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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
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