Learning from Peter

A Fragile Stone: The Emotional Life of Simon Peter Michael Card. InterVarsity Press, 2003.

Michael Card, acclaimed singer/songwriter of 20 albums, is also an award-winning author. “Music is secondary to me,” Card states. “I am a teacher.” He has authored or co-authored 14 books. His knowledge of Scripture, educational background (MA in Biblical Studies and currently working on a doctorate in Classical Literature), and teaching abilities are very evident in this newest book, A Fragile Stone. Card also released a 2003 recording by the same title.

I have always enjoyed and been fascinated with the spiritual depth, thought-provoking lyrics and theological subjects in Card’s songs, often focusing on the birth, death and resurrection of Christ. He has said he sometimes spends years researching and writing for an album or book.

This book was inspired by a Gothic painting Card viewed at a conference in Romania. In this painting, Peter is depicted with the apostle Paul, holding up a church building between them. He chose to research (in the Gospels, Acts and the books of 1 and 2 Peter) and write from the perspective of the emotional side of Peter. Each chapter deals with a specific time of his life with Jesus and his growth of character, all annotated by Scripture.

Through Peter’s life, we are pointed to Jesus. We are challenged to be authentic and to be, even with our failings, viable disciples of Christ.

Card writes, “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.”

His insights are fascinating and very real, and his writing skills excellent. This book about a disciple with all his “realness, and fragility” is suitable for individual or group study. I was challenged and encouraged in my life as a follower of Jesus Christ.

Carol Riediger is a music teacher and attends Central Community Church, Chilliwack, B.C.