Track Listing

1. What This World Needs
2. Every Man
3. Slow Fade
4. East To West
5. The World Is Alive
6. The Altar And The Door
7. Somewhere In The Middle
8. I Know You're There
9. Prayer For A friend
10. All Because Of Jesus

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #30480 in Music
• Released on: 2007-08-28
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

CD Description
Despite Casting Crowns' successful records they are still the same down-to-earth people with ministry at the heart of what they do, both on the road and in their local churches. Casting Crowns' third album, 'The Altar And The Door' draws on this first-hand ministry experience with real people, real-life struggle and the faith that overcomes. "At the altar everything makes sense" says Mark Hall, lead singer. "When we're in the church and spending time with God we know what we're supposed to do and how to live. Everything is black and white. But somewhere between the altar and the door, when we leave and go out into our lives, it all leaks out. Everything gets grey again. It's like we have these two lives and the Christian life is the journey between the altar and the door... Trying to get the things you've got in your head into your hands, into your feet, into your life. This album is all about that journey of realisation, the struggles we encounter and the victory of seeing it as possible."

Customer Reviews

Another Great Release
Christian soft rock group Casting Crowns has taken the Christian music world by storm thanks to two strong previous releases. And their third project should continue the trend.

The group has captured audiences with challenging lyrics and great music. There's nothing earth shattering with either, but both work together to create some great music.

The disc starts off with the rock anthem "What This World Needs." Think "If We are the Body" but faster. The song reminds us that the world needs Christ more then it needs 100% perfect outward appearances. After all, the heart is what counts.

The title of the album comes from the idea that somewhere between hearing what we should do during church (the altar) and driving away (the door), we loose the certainty and conviction we had. I'll just say been there, done that. That theme is explored in two songs. The first is the title track, which really explains the theme better then I ever could. And it's rather convicting to hear my struggle put into words. The second is the next track, "Somewhere in the Middle." In fact, the phrase "between the altar and the door" shows up in this song, too. The song is a challenge to get out of the luke warm world we too often live in.

As with other Casting Crown's CDs, this one features a couple worship songs. And, once again, they don't grab me. There's nothing wrong with "I Know You're There" and "All Because of Jesus," but they aren't as special as some of their other tracks.

My two favorite songs are back to back. "Slow Fade" is a challenge to all men to not fall away from the faith. It really drives home the importance of constantly standing guard because no one crumbles in a day. It's a slower song with a haunting sound. And it ends with lead singer Mark Hall's daughter singing "Because Little Eyes." It's enough to give me chills.

Appropriately enough, the next song is "East to West." As you might guess, this song talks about forgiveness. It explores the difficulty we have in accepting God's forgiveness and the weight of shame we try to live under. As with so many of their songs, the lyrics are powerful.

Musically, there are few surprises here for the long time fan. But that's just fine because their music is wonderful.

I'm surprised I haven't worn out Casting Crown's first two releases I've listened to them so often. This one will certainly suffer the same fate.

They did it again
I have Casting Crowns two previous albums and was eager to get my hands on this. It did not disappoint. The lyrics are just as good and they will ask just as many questions as the first two did. You may have heard "East to West" on the radio. It is such a beautiful song and it will tell you the truth - that God loves you. But so will all the other songs and I can't pick a favorite although the last one is definitely among them. This is an album that will challange your faith and leave you wondering if you are on the way to the alter or to the door. And that is what any good christian cd should.

Not bad at all
I've really enjoyed listening to this album over the past couple of days.

I can't bring myself to give it five stars cause its not that good. Its got a few catchy songs and a few average ones. If you like this go a buy Third day - Wherever you are.

I really like what Casting Crowns are doing, the song lyrics really speak to me and it got some good tunes. Great album!!!