 First
published in 1978, Celebration of Discipline has had a
massive influence on evangelicalism. Unfortunately, the influence
has helped to saturate the church with mystical contemplative
prayer and the New Age. Most likely, your pastor has a copy of
this book in his library.
"Foster
... is highly steeped in the Roman Catholic mystics, drawing from
dozens of them for his theology. More than that, Eugene Peterson
informs us that Foster has "'found' the spiritual disciplines
[in the mystics] that the modern world stored away and forgot."—Gary
Gilley,
Book Review on Celebration of Discipline
Celebration
of Discipline—
Being Recommended Throughout Christendom |
The
Following Organizations are Listed to Show How Widespread the
Endorsement for
Celebration of Discipline is:
Willow
Creek
Dallas
Willard
Youth
Specialties
National Pastor's Convention
Focus
on the Family (Update: FOF had removed Celebration of Discipline from their store, but now that they have partnered with CBD, they are again offering Celebration of Discipline along with many other contemplative books.)
National
Center for Leadership
Randy
Alcorn
Eternal
Perspectives
Youth
Ministry & Spirituality Project
Abilene
Christian University
Spiritual Formation
Regent
University
Eugene
Peterson Endorses
Celebration of Discipline
"Richard
J. Foster has 'found' the spiritual disciplines that the modern
world stored away and forgot, and has excitedly called us to celebrate
them. For they are, as he shows us, the instruments of joy, the
way into mature Christian spirituality and abundant life." -Eugene
Peterson, author of The Message
From Celebration of Discipline
"We should all without shame enroll as apprentices in the school
of contemplative prayer" 1978 edition
Even people, "who have yet to turn their
lives over to Jesus Christ - can and should practice them."
(Spiritual disciplines)
In Celebration Of Discipline Foster makes several recommendations
of books that are "helpful" to read. He heartily endorses Tilden
Edward's book, Spiritual Friend. Here are some quotes
from that book: page 18 and 19 - "This mystical stream [contemplative
prayer and other monastic traditions] is the Western bridge to Far Eastern spirituality [and to that of Sufis Moslems]; This
exchange, together with the more popular Eastern impact in the West
through transcendental meditation, Hatha Yoga, the martial arts,
and through many available courses on Eastern religions in universities, has aided a recent rediscovery of Christian apophatic mystical tradition."
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