About Jason

Jason T. Berggren loves to write. He is the author of 10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith, blogs about Christian issues, current events, and pop-culture, reviews films for iRATEfilms.com, and even shares handyman tips gleaned during his day job. His first book 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 Christian issues, 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. From an early age, he felt like an outsider and questioned his existence.

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. Most recently he has done a song (wrote the lyrics and sang) entitled “The Call” for VENIA’S most recent EP “I’ve Lost All Faith in Myself.”

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 (which recently moved to Miramar, 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 and serve on a leadership team.