Their last two studio albums were platinum sellers and the Christian world--as well as many in the pop culture world--have been anxiously awaiting the newest Casting Crowns release, "The Altar and the Door." An opportunity to win a pre-release copy is generating a lot of interest on Beliefnet. (Enter the contest before August 29th!) Sales are expected to be brisk. But is it any good?
Well, whether you like it or not depends on a few things.
I like Casting Crowns' music because it seems a bit more down to earth and real than many Christian bands. My cheese-o-meeter isn't needed with this group, and this album is no exception. These guys are all about the journey, the real life challenges, the hopes and the dreams that most of us carry. Their message gains trust because it is practical, not preachy.
"What This World Needs" is a grinding tune that would easily be a top 40 hit if it weren't for the bias against Christian music in the secular world. "A … politican peddlin' lies … a three-ring circus society … a prophet in an Armani suit" are all among the things we do not "need." It's honest, and it's right on! How many of us wish we could cut through the clutter of both politics and religion?
"East to West" is probably the one you've heard on the radio, humbly praying "I’m feelin' like I'm one mistake away from you leavin' me this way, Jesus can you show me …?" "Somewhere in the Middle" sounds like a good pop song but, like Dave Matthews' "Bartender," it's really a prayer, saying "who I was and who you’re makin’ me, somewhere in the middle you’ll find me."
There are other good ones, including "I Know You’re There," which echoes Michael W. Smith's "Breathe," and "Slow Fade," a cautionary tale that gently brings an encouraging message many of us need. I wish the title track, "The Altar and the Door," was as attractive as its title.
Perhaps it's because these guys are all leaders in their local churches (one is a youth pastor) that their music connects with real life people trying to live an authentic Christian life amidst life's everyday challenges. Perhaps I just like their style. As much as I’ve liked them in the past, this album seems good so far, and is growing on me, which I count as the sign of a potentially great disc.
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As a mother and a grandmother, I find it very important to live a life radiating Christ's light before them. I, like everyone, am tempted and tried through situation after situation, but God has never let me down (and He won't). He has never forsaken me (and He won't). He is always there, waiting on me to talk with Him and to worship Him. I know that no matter what I have to go through on this earth it will be worth it all, every situation, every battle and every tear, when I make it to Heaven to live with my Christ and Savior. I talk to and meditate on Christ daily no matter where I am. I keep Him on my mind and in my heart as I move through all of my daily tasks. I remind myself every day that I am nothing without Christ and I can do nothing without Him, but, with Him and through Him, I can do all things and He will always strengthen me to get through whatever life puts before me. I strive to draw closer to Him every day that He allows me to live. He is my Rock and my Fortress! I cannot face this life without Him by my side!
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