Former Pastor And Punk-Rocker Says It Can Be Good To Hate In ABC Interview With News Correspondent Dan Harris
Jason T. Berggren, an ordained minister, former musician, and author of the recent book 10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith boldly asserts that it can actually be good to hate. Berggren is being featured in a second ABC News interview due to his unique perspective.
New York, NY (Vocus) October 3, 2009 –-
Can it really be good to hate? That is the question Jason T. Berggren an ordained minister, former musician, and author of the book 10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith (http://10thingsihate. com/index. html) recently answered on his website in an article entitled “When It Can Be Good To Hate (http://blog. jasonberggren. com/2009/09/30/when-its-good-to-hate-pt-1.aspx).” Berggren is being featured in the debut of ABC’s new show “Beliefs” due to his distinct approach to faith.
Berggren asks, ”Is all hate bad? Personalities such as Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh are accused of stoking hate against their philosophical opponents-like Democrats Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, and President Barack Obama. Meanwhile, these political elites accuse fans of these opinion jockeys and Republican opponents of being racists, hate-mongers, and authoritarians. Be it debates on healthcare, the economy, the war effort in Afghanistan, abortion, the mortgage meltdown, or climate change, there's always someone or something to hate. Can the emotion ever be useful?”
Berggren claims hate is unavoidable. Even in the good, productive, and meaningful aspects of life, there’s frequently a level of frustration that is overwhelming when faced with trying to achieve certain goals—like getting in shape, making the grade, or straightening out personal finances.
The writer says, “Too often people get stuck on that thin line between love and hate and don't know what to do. Or don't want to do what needs to be done. Frustrations build and people often let things simmer, until they've boiled over into bitter anger. This turns the heart cold and closed.”
Berggren’s solution? To be cautious and aware of the feeling when it begins to build and use it as an indicator that there is personal change that needs to happen. This process can be the basis of forward momentum. Berggren discusses how this method brings clarity, peace, and contentment in areas like marriage, parenting, and faith. In a brief video on his site he states, “This is when it can be good to hate (http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=kftOh5Q9b6Q).”
It is faith that is most important to this 20-year follower of the teachings of Jesus. Berggren’s book 10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith (http://10thingsihate. com/index. html) captures this growth-process in ten foundational aspects of faith. In areas like prayer, the Bible, Hell, Church, and Christians, Berggren has gotten angry and sought understanding and resolution. The author hopes that his progression will help others. He describes the book as “the intersection of real life, simple faith, and raw emotion.”
To learn more about the author, his book, or interviews visit 10thingsihate. com (http://10thingsihate. com/index. html). Berggren’s second ABC interview will air in the debut episode of the new show “Beliefs” at 2:30 PM on October 6th on the ABC News NOW (http://abcnews. go. com/abcnewsnow) network.
Contact:
Jason T. Berggren
770-828-8198
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