Mick Turner
During the late 1970’s a fresh wind began to blow in select quarters of Protestant Christianity in America. Growing weary of consistent defeat in their efforts to find depth and breadth in their daily walk of faith, sincere Christians began to clamor for more direction in terms of facilitating spiritual formation, both individual and institutional.
At the same time, Quaker author and teacher Richard Foster published what would eventually become a classic in the literature of spiritual formation. Foster’s 1978 publication of Celebration of Discipline was like a God-send to this growing throng of searching believers who, like Isaiah’s panting deer, thirsted for water brooks of spiritual refreshment. Sub-titled “The Path to Spiritual Growth,” Foster’s exploration of the classic spiritual disciplines of the Christian faith was not only timely, it touched a nerve in many former Christian’s who had drifted away from the church, mostly due to the absence of meaningful discipleship programs aimed at spiritual development.
I number myself among those impacted by Foster’s book. During my college years I moved away from my Methodist upbringing, initially pursuing the intense study of world religions. I was especially enamored with Buddhism in general and Zen in particular. Immersing myself in Zen practice and study, I gave little thought to Christianity. I learned much from my Zen involvement and I think I can safely say that my study of Buddhism, as well as other traditions, actually helped me understand the faith of my upbringing at a much deeper level.
In the mid-70’s I experienced what was for me, an epiphany. I discovered the Christian mystics of the Middle Ages. I devoured the works of Julian of Norwich, Walter Hilton, Richard Rolle, and most of the Rhineland mystics. Of particular importance was the work of the anonymous author of The Cloud of Unknowing. In reading and studying this classic of English mysticism, I discovered Zen in Christian clothing. Shortly thereafter I made another enlightening discovery, Theresa of Avila. In a real sense, I had, like a spiritual prodigal, come home. To say I was enthused would be a huge understatement.
Before anyone gets the notion of running to the library and starting up a study of Medieval Christian mysticism, let me present a caveat. Working your way through these classic works is not an easy undertaking. The language is often obtuse and, even more often, somewhat florid. However, if you are willing to make the effort, pursuing the mystics is an unforgettable experience of high benefit.
My great frustration, however, of this period came when I discovered that no one seemed to know about these writers, especially local ministers and priests. Other than one Catholic bishop who was always too busy to talk to me, and one Episcopal priest who was packed off to Africa two weeks after I met him, my world was void of any opportunity to discuss these important works. What’s worse, local churches had no programs related to contemplative prayer, lectio-divina, or any other mystic practice. Worse still, several pastors told me in no uncertain terms that exploring these matters would, in spite of God’s saving grace, send me barreling off to Hell faster than you could say John of the Cross.
It is for these reasons the publication of Celebration of Discipline and the new interest in spiritual disciplines was such a watershed. For those of us in the church who were seekers by nature, mystics by birth, and aware of our calling to a faith that was, indeed, transformative, Foster’s book and the groundswell of literature that followed, was akin to someone opening a window in a room that had been shut up too long.
Since the publication of Celebration of Discipline, a plethora of books on spiritual disciplines, spiritual formation, contemplative prayer and a host of associated subjects have been published. These works fed, and continue to feed, that deep, almost insatiable spiritual thirst I mentioned earlier in this article. Books, essays and articles by numerous spiritual mentors have been a welcomed and much needed addition to the material available to Christians today.
It is for these reasons that I wanted to take the time to recognize Richard Foster for his contribution to what has become a vital movement within the Christian faith – a movement toward depth of experience and clarity of purpose and vision. Additionally, I wanted to bring attention to the fact that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the publication of Celebration of Discipline. Honoring Foster’s contributions, I will close with the very words that the author used to open this seminal publication. These words are as true for our culture today as they were 30 years ago.
Superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant gratification is a primary spiritual problem. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people… The classical disciplines of the spiritual life call us to move beyond surface living into the depths. They invite us to explore the inner caverns of the spiritual realm. They urge us to be the answer to a hollow world.
