Richard Foster - Quaker Writer on Christian Spirituality

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Richard J. Foster photo used by permission of Renovaré

Perhaps the best known Quaker in the world today is Richard J. Foster, although many are at most dimly aware that he is associated with the Religious Society of Friends. He is clearly one of the leading contemporary writers and speakers on Christian spirituality. While maintaining his ties with Friends, Foster deliberately speaks to a much broader audience.

Richard Foster grew up among Evangelical Friends. In adult life, he has been a Friends pastor and a professor of theology at Friends University among the many positions he has held. In his books and speaking, he frequently makes reference to Quaker historical figures and his own Quakerism.

Foster is the founder of Renovaré, which" is committed to working for the renewal of the Church of Jesus Christ in all her multifaceted expressions." Renovaré holds regional and local conferences bringing together Christians across denominational lines for renewal. Renovaré invites people to commit themselves to the following covenant:

In utter dependence upon Jesus Christ as my everliving Savior, Teacher, Lord, and Friend, I will seek continual renewal through:

• Spiritual exercises,
• Spiritual gifts, and
• Acts of service.

Foster is best known as an author. I find that he writes from a deep center, and has a gift for expressing spiritual truths in down-to-earth language which makes it easier for people to incorporate these truths into their lives. In this article, I will cover briefly three of his books, and then list other writings. You can click on the title links to find publishing information, and to purchase the books.

Celebration of Discipline

Celebration of Discipline is Foster's best known work, now in a Twentieth Anniversary Edition. It has sold more than a million copies, and was named by Christianity Today as one of the top ten books of the twentieth century.

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