The Disciplines recommended by Foster, as well as his whole spiritual formation system, are derived from the mystics.  His list of recommended spiritual masters is witness to this:  Ignatius of Loyola (p. 66); Teresa of Avila (p. 166); Jeremy Taylor; William Law; Dallas Willard (pp. 24, 80, 153); Henri Nouwen (pp. 64-65, 110); Father Anthony of Sourozh (p. 77); Phoebe Palmer (p. 114); Gregory the Great (p. 115); Hildegard of Bingen (p. 115); Francis of Assisi (pp. 115, 166, 168); Aimee Semple McPherson (p. 115); John Wimber (p. 115); David Yonggi Cho (p. 115); Brother Lawrence (pp. 126, 166); Flannery O’Conner (p. 126); Walter Rauschenbusch (p. 128); John Woolman (pp. 149ff); Julian of Norwich (p. 166); Mother Teresa (pp. 192-196) and Soren Kierkegaard (pp. 189-190)… 

But while Foster recognizes other approaches to the Bible it is lectio divina, a method developed by Catholic mystics, which is “the primary mode of reading the Bible for transformation” (p. 62).  Lectio is a contemplative means of approaching the Scriptures, not for understanding and application, but through imagination and “attentiveness to the heart of God” (p. 73) we allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us beyond the written Word (pp. 62-73).  While the goal is to draw closer to God, in practice lectio is a highly subjective attempt to mystically unite with God who will speak to you apart from Scripture (pp. 15, 24, 58-59, 67-68, 70-71, 104-105, 162-163, 187).  The draw of this type of experience is not just a mystical encounter with God but also the promise of spiritual perfection: “Old affections of hate and guile and envy are simply gone, new affections of faith and hope and love are in their place.  Love and joy and peace in the Holy Spirit seem to flow from us, simply, naturally” (p. xi).

While Foster writes with flowery words and winsome offers, his mystical system fails the test of Scripture.  God does not promise sinless perfection, does not instruct His people today beyond the Scriptures, does not offer a program of Spiritual Disciplines that plugs us into His power, and does not prescribe a mystical approach to Scripture.  Foster’s plan has the “appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence” (Col 2:23). (Online source)

Dr. Gary Gilley

See also:

MOVE OVER PASTORS FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS/GURUS

RICHARD FOSTER’S LEGACY ENDURES: CHRISTIAN LEADERS HELP TO MAKE IT SO

CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY OF RICHARD FOSTER ROOTED IN THE EASTERN DESERT AND THOMAS MERTON

EVANGELICAL RIP VAN WINKLES EMPLOY QUAKER MYSTIC RICHARD FOSTER FOR BEDTIME FABLES

“CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE” BY RICHARD FOSTER AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THEOLOGICAL ERROR

SO YOU WANT TO BE LIKE CHRIST… DITCH THE DISCIPLINES OF DALLAS WILLARD

CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY/MYSTICISM (CSM) OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION IS RECKLESS FAITH