Return to Question and Answers Page

Hey Arthur,

There's an issue that's been irking me. I found some information on a book that some brothers and sisters are reading that really bothered me. The book is Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. I was browsing biblebb.com, and in the Q&A section under Renovare, Tony talks about the book and its dangers. I did some more online research and then found that Richard Foster is a member of the Quakers. I tried to find out more about the Quakers, but I'm quite confused by the information I'm finding. Looking at modern day Quakers, it seems like they are very unbiblical and have very dangerous views, but then when I look at the origins of the Quakers, and its founder George Fox, it seems like they used to be a very solid, influential, God-fearing and loving group. I noticed that Charles Spurgeon refers to them alot positively, and this other pastor Leonard Ravenhill talked about George Fox too. Were the Quakers a solid group? And if they were, are they still? sorry for bothering, and thanks a lot! God bless!

Hey:

Great to hear from you. Thanks for asking me the question, and for being a thinking Christian.

Unfortunately, I regret to say that I am largely ignorant of Richard Foster, Renovare, and the Quakers.

Of course, I've seen Celebration of Discipline before, and have known people who have read it. I know that Foster is considered a Christian "mystic", like Dallas Willard, of USC. They've both written largely on issues that deal with the inner man, the soul, etc. - things that are not always so black and white.

I understand that they have some useful thoughts and comments (I've read some), and are fairly biblical for the most part. However, some quotes that I've heard people share with me (I can't recall them specifically at the moment) have left me wondering a bit - just some things that seemed a bit nebulous and maybe stretching it a little.

I believe both are considered within the pale of orthodox Christianity, as far as I know.

I would say for you to read their material like you read anyone's material - with a biblical filter, and yet and open but closed mind, if you know what I mean. From some of the quotes I recall, there are some very valuable insights to be learned from these men, though perhaps some things may be a bit out there. Get what you can, get what squares up with Scripture, get what God wants you to get, discuss it with fellow believers, and leave the rest.

Keep in mind that rare is the book or author who is completely right on the money with everything every time, even some of my favorites! Yet, I've learned not to throw out the baby with the bath water ... unless that baby is found to be harmful as the bath water!

Indeed, God uses broken vessels, and works despite us rather than because of us. Through His common grace, He even teaches us valuable life lessons through non-Christians (if we can see Him behind them). There are valuable quotes, observations, and social criticisms made by those I would not line up behind theologically, that have benefited me through the years. Take it for what it is, then spit out the rest.

If the author is too far off base in about everything he writes, then I usually don't bother - too much work and energy. If, however, it's a very popular book, I may read it just to know what others are reading, though I myself may not subscribe to it or like it (Wild at Heart is such a book that I endured).

I wish I could be of more help, but perhaps something I've written may be of use.

Blessings,

Arthur

Return to Question and Answers Page

Total Devotion is the High School Fellowship at Mandarin Baptist Church of Los Angeles.

Total Devotion meets on every Friday night from 730 PM to 10 PM in Room 131 except for the last Friday of each month.