10 (or so) questions with: Justin St Vincent November 23, 2009
Posted by Andrew Killick (Publishing Manager) in Author Interviews, Castle Distributed Books, Justin St Vincent, Spiritual Significance of Music.add a comment
Justin St Vincent is passionate about music and its spiritual implications. Early this year he launched www.musicandspirituality.com – an astonishing collection of interviews with a vast number of musicians and authors exploring the deeper meanings of music. In the finest traditions of the internet, these interviews are all available free. Needless to say, Justin’s website has become incredibly popular.
Justin has recently released an excellent new book The Spiritual Significance of Music (published by Xtreme Music) based on the material featured on www.musicandspirituality.com. We here at Castle Publishing have had the honour of working alongside him on this project. We talked to Justin about his book, and the interview will be featured in an upcoming edition of Challenge Weekly. But here, for your reading pleasure, is the uncut transcript of our discussion…
Your website www.musicandspirituality.com has grown into an impressive resource. Tell us how this project started.
The project began in March 2006 when I returned to New Zealand from Youth With A Mission at The University of the Nations in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. I was filled with a passionate desire to build a bridge between music culture and the Gospel. I started interviewing many musicians I admire and appreciate, and began collecting a series of intriguing interviews that developed into this epic project. Since then I’ve interviewed over 1000 people on their beliefs about The Spiritual Significance of Music. On January 1st 2009, I freely published everything online as PDF downloadable interviews, when after three days the website crashed with overloaded bandwidth usage. With over 180,000 website hits in a few days, it became clear to me that many people who love music also have a spiritual hunger to learn more about the dynamic relationship between music and spirituality. Since then over twenty new and exclusive interviews were being published monthly, and almost daily I received e-mails from people requesting a printed book. The Spiritual Significance of Music was a natural birth taking nine months from the mothersite: www.musicandspirituality.com
What can people expect to find on the website and in your new book?
The book and website embrace the diversity of music and spirituality. Like music, the book does not discriminate against spiritual background or religious beliefs, it’s just happy to have your attention. It will be challenging and controversial to many Christian readers. But how boring would it be if we all agreed? Imagine printing a book called The Spiritual Significance of Music, and only publishing the Christian Edition of the interviews. You would end up having a biased book that was extremely myopic in its scope, and dangerously unrepresentative. I couldn’t imagine a more pointless project than to feed a Christian marketplace with responses that all agreed with one-another, and essentially was “preaching to the choir”. Just as well from my experience no two Christians identically agree on the relationship between music and spirituality. That’s what makes this book so dynamic in its content and powerful in its message. We desperately need to be introduced to worldviews different from our own, in order to know the culture, know the Gospel, then translate. Some Christians may keep their faith in ivory towers, yet it is time we honoured the Great Commission, and participate in compelling missions that engage the world around us with the Gospel.
Did you meet most of the interviewees face to face? Which interviews particularly stand out in your mind and why?
As much as I’d love to meet most of the interviewees face to face, the reality is that studio recordings, tour schedules, and live performances take priority in their music career. In my experience, I’ve found asking questions on music and spirituality to be a deeply personal connection that is best left to e-mail correspondence. Then the interviewee can accurately articulate the response they want to share with the world. Imagine asking “what do you believe is the spiritual significance of music?” after an incredible concert at a noisy live venue, and then trying to record a response! Logistically, because this book is a text-based project, e-mails and letters were the best method of communication with all the authors and musicians. It allowed for more efficient and productive interviews. The interviews that particularly stand out in my mind are the ones I’ve shared with members of Dawn Of Azazel, Faith No More, Guns N’ Roses, and The Locust because they are highly supportive of this project, and have shared remarkable insights in their responses.
Throughout this project what would be the number one thing you have personally learnt about music and spirituality?
There is more to music than meets the ear. I’ve learnt something new from every interview. Each response has illuminated a unique voice sharing an intimate view of what they believe, and what they create. Their wonderful words are extremely personal, and I deeply cherish, honour, and respect each of the musicians and writers that have contributed to this epic anthology. God so loved the world that He blessed it with a way of communicating that speaks directly to the spirit. My hope is that every reader will also learn something new from every interview.
For you as a Christian, what’s it like interviewing a musician whose views on spirituality are not Christian?
I feel absolute peace and pleasure when I interview musicians whose views on spirituality are not Christian. It reminds me of the famous quotation from the film Chariots Of Fire when Eric Liddell, famous Olympian and missionary said, “I feel God’s pleasure when I run”. This project has continually reminded me of God’s eternal grace, divine mercy, and abundant love.
What would you say is the overall message of your book?
“We are the spiritual significance of music.” Music and Spirituality are universal languages with global appeal. Both have a direct influence and impact on the human spirit. I believe God has placed a spiritual seed within music that can point people back to Him.
What sort of feedback have you had about the material found on the website and in the book?
The feedback from this book has been positively overwhelming. Many people seem to resonate with the reoccurring themes that surface throughout the interviews in this book. I’ve also published online over 100 responses from this project, feel free to view here.
From a Christian perspective, what do you hope people will get from the book?
I hope people will consider that the spiritual significance of music is not exclusive to the Christian faith. From a Christian perspective, let’s not be misguided that we have the monopoly on the truth behind music and spirituality. The Bible has much to say on this, but in all honesty I find it extremely difficult to theologise music. I’ve been blessed by the new perspectives included within this book, and my hope is that people will be challenged and inspired.
Where to from here for you and this project?
The Spiritual Significance of Music is the first in a book series exploring music and spirituality. I probably have enough content for another ten books, but at this early stage, I’m taking one step at a time, and learning something new every day. My next project associated with the book will be a series of music compilations, published online, and freely available featuring “Song Stories” from some of the most visionary musicians throughout the world. Every song has a story, and this series will showcase songs by its makers, and the stories that inspired them.
The Spiritual Significance of Music retails for NZ$29.95. Contact us for more info or to order a copy.
Ideological Jihad July 31, 2009
Posted by Andrew Killick (Publishing Manager) in Castle Distributed Books, Ideological Jihad.3 comments
Another crucial and impressive new book distributed by Castle Publishing…
Ideological Jihad springs from the desire of Christian author Vickie Janson to better understand the ideas and beliefs of her Muslim friends and neighbours.
Over the course of seven years Vickie and her husband took every opportunity to learn more about Islam and discuss beliefs with Muslims in an open and honest way.
Ideological Jihad explores the impact of Islam on western societies, with particular reference to Australia, where Vickie lives.
The book is presented as an open letter to Waleed Aly, author of the influential book People Like Us: How arrogance is dividing Islam and the West. But it is much more than that – it is important reading for anybody interested in the effects of a culture clash between Islam and a western society with Christian foundations – whether that society be Australia, New Zealand or any other western nation.
Vickie presents her arguments and findings with sincere honesty and clarity – her message made all the more powerful by virtue of the fact that she has bypassed prejudice through engaging with real people in real situations.
Intelligent, important, insightful and accessible.
Ideological Jihad retails for NZ$20, but is available now for the special pre-release price of NZ$18. Contact us for more info or to order a copy.
Changing Lives July 21, 2009
Posted by Andrew Killick (Publishing Manager) in Castle Distributed Books, Changing Lives.add a comment
We have pleasure in announcing another great title… published by Strategic Missions, distributed by Castle.
This new book is actually two books – Changing Lives volume 1 and 2 – put together by Pete Cossey. Pete has a passion for missions and has compiled Changing Lives to introduce people to a wealth of inspiring, challenging and faith-building stories about missions work at the coal-face.
These books are not only exciting reading but also an invaluable introduction to the work of missions organisations. Changing Lives features stories from Open Doors, Interserve, CBM, MAF, Aim, Voice of the Martyrs, SIM, CEF and many more (22 organisations in all).
Contact us for more info or to order a copy. Only NZ$22.95 per copy + P&P. Also available in New Zealand from Christian bookshops.
Israel May 11, 2009
Posted by Andrew Killick (Publishing Manager) in Castle Distributed Books, Israel.add a comment
An excellent and crucial new book has been published by Vision Network of New Zealand and is available from Castle Publishing…
Israel: 5 views on people, land and state presents the opinions of five New Zealanders about the past, present and future of Israel. With so many different perspectives, amidst constant media reports and with so much passion on all sides in the world around us, this book provides a succinct and vital forum for Christian ideas about the Holy Land.
In Part 1 each writer presents his views on Israel and then in Part 2 responds to the views of the other four writers. The outstanding line-up is:
- Derek McDowell, New Zealand National Director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
- Philip Church, Biblical Languages Lecturer at Laidlaw College (formerly Bible College of New Zealand)
- Stephen Tollestrup, Executive Director of TEAR Fund NZ
- Sam Chapman, Director of Houhanga Rongo reconciliation ministries
- Rob Yule, Presbyterian minister and former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church Aotearoa New Zealand
Contact us for more info or to order a copy. Only NZ$20 + P&P.
Easter books March 19, 2009
Posted by Andrew Killick (Publishing Manager) in News.add a comment
Castle has four great titles for Easter that inform and inspire… buy all four titles and get a very special price.
Why Did Jesus Die? by Dick Tripp, ISBN 978-0-9582398-9-9. NZ$26.95rrp.
One of the most definitive books available worldwide on what the Bible says about the significance of the death of Jesus. Bible scholar and author J.I. Packer said of this book: “Dick Tripp combs the Scriptures to find and focus every reference to history’s most momentous event. Does a more thorough coverage of the biblical data exist anywhere? I doubt it.” This book is ideal for pastors and ministers researching their Easter messages, but is also written for every Christian wanting to discover the full extent of Christ’s amazing sacrifice.
The Art of Easter by Rawene Centre Artists, ISBN 0-473-10930-1. NZ$24.95rrp.
Presented in glossy, full colour, The Art of Easter makes an ideal gift for friends, family, or business colleagues. Beautifully crafted, this exquisite book presents a stunning collection of art, photography and sculpture by over 30 New Zealand artists, displaying their own interpretations of the Easter message.
Life After Death: Christianity’s Hope and Challenge / Welcome to the Future by Dick Tripp & Derek Eaton, ISBN 0-9582333-1-4. NZ$19.95rrp.
Two books in one that will give you a clearer picture of life after death. In the first part of this book Dick Tripp explores the hope and challenges that the afterlife provide for Christianity, while in the second part Bishop Derek Eaton examines the Christian concepts of the future, including death, resurrection, judgement, hell and heaven.
The Resurrection of Jesus by Murray Harris, ISBN 0-9583682-7-9, NZ$6.95rrp.
Do Christians really believe that Jesus came back to life after being crucified? And why does it matter? Murray Harris investigates the Christian perspective on the Resurrection and looks at the evidence. This Affirm booklet is easy to read and is an excellent introduction to the Easter message.
SPECIAL OFFER: Buy Why Did Jesus Die, The Art of Easter and Life After Death direct from Castle and pay just NZ$60 (+ postage), or add The Resurrection of Jesus and pay just NZ$65 (+ postage). That’s a total saving of nearly $20! Contact us to receive this special offer.
Two Lives, One Dream – a self-publishing success story March 2, 2009
Posted by Andrew Killick (Publishing Manager) in Castle Distributed Books, News, Two Lives One Dream.add a comment
Late last year Castle worked on a superb book project called Two Lives, One Dream. It’s a really good book, and the author has been blown-away by just how much success it’s had. It’s a great example of a ’self-publisher’ and Castle working together to achieve wonderful results.
Originally designed as a way for Nancy McBride to tell her grandchildren about her late husband and the life they led together in Papua New Guinea, Two Lives, One Dream has become much more than that and is now undergoing its second printing. Nancy’s been inundated with emails and phone-calls from people who have appreciated the book. Read more about her story in our interview.
Nancy and her supporters were cautious about their project, making sure they didn’t over-commit themselves, and making use of Castle’s publishing expertise so that they didn’t risk going it alone.
Contact us if you would like to order a copy of Nancy’s book (NZ$22.95), or if you would like to discuss your book project.
10 questions with: Nancy McBride February 24, 2009
Posted by Andrew Killick (Publishing Manager) in Author Interviews, Castle Distributed Books, Nancy McBride, Two Lives One Dream.2 comments
Late last year, Nancy McBride, with the help of some generous family and friends, published an autobiographical account of Bible translation missionary life with her husband Sam in Papua New Guinea. The book is a really fascinating and touching story and well worth reading. Castle provided publishing services for the project and are distributing the book as well. We’re immensely proud to have been a part of the whole endeavour.
Nancy thought she was producing a book for a few friends and her grand kids, but Two Lives, One Dream has really taken off, and we are currently printing more copies to meet demand.
We chatted with Nancy about her life and the Two Lives, One Dream book project…
How and why did you come to write Two Lives, One Dream?I had always wanted to write something about our lives so that my children and grandchildren would have history to look at. I never expected to write a book to be published. I was encouraged to write it by Dave Bay, a close friend of Sam’s, and also by my brother-in-law, Jim McBride. I am now happy that they did but initially I had a hard time accepting that I could even possibly do it… but with the prayers and help of many, God brought it all together. I especially thank Dave Bay, Jim McBride, David McBride and Maurice Koch as they wrote the parts of Sam’s background. I really see it as a book to honour who Sam was and his life in Christ.
A lot of what you write about in the book, including stories about Sam, are very personal and close to your heart. What was the experience of writing about that like?
I found writing this book a very emotional experience as I re-lived what had happened during that time in my life but perhaps even more so because it was condensed into a small space of time, whereas living it was a gradual experience.
How has the book been received by people who have read it?
I have been amazed at how well the book has been received and been blessed by phone calls, emails, and letters I have received from all over the world telling me how it touched them. I feel very humbled!
So, what would you say to others who are thinking of writing about their life experiences?
One of the comments I have been given over and over by people is that the book was easy to read and they just couldn’t put it down. Others have said it just flowed and wasn’t complicated. I guess what I am saying is if you write with too much detail people find it hard to follow. It is better to give them something that allows them to read it quickly and wanting more as people are so busy these days and don’t like to get bogged down in books. I am talking about the average person. When I wrote this book I didn’t know what I was doing and I have learnt a lot!
Also, be prepared for all kinds of emotional feelings to come up. Memories stir up lots of things but remember it is okay to have those emotions. It’s a good cleansing mechanism about the deeper things in you… which you may not have realised you had.
And your book becomes like your child and you become very protective about what you write and may even be offended when others try to help you see how to put it differently in a book. I sometimes felt like saying, “but you weren’t experiencing it, you don’t know the truth”. But they are helping to make it better and not criticising you. I had to learn that too.
Tell us a bit about your experiences as missionary. What was the ‘culture clash’ like when you (an American) married a Kiwi in PNG?
Because Sam and I met and married in PNG and were constantly living with people from all different countries and we were all experiencing life together, our marriage seemed normal without many cultural clashes. Our family backgrounds were really quite alike. His family thoroughly seem to accept me and my family accepted him. I felt the differences when we came to live permanently in New Zealand though. I was the only American around where we were and it seemed then my Americanism came out stronger and I found the NZ and American culture clashes. Sam help me through those times.
What are some of your fondest memories of the time you spent in PNG?
There are so many that it would be hard to put them down but two that really stick out was meeting and marrying Sam there and having our first child being born there.
What do you most admire about the people you met in PNG, the people you grew up with in the USA, and the people around you in New Zealand?
In PNG, the Gimi people that we lived with taught us so much about the treasures of nature, about generosity and serving. There was no competition in their culture which is quite different from the western world.
I grew up in the US during a time when people honoured God and His values. There I learned a love for God, a love country and a love for all nationalities.
In New Zealand I’ve learned about going to the extremes of what it means to care for people… no matter what.
What would you say to others who were thinking about venturing out on missions?
From the young age of seven, I knew that God had called me to serve Him overseas. From that age I gave my all toward that goal. There were hiccups along the way but having the assurance of what God had called me to do helped me push through those times. Missionaries are just ordinary people and we are the same at home as we are abroad… changing countries doesn’t change you but it can bring out the worst in you! God put us in the best place where He can work out His sanctification in us. But what a joy to serve where God wants you. Whether home serving the Lord in your work place, in your home etc or on the mission field He is wanting us to seek Him.
What was the most rewarding part of the ministry you shared with Sam?
Again there were so many rewarding times in the ministry, but four things stand out…
- When the old men in the village looked forward to Sam going to one of their houses each night after he had finished doing the translating of the Word each day, and checked it out with them to see if they understood what was being said. They loved it and would be so upset if for some reason or other if he couldn’t come to discuss it with them.
- When we came back to the village for a break and head men from different villages came to ask us what had we done to a man named Hutenu… he was different. We told them we didn’t know what they were talking about. Then we found out that he had accepted the Lord into his life while going over and over the Word on the tape and tape recorder we had left him while we were gone from the village. What they saw was that he could walk through the bush alone at night and not be afraid… no Gimi would ever go anywhere alone. They wanted what he had.
- Seeing the change that took place in Kabazo (one of our translation helpers) and his wife when she was near death and we prayed with them for the Lord to touch her. As we left to go back to our village they told how an angel appeared above the door of their house and they knew she would be healed… and she was. This, along with the Word Kabazo was translating with Sam, brought them to believe in the one true God.
- When Abaroro, our head man, told us: “If I hear the English Bible it means nothing to me. It would be like eating sweet potato from a distant place. It would taste unfamiliar. If I hear it in Pdigin English, it would sound familiar
but I can’t really under stand what is being said. It would be like eating the sweet potato from the Fore (a neighboring tribe) but it wouldn’t satisfy my hunger. But when I hear God’s Word in Gimi it tastes so good and I get filled up and satisfied. Just like when I eat our own sweet potato, I get filled up and satisfied.”
What’s next? What dreams and hopes do you have for the next few years?
My next project is to finish a book for my grandchildren to show them how God speaks through the Word into every area of our lives and how wonderful it is to have a love for God’s Word. It is like a devotional book where I put a verse at the top of each page that God has made very alive for me during certain periods of my life when I needed encouragement, guidance, enlightenment, direction etc. Underneath each verse I tell the story of how God used that specific verse or verses in my situation.
I have spent many years very busy in church ministries and other things which have kept me occupied, and have recently felt to lay these things down so that I am free to reach out to my neighbours in love and friendship. I still have speaking engagements etc, but this is my main focus for this time. And I also want to be available to be free to visit my children and grandchildren. Only God knows what He has in mind for the future and that is okay with me.
For more info or to order copies of Two Lives, One Dream contact us.
Happy Christmas! December 17, 2008
Posted by Andrew Killick (Publishing Manager) in News.add a comment
Christmas Gift Specials November 21, 2008
Posted by Andrew Killick (Publishing Manager) in News.add a comment
Castle Publishing has some great Christmas gift ideas from the Castle Premier Classics range – superb holiday reading. And even better, from now until Christmas, we’re running super specials on some of these books. Contact us to order your Christmas gifts or New Zealand customers can visit their local Christian bookshop.
Passion & Fire by Nathan Shaw. NZ$24.95 now NZ$19.95! Ignite your passion for God. Nathan Shaw explores the depth and intimacy of a fiery relationship with God and inspires us to go deeper into that relationship. Revitalise your Christian life.
Beyond Death and Dishonour by Michiharu Shinya. NZ$24.95 now NZ$19.95! The incredible firsthand story of a Japanese naval lieutenant captured off the coast of Guadalcanal during WW2 and sent to a POW camp in New Zealand. He faces turbulent struggles in himself and in the camp, before finding God and being changed forever. A true classic.
Shooting the Globe by Maurice Harvey. NZ$29.95 now NZ$19.95! The exciting memoirs of former Bible Society photojournalist Maurice Harvey. Shooting the Globe takes us through the aftermath of the Bosnian War, the Rwandan Massacre and to some of the most remote places in the world. Gripping and poignant reading. Illustrated with Maurice’s stunning photographs.
Quiet Moments by Charlene Max. NZ$24.95 now NZ$19.95! A devotional written especially to help women find peace and rest with God in the busyness of life. There’s no better time than the Christmas holidays to escape the stress of life and encounter the gentle peace of God. Insightful, humourous and easy to read.
Reading the Funny Bible and other stories by Maurice Harvey. NZ$16.95 now NZ$14.95! A collection of stories by former Bible Society photojournalist Maurice Harvey about people from around the world who became Christians by reading the Bible. Exciting reading, this book demonstrates the power of God’s Word to transform lives.
Healthy, Happy, Free by Dr Lisa Dawson. NZ$12.95 now NZ$9.95! This booklet is a great handbook for you and your family. Dr Lisa Dawson explains in easy to follow steps how we can gain physical, emotional and spiritual health – what better way to start 2009? Recharge your batteries with this excellent guide that covers everything from diet to devotion by a fully qualified GP and mother of four.
Contact us for more info or visit your local Christian bookshop today!
10 questions with: Geoff Vause November 13, 2008
Posted by Andrew Killick (Publishing Manager) in 36 Questions, Author Interviews, Castle Distributed Books, Geoff Vause.add a comment
Geoff Vause is the co-author of an excellent new marriage preparation guide called 36 Questions. The guide, written with marriage mentor Rawiri Love, consists of two books – 36 Questions for Him and 36 Questions for Her – that help couples to clarify their thinking about their relationship. We asked Geoff 10 questions about this innovative new resource and some tips for marriage…
How did you come to write 36 Questions?
It was inspired when my daughter’s boyfriend called to ask for my blessing on their engagement. At the suggestion of Rawiri who mentors pre-marriage relationships, we sent a questionnaire. It was so well received by our daughter, her boyfriend and their friends that we realised there was a demand. So 36 Questions came about, with international photographer Frank Habicht, a personal friend, graciously allowing us to use his work to add to the design of the books.
What was the experience of co-authoring like?
Very enjoyable with Rawiri. I have attempted it in the past with a screenplay on one occasion and with a novel on another. There was no final result in both those cases. For some reason Rawiri and I mesh extremely well. I find him inspirational; he finds I can sharpen the focus for him in the written word. Rawiri is a speaker, I am a writer. It works. We hope to do more.
Tell us more about the images in the books.
I was looking for something that complemented the narrative but did not impose on it. I wanted black and white photography, I wanted humour and a slightly quizzical, even odd, parallel from the images. Something evocative. Frank’s work is excellent. Sahna Thomson (another daughter of mine) shot images to fill gaps and lean the idea a little closer to the narrative.
How have the books been received so far?
We have had an amazing response. We are seeing the books used, so we can see them subjected to real people and specific relationships. We notice that many parents are giving them to the young people in their lives.
What is the biggest challenge facing people about to get married?
Getting practical things in place despite the fog of passion. One is usually better at this than the other. Sharing the responsibility for their future and laying a foundation that helps that happen.
What do you think is the number one thing that will help a marriage last?
Communication and friendship. That’s two things. The ability in the couple to LISTEN to each other. It takes work.
Of the 36 Questions, what is the most important one?
That will vary for different people. For me, the most important question posed by the books is ‘will you read this book and answer the questions as honestly as possible?’ If the other party can’t or won’t do that, then you have a key issue right there.
Do you have plans for any more books like this?
Yes. We are allowing these books, which are also delivered as seminars by Rawiri Love, to ‘grow’ the next idea.
What is your ultimate dream for this book?
Acceptance by a wide cross-section of people at the early stage of relationship building, and having the books impact on their ability to talk and listen to each other.
Do you have a quick piece of advice for someone about to get married?
Don’t! Perhaps I should qualify that. Have a look at who you really are, and who your partner really is. Take a cold shower. Take another cold shower. TALK to each other. LISTEN to each other. Make your entry into the marriage covenant as deliberate and careful as possible. Listen to parental advice and mentoring advice. For older couples, have a very clear look at the extra baggage you carry. Above all – be honest with yourself and each other.
To enquire about 36 Questions, or to order copies, please contact us.
