2008 Woodie Awards
Discipline good for spiritual practice
By: Jon Vick
Issue date: 1/31/07 Section: Entertainment & Features
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Jon Vick
Staff Writer
Throughout their lives many Christians have heard words such as fasting, meditation and solitude, examples of spiritual disciplines. Many have an idea of what these words mean, but most do not know how to use these disciplines to their own spiritual advantage. An excellent book for some guidance on the subject is Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster.
Discipline begins with an opening chapter that introduces the book well, expressing the benefits that come with the practice of spiritual disciplines. Foster also points out that these practices are for everyone in the body of Christ, not just leaders or spiritual giants. In the foreword, as the rest of the book, are solid Bible references, which gives the basis of the author's statements a firm foundation.
The book lists twelve of the central Christian disciplines and breaks them down into three main sections. "The Inward Disciplines" includes mediation, prayer, fasting and study. "The Outward Disciplines" consists of simplicity, solitude, submission and service. The final category, "The Corporate Disciplines," is composed of confession, worship, guidance and celebration.
Due to this straightforward layout the book flows well and is easy to read. Although variations in formula are found from chapter to chapter, each includes scripture references and examples that show how freedom can be found in these disciplines. In chapter eight Foster writes, "Every discipline has its corresponding freedom…The purpose of the disciplines is freedom."
Personally, my favorite chapter was chapter three, "The Discipline of Prayer." I enjoyed this chapter the most because prayer is something in which Christians regularly engage. In the first page of this chapter Foster says, "To pray is to change…In prayer, real prayer, we begin to think God's thoughts after him." Further in the chapter Foster shows that we should not make prayer overcomplicated, just keep the prayer open and honest. Other chapters that I enjoyed were "The Discipline of Fasting," and "The Discipline of Celebration."
Discipline is definitely a useful and insightful book. The chapters flow easily due to the well-organized layout. I found that the book definitely expanded the knowledge and strength of my spirituality. The book has been revised several times since its original release in 1978, and is available wherever Christian literature is sold.
Staff Writer
Throughout their lives many Christians have heard words such as fasting, meditation and solitude, examples of spiritual disciplines. Many have an idea of what these words mean, but most do not know how to use these disciplines to their own spiritual advantage. An excellent book for some guidance on the subject is Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster.
Discipline begins with an opening chapter that introduces the book well, expressing the benefits that come with the practice of spiritual disciplines. Foster also points out that these practices are for everyone in the body of Christ, not just leaders or spiritual giants. In the foreword, as the rest of the book, are solid Bible references, which gives the basis of the author's statements a firm foundation.
The book lists twelve of the central Christian disciplines and breaks them down into three main sections. "The Inward Disciplines" includes mediation, prayer, fasting and study. "The Outward Disciplines" consists of simplicity, solitude, submission and service. The final category, "The Corporate Disciplines," is composed of confession, worship, guidance and celebration.
Due to this straightforward layout the book flows well and is easy to read. Although variations in formula are found from chapter to chapter, each includes scripture references and examples that show how freedom can be found in these disciplines. In chapter eight Foster writes, "Every discipline has its corresponding freedom…The purpose of the disciplines is freedom."
Personally, my favorite chapter was chapter three, "The Discipline of Prayer." I enjoyed this chapter the most because prayer is something in which Christians regularly engage. In the first page of this chapter Foster says, "To pray is to change…In prayer, real prayer, we begin to think God's thoughts after him." Further in the chapter Foster shows that we should not make prayer overcomplicated, just keep the prayer open and honest. Other chapters that I enjoyed were "The Discipline of Fasting," and "The Discipline of Celebration."
Discipline is definitely a useful and insightful book. The chapters flow easily due to the well-organized layout. I found that the book definitely expanded the knowledge and strength of my spirituality. The book has been revised several times since its original release in 1978, and is available wherever Christian literature is sold.
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