Freedom of Simplicity

Our staff just finished Freedom of Simplicity by Richard Foster who writes primarily in the area of Spiritual Formation. I have always enjoyed Foster and believe that he and Dallas Willard are 2 of the best writers of our day in the area of Spiritual Formation. Freedom of Simplicity forces any Christian to look deep within at the lifestyle they are living. Foster forces the reader to re-evaluate what we value in the Christian life against the backdrop of the New Testament. This is a book that spends time on lifestyle and our Christian role in the area of social justice. Foster is a Quaker which means that he has a natural bent toward social justice, simplicity, and conservation. Personally I think that Foster was a bit too green for me, but believe that this is a must read for any Christian servant-leader.

Unfortunately this book will probably not find its way on to the top selling list of CBD or your local Christian book store. Those in the Church today spend more time justifying a lifestyle that mimics the world instead of re-ordering a lifestyle that fits a biblical model a bit more closely. If you have struggled with material issues as a Christian and have a desire to be challenged I would recommend this book. Some consider Foster a Christian-mystic which in itself is not a terrible label unless you are in the camp of ultra-conservatism. Foster is a voice that the Church needs to hear from and listen to in the 21st century. This book is a challenge and written with a philosophers heart so do not expect to be able to quickly run through this and not have to put it down occasionally to digest the material. If you want to be challenged then spend a little time with Foster. I also recommend Foster's Celebration of Discipline to those who want to have a richer and more fulfilled Christian life.