Devotional Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups [Paperback]

Richard J. Foster (Editor), James Bryan Smith (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 11, 1993

These fifty-two selections have been organized to introduce readers through the course of one year to the great devotional writers. The readings have been edited by James Smith, and each is accompanied by an introduction and meditation by Richard Foster. In addition, each reading features a linked biblical passage, discussion questions, and individual and group excercises. Devotional Classics features readings from: Augustine of Hippo, Bernard of Clairvaux, Frances of Assisi, Julian of Norwich, Catherine of Siena, Thomas á Kempis Catherine of Genoa, Martin Luther, Ignatius of loyola, John Calvin, Teresa Avila, Blaise Pascal, Madame Jeanne Guyon, Soren Kierkegaard, Evelyn Underhill, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Thomas Merton, Dallas Willard, and many more.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

These fifty-two selections have been organized to introduce readers through the course of one year to the great devotional writers. The readings have been edited by James Smith, and each is accompanied by an introduction and meditation by Richard Foster. In addition, each reading features a linked biblical passage, discussion questions, and individual and group exercises.

About the Author

Richard J. Foster is the author of several bestselling books, including Celebration of Discipline and Streams of Living of Water. He is the founder of Renovaré an infrachurch movement committed to the renewal of the Church in all her multifaceted expressions, and a general editor of the forthcoming Renovaré Spiritual Formation Study Bible.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: HarperSanFrancisco (June 11, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060669667
• ISBN-13: 978-0060669669
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #682,808 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

75 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Connecting Us to the Full 2,000 Years of Our Heritage, August 2, 1998

By 

J. Stephen Pearson (UT Knoxville) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Devotional Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups (Paperback)

I have been giving this book as a gift to as many people as I can. It is a welcome respite from the devotional books found in most Christian bookstores, whose owners seem to think that nothing of worth was written between the Bible and C.S. Lewis' conversion. As someone raised thoroughly Protestant, I have enjoyed not only an introduction to the more devotion-oriented writings of the great Protestant heavies (Luther, Calvin, Wesley, Edwards, Kierkegaard, Lewis, Bonhoeffer, et al.), and of the best-known pre-Reformation writers (Augustine, Gregory of Nyssa, John Chrysostom, Benedict, St. Bernard, St. Francis, Julian, a Kempis), but also an introduction to the great post-Reformation Catholic writers, either unknown or ignored in most evangelical literature. Writers such as Catherine of Genoa, Brother Lawrence, de Sales, de Caussade, Grou, Fenelon, Pascal, John of the Cross, Merton, and Nouwen have won a special place in my heart, having introduced me to the merits and v! arieties of Catholic traditions. I assume and hope that Catholic readers will have the same experience reading such Protestants as Bunyon, Taylor, Fox, Woolman, Spurgeon, Laubach, and Kelly, to name just a few. The benefits of learning devotion from both traditions have been marvelous -- I feel that my connection to the Church is now based on the full 2,000 years of tradition and testimony. Now when I peruse Christian bookstores, I no longer feel pressured to keep up with the latest additions to the authorial market -- I have plenty of time-tested teachers to read, and re-read, and re-read yet again....

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent resource, June 28, 2000

By 

K. Stump (North Carolina) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Devotional Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups (Paperback)

This is an excellent book for several reasons. First, it is a wonderful collection of 52 different devotional Christian writers from the second century to today. Second, for anyone interested in developing spiritual disciplines the exercises at the end of each chapter are excellent launching pads. Additionally, the book gives succinct biogaphical information about each writer, lending some insight into the readings themselves. And finally, each chapter ends with a brief review of and information on the availability of that writer's works.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Guide for Prayer and Growth, February 15, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Devotional Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups (Paperback)

I have used this book over the past three years as a weekly devotional. I used it first as a weekly guide for reflection and prayer and now as a guide for a small group study on spiritual formation with each member using it during the week. The 52 brief excerpts from the various Christian writers are perfect for reflection and to broaden perspective. The Reflection Questions and suggested exercises are excellent tools both individually and for the small group. I am a Presbyterian Elder and find it very useful in our small group.

The various studies provide a breadth and depth that few other studies could provide. I have learned through this study the thoughts and guidance from saints throughout Church history. It helps one understand not only what it means to seek God's Will, but also what it means to be a part of the Church Universal.