Freedom of Simplicity: Finding Harmony in a Complex World

I was very happy I got this book; it was worth every penny and I'm glad that I can add it to my library. No doubt I will refer to it again to refresh the inspiration I got from reading it.What I like the most about Richard J. Foster's book is that it is a holistic approach to simplicity, one that starts at tightening up on one's spiritual life and ends in the outer simplicity which one would expect a book of this nature to deal with. This is much more than a list of ways to simplify one's life or a simple approach to simplicity. This book is a path that takes one through spiritual renewal and shows how that renewal demands the individual to take a look at one's outer mode of existence and simplify it. As Foster points out simplicity begins with an inward transformation and manifests itself outwardly in a more standard definition of simplicity.I didn't find much use for some of the later chapters on corporate and organizational simplicity and even the beginning of the book where Foster talks about simplicity based on the Old Testament was ponderous to me. However, the sections on simplicity vis-a-vis the New Testament and much of the sections dealing with inner and outer simplicity were chalked filled with so much spiritual insight that I still have to give this book a five star rating.To me, this book is not just a good read; it is a book that one can go back to many times and find fresh inspiration and direction.

This was a complex read on simplicity, however, the last 2 chapters made me reflect deeply and asked me to take decisions in my life.

A magnificent publication. This book was suggested to me by my beloved Psychologist, Dr. Tombley. A wonderful book from a wonderful Doctor. Patience and it's conception written from an Old and New Testament perspective that is like no other. I learned things, gleaned things from this publication about the Old Testament that I did not know and I have had college courses on it. I have been a Christian my entire life, I have read the Bible my entire life. This book is rich with such a different way of looking at life, community, Christ, and the whole concept of simplicity. There is no easy way to describe this book. It truly must be experienced. The only way I know how to express it is at times I felt as if I were conversing (in my mind) with an old friend. It is one of the most pleasurable books to read that I have read in a long time. It gets to the heart of the Christian life and how to live it. You will not be disappointed.

I have a different book where this author did some summary writing. I liked his writing style so thought I'd search to see if he had anything else out there, and I found this book. It was even better than I had expected. You can tell there was a lot of thought put into this book and it really makes you think of how to bring simplicity into your life. This book is a keeper

There are many useful prescriptions for improving personal and communal life here. Kind of a departure for the author but welcome and persuasive nevertheless.

Like all of Richard Foster's writing, this is a serious and deeply spiritual approach to living the simple life as a Christian. I read it during my actual move to and first few days in a simpler life in Costa Rica, thus giving a spiritual dimension to what some friends back in the states thought was a brave but foolish adventure. I'm embracing not owning a car, furniture or house. Walking to the grocery store or bus stop can now be an experience with Christ or His Spirit. I will have to re-read the book to fully absorb all the spiritual dimensions of my new simpler life, but thanks to Richard Foster it has begun! And Christ is central in this lifestyle change.

This book continues to challenge and inspire me. His insights and spiritual wisdom are crucial to the church today. Read and re-read, as it calls us to lifelong transformation.

This is one of the finest books I've ever read on living simply the life God has laid out for His children! I love the way the author reveals he is growing right along with us as he allows God to teach him the steps and give the courage to take them! As far as I am concerned, this book should be a 'must' for every Christian to read and practice. No telling what our God would do if we were truly 'simple' people, free from the many entanglements of the world and open to the leading of His Spirit!

This book is inspirational but also dynamite if we take what Foster says seriously in this materialistic world in which we live. My only disappointment is that with the Kindle version I've found it impossible most of the time to get to the notes at the back of the book - I found myself in a bizarre circle from the first page of the Notes to "You have now reached the end of this book" and back again which was most frustrating! I could get into the Notes easily with my Kindle app on my iPad, though , but that's not exactly the point is it?!!

Foster delves deeply into the complexity of simplicity and produces some great observations together with a raft of practical applications.

Insightful, thought-provoking and makes you re-evaluate. HOWEVER, the copy we received was in really poor shape for a supposedly new book. The cover was bent, smeared and had small ink marks. The spine was worn. I will probably request a replacement.

If we all lived like this the world would be transformed beautifully. You would want to live in this world!

Very complex aspects about simplicity in this beautiful text of Richard Foster on how we can redirect our lives towards what really matters.