The Challenge of the Disciplined Life: Christian Reflections on Money, Sex, and Power

PLOT: Money, Sex, & Power, these are the three big temptations of church leadership. The early monks battled these with vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Protestants today are more likely to use the tools of simplicity, fidelity, and servanthood. Foster does an excellent job exploring these three dangerous areas.POSITIVES: Foster draws from Scripture, other authors, and his own excellent understanding of theology. This is a book I find myself coming back to again and again.PROBLEMS: Foster is given to strong statements. I didn't agree with all of them. I found myself highlighting certain passages and writing notes of praise. I found myself highlighting other passages and disagreeing with them. This is not a problem for me. I often interact with the books I read and sometimes go back years later and interact with my own notes as I wrestle with myself. But this could be a problem with some readers, who either feel they have a handle on theology or are threatened by ideas they disagree with. Let the buyer beware.

I think this is one of the best books on the difficulty of living in a society driven by money, power, consumerism, sex and continual change. Foster has a compassionate, realistic view of what life is really like and how to deal with it. His opening chapter, Money, Sex and Power in Christian Perspective lays out the focus of the book - it is difficult to walk the walk. He isn't focusing on the external morality of ethical behavior, but on the social implications. He offers historical views of attitudes on money, sex and power, and divides the books into sections that focus on each issue.In a small section titled "When Good Things Go Bad," he says, "There is, of course, a proper place in Christian life and experience for money, sex, and power. When properly placed and effectively functioning, they have the ability as nothing else does to enhance and bless life." He goes on to identify what the problem is in each area -the demon in money is greed; the demon in sex is lust; the demon in power is pride. And he tells us that these really are not matters we can be neutral about in hopes that they will disappear - if we ignore them, we will be dominated by them.How do we avoid be controlled by our own desires, instead of controlling them to our own advantage? In the Power area, Foster suggests that we face the demons within, instead of projecting them on others. In addition, he suggests that we stop trying to manage and control others, and focus on our own spiritual powers. Foster manages to be 'proper' without being unrealistically 'prim.' Whether read by fundamentalist Christians, small "c" christians, or Buddhists, this book gives food for thought. Agnostics, athiests and many free spirits will be turned off by references to the Bible and the focus on Jesus. I used to think you had to agree with everything you read in a book, to find it of any use. There are parts of this book I don't agree with, but I took what was helpful, and left the rest. Those who keep an open mind will find that this is not a dogmatic, preaching book, but one that will make you think.

I first read this book in 1988 it has guided me often from then until now. Its clear ethics will give valueable insight to all who will apply its ageless principals regardless of their personal faith practice. Foster's blending of practical reality linked with bibical concepts leaves one thinking in new (old) ways that still make since in a world who's ethics seem to be changing daily; humanism like marxism will be soon forgotten, yet the insights exponded by Foster will continue to make a profound positive impact. Having taught Business ethics and philosophy I have found no better book to read.

Excellent biblical and historical treatment of these subjects, in a style that is easy and approachable. It's well laid out and a quick read for the busy lay person -I read most of it on the stairmaster within a couple of days. However, clerics and the superspiritual will benefit from the through biblical treatment.It's provides a balanced perspective that is sensitive to the challenges of the '90s, while remaining true to biblical principles. Unbelievers would actually like it. Must read for the young -- as well as the mature.

Easily the most thoughtful and fair treatment of today's most common and deadly human shortcomings. Evangelical Christians will appreciate the biblical approach, while moderates will applaud Foster's communication style and spiritual depth. His quaker background enriches the thinking throughout the sections. Let's all read it and talk about it.