CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE
BY RICHARD FOSTER

Review by Will Megarry of Tribal Training - Dublin

The introduction to Foster’s classic novel sums up both the reason for its popularity and its purpose in being here. In Hodder’s 1988 version of the book the forward was provided by David Watson and gives us a very good view of where a book addressing themes and actions very alien and seemingly pointless in our modern consumer based society does fit in. Watson makes the point that, "most people outside the church today are hungry and thirsty for some form of spiritual reality, but the church as an institution has very little to offer in terms of living bread or wine of the spirit".

Foster’s book offers practical and useful tips as well as firm theological and biblical reference and explanations throughout. Watson believes that in looking to attain this spiritual bread and wine which people so desperately long for, many have searched for it in different areas, hence the rise in Eastern and new age beliefs which center on following principles rather than grace. Foster confronts this problem by introducing a phrase, 'Graceful Discipline'. As Christians we believe that grace comes free and on this Foster agrees, however in order to grow in this grace and appreciate it more we must "grow in God" and this in turn will grow in us the fruits of the spirit as set out in Galatians. Hence his famous quote, "Grace is free but not cheap". Foster sets out joy as being the key note to all disciplines, giving the example of singing clapping and dancing as characteristics of spiritual disciplines. Today this might seem like a contradiction to our own cultural standards in which traditional disciplines seem like abnormalities. Because of this, modern Christians don’t know how to go about many of the disciplines, e.g. fasting, meditation, etc. Foster however lays out very clear guidelines and instructions as to how to practice the discipline with easy hints and pointers. He warns us also about the danger of using disciplines to manipulate and control people as the Pharisees did. However, above all, he stresses that the main aim of the disciplines is to experience a life of relationship and intimacy with God.

Part I : The Inward Disciplines.

These include Meditation, Prayer, Fasting and Study. Inward meaning the need to personally practice these disciplines and embrace them in our lives as continual habits and regular duties. Foster is as always practical and helpful as the church often forgets about these disciplines, especially fasting and meditation. We need to learn how to practice both and, especially in the case of fasting, know the physical consequences and how to avoid sickness etc. Meditation is presented in a new way and opposes Eastern counterparts completely and thoroughly. We learn that whereas Eastern meditation is aimed at emptying the mind, as Christians we aim to fill it. Foster recommends ways of meditation and consistently backs it up with biblical evidence. In the section on Study he once again gives helpful hints and pointers to the Christian willing to learn to focus on scripture through methods like book reading.

Part II : The Outward Disciplines.

These are Simplicity, Solitude, Submission and Service. These are outward actions and lifestyle changes we are to take to achieve graceful Discipline. Simplicity mainly focuses on Christ’s teaching on living a worry-free life, and is challenging as it deals with the issues of money, social justice and relationships. By living a simple life we are better able to focus on God and his teaching as we are not distracted by the things around us, anything from a showy car to buying the right bananas. Solitude focuses on the move from loneliness to silent fullness. The community, even the church, often prevent us from seeing God because they are unable to be alone with Him. Inner solitude = inner silence (often coinciding with meditation) By silencing our tongues we put our weapon of manipulation out of use and see God. We live in a busy, loud, hurried world where solitude is seen as weakness. Submission is to be able to drop an issue and surrender it up to God and hence free the mind - being able to break the ancient mold of "you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours". We must not submit to the point that it becomes destructive. If the cross is the sign of submission than the towel is the sign of service. Service enables us to say ‘no’ the games of promotion and authority. It abolishes our need for a pecking order. True service is done entirely out of unselfish love not self-righteousness.

Part III : The Corporate Disciplines.

These communal disciplines included Confession, Worship Guidance and Celebration. They are called Corporate because of their important role in the church community and how they involve others (like confession). These disciplines I believe to be the core of community as they can be done together. Again Foster shows the practical nature of the disciplines by relating them to everyday life, e.g. using everything we do as worship and celebration. Guidance is also practical, outlining preparation and practical tips.

How the book affected me

Out of all the Christian books I have read, this one has had the most impact on my practical life. Whereas I have related to other books more, or they have had a stronger emotional effect on me, this one has by far been the most useful and practical. Foster writes persuasively and strongly throughout, putting forward convincing arguments backed with strong biblical reference and explanation. I found I was able to accept his arguments and his content easily and with considerable agreement. The book highlighted many issues in my life which needed consideration, but it also offered practical solutions and tips to practicing the disciplines.

I respect Foster greatly for this work. When it was first published, many fundamentalists and traditionalists objected as they saw many of the disciplines, especially meditation as being New Age and Alternative. I have to admit that when I first glanced at the book I had similar reservations however, after reading it and following up his sources and biblical references, I can see that what he has done is much less New Age and much more of laying a core basis to living graceful lives.

Also, many issues which would seem quite alien to us today, such as fasting were covered with great perspective, focusing not only on the spiritual impact but also the physical and medical. This is a book that I greatly enjoyed and will make a point of reading regularly in the future