In Dallas Willard's classic book, The Spirit of the Disciplines (Kindle), he gives two lists of "main disciplines." I find it helpful for me to review some of my favorite books on the disciplines when I need spiritual renewal. Not all books and teaching on the disciplines float my boat, but this one adds some interesting insight to disciplines I tend to ignore. I don't agree with everything he says in the book, but this is worth checking out. I'm reading through his explanation of each of the disciplines below.
Disciplines of Abstinence
- Solitude
- Silence
- Fasting
- Frugality
- Chastity
- Secrecy
- Sacrifice
Disciplines of Engagement
- Study
- Worship
- Celebration
- Service
- Prayer
- Fellowship
- Confession
- Submission
Dallas Willard in The Spirit of the Disciplines, p158. I have a 1988 copy and the one linked is newer.
What are your thoughts on the disciplines? Helpful books? Unhelpful or helpful disciplines listed here or ignored here? Would love your feedback. Also feel free to engage with me on Twitter: @SteveKMcCoy.
Of course celebration of discipline by Richard Foster. He's a little too mystic for me sometimes, but it's a really good book. I found Spiritual disciplines within the church by Donald Whitney to be very thoughtful and a different approach toward disciplines.
http://www.librarything.com/work/1765403/book/100495192
Posted by: Luke | 01/08/2014 at 11:36 AM
The "mystic" thing is something that keeps me cautious, but I still find good fruit in Foster. I'm revisiting a couple of his books right now. Whitney is my go-to.
Posted by: Steve McCoy | 01/08/2014 at 11:50 AM
I bought "The Challenge of the disciplined life: Christian reflections on money, sex, and power" by Foster. I found it at some clearance place, and while I'm not all the way through it I like it so far. Less mystic than his other books.
Posted by: Luke | 01/08/2014 at 12:44 PM
I read this book in school and fount it way too philosophical. Also, his understanding of the easy yoke is totally eisegetical. From what I recall, he's basically saying Jesus came to teach us how to live.
Posted by: frankfusion | 01/08/2014 at 11:07 PM
Frank, which? The one I mentioned or the one Luke mentioned?
Posted by: Steve McCoy | 01/09/2014 at 10:04 AM