Reflection Questions for October 30

1. What are the two aspects of Simplicity, and why are both essential (pp. 79–80)?

2. What is the Biblical witness regarding the life of simplicity (pp. 81–86)?

3. In what ways does contemporary American culture and “counterculture” stand at odds with the Biblical witness (p. 81)?

4. In what ways have you either succeeded or failed into what Foster identifies as the three inner attitudes: What we have is (a) from God, (b) cared for by God, and (c) available to others (p. 88)?

5. Reflect upon Foster’s ten guidelines for an outward expression of simplicity (pp. 90–95)? How might you incorporate these into your present lifestyle?

6. Why do we need both solitude and community to function with spiritual success (p. 97)?

7. Foster mentions the “Sacrifice of fools” (p. 99f) and the “Dark night of the Soul”(pp. 102–104). In what ways have either of these been in your experience?

8. Foster suggests five ways of experiencing more solitude in your life (pp. 104–109). Which of these might you find most helpful at this point in your life?