Conversation with Richard Foster

In 'Streams of Living Water', Richard J. Foster examines the six great traditions of Christian spirituality: Contemplative, Holiness, Charismatic, Social Justice, Evangelical, and Incarnational. He highlights the enduring character of each tradition and offers inspiring stories of faithful individuals who embody these streams. The book provides a comprehensive guide to integrating these spiritual dimensions into daily life for authentic Christian experience.

Richard Foster's "Learning Humility" offers a unique approach to understanding and cultivating humility. The book uses a Lakota calendar as its framework, weaving together personal reflections, spiritual insights, and cultural perspectives. Foster explores the complexities of humility, distinguishing it from humiliation and self-deprecation. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and a right understanding of one's identity in relation to God. The book is a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth, inviting readers to embrace humility as a transformative virtue.

This book is a foundational text of Christian mysticism, written in the 14th century. It advises readers to direct their full attention, love, and effort towards God by embracing a 'cloud of unknowing' that stands between them and God. The author emphasizes that God cannot be known through intellect but only through love and a deep, contemplative practice. The text advocates for the abandonment of all worldly thoughts and distractions to focus solely on God, using a 'cloud of forgetting' to separate oneself from created things. It is a guide for advanced spiritual seekers, outlining the stages of spiritual life including purgation, illumination, and union with God.

Andrew Murray's "Humility" delves into the spiritual significance of humility, emphasizing its role in experiencing God's presence and power. Murray, a prominent figure in the spiritual life of South Africa, draws from his own experiences and biblical teachings to illustrate the transformative power of humility. He argues that true humility is not self-deprecation but rather a recognition of God's sovereignty and grace. The book encourages readers to embrace a life of selfless service and dependence on God, highlighting the importance of emptying oneself to make room for God's glory. Murray's insights continue to inspire Christians seeking a deeper relationship with God and a more authentic expression of faith.

Celebration of Discipline explores the central spiritual practices of the Christian faith, dividing them into three categories: inward disciplines (meditation, prayer, fasting, and study), outward disciplines (simplicity, solitude, submission, and service), and corporate disciplines (confession, worship, guidance, and celebration). Foster argues that these disciplines are essential for spiritual growth and a balanced spiritual life. He provides practical insights and examples on how these disciplines can be integrated into daily life to bring about personal transformation and a deeper connection with God and others.