The Making of an Ordinary Saint, by Nathan Foster

When Nathan Foster was a boy, his father Richard Foster, author of the best-selling Celebration of Discipline, was at the forefront of an important movement in American Christianity.  The book was widely read and cited, and continues to be influential in Christian circles.  As a young man, Nathan decided to spend some time trying to figure out what his father was talking about.  We can read about the results of his inquiry in The Making of an Ordinary Saint: My Journey from Frustration to Joy with the Spiritual Disciplines. 

With honesty and humility, Nathan writes about his experiences putting into practice the disciplines about which his father became famous for writing.  As he tells his story, he leaves no question that the disciplines are for everyone, and that ordinary people can be ordinary saints.

The surprising element for me was Nathan's descriptions of his years as a drug addict and prodigal.  This isn't a central theme of the book, but adds a level of richness and authenticity to his story.  He left home at 16, dropped out of high school, and, at some point after he was married, his wife gave him an ultimatum to get into rehab.  As a parent, it's somehow humbling and reassuring to see that Richard Foster, super Christian of super Christian, has children who wander and struggle.

Thankfully for the Foster family, for Nathan, and for all the people who have been touched and discipled through Nathan's ministry (he works with Renovare, the organization his father started), he has become a leader, teacher, and writer to whom we can look for inspiration and encouragement.  The Making of an Ordinary Saint is an accessible, enjoyable introduction to the spiritual disciplines.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!