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I’ve been reading Longing for God: Seven Paths of Christian Devotion by Richard J. Foster and Gayle D. Beebe. I was a little concerned that the book might get bogged down in the theories and theologies of the many theologians, thinkers and scholars upon which the book’s ideas revolve. However, Foster and Beebe do an excellent job of conveying the heart of the message of each of these great men and women of faith. In fact, they do such a good job that I recommend this book to any Christian who would like to learn more about how Christian thinking has developed over the centuries.

The authors break the book down into seven sections representing the seven paths of devotion:

1. The right ordering of our love for God
2. The spiritual life as journey
3. The recovery of knowledge of God lost in the fall
4. Intimacy with Jesus Christ
5. The right ordering of our experiences of God
6. Action and contemplation
7. Divine ascent

Each of these sections contains the biographies, ideas and contributions of four significant Christians. Each chapter provides an overview of the ideas, a reflection on those ideas and a short prayer. The persons chosen cover the wide range of theological and philosophical viewpoints of Christians over the centuries. Included are some of my favorites: George Fox, John Wesley, Francis of Assisi, Thomas a Kempis, Thomas Merton and Gregory the Great. Some, such as Evagrius of Ponticus and Friedrich Schleiermacher, might be unfamiliar to many 21st century Christians.

This book is written to help Christians grow closer to God and it certainly lives up to that aim. However, I believe in a time when few Christians have any sense of the history of the faith this book also serves as a primer on the depth of the contributions of the men and women who have gone before us.

You’ll notice to the right I’ve added links to bookstores I’ve set up through Amazon.com. Yes, I will receive a small commission if you order through my links. It’s another way for me to fund my work-at-home life and my writing ministry.

Speaking of writing ministry, my Virtual Hermitary Web site is almost complete and should be up by the end of the month!