I couldn't help but notice how 90% of the reviewers gave the book 3 or more stars. That speaks for itself, especially in today's world where it seems no two people can agree on much of anything. I also noticed several of the critics didn't even read more than a paragraph or two. I spoke with one pastor who rejected it based only on Internet reviews. Following is my review, and I've read it three times.

Foster writes with the authority of someone who not only knows about his subject matter but has made it an intimate and integral part of his person and life. The book's purpose is to respond to the desperate need in the world for deep people, specifically deep Christians, who would become "the answer to a hollow world" (1). The reviewer loved the analogy comparing ingrained habits of sin with the dirt on the ocean floor, even finding the perfect verse (Isa. 57:20). Foster points out that what people need is an inside job, which only God can do (6), and the spiritual disciplines are that "path of disciplined grace" (7) that will "reconstruct us into the image of Jesus Christ" (8). Foster completes his analogy by stating that the Spirit's work changes the natural motions of sin into natural motions of good (9). It is complete, well-supported, thoroughly accurate observations like this throughout the book that make Foster a true joy and inspiration to read.

While there were no bad chapters, some stood out as particularly exceptional for the reviewer, such as meditation (chapter two). The Christian's adversary, says Foster, majors in three things: noise, hurry, and crowds (15). The Christian's arsenal of meditation, prayer, fasting, and study are perhaps not often associated as a collective set of resources used offensively against an organized assault on multiple fronts. This, the reviewer perceives, is Foster's gift, to reveal old truths with new light, and thus become himself a powerful tool in the hands of the Spirit.

Through Foster's mature eyes, readers can see more things more clearly and more readily. Of particular interest to the reviewer was the masterful way he weaved together each set of disciplines as separate and distinct yet interactive and interdependent. One meditates better when one has studied well, and one fasts more richly while praying more fervently; likewise, one studies more deeply when one's spirit has united with God in prayer, and one's fast is more joyful when accompanied with great meditation. As Foster puts it, "We are not so much abstaining from food as we are feasting on the word of God" (55). When all twelve disciplines are considered together, each pair feeds and informs the other in a dazzling set of interwoven strands, creating a spiritual tapestry that is incomparably transcendent and infinitely beneficial. A church whose members gather with such deep, inner transformations truly can change the world.

Fenelon said it all with five words on the subject of simplicity, another chapter with particular appeal to the reviewer, "The pearl of the Gospel" (79). Foster adds his own generous and classic quotations, such as the following for solitude, "Jesus calls us from loneliness to solitude" (96). Each of just these two jewels is enough subject matter for an entire pastoral retreat. Yet Foster is not content to add a few such rich snippets--his entire work is saturated with them. He found this from T. S. Eliot about modern culture, "Where will the word be found, where will the word resound? Not here, there is not enough silence" (96). Many have written about the dark night of the soul, but none the reviewer has read to date has married the entire painful experience with something positive, until now: "The dark night is one of the ways God brings us into a hush, a stillness so that he may work an inner transformation upon the soul" (102). It is one thing to point to the value of silence; it is quite another to make it so appealing as to be irresistible, such as Foster makes it with the following: "Listen to God's speech in his wondrous, terrible, gentle, loving, all-embracing silence" (109).

Directly related to the silence found in solitude, one's service to others also involves silence, as Foster captures, "To listen to others quiets and disciplines the mind to listen to God" (138). The matter of confession was a fresh issue on the reviewer's mind, having recently heard that an inmate confessed something egregious to his pastor, who then gave him the choice of turning himself in to Child Protective Services, or he would. Foster's words could not have been better timed. Rather than dismissing the discipline outright for fear of those who would abuse it, the reviewer came away with a more balanced and healthy view. Consider this from Foster: "We are sinners together. In acts of mutual confession we release the power that heals. Our humanity is no longer denied, but transformed" (146).

The reviewer could use many pages just to skim the surface of the majesty of Foster's masterful work. His objective, of course, is met so very thoroughly, if only readers will take his words to heart and truly respond to this hollow world with more depth, sincerity, and maturity, all of which are only gained through the classic spiritual disciplines.

Foster’s work encourages and blesses me each time I open it and re-read it. I’m forever grateful for his thoughtful attention to the spiritual disciplines.

This book is a classic for a reason. Foster writes on several classic spiritual formation categories and illustrates their depth. It's clear he had spent a long time thinking and practicing these and was able to reflect deeply on the topics. This is a great book for new or seasoned Believers. I led a discipleship group through it and met weekly to discuss a chapter at a time. The group loved the book and found it a helpful guide for helping them develop their walk with God.

Foster sees the goal of each formation topic as leading people to God. He does not see any particular discipline as the end in itself. This steers from idolatry or rote religious practice. His goal is to help people develop a deeper walk with the Lord than what you might call surface level Christianity. I'd recommend this to anyone - especially those discipling others.

One thing that I did not find as helpful were some of Foster's application suggestions. Most of them were terrific suggestions for applying a particular discipline but there were that were a couple that were a bit too mystical for me. It's to be expected since there is no author that you will always 100% agree with. All in all, I'd highly recommend this classic work.

To many leaders, pastors, and other Christians who have been through many seasons with God, Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline is an instant classic. Exploring leadership disciplines from a more deep, spiritual perspective (versus a practical one), this refreshing book was originally published in 1978. It has stood the test of time amongst the changes of society and the variations in leadership methods, thanks to its foundation on God's Word.

Foster breaks his book into three parts. The first one is "Inward Disciplines," like fasting and prayer. The second one is "Outward Disciplines," like service and simplicity, and the final one deals with the "Corporate Disciplines," like confession. I personally learned so much from this book, namely about fasting, simplicity, and the importance of solitude. I have always been involved in leadership positions since high school, but after reading this book I was opened up to the plethora of areas I needed to let God in to grow me. The book is very personal and relatable even though it was written over thirty years ago, and it remains close to my heart among the leadership books in my library.

Two pieces of advice here - this book is quite hefty in the depth department. I would not recommend this to someone who is completely new to Christianity; they could very easily feel overwhelmed at the sheer wisdom packed in every single page of the book. Of course, everyone is different, but that is my personal opinion. Secondly, take some time to digest this book. Don't speed through it in a week or two.

This book ends up producing an intimate warmth in the hearts of its readers. This is not because of some special magic in the words of the book, but because of the God that dives deeper into your life as you live each discipline out. Remember, it's all through the Holy Spirit!

Foster identifies and classifies some normative disciplines practiced by Christians into three categories. First, the Inward Disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting, and study turn the believer toward God. Second, the Outward Disciplines of simplicity, solitude, submission, and service reflect the view toward others. Finally, the Corporate Disciplines of confession, worship, guidance, and celebration are practiced in community with other believers.

While some of the categories Foster defines may overlap with some others, he helps the reader engage with many aspects of Christian life that are often neglected. The very use of the term discipline is informative, as it calls to mind both discipleship and diligence. Many valuable insights and practical suggestions make this book a candidate for every library. For instance, the discussion on obedience within one's own strength (reflecting on Col.2:20-23 and Rom. Chaps. 7-8) shows exceptional insight, and is foundational to Christians beset by legalism and guilt. Foster clearly avoids disputed theological positions, which makes this book very useful in teaching the practical daily application of Christian faith.

Weaknesses in his teaching result when he fails to achieve this goal, a deplorable example of which is his labeling of Dispensationalism as heresy (p.52). Other positions that might be questioned include the idea of an "open universe" (i.e. God changes His mind in response to prayer), the Quaker defined discipline of simplicity (a broader caution about undue attachment to material things of the world might be better), and his reliance on common sense might be questioned by those who view mankind's reason as (at least) untrustworthy after the Edenic Fall. However, the many strengths of Foster's book far outweigh these minor points.

To deal with a couple points specifically, two issues from Foster's book stand out - one positive and one negative. Some experiencing bereavement would disagree vehemently with his assertions about prayer. He seems to assume that the outcome willed by God is knowable to the one praying, rather than the subject of the prayer and the fact that it is prayed at all. Thus he determines that "if is your will" is inappropriate prayer content. Like the leper in Mark 1:40-45, one can always pray "Lord if you are willing..." knowing that God COULD heal, but not that He WILL. Does the fact that God will give what is good to those of His children who ask (Matt.7:7-11) mean that we know or understand what good He will give?

On a positive note, Foster's discussion of confession is very thought provoking, especially in the classification as a corporate discipline. God works in believers' lives through others, and transparency with other believers about past and present struggles with sin and obedience may be one way that "God causes all things to work together for good..." It is a liberating idea that God can bring about His purposes despite and through our own weaknesses.

This book deserves thumbs up. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone desiring more in their walk with God.

Foster presents spiritual disciplines in a simple, straightforward manner that is at once both eloquent and informative. The author's perspective as a Quaker is enhanced by his encyclopedic understanding of a wide array of classic Christian writings. But he handles his expertise with grace, never coming across heavy-handed, but instead delivers his message with warmth and sincerity. The disciplines are presented in three groupings, the inward forms of meditation, prayer, fasting and study; the outward forms of simplicity, solitude, submission and service; and the coporate disciplines of confession, worship, guidance and celebration. As someone who has lived a great deal of my life in an independent and fairly undisciplined manner, I was drawn to Foster's prose from the first page and savored his message throughout the book. Maybe for me the time was just finally right for this, but I heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in deepening their involvement in the spiritual life. The only criticism I might express would be the way he over-generalizes eastern forms of meditation as being only about detachment. Western philosophers unfamiliar with the many schools of eastern thought often overlook the great diversity of practices from the east that focus on love and compassion every bit as much as Christianity does. I don't think Foster is being exclusive in his message about Christ, he is simply expounding the great truths that he knows best.

I like the pithy quotes and deep and rich discussion of every discipline as well as the practical angle to each.

I also like the angle of just seeing the richness in every season, age, and denomination.

I thought he could use less word, may be subtitle more

si on veut aller en profondeur dans la vie chrétienne c'est le livre à avoir.

An absolute classic! Must read for every Jesus follower and a call to live beyond merely church attendance and embrace a transformed life.

Read it and get clarity in your thought... A valuable addition in my library

I had read this book before as a theology student but purchased this reprint copy this year for study in a small church house group during Lent. The title really made some of the group apprehensive - the word "Discipline" having images of failure and judgment popping into their heads before they even began! However, as the shared times of fellowship to explore the book progressed, most were amazed how encouraging and enlightening Foster helps to make the shared journey of faith or exploration.

Foster covers each of twelve areas of spiritual life: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission , Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration, a chapter devoted to each with related Bible readings and suggested study questions at the end of each section.

Foster's honesty about his own personal struggles and areas of challenge on the way are encouraging and help the reader to reassess or start to explore ways of approaching God through life style choices in our modern world with all its opportunities and temptations!

Don't pick this up if you aren't hoping to go deeper into your relationship with God! You'll be disappointed! If you do want to be challenged, enriched and potentially changed forever, then fasten your seatbelt, plunge in, and may this book be one of those that blesses you this year!

Um clássico da literatura cristã. Só não é melhor que o livro "A Imitação de Cristo", de Thomas Kempis, que é o melhor e mais profundo livro depois da Bíblia.