Review: Sinner's Creed by Scott Stapp

Title: Sinner's Creed
Author: Scott Stapp with David Ritz

Publication Date: October 2nd, 2012

Publisher: Christian Audio

Genre: Memoir, Christian Non-Fiction

Pages: 336

Source: Paperback from Publisher

Rating:

Synopsis (from Goodreads): Sinner’s Creed is the uncensored memoir of Scott Stapp, Grammy Award-winning leader of the multiplatinum rock band CREED. Raised by an abusive stepfather, Scott was always aware of God's presence in his life, but it wasn't until years later, amid a life punctuated by sex, drugs, and rock ’n roll that Scott began to feel a need for God in his life.

During CREED’s decade of dominance and in the years following the band's breakup, Scott struggled with drugs and alcohol, which led not only to a divorce, but also to a much-publicized suicide attempt in 2006. Now clean, sober, and in the midst of a highly successful solo career, Scott has finally come full circle-a turnaround he credits to his renewed relationship with Jesus Christ.

In Sinner's Creed, Scott shares his story for the first time, from his fundamentalist upbringing, the rise and fall of CREED, and his ongoing battle with addiction, to his recommitment to Christ and the launch of his solo career. The result is a gripping memoir that is proof positive that God is always present in our lives, despite the colossal mess we sometimes make of them.

 

Scott Stapp is among the most successful artists of the modern rock era. As Creed's lead vocalist, he has sold over 35 million records, with 26 million sold in the United States alone. He has toured the world several times, selling out arenas and major stadiums. His song, "With Arms Wide Open" won a Grammy as Best Rock Song of 2000. One Rolling Stone writer has called Stapp "one of the most influential and boldest rock writer/performers of the past 25 years whose fans must be counted in the legions." 

In 2000, Stapp founded the With Arms Wide Open Foundation, a charity organization dedicated to "promoting healthy, loving relationships between children and their families." In early 2010, Stapp flew to Haiti to help the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.His first solo album, The Great Divide, has already been certified Double Platinum (2 million+ sales), and he is in the process of recording a second album, due out in 2012. 

Scott lives in Florida with his wife Jacyln (Miss New York USA of 2004 and Mrs. Florida America of 2008), and their three young children.  

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If you were around during the golden days of Creed, you may be interested in picking up this book. Lead singer Scott Stapp pens this memoir in a fresh perspective of faith from a celebrity's point of view. We get an intimate look into the life of a rock star who, just like the rest of us, struggled to find himself in life. This was extremely interesting to read (and listen to). Stapp is candid and honest as we step into his shoes through his abused childhood, battle with drugs, and his attempt at suicide. He doesn't sugar-coat the realities of stardom, but he does add an element we often don't hear about: God.

This book pressed me with the hope it gave. This isn't just a memoir or a "tell-all" compilation. It's a message that people in their most desperate circumstances need to hear. He talks about how even though he refused God and chose the most destructive path he possibly could, God still had a plan for him and as he looks back, he can say with confidence that God was always there. Many times when we go through difficult times we question God and ask where He is, but the truth is that He hasn't move. It's us. We lose faith and trust and hold tightly to our problems and don't allow God the opportunity to refine it into something valuable. Right here in Sinner's Creed we are shown that no matter how stubborn or doubtful we are, God still has a plan. He's knocking and He's waiting for us to open the door to redemption and new life. There is hope.

I think everyone should read this book at least once. It can be extremely inspirational and eye-opening. His CD Proof of Life is still in the style of Creed, so if you enjoy hard rock then you should listen to it and you will probably enjoy it. The lyrics are just as poetic and heartfelt, just in a different kind of voice. If anything, I would encourage you to pick up the book and read it. You just might learn something from it.

“I confess that I'm a sinner. Just like my old man. In word and in deed I enjoy my sin. In word and in deed my sin enjoys me. There is no one to blame. No one but me. Sin is my nature. I sin instinctually. Sin mimics the gates of paradise. Sin beats me to the floor. Sin is the dark shadow that no one can ignore. Sin screams "What's yours I want". Sin screams. "What's mine I'll keep." Sin is forever knocking, beating at the iron door. Don't even open it for an instant. Sin always wants more. Sin forever stole the key. But you're not locked out forever. In this sinner's Garden of Eden where sin pretends to be a treasure. Sin wants to make you bleed. Sin cuts down every giver. Sin cuts every hand. Sin wants total control. Sin wants to command. Sin just wants to kill you. And yes, for you the bell tolls. So death came before life entered. In death sin was conceived. Sin will linger forever Blameless, it's part of you and me. But there's a silver lining to sin's story. And the silver lining is this-When I was out chasing sin. The truth was out chasing me and when it finally caught me. That truth set me free. Now I've shared it all. Perhaps I've shared too much. But in this you must believe. The only truth I have left is this, my Sinner's Creed.”