The Art of Compassion [Paperback]

Martin Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 27, 2009

There are two amazing forces that exist in the world: Compassion for those in need and Art that helps us see beyond ourselves. THE ART OF COMPASSION brilliantly brings the two together by gathering the top songwriters in Christian music to help raise money for relief and suffering around the planet.

Legendary Christian worship songwriters Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith, Chris Tomlin, Darlene Zschech, Israel Houghton, Andy Park, Tim Hughes, and many others have each contributed a chapter reflecting on the poverty people suffer around the world, the art of compassion, and how we can make a difference. Darlene Zschech, best known for her song "Shout to the Lord" which is sung by 25 to 30 million churchgoers each week, gives an apologetic on her personal role and the greater church's role of social justice in her story, "Rise Up, Church!" In "A Visible Gospel" five-time Grammy Award-winning Steven Curtis Chapman humbly shares his family's call to adopt three children and their ongoing ministry to help fund other families' adoptions.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Martin Smith, Compassionart founder, is the lead vocalist for the Christian band Delirious?.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords (January 27, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446546879
• ISBN-13: 978-0446546874
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,603,662 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars So Great is CompassionArt, March 5, 2009

By 

Albert Lew "ACL" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Art of Compassion (Paperback)

Great, personal stories from songwriters which share their hearts and inspirations to help others in this broken world.

4.0 out of 5 stars Big Things Happen when You Listen to God, March 13, 2010

By 

C. Janes "southernsassygirl" (TN) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Art of Compassion (Paperback)

Through all the stories told by the Christian artists in this book, there is no doubt that they feel very strongly about this new journey God is taking them on. Each one has a similar opinion on poverty, and what it's going to take to turn things around. I was especially moved by Martin Smith's chapter when he felt God calling him to take this step. He and his wife wrote a diary of their experiences in third-world countries, and their longing to make a difference.

In addition to the book, all of the Christian artists got together and recorded a CD. All of the proceeds from the book and CD will go directly to Compassion Art charities around the world....WOW! Talk about amazing....not one of these artists is in it for themselves. Not a one of them is getting a single dime for their efforts, and they wouldn't have it any other way. After reading each chapter and each artist's thoughts on worship and music, I really want to get a copy of this CD. From what I've gathered from the book, the CD isn't the typical worship music that you hear in church or on the radio, but rather songs that have a deep message and a call to action for all Christians.

3.0 out of 5 stars Sweet Idea But Needed Tighter Editing, June 26, 2009

By 

Jeanne M. Halsey "Halseywrite" (Pacific Northwest, U.S. of A.) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Art of Compassion (Paperback)

Most often publishers are cautious about accepting a manuscript for publication, but in this case, they seemed more concerned about getting the book to market than being sure it was well-written. As a professional writer, I felt like I was reading the raw material and was about to plunge into editing it into a lucid, heart-felt telling of the Compassion Art story ... but instead it remained as raw material, and so surprised me the publishers weren't watching more closely. The genuine story of Christian artists coming together to produce a compilation of music whose entire proceeds would be given to relieve world poverty seems a compelling, even noble, idea, but it was difficult to wade through and sustain the reader's interest and engagement in their project.