Three Sentence Summary
Richard Foster’s The Celebration of Discipline expounds upon 12 disciplines of the Christian life. The inner life of the Christian is to be marked by meditation, prayer, fasting and study which produce the outward disciplines of simplicity, solitude, submission, and service. Since Christians live among the body of Christ, there are corporate disciplines such as confession, worship, guidance, and celebration, all of which are motivated by the joy at the heart of Christ.
Overall Impression
Foster provides a new perspective on the words Christian Disciplines. Most often we limit the spiritual disciplines to prayer and reading scripture. I loved the concept of simplicity, submission, confession, and celebration as spiritual disciplines I had never considered previously.
Favorite Quotes
The risen Christ beckons us to the ministry of the towel.
Foster (p. 140)
If worship does not propel us into greater obedience, it has not been worship. To stand before the Holy One of eternity is to change.
Foster (p. 173)
Celebration is central to all the Spiritual Disciplines. Without a joyful spirit of festivity the Disciplines become dull, death-breathing tools in the hands of modern Pharisees. Every Discipline should be characterized by carefree gaiety and a sense of thanksgiving.
Foster (p. 191)
Top Takeaways
- Keep joy at the center.
- Celebrate others regularly.
- See confession as a discipline.
Disclaimer
Please note: If you liked this review or my linked summary, I encourage you to purchase the book. This review is meant to be a supplement to the book and certainly not a substitute.
