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The Crowd, The Critic And The Muse: A Book For Creators
We are all creators. Human beings are made in the image of God, the ultimate source of creativity, yet many of us don't recognize the inherent creativity we have. I have written a book for creators called "The Crowd, the Critic, and the Muse" that addresses the soulishness of human creativity. It is a book that reminds us who we are, and aims to inspire us to be who we are made to be.
The book was inspired by a conversation that started with a blog I wrote last year called "Zombies, Wine and Christian Music." I wrote that blog thinking very few people would pay any attention to it, but within a couple days of posting, it had nearly fifty-thousand hits! This surprised me, but it also showed this is a conversation people are wanting to have.
A lot of the most popular creative expressions of our culture (religious or not) have become anemic and soulless. We live in a noisy, technologically-crazed, consumeristic, fame-worshiping culture that has provided a less-than-healthy ground in which to plant our creative endeavors. In the book I suggest we must address this problem by looking deeper than the art itself; into our cultural conditioning as well as our most basic beliefs, doubts, passions, instincts, and gears. Our creativity comes directly from our humanness, and if we want our creative work to be richer and more robust, we must not simply try harder; we must become different.
This is a book for creators written from the perspective of an artist. Through story and reflection, I hope to inspire some fresh thought and awareness of the roots of our creative endeavors. How we order creation is directly entwined with what it means to be human. So what shall we make of the world?
The book was inspired by a conversation that started with a blog I wrote last year called "Zombies, Wine and Christian Music." I wrote that blog thinking very few people would pay any attention to it, but within a couple days of posting, it had nearly fifty-thousand hits! This surprised me, but it also showed this is a conversation people are wanting to have.
A lot of the most popular creative expressions of our culture (religious or not) have become anemic and soulless. We live in a noisy, technologically-crazed, consumeristic, fame-worshiping culture that has provided a less-than-healthy ground in which to plant our creative endeavors. In the book I suggest we must address this problem by looking deeper than the art itself; into our cultural conditioning as well as our most basic beliefs, doubts, passions, instincts, and gears. Our creativity comes directly from our humanness, and if we want our creative work to be richer and more robust, we must not simply try harder; we must become different.
This is a book for creators written from the perspective of an artist. Through story and reflection, I hope to inspire some fresh thought and awareness of the roots of our creative endeavors. How we order creation is directly entwined with what it means to be human. So what shall we make of the world?
230 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2012
47 people are currently reading
805 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 2, 2013
I loved this book. I'm a creative, abstract type of person, and a more progressive kind of Christian than the kind you usually see making headlines, so you could say I'm more or less this books target audience.
My favorite thing about this book is how it grew from a critique he wrote on their band's blog about the Christian Music industry, yet he doesn't directly call out the Christian Music industry in the book. Rather, he pulls back from being that specific and talks about what it means to be a creator and states that regardless of our medium (paint, music, finances, architecture, raising children) we are all creators.
This book really resonated with me, and I would recommend it to anyone, regardless of whether they consider themselves creative or not.
My favorite thing about this book is how it grew from a critique he wrote on their band's blog about the Christian Music industry, yet he doesn't directly call out the Christian Music industry in the book. Rather, he pulls back from being that specific and talks about what it means to be a creator and states that regardless of our medium (paint, music, finances, architecture, raising children) we are all creators.
This book really resonated with me, and I would recommend it to anyone, regardless of whether they consider themselves creative or not.
January 15, 2013
I first heard about Michael Gungor completely by mistake while visiting Mars Hill in Michigan a few years ago. I went to hear Rob Bell teach and see what one of their typical gatherings looked like, but as it turned out Michael Gungor was leading worship and Ed Dobson was teaching. It ended up being one of the most memorable church gatherings I have ever been in.
Since then I have bought all his albums and when I heard he was writing a book, I couldn't have been more pumped.
The Crowd, The Critic, and The Muse is an interesting mix of childhood stories, band stories, and thoughts on: music, God, art, and culture. The book is both very entertaining and thought provoking.
What I most appreciated about the book was Gungors commentary on art. After reading The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, discussion on art, its origin, and the process, has been fascinating to me. What was particularly interesting to me was his thoughts on the source of art, the collision of art and technology, and the role of 'the Critic' when it comes to what we create. I think most artists will find his thoughts on 'the Critic' both encouraging and empowering.
Here are a few quotes from the book that stood out to me:
"If you want to know what is in the heart of culture, look at its art. Read its poetry, listen to its music, and you'll begin to know the tree from which it fell." (p. 15)
"Our art does not exist apart from our values or philosophies; it does not transcend our views of God, the universe, or ourselves; it comes directly from them." (p. 17)
"Music is one human soul speaking to another." (p. 74)
If you are a writer, a musician, a comedian, a painter, a preacher, an artist or creator in any way (Gungor would argue we are all creators - which is fundamentally true), I think you'll really find this book to be both refreshing and challenging all at the same time.
If you have never listened to his music, I would highly suggest you check it out. His songs "Beautiful Things" & "This is Not the End" are hands down two of the greatest songs I have ever heard. Musically powerful and lyrically brilliant.
www.jonathanstephens.wordpress.com
Twitter: @jonstephensNY
Since then I have bought all his albums and when I heard he was writing a book, I couldn't have been more pumped.
The Crowd, The Critic, and The Muse is an interesting mix of childhood stories, band stories, and thoughts on: music, God, art, and culture. The book is both very entertaining and thought provoking.
What I most appreciated about the book was Gungors commentary on art. After reading The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, discussion on art, its origin, and the process, has been fascinating to me. What was particularly interesting to me was his thoughts on the source of art, the collision of art and technology, and the role of 'the Critic' when it comes to what we create. I think most artists will find his thoughts on 'the Critic' both encouraging and empowering.
Here are a few quotes from the book that stood out to me:
"If you want to know what is in the heart of culture, look at its art. Read its poetry, listen to its music, and you'll begin to know the tree from which it fell." (p. 15)
"Our art does not exist apart from our values or philosophies; it does not transcend our views of God, the universe, or ourselves; it comes directly from them." (p. 17)
"Music is one human soul speaking to another." (p. 74)
If you are a writer, a musician, a comedian, a painter, a preacher, an artist or creator in any way (Gungor would argue we are all creators - which is fundamentally true), I think you'll really find this book to be both refreshing and challenging all at the same time.
If you have never listened to his music, I would highly suggest you check it out. His songs "Beautiful Things" & "This is Not the End" are hands down two of the greatest songs I have ever heard. Musically powerful and lyrically brilliant.
www.jonathanstephens.wordpress.com
Twitter: @jonstephensNY
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January 3, 2016Michael Gungor is currently one of my favourite songwriters, so it was only natural that I would be interested in a book he wrote for creators. Gungor spends most of his time exploring the connection between faith and art and creation - as might be expected for a songwriter coming out of "Christian Contemporary Music" - but he is not coming from a stoic binary "us vs. them" perspective; rather, he is attempting to explore the barriers that keep everyone - faithful or not - from creating. These barriers, on which he comments over several chapters, include noise, technology, capitalism, celebrity, and religion (among others); he explains each by weaving poetic reflection, personal experience, and sociological commentary with surprising ease. The book that results is an encouragement to creators of all kinds, and it is a book to which I intend to return when I need to know that there are other creators who are working through the same struggles that I am experiencing, particularly in the complications that arise in attempting to be faithful and creative within the traditionally rigid bounds of the Evangelical church. This is not a book for everyone - Gungor himself makes that clear in the introduction - but it will resonate for people who have been nodding their heads in solemn agreement as they have read this review.
December 31, 2012
a timely piece. i'm sure Gungor's honest reflections and insight will resonate with many as it has with me. many of his thoughts are like a wisp of fresh air...
on the flipside, while i agree with his critiques of fundamentalist understandings of God and faith, i find it hard to embrace the vague alternatives he proposes. now, i understand that this book isn't the place for a clear exposition of his religious views, BUT... in this book, i find the many glimpses of his theological foundations rather disturbing. i can't really see what his convictions are based upon. i'd like to think it's not just going with the flow of the culture that he so strongly opposes, but his definitions of God do seem to lean that way...
overall, this book was an enjoyable read and provoked much thought and reflection. there is much good stuff here to be read, reflected upon, and discussed.
on the flipside, while i agree with his critiques of fundamentalist understandings of God and faith, i find it hard to embrace the vague alternatives he proposes. now, i understand that this book isn't the place for a clear exposition of his religious views, BUT... in this book, i find the many glimpses of his theological foundations rather disturbing. i can't really see what his convictions are based upon. i'd like to think it's not just going with the flow of the culture that he so strongly opposes, but his definitions of God do seem to lean that way...
overall, this book was an enjoyable read and provoked much thought and reflection. there is much good stuff here to be read, reflected upon, and discussed.
October 9, 2014
Recommended for fans of Gungor’s music (and blog) – though not necessarily for Christian music fans in general. (He doesn’t have much good to say about that industry: “Christian music is filled with zombies. The message of the music is predetermined, so we just need a form of music that can carry the message to a broad group of people.”) I found the biographical anecdotes less interesting than the philosophizing. If you’re liberal enough for Gungor’s lyrics, you should appreciate this manifesto on making valuable, relevant art from a perspective of faith.
My two favorite lines:
• “Entitlement is not a friend of art. Work is. Pain is.”
• “Healthy faith is a gift held in open hands.”
My two favorite lines:
• “Entitlement is not a friend of art. Work is. Pain is.”
• “Healthy faith is a gift held in open hands.”
May 31, 2016
A book for creators, for artists, for those who needs a new definition for art, belief, love and faith.
I was listening to his music before but after reading this book his art is just fulfilling my soul with new kind of feelings.
Also my favorite quote:
[...] Doubt purifies faith. Without doubt, belief calcifies into rigid fundamentalism. Without doubt, there are no questions; and without questions, there is no imagination.
- Michael Gungor
I was listening to his music before but after reading this book his art is just fulfilling my soul with new kind of feelings.
Also my favorite quote:
[...] Doubt purifies faith. Without doubt, belief calcifies into rigid fundamentalism. Without doubt, there are no questions; and without questions, there is no imagination.
- Michael Gungor
August 17, 2014
Michael Gungor is a man who embraces ambiguity with humility and wit, who refuses to be defined by what others want him or his music to be- a rarity in the Christian music world (a genre he would reject as a senseless classification used by marketers). I would highly recommend this book to creators who are seeking to create art with soul and meaning.
March 19, 2014
Passionately honest, honestly passionate. Both a revelation and a revolution. Definitely the kind of book I would urge people to read.
August 29, 2020
Gungor has created art for artists. This is a must read for all artists. It is a masterpiece, making me feel things as an artist that I had forgotten to feel. What is my goal as an artist? Why do I do what I do? Does my art come from the core of my being? This book is not perfect, but it is raw, real, sometimes surprising, but always honest. Thank you Michael for stirring my soul. I needed this reality check.
January 12, 2021
I went into this book thinking it would be focused more on art and the creative process (which it was), but a lot of it was more a comment on society and the way it influences creators. It talked about the soil we should create from VS the soil that we find ourselves in. All in all an interesting read, got some stuff out of it. Made me think about the dangers of thinking of yourself as a “Christian artist”, which I found insightful.
August 30, 2022
Couldn't put this one down. So much to glean here as a creative, and I've gone back already to read my underlines. I only wish Michael Gungor could still stand behind what he said in this book and was a growing and thriving artist who still loved the Church.
November 18, 2024
This book had more of a religious spin than I was expecting, but it talked about how art (as we are all artists) and God are intertwined. It also covered some of the problems that I have with the church and how much hipocracy and bigotry can masquerade as part of a religion.
June 25, 2019
Highly recommend the audio version of this book.
January 4, 2017
first book of the new year down.
September 30, 2016
I started this book with a grain of salt because I've sensed the Gungors have a couple of chips on their shoulders. But I've been blown away by their music having seen them in concert twice. I've been particularly moved their album Ghosts Upon the Earth. Musically speaking, I've tended to view Michael Gungor is a bit of a genius. He is a powerful creative force with a lot of technical skill and he is doing things in within the Christian music industry I haven't seen anyone else do, and doing it successfully, at least from my limited perspective. I think the fact that he dubs their musical genre "liturgical post-rock" both humorous and right on. Having read the book, I understand him much better. He really is a genius - someone with a powerful creative drive who works very hard and has battled many demons and won (so to speak).
The book started out just okay, it was obvious he's not really a writer - but what he had to say just kept getting better and better. I found his childhood stories about growing up a "pentecostal fundamentalist" (who knew he attended Oral Roberts University?) very interesting and shed a lot of light on some of his current choices. But the things he had to say about creativity and art vs fear and idolatry were outstanding. I found myself highlighting whole sections.
I spent my entire childhood immersed in creative pursuits and went on to study music in college. I had a bit of an outlet during the years I was blogging regularly, but somewhere along the way my priorities gradually got rearranged and I started viewing creative outlets as if they were a luxury I couldn't afford. It's proven to be unhealthy and one way I'm working to reverse that habit is to read what creative people have to say about creativity because I seem to have forgotten what it feels like. In some senses, I feel as if creativity is a language I've almost forgotten how to speak or I currency I no longer trade in. I need to find space in my life to re-engage with that part of myself and books like this help motivate me to prioritize that endeavor and remind me that "good" or not, artistic pursuits are a way we image our Creator and that is very far from frivolous.
The book started out just okay, it was obvious he's not really a writer - but what he had to say just kept getting better and better. I found his childhood stories about growing up a "pentecostal fundamentalist" (who knew he attended Oral Roberts University?) very interesting and shed a lot of light on some of his current choices. But the things he had to say about creativity and art vs fear and idolatry were outstanding. I found myself highlighting whole sections.
I spent my entire childhood immersed in creative pursuits and went on to study music in college. I had a bit of an outlet during the years I was blogging regularly, but somewhere along the way my priorities gradually got rearranged and I started viewing creative outlets as if they were a luxury I couldn't afford. It's proven to be unhealthy and one way I'm working to reverse that habit is to read what creative people have to say about creativity because I seem to have forgotten what it feels like. In some senses, I feel as if creativity is a language I've almost forgotten how to speak or I currency I no longer trade in. I need to find space in my life to re-engage with that part of myself and books like this help motivate me to prioritize that endeavor and remind me that "good" or not, artistic pursuits are a way we image our Creator and that is very far from frivolous.
March 22, 2014
As someone who is particularly interested in musicology and industry, I think that this is a very significant piece of writing that has shed light on the contemporary Christian movement of music. Outside of genre, Michael Gungor sees a real need for the artist (particularly the American artist) to return to his/her craft, and to let go of the comfort of keeping one's art in a box of "what would sell." In addition, he addresses the state of music on three levels: the artists themselves as creators (how to listen to voice of the muse and also create art that is worth creating); the culture of music being currently more inclined toward "[gathering], momentarily around wherever the biggest, brightest light seems to be" (Gungor, 53) as opposed to really listening; and the impact of the music industry as a whole in creating boxes through genre and target audiences that tend to (but not always) exploit the artist for profit and stagnate the artist's creative ability.
While all this is particularly fascinating to me, a fellow creator, one point that Gungor also highlights is that everyone was made to be a creator. I think the only unfortunate limitation of this book that it is particularly aimed toward musicians, then poets, then painters, photographers, etc. There are some really beautiful and poignant moments in this book that would make for a "good read" for non-art oriented people--perspectives that are important for American culture and the American church to consider (EX: Gungor promotes faith defined by openness and challenges fundamentalism).
Overall, this has been a very refreshing read and I am more aware and informed because of its content. But at its core, this book is a perfect blend of work vs. play. I consider it a book that is for my "pleasure reading." You'll laugh as Gungor tells of his quirkiness and awkward stories, and you'll admire his moments of pure poetry that is full of life. You'll feel like he's someone who is very human, a familiar friend that you feel you know after reading his words.
From my perspective, a must read for musicians. Please do yourself a favor and buy a copy.
-KJC
While all this is particularly fascinating to me, a fellow creator, one point that Gungor also highlights is that everyone was made to be a creator. I think the only unfortunate limitation of this book that it is particularly aimed toward musicians, then poets, then painters, photographers, etc. There are some really beautiful and poignant moments in this book that would make for a "good read" for non-art oriented people--perspectives that are important for American culture and the American church to consider (EX: Gungor promotes faith defined by openness and challenges fundamentalism).
Overall, this has been a very refreshing read and I am more aware and informed because of its content. But at its core, this book is a perfect blend of work vs. play. I consider it a book that is for my "pleasure reading." You'll laugh as Gungor tells of his quirkiness and awkward stories, and you'll admire his moments of pure poetry that is full of life. You'll feel like he's someone who is very human, a familiar friend that you feel you know after reading his words.
From my perspective, a must read for musicians. Please do yourself a favor and buy a copy.
-KJC
May 16, 2014
I've been a fan of Michael Gungor's music for a while, now. He is a pretty amazing guitar player, and the songs he composes are beautiful and unique. My first exposure to him was when the church I was going to introduced us to a couple of his songs. I began listening to everything I could get my hands on. I would consider him to be somewhat of a genius.
This book is his take on not just the music industry, but art in general. It is a book, as it says, for creators. Especially for creators who seem to have hit a roadblock and who might feel that they have "sold out." Michael writes about the different "voices" that we can listen to, as creators, and pinpoints which ones should NOT be listened to.
He talks a lot about pop culture and capitalism. However, he neither condemns nor glorifies either one, keeping a level view of the usefulness of both. My favorite part of the book turned out to be Appendix 2, in which he discusses genres, especially the one we refer to as "Christian" music. Michael is very uncomfortable with that genre label, and with good reason. He also talks a lot about "Becky," the target audience for all successful "Christian" radio stations. I knew about "Becky," I just didn't know she had a name!
Anyway, I would recommend this book to anyone who considers themselves a serious creator of any kind of art. I will share two of my favorite quotes from the book.
"I am convinced that most people do not really believe what they say they believe. Or perhaps I should say that it seems that most people's professed belief is not the same as their felt belief or their lived belief." (pg. 145)
"And since when was Christianity a safe, positive alternative for the family anyway?" (pg 204)
This book is his take on not just the music industry, but art in general. It is a book, as it says, for creators. Especially for creators who seem to have hit a roadblock and who might feel that they have "sold out." Michael writes about the different "voices" that we can listen to, as creators, and pinpoints which ones should NOT be listened to.
He talks a lot about pop culture and capitalism. However, he neither condemns nor glorifies either one, keeping a level view of the usefulness of both. My favorite part of the book turned out to be Appendix 2, in which he discusses genres, especially the one we refer to as "Christian" music. Michael is very uncomfortable with that genre label, and with good reason. He also talks a lot about "Becky," the target audience for all successful "Christian" radio stations. I knew about "Becky," I just didn't know she had a name!
Anyway, I would recommend this book to anyone who considers themselves a serious creator of any kind of art. I will share two of my favorite quotes from the book.
"I am convinced that most people do not really believe what they say they believe. Or perhaps I should say that it seems that most people's professed belief is not the same as their felt belief or their lived belief." (pg. 145)
"And since when was Christianity a safe, positive alternative for the family anyway?" (pg 204)
December 29, 2013
Normally I'd just write a plain-old review, but I'd like to address this one to the author, juuuust in case, for some reason, Michael himself reads this.
Hi Michael! Thanks for taking the time to write this book: your perspectives and insights are fantastic, and need to be shared and understood more widely. I still haven't written a book, but I really want to, so I flat-out want to learn from you. Thanks for showing us how to be a creator by being one. I especially appreciated your honest storytelling. The one about your grandma NOT complimenting you was a key one.
There are a few changes that I feel to consider making if a second edition gets published.
1) The title of the book promises one thing, but the content and structure doesn't follow through. Why not label and structure the three parts of the book according to the book's title, instead of Art, Roots and Soil?
2) In your introduction, you say this:
"I will also venture into territory that I would never claim to be an expert in -- philosophy, sociology, theology and so on." "...I figure I am probably wrong about a lot of them." Why does that compel a reader to continue on? As a creator, your work needs no disclaimer. Let it stand on its own, rather than apologizing for your lack of expertise.
3) You also wait a very a long time before fully describing what type of work you do. But in fact, your work and past is what MAKES your perspectives valuable. Knowing your experience adds credibility. You've led a successful band, won some awards, have done some great stuff. What you write in your conclusion, I would love to have read that in the introduction.
Hi Michael! Thanks for taking the time to write this book: your perspectives and insights are fantastic, and need to be shared and understood more widely. I still haven't written a book, but I really want to, so I flat-out want to learn from you. Thanks for showing us how to be a creator by being one. I especially appreciated your honest storytelling. The one about your grandma NOT complimenting you was a key one.
There are a few changes that I feel to consider making if a second edition gets published.
1) The title of the book promises one thing, but the content and structure doesn't follow through. Why not label and structure the three parts of the book according to the book's title, instead of Art, Roots and Soil?
2) In your introduction, you say this:
"I will also venture into territory that I would never claim to be an expert in -- philosophy, sociology, theology and so on." "...I figure I am probably wrong about a lot of them." Why does that compel a reader to continue on? As a creator, your work needs no disclaimer. Let it stand on its own, rather than apologizing for your lack of expertise.
3) You also wait a very a long time before fully describing what type of work you do. But in fact, your work and past is what MAKES your perspectives valuable. Knowing your experience adds credibility. You've led a successful band, won some awards, have done some great stuff. What you write in your conclusion, I would love to have read that in the introduction.
March 28, 2014
I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. I bought the ebook on a whim because I am a "creator" of art (specifically a writer), and also because I kinda wanted to check up on one of my favorite musicians and make sure he hadn't gone off the deep end.
But Gungor is a deep thinker. A little wacky at points, but he acknowledges this; regardless, he's right. This is a great book for those who make any kind of art, specifically because it talks about motivation. Where does our motivation come from? The critics? Wanting to please everyone? Or somewhere deeper?
Having just finished another book about Creation and being in awe of God because of it, this book completed a lot of thoughts. I am created in God's image. It's worshipful for me to write (create) for his glory. But my motivation needs to be in the right place--it should overflow out of the wonder and awe of God and his creation, not out of an attempt to please people (something I am often guilty of...).
It untangled some of my worries about writing. I often wonder if I need to be more allegorical, more gospel-sharing through my stories. But if I did so, it would be out of fear. It would be a tract. Instead, why can't I point toward true beauty with my writing and worship God with every word I put down? Doesn't that come out of a more honest, less fearful place? Wouldn't it bring him more glory that way?
I hesitate to call this book "inspirational" because that's apparently a genre now. That word has lost a lot of meaning. But it fits in a very real sense. I have been deeply inspired to write by this book.
But Gungor is a deep thinker. A little wacky at points, but he acknowledges this; regardless, he's right. This is a great book for those who make any kind of art, specifically because it talks about motivation. Where does our motivation come from? The critics? Wanting to please everyone? Or somewhere deeper?
Having just finished another book about Creation and being in awe of God because of it, this book completed a lot of thoughts. I am created in God's image. It's worshipful for me to write (create) for his glory. But my motivation needs to be in the right place--it should overflow out of the wonder and awe of God and his creation, not out of an attempt to please people (something I am often guilty of...).
It untangled some of my worries about writing. I often wonder if I need to be more allegorical, more gospel-sharing through my stories. But if I did so, it would be out of fear. It would be a tract. Instead, why can't I point toward true beauty with my writing and worship God with every word I put down? Doesn't that come out of a more honest, less fearful place? Wouldn't it bring him more glory that way?
I hesitate to call this book "inspirational" because that's apparently a genre now. That word has lost a lot of meaning. But it fits in a very real sense. I have been deeply inspired to write by this book.
August 23, 2016
After seeing the title and reading a few excerpts on Amazon, I was very anxious to read this book and it did not disappoint! With a few exceptions, it beautifully affirms how I feel about being a "creator". When one is in the "creative mode" and experiencing the headiness of shaping various media - pottery, yarn, fabric, words, music notes, ingredients - into something beautiful, it's hard to express to another human that amazing feeling. This book not only gives one permission to embrace the creative spark, but helps define it within the context of honoring God and humanity by keeping it pure. Also, EXCELLENT and thoughtful insights on the current obsession with celebrities, and advice on how the audience and the celebrity should deal with that.
I personally could do without some of the vulgar references (which I think the author warned about in the beginning). I do also feel that the author unjustly lumps all fundamentalist Christians into one narrow-minded group. Some are choosing to live a "separated" life less because they're being forced to by some falsely-elevated Christian leader and more because it is their personal conviction to "love the Lord their God" that way - with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Erroneous criticism can go both ways.
Overall though, a fabulous book!
I personally could do without some of the vulgar references (which I think the author warned about in the beginning). I do also feel that the author unjustly lumps all fundamentalist Christians into one narrow-minded group. Some are choosing to live a "separated" life less because they're being forced to by some falsely-elevated Christian leader and more because it is their personal conviction to "love the Lord their God" that way - with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Erroneous criticism can go both ways.
Overall though, a fabulous book!
June 4, 2015
This is a valuable book for creators in all areas. I appreciate the time, effort, thought, and research that went into this book. I think you have to take it for what it is. If you respect Michael Gungor as an artist, which I do, then you read it as the musings, philosophies, and ideas of an incredibly talented artist who chose to share his worldview with the world. Some have criticized the biographical elements but I enjoyed them. They provided entertaining breaks from the rest of the books which I had to read slowly and carefully to fully absorb. I did check out his bro's website. It's funny. My takeaway is that I need to make as many of my experiences in life as genuine as possible. To dig down to the root of what I enjoy and experience it for all that it has to offer. I can relate to not feeling like the mold, the cliques, and Becky are my desire, yet feeling guilty because the industry tells me that Becky is what I'm supposed to like to validate my belief system. Acts and conversations carried out with pure intentions, sincere motives, and the LOVE of the creator will have a louder effect than LMFAO to those who are truly listening.
March 2, 2017
I can't say enough about this book. I literally couldn't put it down (which is not normal for me when it comes to reading). Its contents spoke right to the heart of what I'm wrestling with as a creator and as a someone searching to understand the gospel. His honest and humorous writing kept the book engaging while touching on deep issues of creativity as both creators and consumers in regard to ourselves and our culture. It was refreshing to glean from his honest, truth-seeking perspective (which is what draws me to any work from Gungor). Michael has been able to gently dissipate the divide between "Christian" and "Secular" in both his music and writing by refusing to place his faith and passions into a culturally labeled box, but to instead be driven by love, faith, and creativity. He so well describes the dangerous pitfalls of fundamental Christianity while still expressing, unabashed, his faith and the beauty and need of the gospel's influence on his life and his creativity. It's refreshing reading an effortless intertmingeling of faith with every facet of life...from the goofy to the beautiful and even to the obscene.
February 16, 2013
A fresh compilation of words expressing and helping to delve through hundreds of thoughts, frustrations, experiences, and ideals I've experienced as a Worship Leader. Frustrated by man's attempts to box in, package, market, manipulate and complicate what should pour forth straight from Him. Without all the "filters" we attach to our "creating". Will people approve? Will it sell? Will it offend? Will it. Will it. Will it? True, unbridled inspiration straight from The Inspirer, poured out without thought and fear, will bear forth the fruit HE intends it to have. When we seek to glorify HIM, HE is responsible for the rest. We can't manipulate that.. Or shouldn't. But HIS fruit will remain... "Seek First, the kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all these things shall be added into you" Matt 6:33
May 2, 2014
While I don't consider myself much of a creator or artist, this book, written by a musician/songwriter/writer that I respect, had me curious enough to get the audiobook with my Audible membership, and I definitely don't regret it. The production of the audiobook was phenomenal--read by the author, he added humor and anecdote that would have been lost in the printed word alone. Additionally, the audiobook was scored with Gungor instrumentals, which also added depth to the words. The book is more of a collection of essays, anecdotes, and musings, that combine philosophy, theology, and sociology, and make for a very interesting read. While I was listening, my husband asked me, "So what is this book actually about?" That is tough to actually pin down, but I think the book is about encouragement to create--why we create, and why we must not stop creating.
August 31, 2013
A little more than a decade ago, Kevin Max (at the outset of the dc Talk solo years) wrote a very similar book titled "Unfinished Work". Each generation will produce frustrated writings like these, which are certainly worth a read. If you haven't been exposed to the community of artists who feel trapped within Christianese, this book might be the kick starter for the refresher you need: to know that you're not alone. If you've been around the block in this type of sphere (if you know what I'm talking about, you have), then you're not missing anything by passing this one by. Gungor doesn't really delve into the Crowd, the Critic and the Muse; instead he shares a lot of personal testimony as he unfolds his deepest convictions concerning art, which makes for an interesting story.
June 27, 2020
Inspiring words. Blunt. Thought provoking.
Michael Gunor hashes out what art is, why we create, how we should create, and where we should listen. You can listen to the crowd, the critic, or the voice deep down inside your soul.
Art should have soul. Without it, it's dead.
I now see a glimpse of Gungor's heart as he writes music. His music deals with faith, love, doubt, and hope, and he talks about those four things in this book near the end.
There's much to glean from reading this book. I'm actually wanting to go back and muse about some of the things he's written. I highlighted many many words. :)
Bonus: in the appendix at the end, he talks more specifically about the term "Christian music". Definitely worth the read!
-2012 Review
Michael Gunor hashes out what art is, why we create, how we should create, and where we should listen. You can listen to the crowd, the critic, or the voice deep down inside your soul.
Art should have soul. Without it, it's dead.
I now see a glimpse of Gungor's heart as he writes music. His music deals with faith, love, doubt, and hope, and he talks about those four things in this book near the end.
There's much to glean from reading this book. I'm actually wanting to go back and muse about some of the things he's written. I highlighted many many words. :)
Bonus: in the appendix at the end, he talks more specifically about the term "Christian music". Definitely worth the read!
-2012 Review
July 6, 2013
This is a wonderful book for anyone who creates - and really, in some ways, that's all of us. Michael Gungor talks a lot about faith, art, and the things that shape us (particularly in America). He looks at how to balance all the voices that clamor at an artist, and he intelligently and gracefully cautions against getting swallowed up in cultural factors like technology, capitalism, and celebrity. He then holds out landlines that help keep all artists connected to their true passions and ideas - doubt and love, for example. This book is as beautiful, challenging, and true as Gungor's music. This is one I'm going to read again and again!
Read
July 25, 2013Reads exactly like what I was hoping for: an expanded and organized version of the author's blog.
My main impression from the book comes not from what it discusses, but the way in which it is discussed. Michael starts the book by saying, "I tried to write this book with as few filters as possible, letting the words and ideas come straight from my humanity -- warts and all." The words written aren't filtered down to thoughts that the reader is expected to agree with. They include questions, doubts, uncertainties, and the author's own internal dialog. Reading it feels like an enjoyable conversation.
My main impression from the book comes not from what it discusses, but the way in which it is discussed. Michael starts the book by saying, "I tried to write this book with as few filters as possible, letting the words and ideas come straight from my humanity -- warts and all." The words written aren't filtered down to thoughts that the reader is expected to agree with. They include questions, doubts, uncertainties, and the author's own internal dialog. Reading it feels like an enjoyable conversation.
February 12, 2014
Actual rating 4.5
If you are an artist, and we all are somehow, I highly encourage you to read this book.
YOU WILL FEEL SO INSPIRED AH!
I don't even want to write too much in this review, other then that I am absolutely grateful a friend told me about this gem and I basically felt like writing every other sentence into my inspiration book.
It is so exhilarating to see that other creatives think the same way that one's own mind does, you are not alone in a gooood way!
RECOMMENDED A HUNDRED TIMES!!!
Also...wow, that beautifully descriptive and picturesque writing.
Thanks Gungor, thanks.
If you are an artist, and we all are somehow, I highly encourage you to read this book.
YOU WILL FEEL SO INSPIRED AH!
I don't even want to write too much in this review, other then that I am absolutely grateful a friend told me about this gem and I basically felt like writing every other sentence into my inspiration book.
It is so exhilarating to see that other creatives think the same way that one's own mind does, you are not alone in a gooood way!
RECOMMENDED A HUNDRED TIMES!!!
Also...wow, that beautifully descriptive and picturesque writing.
Thanks Gungor, thanks.
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