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Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth
When Richard Foster began writing Celebration of Discipline more than 20 years ago, an older writer gave him a bit of advice: "Be sure that every chapter forces the reader into the next chapter." Foster took the advice to heart; as a result, his book presents one of the most compelling and readable visions of Christian spirituality published in the past few decades. After...more
Hardcover, 10th Anniversary Edition
Published
1988
by Harper & Row
(first published March 1st 1984)
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For years I had followed traditional Christian writings and practices, growing ever more disenchanted with the hollowness of the experience. In my private readings I'd immersed myself in wider and deeper worlds, searching, searching.
In 1984 I was doing some training in Estes Park and went to hear Amy Grant at the YMCA of the Rockies. I wanted to hear her do Angels Watching Over Me in person, and that done, I browsed the bookstore before heading back to my cabin.
This book, recently published at t...more
In 1984 I was doing some training in Estes Park and went to hear Amy Grant at the YMCA of the Rockies. I wanted to hear her do Angels Watching Over Me in person, and that done, I browsed the bookstore before heading back to my cabin.
This book, recently published at t...more
Jun 06, 2011
Ron
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
christian_life,
religion-philosophy
Classic twentieth-century guide to a deeper inner life and joy. As the title implies, discipline is not negative but positive. Foster explores twelve approaches to inner, outer and corporate discipline.
Gets better with every reading. In fact, I didn't get half of what Foster had to offer my first time through.
Gets better with every reading. In fact, I didn't get half of what Foster had to offer my first time through.
Dec 07, 2012
Erica Smith
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
self-help-psyche
It’s time to get back to basics, Christians, and Richard J. Foster is here to celebrate as well as explain how we can all get back to our spiritual roots, which we all know are in place to bring us closer to the Lord and that is the foundation of the entire book.
First, Foster says he is profoundly struck by “the fact that God can take something so inadequate, so imperfect, so foolish as words on paper and use them to transform lives” (Foster, 1998, p.5: Celebration of Discipline). If you are thi...more
First, Foster says he is profoundly struck by “the fact that God can take something so inadequate, so imperfect, so foolish as words on paper and use them to transform lives” (Foster, 1998, p.5: Celebration of Discipline). If you are thi...more
This book changed the way I followed Jesus. If you compared Christianity to football, these would be the three- and four-a-day drills that make your experience of the game less exhausting and even more exhilarating.
Dividing the Disciplines into three movements of the Spirit, Foster shows how each of these areas contribute to a balanced spiritual life.
The inward Disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting, and study, offer avenues of personal examination and change.
The outward Disciplines of si...more
Dividing the Disciplines into three movements of the Spirit, Foster shows how each of these areas contribute to a balanced spiritual life.
The inward Disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting, and study, offer avenues of personal examination and change.
The outward Disciplines of si...more
Celebration of Discipline is a great book that challenges ever Christian to go deeper in their relationship with Christ. We have so much competing for our attention and time that its like we have to find time to pray or praise God, but in this novel we are challenged to "seek ye first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness and all of these things will be added unto you" this means that if we discipline ourselves to seek after God then the other things in life will fall into order without us tr...more
A good book on spiritual formation. There is a lot of material that is profitable for underlining and revisiting.
Occasional contestable generalization is overshadowed by its truth, but it accounts for my 3.5 star rating - according to my admittedly stringent standards.
Chapter 6 on Simplicity, however, was astounding. Replete with socialist buzzwords, Foster says the OT opposes an absolute right to personal property (82), and speaks favorably of wealth redistribution (82). (Voluntarily it is won...more
Occasional contestable generalization is overshadowed by its truth, but it accounts for my 3.5 star rating - according to my admittedly stringent standards.
Chapter 6 on Simplicity, however, was astounding. Replete with socialist buzzwords, Foster says the OT opposes an absolute right to personal property (82), and speaks favorably of wealth redistribution (82). (Voluntarily it is won...more
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Foster's style and quality of writing leave much to be desired. It seems to me that, as he wrote, he thought very little of his reader. The tone is not engaging or endearing, and he speaks to a very narrow audience (namely: married, white, middle-aged or older men)
The writing is easy to understand, but it is boring and poorly executed. He does have some valuable things to say, but the reader has to sift through many meaningless and wordy passages. He also insults his reader several times, albei...more
The writing is easy to understand, but it is boring and poorly executed. He does have some valuable things to say, but the reader has to sift through many meaningless and wordy passages. He also insults his reader several times, albei...more
Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.
Leo Tolstoy
I first read this book in 1996 and loved it. I re-read it in 2005 and got even more out of it the second time. The book is inspiring and is a good reminder of the way I can have a more Christ-centered life through discipline.
Foster deals first with the inward disciplines: meditation, prayer, fasting, study. Then, he moves on to the outward disciplines: simplicity, solitude, submission, and service. The corpora...more
Leo Tolstoy
I first read this book in 1996 and loved it. I re-read it in 2005 and got even more out of it the second time. The book is inspiring and is a good reminder of the way I can have a more Christ-centered life through discipline.
Foster deals first with the inward disciplines: meditation, prayer, fasting, study. Then, he moves on to the outward disciplines: simplicity, solitude, submission, and service. The corpora...more
3 likes · like · see review
Meditation heightens our spiritual sensitivity which, in turn leads us into prayer. Very soon we discover that prayer involves fasting as an accompanying means. Informed by these three Disciplines, we can effectively move into study which gives us discernment about ourselves and the world in which we live.
Through simplicity we live with others in integrity. Solitude allows us to be genuinely present to people when we are with them. Through submission we live with others without manipulation, an...more
Through simplicity we live with others in integrity. Solitude allows us to be genuinely present to people when we are with them. Through submission we live with others without manipulation, an...more
Before I was even done with this book, I knew that I would need to read it again. I tried to pace myself, and I did read it just a chapter at a time so that it took me almost two weeks to complete this slender tome. However, there was still far too much to contemplate in this book for one reading to do it justice.
Perhaps the problem is that the book feels so personal. Richard Foster is aiming to reintroduce the classic Spiritual Disciplines to modern believers. Foster walks his reader through th...more
Perhaps the problem is that the book feels so personal. Richard Foster is aiming to reintroduce the classic Spiritual Disciplines to modern believers. Foster walks his reader through th...more
I found this book to be extremely good and challenging. It makes you re-examine your own walk with God and see how you can grow. It is very encouraging but crammed full of information. Extremely well laid out and easy to read. I highly recommend it to any Christian looking to go deeper in your walk with God. I read it in three separate sittings - it is sectioned off into three sections with chapters in each section pertaining to the separate disciples. Many you will recognize as standard-issue f...more
May 29, 2007
Shannon Morrison
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anyone serious about spiritual formation
love this book--a basic primer and an in-depth study of the spiritual disciplines all in one. it is a wonderful blend of both the abstract and specific discussions...for example the chapter on fasting provides a scriptural basis for the practice, the historical use as well as practical how-tos and exhortations on how to begin. this is a book i should probably read yearly.
This is a great book on Spiritual Disciplines. A subject not often taught in the church anymore other than the need of a quiet time. It deals with a number of the disciplines like study, prayer, fasting, solitude, simple living, celebration among others. It gives the reasons that we as a church have done them throughout history, how they are grounded in the Scriptures and then gives very practical ways in which to practice the disciplines.
The only complaint I had was that the section on them as...more
The only complaint I had was that the section on them as...more
Mar 29, 2013
Phillip
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
personal-change-strategy,
religion
I picked this up because it is small and had an endorsement on the cover that said it was among the top 10 most important Christian books to read from the 20th century. That piqued my interest.
It hasn't been a disappointment. The book really is something a person could return to chapter by chapter as he or she makes each discipline a practiced part of one's life.
Sometimes he reminds the reader of things we have been taught we should be doing. Other times he presents practices that are outside o...more
It hasn't been a disappointment. The book really is something a person could return to chapter by chapter as he or she makes each discipline a practiced part of one's life.
Sometimes he reminds the reader of things we have been taught we should be doing. Other times he presents practices that are outside o...more
So, in establishing my "goodreads" library, I thought it was wise to begin with a book that has served to inform, as well as transform my character. What better place to start than with Foster's classic. Certainly, a must read for any believer, but especially important for those of us who call ourselves "leaders" in the church. This book establishes the starting point for true leadership...learning to place ourselves in God's presence where he can begin to do the work of transformation in us. Fo...more
This book is very a very comprehensive look into the Disciplines followed by many of the faith through the centuries. Foster borrows quotes from all the centuries. Choosing some from the Desert Fathers of old, Fenelon in France, the Quakers, and a number of his modern day contemporaries. He doesn't load the book full of quotations but lets them flavor the already deep content with more diversity and depth.
By starting his book with the inward disciplines and anding with the corporate discipline...more
By starting his book with the inward disciplines and anding with the corporate discipline...more
This is a modern classic among books on Christian spiritual discipline. It turns up in many bibliographies on the subject. Although fairly easy to read in writing style, it requires slow, thoughtful digestion of the subject matter. Learning any of these disciplines is a lifelong practice involving self-denial. Therefore, anyone who wants to delve into the subject will prepare himself for a life change. Others may appreciate the spiritual climate of the book and then put it away until the right t...more
This might be one of those life changing books for me. For Christians who acknowledge that only God can change us, but also believe we have to "show up" in the process for Him to change us, this book offers practices that help put you in a place that makes it possible for God to act within you. While there is little power in fasting, praying, meditating, celebrating, etc. if you do them out of a sense of morality or false piety, there IS a lot of power in those practices if you enter into them h...more
Wow. One of the most powerful books I have ever read. This book is an incredible read for those who want to take their faith from the foothills to the "Himalayas of the Spirit." Foster not only explores the classical disciplines of Christianity in a deep sense, he also breaks the topic down for any layperson to understand. He does this all while maintaining scholarly integrity.
Foster readily admits that this book is an invitation to people of all ages to explore their faith and to go deeper in...more
Foster readily admits that this book is an invitation to people of all ages to explore their faith and to go deeper in...more
Foster expands on twelve spiritual disciplines: prayer, meditation, fasting, and study as an individual inner discipline; solitude, simplicity submission and service as outer discipline; and confession, guidance, worship, and celebration as corporate disciplines. It is well-defined and lots of great examples and Scriptural verses are given. If anything, it's just really hard to do (hence, it's called DISCIPLINE) and yet it's something to strive for. Can't really comment as to whether it's "good"...more
I thought this was a really good book and a good overview of things that are commonly and not so commonly thought of when thinking of spiritual disciplines. I appreciated his clear understanding that while in Christ we are set free, there are many disciplines that we can take part in that help to bring us closer to and into deeper understanding of our relationship with God. That notion saturated the book and is a good reminder I think for the generation that is too quick to preach the half-messa...more
I read Foster's work in college and am torn between giving it 2 or 3 stars. The admonition to set aside time daily for Bible study and prayer is certainly good, especially in a day characterized by lackadaisical Christianity (of which I am usually guilty). I wish I had more spiritual discipline! So, I don't want to argue that there is nothing good here. However, the extra-biblical, mystical underpinnings of this book, including the view that Christ's greatest work is the unseen work of inward tr...more
I was slightly hesitant to read this book and took a long time to get around to it, mostly because I thought it would be difficult to follow or feel deadening. That was a silly worry. This is a lively, energizing, exciting book. It’s the kind of book that you only want to read a piece at a time, because there’s so much so start doing with each chapter. And while I recommend reading through the whole book, I think that slowing down a little as you match concrete action with each chapter is really...more
Joel Fitch loaned this book to me and when he did, he said it was so good he stayed up one night to read it through. Well, it book me far longer than that - because it is very pithy, well written and lays out a solid foundation for discipling your spiritual life. The disciplines are challenging for sure. It was clear to me that the author - Richard J. Foster - is on the walk - that his grace and humility shown throughout the book.
If you want to sink your teeth into a solid Christian book on disc...more
If you want to sink your teeth into a solid Christian book on disc...more
Apr 25, 2008
Billy Phipps
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Growing Christians
Recommended to Billy by:
Can't Remember, but I owe them tons!
This is one of the most challenging books on spiritual disciplines I've read. I go back to it often.
I am not sure whether to categorise this book as "read" or "currently reading"... It is the sort of book you dip into and out of and always come away with something new. The title isn't exactly a winner, but it is basically a thoughtful and practical description of the key spiritual practices of Christian life. Written in plain language, the author guides you through age old methods for fostering spiritual growth, with an eye to the challenges of modern life. The focus is both individual and col...more
Aug 26, 2008
Elizabeth
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Elizabeth by:
Josette, Mary
Shelves:
adult,
theology-spirituality
This book is potentially life changing. Thanks to those of you who recommended it to me.
2 likes · like · see review
The book that I have reread and used over the decades more than any other. When first published it was almost alone in providing theological grounding and practical help in training for transformation. Despite hundreds now published with similar intentions, it remains a real treasure. It is accessible to people from widely diverse backgrounds. After its success, Foster founded Renovare, a group dedicated to promoting spiritual growth within churches. He has practiced his own teaching and has avo...more
There is no better explanation of the classic Christian disciplines than Foster's book. It defines each discipline and demonstrates how each can be practiced individually and corporately. The only danger is that the disciplines can come across as legalistic and deadening. A great follow-up to further explain the nature and reasons for the disciplines is "The Spirit of the Disciplines" by Dallas Willard. Together they give a well-rounded explanation of the disciplined devotional life. Probably as...more
Jul 18, 2010
Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
challenge,
spirituality
Why is it that even the best nonfiction books always have terrible titles? “Celebration of Discipline?” Who decided to call this wonderful book by such a banal name?
Foster explores the various approaches to Christian spiritual growth (Okay, face it, that little sentence makes this book sound as awful as the title….Why is so difficult to put words to experiences so close to our heart?) Let me just stop talking about the book and suggest that if you are interested in growing spiritually, you give...more
Foster explores the various approaches to Christian spiritual growth (Okay, face it, that little sentence makes this book sound as awful as the title….Why is so difficult to put words to experiences so close to our heart?) Let me just stop talking about the book and suggest that if you are interested in growing spiritually, you give...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anglicans: Chapter 7 The Discipline of Solitude | 5 | 8 | Sep 23, 2012 06:32pm | |
| Anglicans: Celebration of Discipline, chapter 4 "Fasting" | 3 | 7 | Sep 21, 2012 12:29pm | |
| Anglicans: Chapter 6 "The Discipline of Simplicity" | 1 | 2 | Sep 15, 2012 02:04pm | |
| Anglicans: Celebration of Discipline (Intro and chapter one) | 16 | 13 | Sep 01, 2012 12:34pm | |
| Anglicans: Celebration of Discipline Chapter 5 "The Discipline of Study" | 1 | 5 | Mar 14, 2012 04:59pm | |
| Anglicans: Chap. 3 "The Discipline of Prayer" | 3 | 7 | Mar 07, 2012 05:06pm | |
| Anglicans: Celebration of Discipline Chapter 2 The Discipline of Meditation | 8 | 4 | Feb 22, 2012 01:13pm |
Richard J. Foster is the author of several bestselling books, including Celebration of Discipline, Streams of Living Water, and Prayer, which was Christianity Today's Book of the Year and the winner of the Gold Medallion Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. He is the founder of Renovaré, an intrachurch movement committed to the renewal of the Church in all her multifaceted...more
More about Richard J. Foster...
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“We really must understand that the lust for affluence in contemporary society is psychotic. It is psychotic because it has completely lost touch with reality. We crave things we neither need nor enjoy. 'We buy things we do not want to impress people we do not like.' ...It is time to awaken to the fact that conformity to a sick society is to be sick.”
—
21 people liked it
“A farmer is helpless to grow grain; all he can do is provide the right conditions for the growing of grain. He cultivates the ground, he plants the seed, he waters the plants, and then the natural forces of the earth take over and up comes the grain...This is the way it is with the Spiritual Disciplines - they are a way of sowing to the Spirit... By themselves the Spiritual Disciplines can do nothing; they can only get us to the place where something can be done.”
—
12 people liked it
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