Synopses & Reviews
"Thirty-five years ago, Richard Foster introduced a generation to the spiritual disciplines. Now his son introduces another generation to both the glories and the frustrations of seeking to practice them--to master and be mastered by the craft and art of the spiritual life. This is a book of honesty and hope."--John Ortberg, senior pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church; author of Soul KeepingMore than thirty years after his father's classic book brought them to the masses, Nathan Foster took his own unique path into the spiritual disciplines. As he sought day by day to develop habits that would enable him to live more like Jesus, he encountered problems both universal and personal. Along the way, he found creative new ways to practice the disciplines and discovered that a vital, conversational relationship with God was truly within his grasp.Now he invites you to join him on the journey. You may just find that holy habits are truly possible for all. "Nathan Foster has written about the Christian life not impersonally and objectively but as a participant. Read this book and find yourself a new companion as you follow Jesus."-- Eugene H. Peterson, professor emeritus of spiritual theology, Regent College"Delightful . . . simply delightful. Nathan's reflections on the spiritual disciplines are honest, fresh, and insightful. Read and be blessed."--Ruth Haley Barton, founder of the Transforming Center; author of Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership and Sacred Rhythms"Nathan has a unique voice so badly needed today. He is a storyteller whose raw honesty disarms the reader and allows us to join him, without fear of judgment, on a journey toward an imperfect sainthood."--James Bryan Smith, associate professor of religion, Friends University; executive director of the Apprentice Institute; author of The Apprentice Series
Synopsis
Nathan Foster was just a child when his father's classic Celebration of Discipline brought the spiritual disciplines into the popular evangelical consciousness. More than thirty years later, Nathan made his own journey into the spiritual disciplines. As he sought day by day to develop habits that would enable him to live more like Jesus, he encountered problems both universal and unique. In this engaging narrative, he draws insights from saints of old to uncover fresh ways of living for the contemporary, postmodern Christian.Through his successes, struggles, and failures, Foster invites readers on a journey of freedom, pain, frustration, and ultimately joy as he learns to rise above selfish desires, laugh at his own failures, and fall in love with God. Those who have read Celebration of Discipline will find in Nathan's book creative new ways to practice the disciplines that have been so formative in their lives. Those who are new to the spiritual disciplines will find that developing a vital, interactive, conversational relationship with God is within their grasp. As a result, the holy habits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are truly possible for all. Includes chapter openings and a foreword from Richard J. Foster.
About the Author
Nathan Foster is an associate professor of social work and theology at Spring Arbor University, where he holds the Andrews Chair in Spiritual Formation. He is director of teaching ministries for Renovaré as well as a licensed clinical social worker, certified addictions counselor, public speaker, bassist for Christy & The Professors, and the author of Wisdom Chaser: Finding My Father at 14,000 Feet. He currently resides in Michigan with his wife and two children. To connect with Nathan or book speaking engagements, visit www.nathanfosterprojects.com.