Devotional Classics- Revised Edition - Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups Description:

Devotional Classics: Revised Edition : Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups review:
4 stars (Our Legacy) - "Devotional Classics" is the companion volume to Foster's "Spiritual Classics." Foster and Smith designed it as weekly devotional guide to 52 classic historical authors on the devotional life. They catalog their readings using the Renovare conceptualization of six strands in historical spirituality: the prayer-filled life, the virtuous life, the Spirit-empowered life, the compassionate life, the word-centered life, and the sacramental life.



These six categories along with their 52 representative authors combined with the introductions by Foster and Smith, offer readers a fine introduction to Christian devotional thinking. As with "Spiritual Classics," the snippets are at times hard to fully digest out of the context of their original writings. Hopefully, readers will be motivated to read many of the 52 author's full works.



Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and the forthcoming "Beyond the Suffering: The Story of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."


5 stars (Eye Opening) - I've always considered myself a student of theology and spritually deep, until I read the readings in Devotional Classics. This book opened my eyes to a whole new world of Christian devotion.



The book is an excellent compilation of some of history's greatest Christians and their experiences with God, not merely their doctrinal beliefs.



Richard Foster's comments are also very insightful. I highly recommend this book and always have several copies on hand to give away.
5 stars (Portal to the 'Old Book' - Wisdom From Those who Got It) - In the introduction Foster cites CS Lewis' recommendation for reading one 'old book' for every new book one reads. 'Old books' can speak with voices outside of the biases of our time and document the inter-generational story of Christ and his Church. Classics that have been beneficial for centuries are more likely to be beneficial than the latest glossy at the local bookstore.



However, it can be next to impossible to know where to start. That is where Foster has provided a great service with this text. He organizes 52 devotional excerpts from throughout the history of the church that speak lucidly and counterculturalally to our generation. The format is designed for devotional use with a short bio, 3 page excerpt, related scripture, discussion questions and suggested action steps. It would be a great resource for a personal time of reflection or some sort of discussion group. It is the best $10.88 I have spent in a long time. I'm buying copies for all my friends.