say, none of these actually hurt the book, only distract, and when Berggren sticks to the main topic, he tells powerful stories and writes with a refreshing honesty.

This is a book for people who struggle to ask the hard questions of Christianity, such as, “Why does prayer seem to fail sometimes?” Jason takes an open, conversational approach in sharing how his own thinking and practice have developed over time. The book oozes with authenticity and passion.

Berggren does not compound his problems by adding his own programs or formulas for Christian success, but rather highlights complexities, shares his own answers, and gives readers a fascinating book with solid ideas to chew on.