Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster

First published in 1978, Celebration of Discipline has had a massive influence on evangelicalism. Unfortunately, the influence has helped to saturate the church with mystical contemplative prayer and the New Age. Most likely, your pastor has a copy of
this book in his library.

The Following Organizations are Listed to Show How Widespread the Endorsement for
Celebration of Discipline is:

Willow Creek

Dallas Willard

Youth Specialties
National Pastor's Convention

Focus on the Family (Update: FOF had removed Celebration of Discipline from their store, but now that they have partnered with CBD, they are again offering Celebration of Discipline along with many other contemplative books.)

National Center for Leadership

Randy Alcorn
Eternal Perspectives

Youth Ministry & Spirituality Project

Abilene Christian University
Spiritual Formation

Regent University (LINK REMOVED)

Eugene Peterson Endorses
Celebration of Discipline

"Richard J. Foster has 'found' the spiritual disciplines that the modern world stored away and forgot, and has excitedly called us to celebrate them. For they are, as he shows us, the instruments of joy, the way into mature Christian spirituality and abundant life." -Eugene Peterson, author of The Message

From Celebration of Discipline
"We should all without shame enroll as apprentices in the school of contemplative prayer" 1978 edition

Even people, "who have yet to turn their lives over to Jesus Christ - can and should practice them." (Spiritual disciplines)

In Celebration Of Discipline Foster makes several recommendations of books that are "helpful" to read. He heartily endorses Tilden Edward's book, Spiritual Friend. Here are some quotes from that book: page 18 and 19 - "This mystical stream [contemplative prayer and other monastic traditions] is the Western bridge to Far Eastern spirituality [and to that of Sufis Moslems]; This exchange, together with the more popular Eastern impact in the West through transcendental meditation, Hatha Yoga, the martial arts, and through many available courses on Eastern religions in universities, has aided a recent rediscovery of Christian apophatic mystical tradition."