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In the past 50 years, very little has been written about the apostle Peter. With the authoring of his new book, A Fragile Stone (IVP 2003), and the recording of a new studio album by the same title, Michael Card has in just one year unearthed the depths of the controversial character to whom Jesus referred as the "rock."
In speaking about the album's title track, Card explains: "Simon Peter's new title, "rock," was not meant to signify strength, but rather something with which to build. Peter would be the first stone to be laid of the holy house which Jesus had come to build, [and] of which [Jesus] is the foundation."
An accomplished musician and songwriter with 19 Number 1 songs, numerous Dove Awards, and the prestigious RIAA "Top 365 Songs of the Century" honor for "El Shaddai," Card is perhaps best known and appreciated for the tedious research and Biblical scholarship which support the themes running through his songs. On A Fragile Stone, many of Card's songs are written from the first-person perspective of Peter, detailing the apostle's growing realization that despite his own character flaws, Jesus did and would use him to accomplish His purposes.
In the reverent Living Stones, a song in which Card eschewed professional studio vocalists in favor of a few members from his own community group, the listener is invited to take his or her place with Peter as living stones in the holy house being built by Jesus. Card's own favorite, I Left Everything to Follow You, is the first radio single and is dedicated to missionaries who have left everything to go to lonely and sometimes dangerous places because of Jesus.
Though the new album contains music reminiscent of past Card favorites, A Fragile Stone sees Michael Card entering new territory with two songs featuring world-renowned banjo virtuoso, Bela Fleck, and a handful of other celebrated musicians. "This record was pure musical fun for me. Bringing together and setting loose players like Kirk Whalum and Bela Fleck and simply listening to the result was cause for real joy. Music does come from community after all." Walking on the Water is an up-tempo bluegrass selection in the traditional style which benefits from the musical contributions of some of the most distinguished bluegrass players in the world. Not to be outdone, Card himself plays the banjo on the introduction to the more modal Sea of Souls, an 8-minute potpourri of musical styles featuring great ad-lib interaction between Bela Fleck and pianist Vance Taylor.
With the album behind him and the book near completion, Card remarks, "Coming to know Simon Peter in a closer, more intimate way has deeply impacted my relationship with Jesus. One of the best ways to come to know a person is to get to know his or her best friend."
Whether you are an old friend or a new acquaintance, one of the best ways to come to know Michael Card is to read his books or listen to his music, and A Fragile Stone is a good place to start. |
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