Celebration of Discipline Paperback – 1 January 2009
by Richard Foster (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 3,156 ratings
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Arguably the most established contemporary spiritual classic by our most profound living religious writer. This timeless classic has helped well over a million people discover a richer spiritual life infused with joy, peace and a deeper understanding of God.
The book explores the 'classic disciplines' of Christian faith: the inward disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting, and study; the outward disciplines of simplicity, solitude, submission and service and the corporate disciplines of confession, worship, guidance and celebration.
304 pages
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Review
Like a child exploring the attic of an old house on a rainy day, discovering a trunk full of treasure and then calling all his brothers and sisters to share the find, Richard Foster has 'found' the spiritual disciplines that the modern world stored away and forgot ... the instruments of joy, the way into mature Christian spirituality and abundant life. ― Eugene Peterson
This is a book I'd love to have written ... exciting, stimulating and joyful. ― Joyce Huggett
The best modern book on Christian spirituality. ― Ronald Sider
Review
Like a child exploring the attic of an old house on a rainy day, discovering a trunk full of treasure and then calling all his brothers and sisters to share the find, Richard Foster has 'found' the spiritual disciplines that the modern world stored away and forgot ... the instruments of joy, the way into mature Christian spirituality and abundant life. - Eugene Peterson
This is a book I'd love to have written ... exciting, stimulating and joyful. - Joyce Huggett
The best modern book on Christian spirituality. - Ronald Sider
Book Description
A brand new re-issue of this Christian classic, with a stunning new cover.
From the Publisher
Richard Foster is a best-selling author, the founder of RENOVARE - a movement committed to spiritual renewal - and Professor of Spiritual Formation at Azusa Pacific University, California.
About the Author
Richard Foster is the founder of RENOVARE and author of a number of internationally bestselling books including CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE and PRAYER. Richard travels throughout the world, speaking and teaching on the spiritual life.
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Publisher : Hodder Faith; 1st edition (1 January 2009)
Language : English
Paperback : 304 pages
4.7 out of 5 stars 3,156 ratings
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4.7 out of 5 stars
Top reviews from Australia
Martin I'Anson
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and challengingReviewed in Australia on 26 February 2021
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An absolute classic! Must read for every Jesus follower and a call to live beyond merely church attendance and embrace a transformed life.
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Steve Lenon
5.0 out of 5 stars A great book. By giving Biblical principles that help us ...Reviewed in Australia on 11 February 2015
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A great book. By giving Biblical principles that help us along the path of discipleship and spiritual growth, it goes a long way to correcting the dangerous error that 'cheap grace' carries with it's singular focus on the atonement.
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Ian Acheson
5.0 out of 5 stars Compulsory reading for every believer and such an enjoyable readReviewed in Australia on 14 July 2018
This really is the definitive piece of work on spiritual disciplines. Foster shares his thoughts on 13 of them split into 3 categories:
1. The Inward Disciplines
2. The Outward Disciplines
3. The Corporate Disciples
Each chapter is powerful and Foster opened my eyes to some that I hadn't really thought much about, eg, Celebration and Guidance (both best experienced in community!) As one expects with all Foster works, it is well researched with references to an assortment of other works from long in the past to more current ones. The references in themselves are compelling and I already can see myself seeking out a bunch of them.
Each discipline comes with a section titled "For Study" which gives a 7-day list of Biblical passages to review and meditate upon to help embed the discipline.
In this often superficial distracted and busy world many Christians ask the question why does one need to add to our daily activities such activities. It's a valid question and fortunately, Foster and the Afterword by James Catford (Head of Renovare UK) provide tremendous answers. Foster: "God has given us the Disciplines of the spiritual life as a means of receiving his grace. The Disciplines allow us to place ourselves before God so that he can transform us." and "This is the way it is with the Spiritual Disciplines - they are a way of sowing to the Spirit." Catford then adds: "It's the remarkable discovery that by stepping into the classic disciplines of the Christian faith we can, entirely by the grace of God, take the first step to be changed into his likeness." and "If Christianity is about anything it's about the work of God to change us from the inside out."
This really should be compulsory reading when one first choices to give their life to Jesus and I would encourage everyone seeking to go deeper with the Lord to spend some time both reading this book and then practicing the disciplines.
Very very highly recommended.
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Jennie Pollock
5.0 out of 5 stars Not just a hopeful titleReviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 February 2015
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I love books I have to read with a pencil in my hand. Well, that's not 100% true: some books I have to read with a pencil in my hand because they are so poorly written or poorly edited that I have to make corrections as I go. I don't love that. I love books that are so rich, so refreshing, so exciting that I have to highlight parts, make notes and write 'Yes!!' in the margins as I go.
Celebration of Discipline is one of those books - the marked-up-in-a-good-way books.
I deliberately took my time reading it (or tried to), rather than rushing through, but there is still so much goodness in there that I'm thinking of picking it back up and starting again almost immediately.
In a way, it shouldn't be so exciting. The twelve disciplines he covers he calls the classical disciplines - classic both because they are ancient and "because they are central to experiential Christianity."
"Superficiality," he begins, causing me to reach for my pencil, "is the curse of our age. ... The classical Disciplines of the spiritual life call us to move beyond surface living into the depths."
If that doesn't resonate with you, click away now; there's nothing for you here. If, however, that makes your heart and soul yearn for that deeper experience of God, of life itself, stop reading this review and just buy the book.
What comes through most strongly in Foster's writing is not a sense of dutiful worthiness but one of joy: deep, refreshing, life-giving joy. The author's celebration of discipline is not just a hopeful title but a very clear reality.
Highly recommended.
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Clomas
5.0 out of 5 stars A spiritual classicReviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 June 2016
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I bought this hardback edition as a replacement for my yellowing paperback edition purchased in 1983. Well into the second half of my life, I know now which are the books that I will return to again and again and this is one of them. Richard Foster's writing is clear, uncomplicated, thought provoking and challenging - and always conveys the kindness and love of God. It is a spiritual classic.
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Cjbevan
5.0 out of 5 stars The essential handbook of christian devotional technique. The classic title, unmatched in scope and description.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 May 2015
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It is the only book that i know if that goes in useful way over the practicalities of fasting, silence, simplicity, community, and indeed all spiritual disciplines, putting them all into context with each other and with the walk with God. No other book covers it all so accessibly and usefully. I have referred to it since the 80's and never superseded it or found it obsolete or superfluous. its presence on my book shelf is a constant admonition to my lifestyle. I have lost count of the amount of copies i have bought and given on. It is the only book I know like it.
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Josie
5.0 out of 5 stars Always in season!Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 September 2018
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This is one book I go to over & over again over many years. It keeps my mind on what is important as a Christian and has helped shape my thinking in loving God & loving my neighbour. I highly recommend it.
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Ms. L. Tebbutt
5.0 out of 5 stars ExcellentReviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 March 2019
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Brilliant book, LOVE this author. Have taken each chapter and discipline one at a time, for discussion at Home Group. Foster presents, explains and illuminates each one, clearing the fog and heightening our understanding. Recommend.
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==
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth
by Richard J. Foster
4.17 · Rating details · 35,978 ratings · 1,155 reviews
A newly repackaged and updated 40th anniversary edition of the timeless guide that has helped numerous seekers discover a richer spiritual life infused with joy, peace, and a deeper understanding of God, updated with a new introduction by the author and a new section: "Entering the Great Conversation about the Growth of the Soul."
Hailed by many as the best modern book on Christian spirituality, Celebration of Discipline explores the "classic Disciplines," or central spiritual practices, of the Christian faith. Along the way, Foster shows that it is only by and through these practices that the true path to spiritual growth can be found.
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 simplicity, solitude, submission, and service help prepare us to make the world a better place. The corporate Disciplines of confession, worship, guidance, and celebration bring us nearer to one another and to God.
Foster provides a wealth of examples demonstrating how these Disciplines can become part of our daily activities—and how they can help us shed our superficial habits and "bring the abundance of God into our lives." He offers crucial new insights on simplicity, demonstrating how the biblical view of simplicity, properly understood and applied, brings joy and balance to our inward and outward lives and "sets us free to enjoy the provision of God as a gift that can be shared with others." The discussion of celebration, often the most neglected of the Disciplines, shows its critical importance, for it stands at the heart of the way to Christ. Celebration of Discipline will help Christians everywhere to embark on a journey of prayer and spiritual growth. (less)
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Hardcover, Special 20th Anniversary Edition, 256 pages
Published October 5th 1988 by HarperOne (first published July 1st 1978)
Original TitleCelebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth
ISBN0060628391 (ISBN13: 9780060628390)
Edition LanguageEnglish
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Average rating4.17 · Rating details · 35,978 ratings · 1,155 reviews
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Michael
Dec 07, 2012Michael rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: spirituality, political-philosophy, mystery
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 the time, grabbed me so aggressively I nearly fell on the floor. It was the missing link I'd been searching for, the connection between Christian thought and spiritual practice. I stayed up all night reading it, and to this day consider it one of the most important books in my life. It set my life loose, on a journey of discovery that continues to this day.
This is soul-rocking stuff, for those who are ready for it.
Little did I realize at the time it would speak to others with the same power: Richard Foster's ideas have gone on to become a movement. My spirituality doesn't lend itself to industrial-strength support systems so I haven't done much to keep up with all he's doing. But from what I can tell the heart of his message has remained the same, and he has stayed true to the quiet voice that knocked me on the floor those many years ago.
If you wonder how you can find the deeper layers of the teachings of the revolutionary Jesus, you could do worse than to spend some time with Foster. (less)
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Bill
Jan 01, 2014Bill rated it liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: christian-life
I have mixed feelings about Celebration of Discipline. On one hand, I struggled with Foster’s subjective terminology and mystic approach. At times I found myself wondering exactly what he meant, and in turn wondering whether I would agree with him if I discovered exactly what he meant. Part of this is a difference theological emphasis, but I suspect it also comes down to a difference in personality. Some people like objective descriptions of neat and tidy concepts (like me), whereas others prefer more subjective, open ended, provocative discussion (like Richard Foster, perhaps). This was particularly evident when Foster turned to practical descriptions of spiritual Disciplines that went beyond what is clear from Scripture. I've come to prefer the term “means of grace” to refer to these kinds of practices, which keeps the focus on God’s part, rather than Spiritual Disciplines, which puts the focus on my part. For these reasons, I can’t whole-heartedly get on board with Foster’s vision of the Christian life.
Nonetheless, I am drawn to his very experiential way of following Jesus. I long for deeper meditation on Scripture, deeper times of prayer. I loved the chapter on study. I do appreciate silence as a way of connecting with God; I do seek to live a simple life. I would like to be more open to communal expressions of faith; I would like to express more unaffected joy. And so I was encouraged and motivated by this book. I won’t be adopting the life of an evangelical mystic anytime soon, but there’s plenty I can learn from Richard Foster. (less)
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Laura
Dec 28, 2008Laura rated it really liked it
Shelves: read-more-than-once
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 corporate disciplines: confession, worship, guidance, and celebration (these last two didn't resonate with me as much, but were still worthwhile).
What I love the most about the book is his reminder that the pursuit of a Christ-centered life is all about change and bringing ourselves closer to God. To pray is to change. To confess is to change. To worship is to change.
The idea is that daily scripture study and prayer is not to check off a to-do list, but actually change my life and who I am. The disciplines themselves are worthless without change.
I like the idea of incorporating meditation into my prayer time and allowing for more silence. I like the idea of emptying myself through meditation and then allowing myself to be filled with God's love. To let myself be open to God's will.
The chapter on simplicity was very interesting and just what I needed to hear. (Foster has an entire book dedicated to the subject of simplicity that I recommend, Freedom of Simplicity - if you're interested in a book that doesn't have a Christian point of view I recommend Voluntary Simplicity by Duane Elgin). Foster does a good job of inspiring change and encouraging you to start where you are at now. (less)
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Brian Ming
May 15, 2018Brian Ming rated it it was amazing
I just finished this gem. Although it's taken me some time to get through (due to such a busy schedule), I was disciplined enough to stick with it...See what I did there by celebrating my discipline. In all seriousness, I am very glad I read this book. In particular the sections on worship, on meditation, and especially on the celebration of joy are fabulous.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is seeking to go deeper with God. Surprisingly, even though our culture seems emphatic about the need for the spontaneous and passionate expression of our love affection towards God, there is beauty to be found in the discipline of regiment. It goes far beyond that; our God is a God of order and structure.
Let me make this personal: In my relationship with God, I have tended to love him like a much loved relative I see often. What I mean by that is I am delighted to go a few days or weeks without much interaction in the relationship. My daily Bible can be erratic as well my prayer time. Then I end up feeling bad and, upon taking a visit to see my relative (as I continue with the analogy), I tell them, "I'm sorry It's been a few days (or weeks) since we've really spent quality time..."
Thus goes my journey. But, in this book, I see the benefit of setting up systems of disciplined interaction. Oh, and by the way, let me throw in that one of the reasons I am distant from God is that, sometimes when I come to him, he says nothing--or it just seems dry and stale. What I learned from this book is, that is normal and, even in those time, He appreciated my perseverance to "press through" and remain disciplined!
Not only really enjoyed the book, but learned a great deal of life-changing principles I will treasure moving forward in my relationship with God. (less)
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Cori
Dec 21, 2019Cori rated it liked it
Shelves: devotionals, faith
I listened to this book on Audible to and from work every day. While the first few chapters actually taught me a lot, I struggled to to maintain focus through the second half of the book.
A couple reasons for this:
1) I think I should have read a physical copy of this book. I KNOW I struggle to maintain focus listening to audio books if they aren't fast-paced and engaging. So the fact I thought I'd maintain focus on this was an error on my part.
2) The second half of the book really didn't teach me things I didn't already know. It felt a little elementary, but at the same time, they were great reminders on prayer, studying, joy, and a handful of other disciplines.
The first few chapters taught me so much. Meditation and fasting are two disciplines I don't do often, or at all, in my relationship with Jesus. And while I was listening to these chapters, I realize it's because I'm intimidated by them, thinking I don't know enough to do them well. Since reading this, I've tried meditating. And you know what? It's awesome! I literally started by setting a timer for 5-10 minutes and just sat in front of the Christmas tree thinking about all the things I have to be thankful for. I'm the kind of person who can't keep their brain on one track and end up thinking about the hole in my sock. But the book's explanation of breaking it down into small chunks and working up was simple but effective.
I'd rate this book a G. (less)
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Ron
May 22, 2011Ron rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: religion-philosophy, christian_life
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. (less)
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Johnny
Jul 10, 2014Johnny rated it really liked it
Shelves: devotional
Although influenced by Dallas Willard (prior to his publication of The Spirit of the Disciplines), Richard J. Foster uses a different taxonomy in Celebration of Discipline than Willard uses in his book (Disciplines of Abstinence (solitude, silence, fasting, frugality, chastity, secrecy, sacrifice) and Disciplines of Engagement (study, worship, celebration, service, prayer, fellowship, confession, submission) (p. 158)). Foster’s division of spiritual disciplines is a trinity of Inward Individual (meditation, prayer, fasting, study), Outward Individual (simplicity, solitude, submission, service), and Corporate (confession, worship, guidance, celebration). Even a quick perusal of the lists should indicate that there are overlapping terms for maturing in discipleship.
A lot of people from the Protestant tradition are immediately dissuaded from the idea of spiritual disciplines because they are so focused on the idea of grace. Grace, of course, is both the beginning and the sustaining of spiritual growth, but growth is growth toward something. Foster points out that the motivation toward establishing spiritual discipline is simply a “longing for God” (p. 2) and that, as with meditation, we learn to benefit from these disciplines by doing these disciplines (p. 26). The book quickly establishes that we cannot overcome sin and become closer to God by willpower alone (p. 5), but a means of receiving grace (p. 7).
Fortunately, this is a very practical introduction to these disciplines that recognizes that one doesn’t simply become an expert practitioner or spiritual giant overnight. Rather, Foster quotes the contemplative monk, Thomas Merton, as stating that we are all “beginners” all of our lives (p. 2). Although my summary of this volume may seem somewhat superficial, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth is the kind of book that requires several readings and plenty of contemplation in order to get the most out of it. In fact, I rarely use a study guide when I’m digesting a devotional book, but I greatly benefited from the published study guide for this one.
Here are some of the ideas which were useful for me. In discussing meditation, Foster notes that the purpose of Eastern meditation is detachment from the world while Christian meditation is not merely trying to empty the evil, but fill ourselves with the good (p. 21). The book urges using both our memory and our imagination to meditate upon Scripture until it literally becomes God’s living word specifically to us (p. 29). As in his work on prayer, Foster quotes Martin Luther as stating that he is “so busy” that he must spend hours in prayer each day (p. 34). “Prayer is like any other work; we may not feel like working, but once we have been at it for a bit, we begin to feel like working.” (p. 45)
“Fasting is feasting,” says Foster (p. 55) to introduce the idea that fasting sets one free from the tyranny of desire. He cautions readers about jumping right into a long fast, suggesting several practical ideas for moving gradually into the experience. He also emphasizes four steps in study: 1) repetition (p. 64), 2) concentration (p. 65), 3) comprehension (p. 66), and 4) reflection (p. 66). I was impressed with his warning under study that, “All too many people rush to the application process and bypass the interpretation stage.” (p. 69)
Upon reaching the outward disciplines of the individual, Foster warns that the discipline of simplicity is not simply ascetism (p. 84). Three keys to simplicity are: 1) treat all as a gift from God, 2) ask all to be cared for by God, and 3) make all available to others (p. 88). Practical activities with regard to simplicity are: 1) buy for usefulness, not status (p. 90), 2) reject anything which has a tendency to become addictive in you (p. 90), 3) habitually give things away (p. 91), 4) be skeptical of advertising (p. 92), 5) enjoy things without owning them (p. 93), 6) get close to the earth (p. 93), 7) avoid instant gratification (p. 93), 8) use simple, honest speech (p. 93), 9) reject anything that requires oppression of others (p. 94), and 10) shun anything that doesn’t help you put the Kingdom of God first (p. 95).
Foster quotes an old proverb on silence: “All those who open their mouths, close their eyes!” (p. 98). Silence is difficult, but silence indicates trust (p. 100). He also indicates that there is something of a paradox with regard to silence, “If we are silent when we should speak, we are not living in the Discipline of silence. If we speak when we should be silent, we again miss the mark.” (p. 99)
Perhaps the most surprising discussion is to find the Discipline of solitude listed among the Outward Individual disciplines. The essence of the idea is that we have to experience solitude in order to prepare ourselves to be with people. Thomas Merton is quoted with regard to solitude as indicating that it helps him love his brothers (p. 108). Again, Foster is very practical, offering insight on celebrating “little solitudes” on pages 105-6.
With submission, Foster is quite frank about bad teaching on submission which leads to self-hatred (p. 110). The purpose of the Discipline of submission is to liberate us from the tyranny of our own wills (pp. 111, 113) not to psychologically flagellate ourselves. On pages 122-3, he lists seven acts of submission: 1) to God, 2) to Scripture, 3) to family, 4) to neighbors and those around us, 5) to the believing community, 6) to the broken and despised, and 7) to the world. Noting that some people think submission means to put yourself and family at harmful risk, Foster cautions that, “Revolutionary subordination commands us to live in submission to human authority until it becomes destructive.” (p. 124)
I particularly needed to see Foster’s discussion of “true service” as not being about “results” or being a means of manipulation (pp. 128-9). He urges hiddenness (p. 130) and for believers not to feel contempt for small things (p. 136). But perhaps the most revolutionary teaching for me in this volume was on the ministry of forgiveness. Foster cites Jesus command to forgive (John 20:23) and points out how we miss opportunity to assure and bless our brothers and sisters by not practicing the act of verbal, specific forgiveness (p. 148).
I didn’t really gain much from the discussion of worship, but liked the phrasing which suggested that worship forms are the “wineskin” or vessels for us to receive the presence of God (p. 159). I also liked the phrase about meeting God in the kitchen in order to meet God at church (p. 162). Perhaps, the most helpful ideas were that worship begins by stilling creaturely activity (p. 166) and continues as praise brings emotion into worship (p. 168).
The discussion on corporate guidance (not the same as in corporate organization) was interesting in that Foster observed how decisions in the early church were regularly agreed upon by using other spiritual disciplines: prayer, worship, fasting, etc. (p. 177). He cited a practice called “sounding the call” in which one church has a regular time at the end of a service in which people share what they believe God wants them to do and members of the church volunteer to come up and pray, share, counsel them (p. 181). The last discussion was on celebration. His conclusion was that joy is the end result of building the disciplines (p. 193). Celebration, then, frees us of an inflated view of our self-importance and of our tendency toward a judgmental spirit (pp. 196-7).
I don’t know what I was expecting when I ordered this book, but it probably wasn’t this. Celebration of Discipline is honest, practical, and humble. I think I was expecting something else. It isn’t the most brilliant theological work that I’ve read in recent days, but it is a devotional/theological work that I will use over and over again as I try to let God work through me.
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Bill
Aug 08, 2010Bill rated it it was amazing
Shelves: theology, spirituality, christian-life
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. Foster's list of twelve disciplines, I've learned, is certainly not exhaustive, but they are an excellent place to start in the process of becoming firmly rooted in the Spirit's ability to transform us into the character of Christ. (less)
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Tiffany
Mar 01, 2022Tiffany rated it really liked it
A very helpful overview of certain spiritual disciplines with lots of ideas on how to specifically implement them. It was a very practical book, which I appreciated. I also felt like the author did an excellent job of clearly differentiating what was scripture and what was his ideas. I didn’t necessarily agree with all of his ideas and perspectives, but I loved the vast majority of the book. Definitely one I will revisit in the future!
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Mitchell Springfield
Jul 19, 2022Mitchell Springfield rated it really liked it
Joy as the motor of the disciplines is a line I will be chewing on for a while.
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Leandro Dutra
Jan 14, 2015Leandro Dutra rated it it was ok
Shelves: doar
I really loved this book when I was a Neoevangelical. But then I grew Reformed, and it helped me that I ended up pinpointing what so discomfitted me when first reading it: its emphasys on mystical disciplines deviate from Scriptures and end up deemphasysing grace in favour of a focus on works.
Not that it cannot be read with profit. We sure can benefit of spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study, meditation &c. But we have to be aware, for example when it deviates from Biblical thoughtful, thinking meditation into visualisation of Jesus that borders on idolatry and idol making. (less)
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Elisabeth Ensor
Dec 12, 2017Elisabeth Ensor rated it it was amazing
The best book of 2017 for me!!!! I read this all year with 2 friends- taking each month to study a discipline and we discussed them over an app called Voxer. This book was life changing- the chapter on prayer and fasting especially. I recommend the audio book as you can stop and listen again and write it down if you want. The author has so much wisdom and I will read this again for sure!
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Emma Ayers
Jan 14, 2021Emma Ayers rated it it was amazing
A book that lead me to think deeply into what it really means to actively celebrate the discipline that brings Christ the most glory, and leads me into the fullness of life he invites us into through his son Jesus.
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Paula
Oct 09, 2019Paula added it · review of another edition
Read this book in conjunction with a small group discussion over a long period. An amazing work, full of important insightful practices.
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Jason Pierce
Jun 16, 2014Jason Pierce rated it really liked it
Recommends it for: Anyone, everyone
Recommended to Jason by: Bible study book
Shelves: self-help, 2015
To be clear I'm not your conventional Christian, so bear that in mind if you go any further, and please forgive any irreverence. I suppose many would say I'm not a Christian at all, but luckily all that is between me and God and not His other children. As with most things, I plan to take what I can use from this and leave the rest. Thankfully there is plenty I can use. I found it inspiring, plan to reread it, and will probably find other parts inspiring that didn't speak to me this time. I read this because it's what my Bible study group (where I stick out like a turd in a punchbowl) was doing this session. I go to learn, and grow, and all that happy crappy, and I discovered that I already do a lot of things that are suggested in this book, that some of the others in the group are seeing these kinds of things for the first time, and yet they're the ones with their lives together while I'm at sea and can't tell my ass from a hole in the ground sometimes. Oh well. I still stand by doing a lot of things suggested in this book, for these kinds of things have moved me in the right direction.
There are 12 disciplines grouped into three categories: inner, outer, and corporate. I didn't find out until halfway through the study what these indicated. Inner disciplines are ones you do within yourself (meditation, prayer, fasting, study). The outer ones are the same, but others can see you doing them and perhaps the results (simplicity, solitude, submission, service... Foster loves his S's). Corporate disciplines involve interacting with others (confession, worship, guidance, celebration). A lot of these build on each other, and if you're swinging all of them, you're probably happy, joyous, and free (or celebrating, if you will).
I didn't agree with everything, but opened my mind as much as it would go. Some things with simplicity and guidance were hard to swallow. In fact, I believe my feeling was "fuck that bullshit." Much in simplicity was akin to Marxism which I'm completely against, but there's a caveat that made it more palatable. Giving of one's own free will instead of the state forcing you to do it. That makes all the difference in the world. One is freedom, the other is slavery.
Guidance involved allowing others to make some decisions for you, and adhering to the will of a particular group who has prayed the answer for you... If I ever tell you what God's will is for you, then you need to tell me that I've lost my mind. I don't believe I can ever know God's will for anyone but myself. If you come to me with a problem, I can offer my thoughts which may or may not be divinely inspired, and then I need to let it go. I feel it's often God's will for me to say what I said, but whether or not the listener takes it to heart is another matter entirely.
The only discipline I took major umbrage with was, surprisingly, prayer. The thoughts in there were so out of line with my own way of praying that I didn't even attend that session for fear that I would flip my shit completely; I'm sure that study was improved by my absence. My prayers are for God's will and the wherewithal to see it. Use me to speak Your words, do Your work here on Earth this day, etc. That's how I roll it out in the morning, I give a thankee sir in the evening, and throw out some feelers throughout the day, and it doesn't need to be any more complicated than that. If I'm praying for someone else it's for His will to be done there also, or I'm pissed off at the person and trying to get over it. The chapter in this book even went so far as to suggest that my prayer can change God's mind. Why? I figure He's got it under control even if I don't see it at the time. And though George Carlin was an atheist, he can explain my sentiments here more succinctly than I ever could.
George Carlin photo George Carlin.jpg
"What about the divine plan? Remember that? The divine plan. Long time ago God made a divine plan. Gave it a lot of thought. Decided it was a good plan. Put it into practice. And for billions and billions of years the divine plan has been doing just fine. Now you come along and pray for something. Well, suppose the thing you want isn't in God's divine plan. What do you want him to do? Change his plan? Just for you? Doesn't it seem a little arrogant? It's a divine plan. What's the use of being God if every run-down schmuck with a two dollar prayer book can come along and fuck up your plan?"
That's close enough for government work, I reckon. More importantly, though, is I know how my mind works. I suffer from expectations which are simply resentments under construction. If I pray for something to change, then I start to expect that it will. I can't help it; that's just what happens. If those expectations aren't met, I get resentful, and then I have to do a lot of work on myself I could've avoided if I'd just left the thing alone in the first place. If a rock I'm holding is drowning me I can let it go at any time, but it works better if I just don't grab a hold of it at all.
And then he started talking about praying to remove faults... I could see it coming from a mile away, and sure enough it showed up: "pray the gay away." Being one of God's favored fags I witness firsthand the ignorance behind this kind of tripe. I'm sexually attracted to men, there ain't a thing I can do about it, and I refuse to spend anymore time making myself miserable trying to change it. God and I've talked about it, He's cool with it, and that will just have to be good enough for sanctimonious straightwads who think they know better. If something changes, I'll address it when it comes around... This seems to have struck a nerve again. Wrap it up for us, Karl.
Sling Blade Karl photo Sling Blade.jpg
"The Bible says two men ought not lay together, mmmm hmmm. But I don't reckon the Good Lord would send anybody like you to Hades."
Enough of my bellyaching. What was good about this? Most everything else. There were some tall orders, but I can understand where he was coming from with all of them. Surprisingly my favorite discipline was fasting. I've done a couple 24-hour deals since we read that chapter, and have found the results beneficial. I confess I had an ulterior motive (weight loss), but did it as suggested anyway. I felt called to try it out, and obeyed. (Obedience is a major theme throughout, which is to be expected. It's a religious book after all). The idea is that every time you feel a hunger pang, you pray about it. Mine went like this: "Here's another hunger pang, God. It's yours if you want it. If not, I reckon I'll hold onto it a while longer." Sometimes it went, sometimes not, but my focus was always diverted to something else. The idea behind it was to get to the "pray without ceasing" thing Paul is always going on about. I often wonder how insecure God must be that He needs my attention 24-7, but the answers to such questions are above my pay grade, and I just roll on regardless. Sound alarming to give up my will blindly? Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. I don't see where any harm has come to me from doing these kinds of things, and the beauty of it is that if I don't like the results I can quit doing it at any time.
Here's a quick run through on some of the others I got something from. Meditation is opening yourself to receive, and here's one place where Foster kind of contradicted himself. He says the posture you use isn't at all important, then talked about the posture he used, and immediately said why it should be done that way and how doing it some other ways might not work as well. Study is mostly paying attention to things around you to receive the Word.
Confession involves, well, obviously confessing. Letting another (the right other, mind) know it all. One thing I liked was the notion that the person hearing the confession has the power to give Jesus' forgiveness afterward. There's scripture to back it up, but I'm too lazy to look it up right now; read the book for further details. That explains a few things involving confessions I've done and those I've heard. I didn't see it in the terms described above, but the results were the same. Celebration was pretty awesome. As I mentioned before all of these build one on the other, and celebration is at the end for a reason. If you're doing all these things then joy is a part of you. I remember joy. I'm inspired to try to find it again, but it will take work.
Worship didn't do too much for me because it involves so much interaction with other people, but maybe I'm just not there yet. Several parts of service, submission, and solitude almost seemed interchangeable, and I'll need to reread them to get a better understanding. I thought I knew all about service since I try to see where I can be helpful to God or others throughout the day, but the book took it in a different direction, not to mention a rather demanding one. I thought I was good at that shit, but it turns out this young grasshopper has a lot to learn.
There was some pooh-poohing of these disciplines as practiced in other religions and spiritual settings, but those were parts I decided to leave behind. I believe trying these things could be helpful for anyone.
One last negative note, say sorry. Foster is better read than viewed. There's a video component to this book, and I'm so glad we did only the first one. He is annoying to watch, his speaking style is not above reproach, and I got so distracted by it that I couldn't hear the message. There's also a smugness about him that seems to eventually settle on a lot of people who deal long in the preaching profession, especially if they get airtime. I don't believe he's insincere at all, but it's better to read him than watch or listen to him. At least I found it so.
I think anyone interested in trying to do the whole getting-with-God-to-live-a-better-life-for-Him thing could benefit from this book. It also works well for anyone trying to be more spiritual which is really the same thing just wearing a different suit of clothes as far as I'm concerned. But be careful as there are some tall orders in here. I can dig most of them even if I'd rather not, and I think I spelled out the exceptions. The cool thing, though, is that those exceptions for me might work just fine for you. Check it out. (less)
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Michelle
Feb 23, 2022Michelle rated it it was amazing
This book did a fantastic job of covering some basics, but also going in depth on the how and why. I learned so much and hope to reread this one.
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Niki Shirkman
Mar 04, 2022Niki Shirkman rated it really liked it · review of another edition
(Part way in I realized I was listening to the abridged version but decided to keep going and would switch to full version if I wanted more.)
Simple, straightforward reminders and instructions of spiritual disciplines. Was challenged and encouraged. In the beginning there were some things that felt off-putting, but I think that’s more about my sin than the writing😅 By the end I was comforted and encouraged by the disciplines of the spiritual life.
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Jennifer Ochsenknecht
May 04, 2022Jennifer Ochsenknecht rated it really liked it
A book you really have to focus on, but is soooo good and filled with stuff that not only helps but challenges you in your walk with the Lord. Thanks @Tom for the book, sorry I didn’t read it when I was supposed to.
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Kailey Oliveros
Jun 16, 2020Kailey Oliveros rated it it was amazing
“The classical Disciplines of the spiritual life beckon is to the Himalayas of the spirit. Now we stand at timber line awed by the snowy peaks before us. We step out in confidence with our Guide who has blazed the trail and conquered the highest summit.”
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Ryan Starr
Sep 11, 2020Ryan Starr rated it really liked it
This book has pushed me to develop aspects of my spiritual discipline that are less focused on in the modern American church (fasting, simplicity, celebration). This book also reminds me that we worship in spirit and truth, pushing me to be more in tune with the Spirit. The final chapter on celebration is great and one I will reference for the rest of my life.
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Ellie Sorota
Aug 01, 2011Ellie Sorota rated it really liked it
Shelves: read-nonfiction
Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline reads like a cup of strong coffee - pleasant going down, but rather rattling once it enters the stomach. Each chapter focuses on a different discipline of the Christian life, and Foster is quick to offer snippets of his own attempts (failures & successes) in practicing the disciplines. With each discipline he presents both the practical and radical methods of practice. For example, the fasting chapter begins with an argument on the prudence of fasting as a regular part of the Christian life, discusses the physical affects of fasting, addresses some of the practical concerns (what to eat before, after a fast, etc.) and casually ends the chapter with: "Now is the time for all who hear the voice of Christ to obey it" (p61).
It is this very aspect of Foster's book that rattles the stomach. You may find yourself nonchalantly reading through his pages, nodding your head, perhaps underlining here and there, your legs stretched across your couch on a lazy afternoon. Then, you will notice a rather burning sensation in your will, realizing with horror that it is pulling an about-face. Your cozy morning Bible snippet no longer fits the bill. You may unfortunately find yourself, as I did, among a group of people agreeing to experimentally practice these disciplines and see if Foster is not perhaps telling some truths. In fact, your church may become so enamored with the idea of intimacy with God that they decide to fast regularly as a body and seek that intimacy together using the disciplines to propel them a bit deeper into Spirit-churned waters. That, I'm afraid, is the very sort of result Foster has in mind.
I should add that nowhere does Foster say the disciplines are actually NECESSARY to be a Christian, rather, he says over and over that you'd be sorely stunted to endure the Christian life without them. They need not be practiced perfectly, nor daily, but "practice" is key (and "practice" implies imperfection).
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Christopher M.
Jul 25, 2011Christopher M. rated it really liked it
A very solid, very practical introduction to Christian discipleship. Foster spends a chapter celebrating twelve spiritual disciplines, which he divides up into the Inward (meditation, prayer, fasting, study), Outward (simplicity, solitude, submission, service), and Corporate (confession, worship, guidance, celebration) Disciplines. Each of these chapters is well-founded and borrows from a wide variety of Christian sources from across time and tradition.
There is a good amount of flow from discipline to discipline, and in some ways I didn't like the categories that structured the book. It was clear that Foster deemed each of the disciplines as not a distinct, check-in-the-box kind of action that all good Christians ought to perform, but as a cog in the whole, healthy Christian life that is postured toward God in every respect. God and his grace are seen as saturating the new-created believer, and Foster often seems reluctant to give specific step-by-step sorts of instructions regarding the practice of any of the disciplines, but (thankfully) in many spots he does. While these instructions will be helpful for anyone diving into the life of discipline (which is really the Christian life) for the first time, Foster is cautious to not turn them into any sort of "law" which Christians are bound to. Rather, these disciplines are a joy for the believer to participate in, because they point to and lead to Jesus and the God who pursued them in the first place.
My only major complaint with the book is that there was a lack of a sort of "explicit gospel" which would have helped ground the practices in the Christian narrative. I believe the gospel is present in the pages, but it is often difficult for the human heart to respond to implication without a clear narrative to orient itself around. However, I highly recommend the read, and I will be returning to the book frequently for reference as I explore the life of discipline further and make it a part of my rhythm. (less)
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David Woods
Feb 09, 2012David Woods rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: religion-spirituality
Foster discusses 12 spiritual disciplines. He doesn't waste words. The chapters were succinct, and I found myself underlining often. Great tidbits and suggestions and logistical how-to's as well as discussing the scriptural bases for the disciplines and the fruit that can come as a result. Ultimately, the disciplines in themselves are nothing, but they are various ways to present ourselves before God so that he can bring about spiritual transformation in our lives. Grace is free, but we do have a role to play in our own spiritual transformation/sanctification/spiritual maturity :)
Our paster a couple weeks ago was discussing obedience, and in my best paraphrase he said there was not too much he could do today that would help him to grow in character and maturity, but over the course of years, a trajectory can change.
Spiritual disciplines change the trajectory of our lives and lead us along a different path. As Foster summarizes, "..it involves a voluntarily accepted and consciously chosen course of action...which will set us before God in such a way that He can produce the needed change... There is a proper place for the will, but it is not in transforming the inner person. The will functions in the decision to place our lives before God so that He may work within us... And that decision is a continual one." (less)
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Zachary
Feb 02, 2016Zachary rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: theology
I had forgotten how much of an impression this book had made on me in college, when I worked through it with a small group of friends. We read each chapter and then set out that week to put them into practice in a deliberate and specific way. It was pretty awesome and life-changing, actually. I didn't realize how much of an effect it had upon my personal theology until I just re-read it for a class.
Overall, an awesome book. He gives a very balanced, non-legalistic approach to the disciplines. The aspect which I really love is these disciplines are a way to get one's faith out of cerebral acceptance, or even emotional commitment, and into everyday life. There is a reason this book is considered a classic, because it is a very accessible read and quite poignant along the way.
This is a great read for lay people as well as clergy and academia. Highly recommend. (less)
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Samuel
Nov 13, 2021Samuel rated it it was amazing
Shelves: christian-theology-philosophy
Although this book wasn't written for me, it felt like it was.
It spoke to the unvoiced thoughts and opinions that I had throughout the weeks of reading this book. More so, God was speaking to me through Foster's scribblings on a page.
I'll probably come back to this book once a year, it's something I need to mull over. It was refreshing to see how much he values his relationship with Jesus, privately, but also corporately.
I've learnt quite a few things from this book, and I'm sure I'll learn more each time I come back to it.
Would recommend it as a great starting point to learn more about spiritual growth.
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Kathleen Kurlin
Jan 02, 2013Kathleen Kurlin rated it it was amazing
This is probably one of the greatest books I have ever read on the subject of spiritual discipline. I am only halfway through this book so far, but I can't believe all that I've learned so far. I am in a class at my church and we are using this book for our year-long class. I can't wait to finish reading this book. I look forward to applying all the principles I'm reading about in this book to my daily life and walk with God. Great, great book! (less)
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Barry
Sep 25, 2016Barry rated it liked it
Shelves: christian-living
A lot of good stuff in here. I think Dallas Willard's "Spirit of the Disciplines" does a better job of explaining "why" the Christian disciplines are important, but this one is better at describing the practical "how." I'm sure I'll be rereading this one. ...more
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Elizabeth
Jun 30, 2008Elizabeth rated it it was amazing
Recommended to Elizabeth by: Josette, Mary
Shelves: theology-spirituality, adult
This book is potentially life changing. Thanks to those of you who recommended it to me.
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