Rating: 
Summary: It will challenge the way you view your Christianity
Review: Christianity is not something you do; rather, it's something you are. Foster makes this very clear. I don't agree with everything Foster says in this book, but I must add that he challenges the way that I approach my faith. And that's why so many of the previous reviews have given this book 5 stars. One point that I don't necessarily agree with him is the chapter on prayer, but I must say that I like the overall approach Foster has, and it has challenged me in my own quiet times. Those who have grumbling noontime tummies won't like the chapter on fasting, but we in America have no clue as to the meaning of fasting. I don't do this on a regular basis, but Foster gives me the desire to give it a better try. I just don't know if I could do it with a spiritual mindset. No doubt the ideas found here are worth a careful, contemplative consideration. In fact, I think every Christian ought to make this book a part of their library.
Rating: 
Summary: A powerful and profound revisitation of the classics
Review: There's nothing truly new or profound in this book. That's part of the beauty of it, and maybe is inherent in the title. This is a celebration of old things, a rediscovering of what is ancient and classic, not a load of new ideas and pop culture catch-phrases. There are twelve steps here, but this is no twelve-step program. Richard Foster has done his homework. Seems like he's read just about every classic Christian writer, every saint, every mystic, and many others besides. He has found some common themes, and he presents them here in a simple form for us less well-read folk. I, for one, am grateful. Foster addresses twelve oft-misunderstood disciplines: meditation, prayer, fasting, study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship, guidance, and celebration. He works hard to present why these are valuable disciplines, what the reward will be for pursuing them, and what it looks like to pursue them. At the end of most chapters, he offers practical suggestions for incorporating these seemingly ancient disciplines into a 21st century lifestyle. The call that runs through all of the disciplines is a cry to listen, listen, LISTEN to an everpresent and persistently speaking God. Foster repeatedly praises the simple life, time in solitude and silence, and rest. In a society that is constantly distracted, this is a valuable and needed cry. A Quaker, sometimes he goes a little overboard. I'm not as fond of silence and direct speech as he is, and I found his chapters on worship and celebration a touch on the weak side. But overall, this is a truly incredible book. I believe Foster to be one of the few Christian mystics of our time, to rank with Lewis, Bonhoeffer, and Schaeffer. Read this book slowly, and with much prayer. A sample: "Every Discipline has its corresponding freedom. If I have schooled myself in the art of rhetoric, I am free to deliver a moving speech when the occasion requires it. Demosthenes was free to be an orator only because he had gone through the discipline of speaking above the ocean roar with pebbles in his mouth. The purpose of the Disciplines is freedom. Our aim is the freedom, not the Discipline. The moment we make the Discipline our central focus, we turn it into law and lose the corresponding freedom." -- if you'd like to discuss Celebration of Discipline with me, e-mail me at williekrischke@hotmail.com. But be nice.
Rating:
Summary: A classic, perfect for individual or group study
Review: I've been reading and re-reading this book for the past ten years, using it both for personal study in group studies on more than one occassion. In particular, this work lends itself quite well to weekly study (such as reading groups, Sunday School classes, etc.) with group discussion. A complementary study guide is available, which I have not used, but which others have with success. A must-have for any collector of modern Christian classics, or for those who read and enjoyed other vaguely similar works such as Peck's "The Road Less Travelled".
Rating:
Summary: So many truths, so simply stated
Review: I still can't explain why this book is such a pleasure to read. It's like sitting next to a stream, surrounded by nature, feeling the presence of God. Even reading it in a crowded airport, you look up from your reading with new eyes and a fresh understanding. I love this book, and plan to keep re-reading it. I've sent it to several friends.
Rating:
Summary: Read It Yearly
Review: I read a portion of this book yearly. As I grow older, I discover how my understanding of how to approach God changes. My capacity to be quiet and listen, and to consider His presence strengthens with each year. Foster discusses the ways through the centuries, and from Christ's own example, how to meditate, how tp pray, how to study, how to be in solitude, and so on. Never does Foster compromise biblical Christianity with tradition, or with a new age view of contemplative discipline. Have your Bible open, and be ready to be challenged to rethink experential faith in ways as old as the New Testament. Keep "Celebration" handy too... it isn't a one-sitting kind of book. It isn't so thick or difficult to understand, but to integrate these disciplines will require slow and careful reading of this book.
Rating:
Summary: Life Transforming
Review: This book truly was one of the most insightful books I have read. Foster's understanding of the principles of scripture and his ability to relate that information is inspired. If you are looking for 12 easy steps to Christianity, DON'T bother with this book. It's much, much deeper than that. If you want to hear from someone who has encountered God in his personal life and shares that in a way that is helpful and challenging, then this is the book for you. You won't be sorry.
Rating:
Summary: Great reading
Review: Richard J Fosters book, Celebration of diciplines is a wonderful book. Someone told me not to read this book because they heard that he was a "New Ager". Don't listen to what other people say, read it for yourself. I have read hundreds of books on Christianity and this is one of the best books I have ever read. I am tired of small mainline christian minds that judge even before they know what they are talking about. Read this book, it is worth every penny.
Rating:
Summary: Classic Guide to Move to a Deeper Life - Across Generations
Review: I revisited this guide after 20 years to find the call to the deep was still as profound as the first day I read it. In teaching it to the College and Career Class, I found their response was the same. It is the awe and wonder of a breathtaking sunrise. Words forgotten in our modern vocabulary like simplicity, solitude, fasting and submission came into a new light for a new generation. The use of celebration and discipline in the same sentence opens a new insight into the mind of God. It's not recommended for those content with the status quo. This book peals back the pretence of normal Christian life and reveals the requirement for action inwardly, outwardly, and corporately. It takes away all our excuses. In conjunction with the study guide, it brings us into relationship with God, ourselves and others. "If you've done it to the least of these my children, you've done it to me."(para) It is a primer for discipleship transforming the spiritual into the practical of our daily lives.
Rating:
Summary: A helpful guide to the lost art of spiritual discipline
Review: This book is one I would recommend to any Christian, regardless of their maturity level. The spiritual disciplines are rarely mentioned from the pulpit or in Christian non-fiction, but they are the true "how-tos" to becoming who Christ wants you to be. Be prepared to put them into practice and be changed!
Rating:
Summary: Celebration of Discipline
Review: Wonderful! This book has been a tremendous help in leading me onto a new life of spiritual guidance. I am now on my second reading & this time plan to take notes & practice what I have read. It is extremely well written & makes your heart flutter with anticipation for all that you can be & the loving, warm relationship that you can have with the Lord! I cannot wait to begin this journey. :)
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