Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth

Examine Foster’s treatment of joy and freedom throughout the book, particularly how celebration becomes the culmination of the spiritual disciplines. Why might Foster position celebration at the end of the text? Explore whether his emphasis on celebration provides a practical framework for avoiding legalism and burnout in spiritual formation.

Compare Foster’s use of personal anecdotes and historical Christian examples to reveal a continuity of discipline. How does his employment of diverse sources influence the reader’s view of the disciplines as universal? Are there gaps, whether historical or cultural, that might weaken his argument?

Critically assess Foster’s claim that inward transformation naturally flows from sustained practice of the disciplines. To what extent might extrinsic motivations (like guilt, tradition, or community pressure) interfere with the deep, abiding change he envisions? Is Foster’s ideal transformation overly optimistic, or does it align realistically with human behavior?

Consider the communal aspects of the disciplines, such as guidance and corporate confession. How does Foster’s depiction of community-based spiritual direction challenge the prevailing focus on private, individual relationships with God? Identify potential drawbacks or strengths in his portrayal of shared discernment.

Evaluate Foster’s stance on the relationship between external forms (e.g., rituals, liturgies, outward signs) and the inward reality of worship or prayer. How does he reconcile the importance of structure with his stress on the Holy Spirit’s spontaneity?

Analyze how Foster interprets and adapts biblical texts, particularly those dealing with Jesus’s ministry and the practices of early Christians. In what ways do his readings reflect or depart from traditional evangelical or mainline Protestant interpretations? Identify any key passages or stories that illustrate his approach.

Foster maintains that spiritual disciplines, rightly undertaken, guard against self-righteousness or mere religious performance. Is this assertion convincing in the face of historical examples of such disciplines leading to monastic excesses or divisive asceticism? Explore whether Foster provides sufficient safeguards to prevent spiritual arrogance.

How does Foster’s call to live more simply, including reevaluation of material possessions, address social justice concerns, ecological stewardship, or broader cultural values? Discuss whether simplicity is viable in societies that prize efficiency and wealth accumulation.