Is your soul yearning to taste God's goodness? Offering a classical model of spiritual formation, Foster and Beebe introduce you to seven devotional paths illustrated by Thomas Merton, Blaise Pascal, Julian of Norwich, John Wesley, and other key Christian figures. Discover how to experience the spiritual life as journey, deepen your friendship with Jesus, and more. 350 pages, hardcover from InterVarsity.
Coauthors Foster (Celebration of Discipline) and Beebe (A Concept to Keep) have much to say on the variety and history of Christian devotion. They develop seven ways of characterizing methods for spiritual development, and illustrate those methods by classifying major Christian figures according to these paths. The work of Augustine, for example, illustrates “the right ordering of love.” The seven paths are not equally obvious: the meaning of “action and contemplation” is more apparent than “the right ordering of love,” which is more metaphoric, but also cryptic. A better balance between the frequently scholastic-sounding treatments of the major Christian thinkers and the warm, informal “reflecting and responding” chapter conclusions—written by Foster—would have broadened the book’s appeal. Some who are strongly inclined to devotion may be taken aback by the book’s varied tables and lists. On the other hand, this is a meaty, thoughtful book that will satisfy those who want substantive prescriptions for ways to grow spiritually. One bonus is that it includes not only fathers but also mothers of the church. This book puts religion back in spirituality, a good, true home for it. (Apr.)Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
2 of 2 Reviews Showing:
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Mark Daviau (San Jacinto, Ca.), May 19, 2009
I have always been impressed with the work of Richard Foster, but this volume exceeded even my expectations. It is one of the best books on the market for spiritual formation. This tome can benefit anyone from the novice Christian to the most seriously devoted disciple. The work is a marvelous blend of Christian heritage/history and pragmatic discpline that can inspire anyone to deeper levels of devotion and contemplation. This book is a must-read for anyone wishing to deepen their personal faith or for teaching in groups as I intend.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Mark Daviau (San Jacinto, CA), May 19, 2009
I have always been impressed with the work of Richard Foster, but this volume exceeded even my high expectations. It is one of the most marvelous books ever conceived to guide anyone from the novice Christian to the most devoted disciple in spiritual formation. The book is a tremendous blend of history and practical discipleship. I recommend it as a must read for anyone who dares to take doscipleship seriously.
Write a review of Longing for God: Seven Paths of Christian Devotion
Catalog Shopping
Membership
