caught somewhere between real life, simple faith, & raw emotion
Jason In Real Life
What is “The Call”?
713 years
I am posting some lyrics I have recently written. You can listen to it here and read the explanation of the lyrics here. They contain what I would classify as the two most important lines I have ever written. And understanding them can literally affect the trajectory of your very life (an idea I will develop in my next book). Sound presumptuous? I promise it’s not–because it’s true.
As I have mentioned, I recently did a song with a band called VENIA because of the influence of my old band Strongarm (often known for the lyrics) has had on the scene. I sang and wrote the lyrics to one song on their new EP called “I’ve Lost All Faith In Myself” which is available now at Blood & Ink Records.
So here are the lyrics to The Call. Again, an explanation of them is here, which includes an explanation of the two most important lines I have ever written. Also, I sing the song with VENIA’s singer, Chad. Below I have darkened the lines I sing, in case you wondering who the heck is screaming:
The Call
This is a call, a time for reckoning
Lay rest to the past, awake a new beginning
Let it be known, this ends all confusion
These words are the anthem of a saving revolution
–
No more chasing shadows leading to the depths
No drawing from a well of sorrows and sewing more regrets
Leaving nothing to fortune and nothing to fate–there is only that which we create
Generations test it true, the future is made from the decisions of today
–
And so I ask, my friend. I ask you now, will you stand?
–
When the world crushes you with pain
Will you stand with me?
When pleasures tempt you to stray
Will you stand with me?
(whole chorus 2x’s–I sing the 1st one)
–
Sear this on your conscience
And brand it in your heart
For the faithful there is a promise
A sacred trust of salvation
–
Never forget and never give in
–
I will not deny (4x’s)
Will you stand with me? (4x’s–I sing the 2nd & 4th)
VIDEO: Evolution Of A Road Trip
113 years
Monday. You need a laugh. Last week I posted a hilarious family video one of my sons crying about finding out that my wife is having another boy (that makes 4). He wanted a sister.
This week I’m posting another funny family video. Ever notice how family road trips (and vacations) start out fun? But then there is that point where they start to turn….
Well here are some humorous highlights from a recent 2-day road trip we took.
Enjoy!
A New Song: The Call
213 years
Although I’ve written a book, I first delved into writing via lyrics as a young lad. If you don’t know, I used to be in a band called Strongarm and I have done a new song as of late due to the influence that band has had on the hardcore music scene (FYI-that’s a genre somewhere between punk and metal).
No, it’s not a Strongarm song. But a band called VENIA asked me to write the lyrics and sing on one of the songs on their latest release “I’ve Lost All Faith In Myself.” (pictured to left). The song is called “The Call” and there is a video below of me recording it with them. You can read the lyrics here and an explanation of them here.
The press release it says:
“Featuring dueling vocals on closing track “The Call” with Jason Berggren, original vocalist of the legendary Strongarm!”
Legendary! How cool is that? It’s awesome to be part of the project. These guys are a great band and amazing guys. So click here to check it out and order it to support them. It is available on collectable 7″ vinyl and you get a digital download code when you order it. And you can listen to a song here.
I’ve been listening to the raw version of the whole EP and it is amazing. I’m not just saying that because I’m on it. I met VENIA 2 years ago. My family took a RV road trip and went to Cornerstone Festival where they put on a brutal show (that means good for any old folks reading this). I’ve been enjoying their blend of metal ever since and it’s raw.
Get it!
On Strongarm (if you’re new around here), I sang screamed (on the first album “Atonement”) and wrote the lyrics (for 15 of the 19 songs out there). Not to sound like a washed-up-never-was-been, but it has become a highly influential band. It was named one of the top 10 bands of the last 30 yrs, has inspired tattoos , and even been the the love-connection for some match-making resulting in marriage. In fact, here is a video we did and some FREE songs, if you’d like. I still get emails about the band from fans, which is why I will be posting a brief history soon. There is also, of course, the cursory stories of certain Christians who told us we were going to Hell for playing such heavy music (which I tell about in my book). Anyway, indie record label Blood & Ink Records has decided to do an LP reissue of the first album Atonement. (That’s a vinyl record for all you younglings.) I am totally honored by it. It’s available now. You can click below to order. That’s the first bit of new news about Strongarm. The second bit of news is, well…I’ll tell you that next week. Order and enjoy some heavy metal to brighten your day!
*And here is the video of me recording with VENIA.
VIDEO: Finding Out The Sex Of Our 4th Child Hilarity
113 years
Good Monday morning! Hope all is well. To get the week started off right and break the Monday blues here is the video of the day we found out the sex of our 4th child.
Hilarity ensues starting at 1:50.
Enjoy!
VIDEO: Me Recording “The Call” with VENIA
014 years
Every once in a while I mention the band I used to be in called Strongarm. It was named one of the top 10 bands of the last 30 yrs, has inspired tattoos , and even been the the love-connection for some match-making resulting in marriage. In fact, here is a music video we did and some FREE songs, if you’d like. Blood & Ink Records is even re-releasing our first album on vinyl. Very cool.
I was recently contacted by a band called VENIA and asked if I would write lyrics and sing to the song on their new album. Of course, I said yes. So here is a brief video of that road trip last week to Richmond, VA to do it. I brought my family in tow. It was a good time. The album is set to release in the fall. I will post more specific details as I learn them.
The Cycle of Suck
014 years
Sometimes life sucks. I know that as a Christian I probably am not supposed to say that. I am supposed to present the idea that once you begin following the teaching of Jesus, everyday is filled with rainbows, sunshine, and lollipops. But that is not honest.
As helpful as that info is not, I thought it would be helpful to chronicle the emotional process that happens when something that sucks happens. This way you can know what to expect and know what demons you will have to face and wrestle with. This is the order it happens in my life, complete with the questioning that goes on and the thoughts behind it:
Hurt: “Why me?”
It’s impossible not to take a sucky situation in your life personal. You feel like a loser and alone.
Disappointment: “What did I do wrong?”
You start to think you can’t do anything right and wonder what you did to deserve this. Maybe even what you thought was a great opportunity ended in disaster and dashes your future hopes.
Frustration: “What do I do now?”
You would do anything to change the outcome but there’s nothing that can be done.
Anger: “Who’s doing this/made this happen?”
You start blaming because there has to be a reason and if there is a reason then that means someone, or something, is out to get you. You start trying to figure out who not to trust so you can prevent this next time.
Depression: “What’s the point?”
You think nothing will ever go right and it weighs you down, down, down. Your process might be a little different than mine, but chances are it’s exactly the same. You may be asking yourself, “I don’t know if this makes me feel better or worse?” or “Thanks for dumping all that crap on me”.
We have to get through these stages in order to get beyond these situations. Too many people get stuck in one of these places and end up living a miserable existence. They tend to view life through the lens of whatever stage they’re stuck in. This is scary because it isn’t difficult to let years go by living in bitterness because of our frustration with life. You have to let yourself work this all out so you can reach a point of break-through. We still have to navigate the brokenness that still peppers this existence.
And of course, there are many aspects of life that are better on this spiritual journey. I have a higher lever of clarity, purpose, and value than previously. But it is these difficult stages of life that get you off track and making bad decisions. And that’s the point of this post. You have to learn how to get through those points.
>>>
I’m Doing a New Song
214 years
UPDATE: Here is the video of me recording with VENIA
Let’s talk music once again. You don’t have to be around here long to know that I was in a band called Strongarm many years ago. It was named one of the top 10 bands of the last 30 yrs, has inspired tattoos , and even been the the love-connection for some match-making resulting in marriage. In fact, here is a video we did and some FREE songs, if you’d like. Blood & Ink Records is even re-releasing our first album on vinyl. Can you imagine? This is, of course, very cool and humbling.
If you’re a Strongarm fan, this post is for you. If you’ve ever emailed me about a Strongarm reunion, this post is for you. If you just like heavy metal, this post is for you.
BIG NEWS…I’m doing a new song!
Last summer while on our family RV road trip , we went to Cornerstone Festival. While there I met several bands. One of those bands was called VENIA. I talked to them a bunch. They were real heavy and put on a great show. I even gave them a bunch of bad advice. They were kind enough to humor me and listen.
Well, a couple of months ago they contacted me asked if I would do write the lyrics and sing a song on their newest project. Of course I said yes.
So a month ago they emailed the song to me and i got busy on the lyrics and vocal patterns. I emailed them the lyrics and they loved them. They even wanted to begin playing it on tour immediately and asked me to send them vocal patterns. How the heck was I going to do that? I’m a handyman not a producer.
Eventually I figured out how to drop the MP3 into GarageBand on my mac. I then screamed the song into the built-in mic on my mac (by the way, I still haven’t cleaned the dried spit off it…yuck!). It sent it to them and now they’re playing it. They were even nice enough to say I’ve “outdone” myself (nice of them to humor this old-timer). (I also made sure to tell them that this version better not get out or I would have to hire the mafia to hunt them down.)
Anyway, we’re recording it July 10th. I will post it as soon it is available.
Strongarm LP Reissue On Blood & Ink Records–ORDER NOW!
314 years
If you don’t know, I used to be in a band called Strongarm (I’m the ugly guy on the left up above). There are 2 new and exciting things regarding Strongarm to tell today.
I sang screamed (on the first album “Atonement”) and wrote the lyrics (for 15 of the 19 songs out there). Not to sound like a washed-up-never-was-been, but it has become a highly influential band. It was named one of the top 10 bands of the last 30 yrs, has inspired tattoos , and even been the the love-connection for some match-making resulting in marriage. In fact, here is a video we did and some FREE songs, if you’d like. I still get emails about the band from fans, which is why I will be posting a brief history soon. There is also, of course, the cursory stories of certain Christians who told us we were going to Hell for playing such heavy music (which I tell about in my book).
Anyway, indie record label Blood & Ink Records has decided to do an LP reissue of the first album Atonement. (That’s a vinyl record for all you younglings.) I am totally honored by it. It’s available now. You can click below to order. That’s the first bit of new news about Strongarm.
The second bit of news is, well…I’ll tell you that next week.
Order and enjoy some heavy metal to brighten your day!
Did LOST Forget Something?
1014 years
I’m tired. Like much of America I stayed up way past my bedtime watching the series finale of LOST. I’ve seen every episode. I’ve been a LOST-ite, LOST-ian, LOST-er, LOST-ie (or whatever you want to call a fan) since the beginning. But I’m also tired from not being able to sleep.
I’ve been wondering if I missed something. Or worse, did the writers miss something?
Now I’m not trying to be detached and critical in order to seem cool. I just really think there is a gap here. Someone please help me.
After all the mystery, intriguing stories, amazing cast, did they forget to reveal the whole premise? Did they fail to answer the one question we all needed to know in order to put a period at the end of the nebulous sentence? Did the show that captured the attention of nerds and cool people alike get lost along the way and stay lost?
Did they forget to answer the ever-important (and preeminent) question:
WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF THE ISLAND? And in so answering should also reveal why it should be saved.
Maybe I think too linear, but did I miss something? Or did they?
Purpose is important. In life and even a show. It must be answered in order to make sense of it all.
What’s the purpose of it all? Someone PLEASE answer that for me in regards to LOST if I missed it.
WHAT THE HECK WAS THE PURPOSE OF THE ISLAND?
Waiting….
I Finally Got “The Christian Delusion” In the Mail
014 years
Well here it is. I mentioned this book “The Christian Delusion: Why Faith Fails” a while back. A friendly Agnostic recommended that I read it (he also contributed to it). So I requested a review copy from the publisher and finally got it.
I hope to ingest this book in the next week or two. I have another book that I am working on first. I am excited to read the points of all the contributors in this book (it has several) on why they don’t have faith or believe in God–they are mainly Atheists (and some Agnostics).
Of course, I will review it as soon as I finish it. I look forward to the challenge.
“Hate” for Good Reason
114 years
I got this email last week from someone who read my book 10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith :
Jason, I just finished your book and have one regret, I didn’t write it! In many ways, your journey mirrors mine. I started out with Christ at 18 after chasing my dreams of fast cars and rock-n-roll. I’m 61 now, married almost 43 years to a beautiful woman I’m not worthy of. We have been in ministry for 37 years. Ours has not been easy either, and the “hates” you shared in your book once again mirrored mine. I did find something I didn’t agree with (oh well) and one thing I might add: the only reason for ever being passive is over matters of faith – martyrdom (page 131).
Again, many thanks. I will be sharing your book with other frustrated or perhaps frustrating people.
Al M.
Casper, WY
On the Jack E. Jett Show Today @ 5:21 EST
014 years
I’m on the radio today on the always colorful Jack E. Jett Show Today @ 5:21 EST. You can listen live here www.rationalbroadcasting.com.
MANCOW Radio Interview Today @ 7 AM EST
114 years
I’m going to be on the #9 radio show today at 7 AM EST. Listen Live Here: http://mancow.com/
Strongarm Named In Top 10 Best Bands Of Last 30 Years
814 years
For most of you reading this, it will sound like a washed-up-never-was-been waxing on about the good-old-days. You’ve been warned!
Back in the first half of the 90’s I used to be in a band called Strongarm (you can listen to some songs here, watch a video here, see tattoos inspired by the band here, or even read how it is the reason this couple got married here.
Anyway, this week I stumbled upon a list compiled by www.noisecreep.com (a BIG heavy metal music site owned by AOL Inc.). The article starts with:
“Noisecreep has compiled a list of 10 bands from the Christian side of the metal world that everyone should check out.”
The range runs from bands like Stryper to Zao (one of my favorites). It’s quite a blend. You may not like (or even know) the bands, but they are all good in their own right–something about them stands out.
And smack dab in the middle coming in at number five is…Strongarm! The article goes on to say:
“While they weren’t exactly head-bangers, Strongarm’s inventive yet always vicious take on hardcore had metal in its DNA. They were only around for a handful of years (1993-1998) and made just two full-length albums, but their influence on the current Christian metal landscape is irrefutable. Strongarm’s chaotic guitar outbursts aren’t far removed from a band like Burn and the late, great Deadguy. A lot of the bands currently rocking out on the Tooth & Nail label learned a lot about their craft from this Florida wrecking crew…”
Wow! That’s amazing. I can’t even believe it. More importantly, Strongarm was my first experience in pursuing a passion.
I sang (often described as screaming) and wrote the lyrics. It is where I first began to try to write down the frustration and difficulty of trying to live in the intersection of real life, simple faith, and raw emotion (as described on the back of my book now).
So it is a great honor. It’s nice to now things you did as a stupid kid had a positive impact.
Thank you Noisecreep!
*You can read it all here.
Heavy Metal Match-Making: A Sort of Strongarm Tribute
414 years
I recently got one of the most amazing emails ever!
If you didn’t know, a long time ago in a galaxy far far away, I used to be in a band called Strongarm. Here is a free song, the video, and some tattoos inspired by it. The important thing to know is that I sang screamed and wrote the lyrics.
What’s amazing is that I still get emails from people even though I quit back in 1995 (I think that was the year).
For example, I met a guy at a function last weekend and spent the better part of an hour talking movies. He is a High School teacher and was trying to figure out how to incorporate some classics in his lessons (like Hitchcock’s Rear Window). Later in the week he emailed me and asked, “Have you heard of the now defunct band Strongarm?” It was totally unexpected. I told him I’d heard of it somewhere. Just kidding! I told him that I was in it etc. He said my name sounded familiar and this was his way of not appearing too nerdy while confirming if I was THAT Jason Berggren.
The emails I get express gratitude for the contribution to the ‘scene’ I made. I’ve heard:
*Strongarm is the reason we started a band.
*Strongarm is the reason I got this tattoo (with the lyrics).
*Strongarm is the reason I didn’t commit suicide.
Truth be told, I was just doing something I loved. But it is a wonderful honor to be told these things.
A couple of weeks ago I got one the best emails regarding the band, ever.
Here’s what it said:
“My husband, Jay, and I were talking the other day about how we met. We thought it would be cool to tell you that you’re the reason that happened.
We met on a chat program back in ’97. It wasn’t a dating site or anything, just a little text-based chat program on telnet. Anyway, we were able to set “sessions” on there. Sessions were just a topic someone could set and others would comment on it.
His session had something to do with Strongarm. I can’t remember exactly. It may have been lyrics. I commented, we started chatting, and now we’re married. Neat, huh? 
–Lori”
Strongarm is the reason we got married? I’ve never heard that one! What an endearing thing to be told. It is hilarious and amazing all at the same time. I expressed gratitude for sharing it (and permission to do likewise).
I also recommended a reading of my current book, saying that it will perhaps inspire a child (oh yes I did!).
What’s the lesson? No, it’s not that you should necessarily use heavy metal to woo a woman into dating you. There just aren’t that many female fans out there. If a love-connection is your goal, it’ll probably take a while.
Here’s the real lesson: when you use your gifts, experiences, and passions for good (and God’s purposes), it’s never in vain.
There is often a lot of crap and fighting (with the process or the people) involved in whatever you’re doing. That’s why it’s called a labor of love. And it may take a long time before there are any measurable results. In fact, you may never observe any measurable results. Is that okay with you? If you believe your efforts are never in vain, then it will be.
A mark of maturity is the ability to pursue a goal off in the distance regardless of the surrounding circumstances.
Can you?
*And by the way, I do weddings.
On the RADIO at 1 PM EST Today–Listen Live
014 years
I’m on the radio today at 1 PM EST. Listen live here: http://www.alongthewayradio.com/newsite/?page_id=1060
‘Hater’ hopes new book on faith will open eyes
014 years
*Here is an article for an interview I did a few weeks ago. It is a subscription-based site, so you can’t go to the source. But here it is:
‘Hater’ hopes new book on faith will open eyes
Jason T. Berggren says he has learned something some Christians never do.
“I learned to come to terms with the realization that faith in Jesus didn’t mean all my problems would go away or be fixed,” he said.
Along those lines, Berggren, a married father of three in Alpharetta, Ga. has written a book, “10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith.” Even though he has a degree in theology, Berggren admits he has more questions than answers about his Christian faith.
Yes, Berggren, 36, has a lot of questions and self-doubt. He took all his inner and spiritual turmoil and turned it into 10 chapters that wrestle with faith, the Bible, rules, sin, hell and more.
“I’m just trying to take an open and honest look at what it takes to make my faith work in everyday life,” Berggren said.
He insists he doesn’t hate Christians. What his book attacks is the questions he and other believers have had and continue to have in trying to figure out how to follow Christ in the 21st century. Among those questions is the relevance of the Bible, a book written by so many different people, so many centuries ago. He wonders whether he still has to follow a biblical rule that prevents him from mixing wool and linen, and getting a tattoo.
“Drinking or smoking are not necessarily a sin but (they) may not be good for that person,” he said.
In that same vein, Berggren’s blog has a recent entry called “10 Things I Hate About the Holidays.” For starters, he hates shopping and decorating.
“I love when things are decorated, I just hate decorating,” he said.
But he also has a dislike for political correctness, holiday blues, spender’s remorse and Santa Claus.
Uh oh.
It’s not that he hates the Christmas character, he said; it’s the debates he gets drawn into with atheists and agnostics who put God and Jesus in the same category with mythical childhood characters such as the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy.
“These people have had no problem telling their kids about a fat guy sliding down the chimney with a sack full of gifts and eating the cookies and milk, his elves, flying reindeer, and somehow doing this at midnight in every home all around the world … (yet) they want to wait to introduce ideas of faith and religion when their kids are old enough to decide for themselves,” he said in his blog.
In the Berggren house, there is no plate of cookies or glass of milk left out on Christmas Eve.
“We’re not Grinches,” he said. “We tell our kids the story of the real Saint Nicholas. But we’ve decided that’s where it stops.”
Berggren thinks his book and his blog make good discussion starters in any situation with people of various levels of faith.
“This is for the new follower, the disillusioned. It’s really going to help someone searching spiritually, who is looking for the message of Jesus,” he said.
And he hopes it will pique the curiosity of those who are well grounded in their faith and make them bold.
“I’m hoping people would take risks to get people to talk about Jesus,” he said.
Berggren’s book also challenges the faithful to go into the world without getting lost in it.
“Yes we’re going to be different but let’s not make it any worse than it already is,” he said.
Berggren looks more like a roadie than a pastor. The former member of several Christian rock bands, he said “10 Things I Hate About Christianity” is the first thing he has written aside from lyrics. He hopes the book will teach the reader that there is no cookie-cutter model for being a Christian, but keeping Christ at the center is the key.
“Focus on the messenger,” he said. “Treat your relationship with God like any relationship you want to work.”
“Christians mess up, too. Just because someone is a jerk to you doesn’t mean they are not a Christian,” he said.
By Jane Bellmyer
Copyright © 2009 – Cecil Whig
Listen Live
214 years
I’m on the radio at 9 AM EST today. Click here if you want to listen live. I look forward to talking!
Online Paper Interview
014 years
*Here is an interview I did a few weeks ago for an online paper. Sorry, but I can’t link to it since it is subscriber based.
—————————————————————————
By Jane Bellmyer jbellmyer@cecilwhig.com
Jason T. Berggren says he has learned something some Christians never do.
“I learned to come to terms with the realization that faith in Jesus didn’t mean all my problems would go away or be fixed,” he said.
Along those lines, Berggren, a married father of three in Alpharetta, Ga. has written a book, “10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith.” Even though he has a degree in theology, Berggren admits he has more questions than answers about his Christian faith.
Yes, Berggren, 36, has a lot of questions and self-doubt. He took all his inner and spiritual turmoil and turned it into 10 chapters that wrestle with faith, the Bible, rules, sin, hell and more.
“I’m just trying to take an open and honest look at what it takes to make my faith work in everyday life,” Berggren said.
He insists he doesn’t hate Christians. What his book attacks is the questions he and other believers have had and continue to have in trying to figure out how to follow Christ in the 21st century. Among those questions is the relevance of the Bible, a book written by so many different people, so many centuries ago. He wonders whether he still has to follow a biblical rule that prevents him from mixing wool and linen, and getting a tattoo.
“Drinking or smoking are not necessarily a sin but (they) may not be good for that person,” he said.
In that same vein, Berggren’s blog has a recent entry called “10 Things I Hate About the Holidays.” For starters, he hates shopping and decorating.
“I love when things are decorated, I just hate decorating,” he said.
But he also has a dislike for political correctness, holiday blues, spender’s remorse and Santa Claus.
Uh oh.
It’s not that he hates the Christmas character, he said; it’s the debates he gets drawn into with atheists and agnostics who put God and Jesus in the same category with mythical childhood characters such as the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy.
“These people have had no problem telling their kids about a fat guy sliding down the chimney with a sack full of gifts and eating the cookies and milk, his elves, flying reindeer, and somehow doing this at midnight in every home all around the world … (yet) they want to wait to introduce ideas of faith and religion when their kids are old enough to decide for themselves,” he said in his blog.
In the Berggren house, there is no plate of cookies or glass of milk left out on Christmas Eve.
“We’re not Grinches,” he said. “We tell our kids the story of the real Saint Nicholas. But we’ve decided that’s where it stops.”
Berggren thinks his book and his blog make good discussion starters in any situation with people of various levels of faith.
“This is for the new follower, the disillusioned. It’s really going to help someone searching spiritually, who is looking for the message of Jesus,” he said.
And he hopes it will pique the curiosity of those who are well grounded in their faith and make them bold.
“I’m hoping people would take risks to get people to talk about Jesus,” he said.
Berggren’s book also challenges the faithful to go into the world without getting lost in it.
“Yes we’re going to be different but let’s not make it any worse than it already is,” he said.
Berggren looks more like a roadie than a pastor. The former member of several Christian rock bands, he said “10 Things I Hate About Christianity” is the first thing he has written aside from lyrics. He hopes the book will teach the reader that there is no cookie-cutter model for being a Christian, but keeping Christ at the center is the key.
“Focus on the messenger,” he said. “Treat your relationship with God like any relationship you want to work.”
“Christians mess up, too. Just because someone is a jerk to you doesn’t mean they are not a Christian,” he said.
He is working on a new piece for his blog called “10 Things I Hate About New Year’s Resolutions.” But he is not stuck on hate. The tentative title of his next book is “10 Things Every Christian Needs to Know.”
Copyright © 2009 – Cecil Whig
A Grateful Flashback
114 years
This blog answered a question from the reader a couple weeks ago. The question was, “What books are you grateful this year?” The 2nd one on the list of five was MY BOOK! That’s so amazing. Here is what the reviewer said:
10 Things I Hate About Christianity by Jason T. Berggren~ because finally someone was bold enough to say what is wrong withChristianity these days! Finally someone spoke up about how things arejust too hypocritical and legalistic! Thank you, Jason! I applaud you! 
XXXX
Thank you!
