6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Wake Up Call, November 11, 2000
This review is from: At the Crossroads: An Insider's Look at the Past, Present, and Future of Contemporary Christian Music (Hardcover)
Where did Christian music come from and what were its early driving forces? What mistakes were made that caused many of the problems we wrestle with today to arise? What exactly IS Christian music? Is music to be used only for ministry? Where is Christian music going? How do we, or even CAN we, meld our music with business, and what about the partnership with the mainstream record companies?
These are questions that Peacock confronts head on, using history, reason, common sense, and, most importantly, solid Biblical scripture and principles. He has truely strived to give a fair and balanced view of the situations that we are in, and then appealed the the Scriptures to give Biblical solutions and answers to the problems and roads that we are facing. No matter what position you take on any of the above issues, you should be touched and encouraged by what Peacock lays out here, since he does it gently and Biblically, and he really is one of the best equipped men to do something like this. Steven Curtis Chapman wrote "I know of no one who has wrestled more profoundly with these issues and how they may relate to the arts, especially Christian music, than Charlie Peacock."
If you're planning on entering a career related to CCM in any way this should be required reading, but even as a fan it's something you'll want to pick up. It should radically alter the way you think about Christian music and view its place and mission in the world, as well as affect your over-all Christian walk as you try to approach life from a Kingdom Perspective. I give At the Crossroads my full support and recommendation, both critically and as someone who has a passion, love, and concern for CCM and its future.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Some worthy points to ponder, April 18, 1999
This review is from: At the Crossroads: An Insider's Look at the Past, Present, and Future of Contemporary Christian Music (Hardcover)
Charlie Peacock has done the CCM community a fine service by writing this book. He clearly spells out the evolution of Christian music tracing it from it's roots in the Jesus movement of the 60s and 70s. Though not a lesson in history it does lay the groundwork to share the various viewpoints and belief systems of the pioneers that brings the reader to today's modern times. The author addresses some age-old issues of motivation and quality vs. quantity. The views and conclusions expressed in these pages mirror many topics that society addresses each day beyond the walls of CCM and gospel music. Take for example a recent airline commercial that featured a wise old company patriarch admonishing his staff to make personal contact with their clients after being fired by a long-time customer. Charlie addresses how our modern "worldly" tools and mechanisms often get in the way of our personal ministry.
This book's target audiences are proponents of the CCM culture. I found the first half quite verbose and lengthy in getting to the heart of the matter. Though sometimes saying a lot to convey a little the book is well versed and presents many opinions by today's artists. A notable illustration is found in chapter 14 with the parable of a Christian coffeehouse that compromises the intent of their ministry by using cheap coffee beans. I find the title of the book to be debatable as it relates to the entire industry although it does ask pertinent questions that would behoove anyone considering involvement in CCM to ask.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
From the inside, May 19, 2001
This review is from: At the Crossroads: An Insider's Look at the Past, Present, and Future of Contemporary Christian Music (Hardcover)
Charlie has written probably one of the most thoughtful treatise on the CCM monster. I have my own issues with this industry and dare I say, Peacock addresses 90% of them. He also does it in a fashion that is fair and careful. He clearly wants to see the artists thrive and looks at the chasm that has grown between the church and the artist. Leaving many artists to forage on their own without support from fellow Christians, or to water down their art into a palatable cheerleading craft. Ministry, art, stardom are all topics Charlie approaches with great care and concern. If some are offended by Charlie's approach, it is through not fault of his, and they are likely people who find fault everywhere but with themselves. This is an excellent book for anyone curious about Christian music, both where it's been and where it's can go.
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