Written in the same warm, accessible style as Richard Foster’s best-selling Celebration of Discipline, Freedom of Simplicity articulates a creative, more human style of living and points the way for Christians to make their lives “models of simplicity.”
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"Simplicity, says Foster, is far more than getting rid of household clutter. It starts with inner simplicity, a state of awareness of and communion with God. It means learning to have a single focus--hearing his voice and obeying. It entails simplicity and truthfulness of speech. It has as its goal the ability to serve others, to give more of one's money, time, and talents. Foster moves on from individual simplicity to simplicity in the church and then from there to its impact on the world. He recognizes the complexity (oddly enough) of applying simplicity to society and helpfully gives concrete examples to get one's creativity flowing. An excellent, extremely convicting book, and much-needed in a culture of affluence, waste, and unhappiness."
— David (4 out of 5 stars)
" In our cluttered culture, simplicity isn't a household word or concept. The Church and other influential organizations aren't even teaching this principle much. It forced me to look at my desire for outward simplicity and challenged me to start with inner simplicity and the outward expression will follow naturally. "
— Julie, 2/17/2014" I learned a great deal from this book. In some parts I felt that the author dwelt too much on a type of simplicity that is not practical for most to achieve, but overall this book really helped to change my perspective on materialism and taught me how to keep Christ at the center in my day to day living. I highly recommend it to those that are seeking to live for the kingdom and not be entangled by the cares of this world. "
— Dina, 2/12/2014" This book speaks to many of my most deeply held values and was an encouragement to continue striving to live them more fully. "
— Trish, 2/4/2014" Very challenging book. LOVED it. Wish others would read it too. ;o) "
— Becky, 1/31/2014" When I was in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, the group's emphasis on simplicity as a lifestyle really appealed to me. This book follows in very much the same vein, exploring this concept from a spiritual, and specifically Christian, perspective--I didn't like some of what he had to say about evangelization (I hate that word anyway), but otherwise, sign me up for pretty much everything this guy is talking about to work toward a more just world from within our culture of excess. "
— Jennifer, 1/12/2014" While reading Freedom of Simplicity I was given a breath of fresh air, as well as the initiative to declutter my faithwalk. Whether it be encouraging advice in dealing with certain uncalled for feelings of guilt and restlessness or random creative advice in material concerns I was blessed with the wisdom that is shared. Foster is both practical and passionate as he shares with us his quest for the simple life. "
— carl, 12/25/2013" Freedom of Simplicity is one of those books that reminds you that not much is really 'needed' in this life. Simplicity is freedom and some may find that this book sets them free. "
— Kia, 12/11/2013" Okay, with some interesting ideas...but not enough thinking outside the box for my taste. Everyone should read Foster's _Celebration of Discipline_ but this one can go either way. "
— Carl, 12/2/2013" Need to re-read to get into simplicity frame of mind...praying for contentment. "
— Michelle, 10/29/2013" The spiritual antidote to popular prosperity theology. "
— Mitzi, 8/2/2013" Much needed read for my sake. "
— khloe, 7/23/2013" Not as compelling or informative as Foster's Celebration of Discipline, but useful in learning to see the need for simplicity and ways in which it can be accomplished. "
— Chris, 6/21/2013" Loved his book, Celebration of Discipline, but this book, not so much. I felt like he had great ideas of how the world needs to be, but not many ideas for how I, as an individual can work toward simplicity. I guess I was looking for more practical advice or change on a smaller scale. "
— Nikki, 6/9/2013" This book is very good and very challenging. I should probably read it at least once a year. Much like Foster's other works, this book is very, very full of insights. It's hard to take it all in. "
— Carrie, 5/12/2013" Excellent book about living a simple life. Everyone living in western culture should consider these ideas. "
— Matt, 8/21/2012" Great, concise book on the necessity of simplicity in the Christian's life and practical ways to implement it. It definitely forces you to think about what's important in your life and what's not. "
— Matt, 7/12/2012" The begining of the book was helpful talking about the theology of simplicity. But as for the practical aspects, Foster expects a higher level of sacrifice. Didn't think this was for begininers. "
— TJ, 4/19/2012" This book is amazing. I've read it once, but it really is the type of book I should read once a year. I need to be reminded of these ideas. I just started it in February of '08 again. "
— Nathan, 2/26/2012" It's easy for me to set this book aside and come back to it. I started it in September maybe, but I haven't finished it because I have been distracted by other, more engaging books since then. Not sure what that says about how well I am applying Foster's principles of simplicity. "
— Sara, 1/14/2012" Richard Foster shows how important it is to create a quiet center within our lives and just how to do so. He doesn't claim that it is easy, but he does offer tools to help us along the way. "
— Patrick, 1/13/2012" this may very well be my favorite book ever, it changed my life, my thoughts, how i structure my days...everything. "
— Lauren, 7/28/2011" classic foster. celebration of discipline changed my life and I suspect I will look back and say the same of this one. "
— Dane, 7/9/2011" Not as compelling or informative as Foster's <em>Celebration of Discipline</em>, but useful in learning to see the need for simplicity and ways in which it can be accomplished. "
— Chris, 11/9/2010" Freedom of Simplicity is one of those books that reminds you that not much is really 'needed' in this life. Simplicity is freedom and some may find that this book sets them free. "
— Kia, 6/3/2010" Loved his book, Celebration of Discipline, but this book, not so much. I felt like he had great ideas of how the world needs to be, but not many ideas for how I, as an individual can work toward simplicity. I guess I was looking for more practical advice or change on a smaller scale. "
— Nikki, 4/5/2010" Richard Foster shows how important it is to create a quiet center within our lives and just how to do so. He doesn't claim that it is easy, but he does offer tools to help us along the way. "
— Patrick, 2/18/2010" <br/> <br/>Okay, with some interesting ideas...but not enough thinking outside the box for my taste. Everyone should read Foster's _Celebration of Discipline_ but this one can go either way. "
— carl, 1/25/2010" This book is very good and very challenging. I should probably read it at least once a year. Much like Foster's other works, this book is very, very full of insights. It's hard to take it all in. "
— Carrie, 6/28/2009" A great reminder to live a simple life. "
— Jane, 2/20/2009" It's easy for me to set this book aside and come back to it. I started it in September maybe, but I haven't finished it because I have been distracted by other, more engaging books since then. Not sure what that says about how well I am applying Foster's principles of simplicity. "
— Sara, 1/3/2009Richard J. Foster, a Quaker, is the executive director of the Milton Center and professor of theology and writer in residence at Friends University. He is the author of Freedom of Simplicity and The Challenge of the Disciplined Life, as well as study guides to both books. He lives in Wichita, Kansas with his wife, Carolynn, and two children, Joel and Nathan.
Lloyd James (a.k.a. Sean Pratt) has been a working professional actor in theater, film, television, and voice-overs for more than thirty years. He has narrated over one thousand audiobooks and won numerous Earphones Awards and nominations for the Audie Award and the Voice Arts Award. He holds a BFA degree in acting from Santa Fe University, New Mexico.