Books Soul Feast : An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life
Books and Publications Average Rating:

Rating: - A very useful book
This is a nicely written discussion of spirituality. It would be helpful for an individual, and certainly useful for a discussion group.

Terry
Sixth Presbyterian
Pittsburgh

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Rating: - Profound Insights In This Book!
My spiritual study group, guided by our Episcopal priest (a woman), just finished Soul Feast. What a marvelous, lucid book this is. I kept my Access Bible nearby as I read (highlighter and pencil in hand), and followed up on Thompson's scriptural references right then and there. Quotes, queries, and sidebar information provide further enrichment, and Thompson's gentle, encouraging voice supports the material throughout. Her annotated bibliography is exciting, too. We'll soon take up the study of one of the many dozens of titles she suggested there. As an editor myself, I highly recommend that you make a thoughtful reading of this inspired book!

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Rating: - Excellent experiential guide to spiritual formation

As the author states in her Introduction, this book is primarily experiential and interactive. As such, it is highly usable in both form and function.

The book is DESIGNED with wide margins containing quotations that illuminate the text, questions to contemplate, suggestions for written reflection, and space enough to scribble ones notes.

The CONTENT treats eight disciplines: spiritual reading, praying, worshiping, fasting, examination of conscience, spiritual guidance, hospitality and developing a "rule of life". Thompson concentrates on one practice per chapter, and includes historical, theological, and biblical references, along with practical exercises to "learn" the discipline. Chapters vary in length (13-20 pages) and end with Footnotes. An Annotated Biliography and Group Study Guide complete the book; both are excellent.

The author provides strong, gentle guidance in a voice that is clear and direct. Her approach is inclusive of all Christians, transcending liturgical and dogmatic differences. This ecumenical approach is evident in quotations and works cited.

Another reviewer described Soul Feast as "a watered-down version" of Richard Foster's *Celebration of Discipline. I understand this reviewer's passion for Foster's book; it's excellent and well-written. I use both Celebration and Soul Feast to help guide my spiritual formation. They both cover many of the same disciplines, but treat them differently. And though there are differences, Soul Feast is not derivitive. (For the record, Soul Feast is not "full of footnotes to Foster"; of 92 footnotes, 6 note Foster) Foster includes chapters on simplicity, solitude, submission and service -- each treated separately -- while Thompson integrates them with other practices. Thompson includes a chapter on creating a "rule of life", Foster does not. Soul Feast tends to be more hands-on, something that's reinforced by its format. Foster tends to be more informational, Thompson formational. Thompson's style is strong, Foster imposing. Yin and yang; I like them both. I use them both. Many do.

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Rating: - Clear and Usable
The author does an excellent job of teaching about Spirituality from a protestant reformed theology perspective. This would be a wonderful resource to use with church leadership.