Customer Reviews

Devotional Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups

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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.

This is a must-have book, if I ever saw one. I've only gotten through the first section and I'm overwhelmed by the power of what's written. It's astonishing to see how relevant writers are from centuries ago.

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.

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.

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.

If Richard Foster wrote it, read it. There's no point in reviewing any of his work. It is all brilliant all the time.

AN EXCELLENT RESOURCE BOOK FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IN OUR CHURCH. WE ARE USING THE SPECIFIC DEVOTION ON DISCIPLESHIP FOR NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION.

REV. MINH-HANH NGUYEN REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH OF LEISURE WORLD SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA

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.

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.

This collection of works throughout the time since Christ walked the earth is simply amazing! Not only does it provide a historical example but it is spiritually satisfying as well!