Author: Scott Stapp with David Ritz
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-4143-6457-5

“Without humbly surrendering to God, there could be no spiritual progress. And because I was a perfectionist, raised in an extreme environment that demanded perfection but expected failure, I had to accept another basic principle – that my recovery was a matter of progress, not perfection,” Scott Stapp with David Ritz’s help writes in his memoir, Sinner’s Creed.

At three hundred and thirty-six pages, this uncensored autobiography of the lead singer of the rock band, “Creed,” is targeted toward those who are interested in the behind-the-scenes of a singer’s life that battles drug abuse, alcoholism, and depression. With no profanity or overtly sexual references, there is physical violence, drunkenness, and self-degradation. Besides parts of songs written within the chapters, there are sixteen pages of the band and personal photographs, fifty-six pages of four album song lyrics, acknowledgements, and authors’ biographies.

Scott Stapp wanted to be a famous rock and roller and he accomplished his goal at an extreme emotional, physical, and spiritual cost to his family and himself. Brought up by an abusive, controlling stepfather who had unorthodox Christian values and militant beliefs, he left home at a young age, was expelled from a Christian college for smoking pot, and found his way to Florida to follow in Jim Morrison’s musical footsteps where he married, had a child, and divorced as he focused all on being in a famous band.

Ignoring God, he was tormented, ashamed, abandoned, and guilt-ridden during his rise as a celebrity wanting to be like U2, Def Leppard, or Metallica. Always feeling like a fallen Christian facing his demons, he became a broken vessel of the Lord’s as he purposely shied away from being labeled as a Christian band. 

While longing for parental approval, both of man and God, he believed his music and spiritual beliefs could co-exist as he drank, self-medicated, and blacked-out until he found some solace in rehabilitation. By learning to daily surrender to Jesus his control, Stapp now feels he is back on top, writing more about God in his rock and roll lyrics.

Some readers may sense the blame game based on the artist’s upbringing threaded throughout his life story while others may see how God’s loving hand has helped Stapp go through his depression, abuse, and egotistical changes to become closer to Him. Knowing we are all sinners, one prays for redemption and remembrance to look to God first instead of ourselves for recovery. 

This book was furnished through Tyndale House Publishers in lieu of an unbiased review.

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