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The road to mystical experience, almost universally, involves three stages: purgation, illumination, and union. Though different terms may be used the description ends up the same. The current trend is for mystical experiences and in Christianity it gained speed with Richard Foster’s book Celebration of Discipline in 1978. I purchased the 1978 edition to compare to newer additions. It’s going to be a longer process than I anticipated, but I’m already finding it extremely hard to understand those that have told me I could not make the statement that Foster supports mystical practices in Celebration of Discipline without first reading the book. I’d done enough research on the book that is was already obvious and reading it has completely confirmed the research I’d done. The original edition apparently received enough questioning response that it was revised and newer additions do not contain some of the original content. With the embrace of mysticism by many Christians I doubt the original 1978 edition would meet with as much controversy now. Especially since newer addition of the book are now used as a positive teaching tool in many seminaries now. Sadly, Foster not only embraces mystical practices, but he and his books have now been teaching them for over 35 years. Needless to say, mystical practices do not adhere to sola scriptura (by Scripture alone) and that the Bible contains all knowledge necessary for salvation and holiness. Foster point blank states that there is more to a true relationship with God than the Bible teaches while he takes Scripture out of context, bent, twisted, and misinterpreted to support his mystical beliefs. Most of those Foster chooses to quote (and who’s books he recommends) are mystics and/or believe in metaphysics. Foster’s terminology is questionable as he uses many terms that are also used by New Age/New Spirituality as well as Eastern religions and beliefs. He’s description of the terms he uses also reflect the same practices and meanings as they do in New Age/New Spirituality and Eastern religions/beliefs. Many times he states a discipline then is extremely vague about its definition. It appears more like he presents the discipline and to learn it you must practice it, yet he’s quite vague most times on just how to practice it as well. At least for me, much of it came across as psychological nonsense. But, it’s obvious that these are all disciplines we have to do in order to have a real relationship with God. That if a person does not do them they are not truly experiencing God. There is a certain amount of mystery to faith in God, but the Bible soundly rejects mystical practices. The portions that are a mystery are what God expects us to except on faith, not to turn to mystical practices to ‘learn’ those mysteries. God is not a god who’s presence we command, nor is He a god we can control through our prayers. Foster’s mystical ideas promote both. Contemplative prayer, as Foster describes it is an altered state of consciousness to achieve the presence of God. Our prayers (for ourselves and others) as Foster describes it can change God’s mind and direct the arm of God to do what we want all the while Foster still believes the god a person is interacting with in practicing his disciplines is the one true God. That is not what the Bible teaches. That’s covered though, because according to Foster, Quaker believes, and mystics the Bible does not teach all we need to know.Read full review
If you are serious about deepening your walk with Christ, this book will help you get there. A little antiquated in vocabulary sometimes, but the human condition does not change.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The title "Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth" implies that it helps people grow in their faith and maturity in the Lord but it incorporates techniques that come from other faiths (Eastern Religions/Buddhism) that are not compatible with the Bible. It is more a way of "experiencing" instead of knowing God and can open dangerous doors into the spiritual world.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I love the focus on discipline. Proverbs refers to discipline so many times and right along with knowledge and wisdom. I also like how it balances personal discipline with the action required from GOD for it to work effectively. I bought it because of a recommendation to read the Discipline of Submission chapter. I recommend it for all married couples and other relationships as well but it is very useful for a marriage. All in All a great book. Jason Sooter
Truly a classic, this is by far the best book this reviewer has ever read. Very practical, yet flexible for the Holy Spirit's leading. These spiritual disciplines put one in the path of real God-given growth. A must-read!
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