Customer Reviews

Devotional Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups

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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....

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.

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.

In our men's bible study, we have been going through several of the selections. It is definitely a thought provoking as we see how God uses other people's greatest contribution to Christendom to give inspiration and challenge to our modern day world. This is not cursory reading by any means. If you are looking for something that goes beyond the easy Sunday school answer, this is a great book for you. Many of our participants are avid readers and consider this book a great addition to their theological collection as well.

This is a compilation of spiritual food from some of the devotional masters of the past 2000 years. These are men and women who walked with God, whose meditations probed with awe the depths of God. Foster has collected some of the best of these meditations and organized them. This is a book that can be read and reread. It will be a treasure for years.

DEVOTIONAL CLASSICS by Richard Foster has done more to introduce 21st century Christians to the greatest spiritual authors of history than any other book I know of. At the same time it has spawned a host of clones.

This book will introduce you to authors like: C.S. Lewis, Dallas Willard, Jonathan Edwards, Francis de Sales, John of the Cross (my personal favorite), Bernard of Clairvaux, Francois Fenelon, and St. Augustine. And that is in just the first section! Altogether you will be introduced to 52 of the greatest writers of Christian history, one for each week of the year. Each section will introduce you to the author, offer an excerpt from that author, couple that excerpt with Scripture, reflection questions, and suggested exercises. To cap it all off Foster will offer his own reflections on the passage.

There is nothing wrong with the latest 40 day or 12 week study to ___________ (you fill in the blank). Those studies are useful and have their place, but jumping into this book could forever change your reading habits.

I'm a Roman Catholic with a graduate degree in Religious Education from Loyola University, New Orleans. This book was recommended to me by my Protestant friend (US Navy Captain, Chaplain ret.)The selections are just too good. There are so many great thoughts of extreme value in helping us draw closer to God.

I've had the book over five years now, and I have read through it twice in two separate small groups. It has been a powerful resource for spiritual development. It covers a wide range of historical Christian authors, and has been a great introduction to the classic writers. I also have found the selections useful to reflect on, and prompted interesting discussions in my groups. As with most small groups, some members have to miss a week. With this book, it is easy to drop out and back in, and still feel connected to the discussions, since each week stands on its own.

At the end of each selection, it has references to other writings by the author. On several occasions, I have enjoyed the selection so much, that I have either read the complete book that was highlighted or other works from the selected author.

Excellent resource. It has informed my spiritual journey and impacted my teaching of spirituality tremendously. Especially enlightening for one who came from an exclusivist tradition that felt it was the only right one around! I praise God for Richard Foster's work. Dr. Curtis D. McClane Assistant Professor of Religion Rochester College Rochester Hills, MI 48307

I've always considered myself a student of theology and spritually deep, until I read the readings in Devotional Classics. This book opened my eyes to a whole new world of Christian devotion.

The book is an excellent compilation of some of history's greatest Christians and their experiences with God, not merely their doctrinal beliefs.

Richard Foster's comments are also very insightful. I highly recommend this book and always have several copies on hand to give away.