Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of Christian Faith

by Richard J. Foster

Book Overview

Richard Foster founded RENOVARE (Latin for "to make new") for the purpose of encouraging long-term commitment to spiritual renewal and growth. Now, in this landmark work, he examines the foundation of Christian experience--six dimensions of faith and practice--and explains the unique contributions of each one. These great historical movements or "streams," as Foster calls them, are Contemplative, Holiness, Charismatic, Social Justice, Evangelical...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060667435
• ISBN13: 9780060667436
• Release Date: September 1998
• Publisher: HarperOne
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 1.24 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

A REAL EYE OPENER FOR ONE TYPE OF CHRISTIANITY

This book vividly shows us how we cling so tightly to our 'right way to worship' that we miss out on the greatest revelations!! We think in terms of "one way of worship" as the truth.....Foster explains how the most balanced people use all the 6 traditions of Christian faith. I didn't realize how narrowly focused I was until this book presented itself to me. You will come away with, not only a tolerance for all denominations of Christianity, but a recognition of NEED for all that each offers in worship of God.

Simply Excellent

The more I read of Richard Foster, the more I like his style. As is always the case in his books, Foster's Streams of Living Water presents a well categorized methodical approach to understanding the Christian faith. In this case, he focuses on what he calls the "Traditions" of the faith. Other reviews have detailed the Traditions of which Foster speaks. So, I'll comment on the structure of the chapters, which, in my opinion, is excellent. Each chapter gives multiple examples of people who focused on the Tradition for that chapter. One of these people is contemporary (Billy Graham is one), one is historical (St. Augustine of Hippo), and one is Biblical (Amos, for example). After using examples to give you a feel for the Tradition in question, Foster lays out what he considers to be the essentials of the Tradition, its defining characteristics. He then moves to a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the Tradition, and closes the chapter with a discussion of how we can integrate it into our lives. It's clear from reading the book that it is designed with an ecumenical understanding. Foster sees each modern expression of Christianity as presenting a part of the life of wholeness we are to live. Through people reading this book (and joining Renovare groups and such), Foster hopes to encourage Christians to live a balanced life. This book is certainly a good step in that direction. If you want to live a full Christian life, this book will help guide you on your way. A final note: I love the first Appendix in this book. It is a brief outline of some Church history, along with certain contributions that each branch of Christianity has given us (from Catholic to Orthodox to the various Protestants), that we can apply in our lives, regardless which of these groups we belong to. On the whole, this is simply and excellent book. I pray that each one who reads it moves to apply it in their own walk.

An attempt to reintegrate the Christian faith

Foster's "Streams" is a radical idea in contemporary Christian circles - drawing together the strengths in each of the recognized major protestant Christian sects he asserts a new, more whole view of life with God.Foster uses modern and historical/mythical persons to flesh out the strengths he ascribes to each branch of protestantism. While this approach will test readers who look down on the stories of the saints of old (he relates St. Francis' reasoning with a wild wolf in one chapter) if you can put aside modern protestant prejudices against christian mythology you'll be much the better for it.I found the book to be a refreshing approach to integrating the major movements in Christianity. I am more mindful of the traditions of faith I did not grow up in and am attempting to incorporate their strenghts into my experience of Jesus Christ.

Draws from the wealth of various Christian traditions.

Experience the depths of our Christian heritage with a well-balanced introduction to multifaceted themes within Christianity. The various traditions are not in competition but actually compliment one another and reveal the fullness of Christ. If you want a fuller expression of your faith, read Streams of Living Water.

One of the most important books you will ever read

Foster's "Streams of Living Water" emphasizes a MUCH needed piece of the Christian faith: acknowledging and embracing the fact that the followers of Christ approach Him in different ways. Not only are other Christian traditions valid, but they each provide an important piece to living the whole Christian life.The book is not deeply theological, but does provide a broad outline of the history, characterizations, benefits and perils of each of the six major Christian traditions. While a more theologically reflective work would be helpful, Foster's is extremely accessible reading and lays a great foundation.Of the books a person ought to read in their lifetime, this has made number three on my list (after the Bible and Bonhoeffer's "Cost of Discipleship"). It is a must read for any Christian who's perspective on the faith is pidgeon-holed into his or her own tradition.