• Freedom of Simplicity

  • Finding Harmony in a Complex World
  • By: Richard J. Foster
  • Narrated by: Lloyd James
  • Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (114 ratings)

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Freedom of Simplicity  By  cover art

Freedom of Simplicity

By: Richard J. Foster
Narrated by: Lloyd James
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Publisher's summary

Written in the same warm, accessible style as Richard Foster's best-selling Celebration of Discipline, Freedom of Simplicity articulates a creative, more human style of living and points the way for Christians to make their lives "models of simplicity".

Foster provides a way to rethink our priorities and to "seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness"/ He shows us how to live in harmony with the rich complexity of life while stressing the relation of simplicity to prayer, solitude, and all the Christian Disciplines.

©2005 Richard J. Foster (P)2007 christianaudio.com

Critic reviews

"Lloyd James narrates this fascinating book, which addresses the problem of people's attempts to find satisfaction in their lives by acquiring more and more things - which, of course, rarely achieves the desired end....James's well-modulated voice reflects the author's passion. His strong, clear delivery creates a convincing presentation. This dynamic audiobook is well worth your time. ( AudioFile)
"If everybody in this country could read--and heed--this book, what a difference it would make to the planet; nay to the cosmos." (Madeleine L'Engle)

What listeners say about Freedom of Simplicity

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Challenging and provoking

In this book, Foster challenges us to view ourselves and our stuff from God's perspective - His people and His stuff. In calling us to the freedom from protecting our possessions, he leads us to live our lives with an open hand.

He remains ecumenical in his sourcing for this work, much like Celebration of Discpline. Even in this, his "Quaker-ness" comes through, with the beauty of Jesus as teacher.

A worthy read, and the narrator does a superb job in creating the illusion that the words are his. The hours of listening are much like having a deep, extended conversation with a trusted friend rather than a stilted lecture from a professor.

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16 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

It's Not About Simplicity

Any additional comments?

This book is mistitled. It's about Christian charity and giving, which is a fine message, but not why I bought the audio book. Almost all of the book provides a Biblical basis for helping our Christian brothers and sisters, but just about none of it how to achieve simplicity. This was a disappointment. The message is great. It's just not about simplicity.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Still Relevant to Modern Life

Richard Foster challenges and guides us into practical steps to live out Justice and mercy according to Kingdom principles. Thought provoking and convicting. I highly recommend to followers of Jesus and to those seeking clarity in how to live life.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

I really enjoyed this audible. Richard J. Foster is a blessing to my spiritual life. This book reorientates your life towards what matters most, which is God.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Chapters do not line up

Reading was fine, content was okay, but the misaligned chapters made it hard to stay organized on the context of what I was listening to.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

essential teaching for all Christians

The part that spoke to me the most was the need for simplicity. We have so many things demanding our attention and it is completely appropriate to say know.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Timeless Biblical truths that challenges.

Richard Forster brings a Biblical view of living that will challenge any Christian to live more intentionally for Jesus.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Simplicity is not easy

I found this title thoughtful and insightful. How nothing the author wrote about is all that easy. I will be in prayer for a while as I contemplate my next move with God's guidance.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

the very best book on the topic of Simplicity that

I've read multiple books on this topic, but the issue of Simplicity of the heart is missing in most of them.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

a profound look at a difficult discipline

filled with observations and suggestions that expand the mind toward spiritual maturity. I highly recommend this book

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