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Wisdom Chaser: Finding My Father at 14,000 Feet
It began with a simple question: "One day I found myself asking my father, across the chasm between us, 'Hey Dad, you want to climb the highest mountain in Colorado?'" And for Nathan Foster and his father, Richard, that simple question changed everything. With no hiking experience to draw on, they embarked on a journey of physical challenge, discovering just how far they could push themselves. For Nathan a parallel journey took him inside himself. Having grown up in the shadow of a famous father, Richard J. Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline, Nathan had a lot of questions about who his father really was. Would hiking open the door for him to get to know this distant figure? As the one-time experiment evolved into a decade of challenging hikes up Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks, the Fourteeners, Nathan navigated his twenties--finishing college, choosing a career, a possible cross-country move, the early years of marriage and a major personal crisis. Along the way he would discover exactly what his father could offer him. This book also includes an afterword by Richard J. Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline and coauthor of Longing for God.
187 pages, Paperback
First published February 25, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 2, 2014
Amazing writing by not only a prominent author/speaker/professor who is the son of Richard Foster (Celebration of the Disciplines). Nathan has also become a friend of mine since working with him at Spring Arbor University. He is basically amazing.
January 31, 2011
I loved this book. It gives a very personal picture of Richard Foster as well as documenting Nathan's personal journey. It gives the world of spiritual disciplines and formation a human face. It is fascinating to read as both a son and a father, vary encouraging.
March 2, 2014
Nathan Foster is son of the internationally known author of Celebration of Discipline and member of Renovare, an organization that focuses on spiritual disciplines. The subtitle, "Finding My Father at 14,000 Feet," and the author caught my attention because I really like memoirs, and I am curious about how others have maneuvered the complex parent-child relationship.
Nathan Foster, "an angry nonconformist who hated the world" (125), dares to ask his father a question that will change both their lives: "Hey, Dad, you want to climb the highest mountain in Colorado?" Neither of them have any hiking experience. Neither of them has much experience as father and son. But they embark on an adventure which is not only rigorous physically, but also emotionally and mentally, as they support each other as fellow hikers--as they learn to bridge the chasm which has existed in their relationship. Not only do they get to know each other, they also learn to trust and value each other.
They decide to climb each of Colorado's 14er's (mountains 14,000 feet plus--all 54 such peaks, and over the coming decade they do that. Wisdom Chaser logs those journeys in varying amounts of detail, along with Nathan's personal life struggles with his demons. His questions to himself as they descend the first mountain reveal his state of being: Can I actually finish college? Can I quit smoking? Can I stay sober? Can I become someone? Can I get to know the old man with the walking stick (his father)? Nathan's more difficult challenge is to know himself. At one point he says, "My propensity for destruction remains my greatest fear" (146).
Nathan is very honest about the lack of relationship with his dad, his own weaknesses, and his failures and disappointments. It took great courage for Richard Foster to allow Nathan to write this book because Nathan's story is also his parents' story. I realized that truth in a fresh way when I read Reading My Father by Alexandra Styron; in revealing her father, she also reveals herself--and the dysfunction often took my breath away.
Nathan reveals that his father is a very humble man--and that is obvious in his Afterword. I wanted to know more from his perspective.
While the memoir is written from Nathan's perspective and he reveals the changes that accompany their climbs both up and down, we also see his father learning much about himself and relationships. "I learned how little I know about the mysteries of the human equation. And how difficult it is to unlock those mysteries. Struggling up a mountainside together, crossing a swift river lashed to each other, lying in sleeping bags looking up in perfect silence at the stars--for us, these experiences forged the key that ever so slowly began to unlock the hidden chambers of the heart" (174).
He continues, "I learned that human relationships are delicate and need constant nurturing. I learned that listening with the heart is a gift of grace and something to be treasured. I learned that the bonds of friendship are of greater value than most anything I can think of" (174).
I didn't want the story to end because I wanted to see more of the father-son relationship unfold. Having that bond is a basic human need, a need which impacts all of life. I'm thankful that the Fosters allowed others to be silent witnesses to unlocking "the hidden chambers of [their hearts]." I could easily read this again and enjoy it even more on a second reading.
Nathan Foster, "an angry nonconformist who hated the world" (125), dares to ask his father a question that will change both their lives: "Hey, Dad, you want to climb the highest mountain in Colorado?" Neither of them have any hiking experience. Neither of them has much experience as father and son. But they embark on an adventure which is not only rigorous physically, but also emotionally and mentally, as they support each other as fellow hikers--as they learn to bridge the chasm which has existed in their relationship. Not only do they get to know each other, they also learn to trust and value each other.
They decide to climb each of Colorado's 14er's (mountains 14,000 feet plus--all 54 such peaks, and over the coming decade they do that. Wisdom Chaser logs those journeys in varying amounts of detail, along with Nathan's personal life struggles with his demons. His questions to himself as they descend the first mountain reveal his state of being: Can I actually finish college? Can I quit smoking? Can I stay sober? Can I become someone? Can I get to know the old man with the walking stick (his father)? Nathan's more difficult challenge is to know himself. At one point he says, "My propensity for destruction remains my greatest fear" (146).
Nathan is very honest about the lack of relationship with his dad, his own weaknesses, and his failures and disappointments. It took great courage for Richard Foster to allow Nathan to write this book because Nathan's story is also his parents' story. I realized that truth in a fresh way when I read Reading My Father by Alexandra Styron; in revealing her father, she also reveals herself--and the dysfunction often took my breath away.
Nathan reveals that his father is a very humble man--and that is obvious in his Afterword. I wanted to know more from his perspective.
While the memoir is written from Nathan's perspective and he reveals the changes that accompany their climbs both up and down, we also see his father learning much about himself and relationships. "I learned how little I know about the mysteries of the human equation. And how difficult it is to unlock those mysteries. Struggling up a mountainside together, crossing a swift river lashed to each other, lying in sleeping bags looking up in perfect silence at the stars--for us, these experiences forged the key that ever so slowly began to unlock the hidden chambers of the heart" (174).
He continues, "I learned that human relationships are delicate and need constant nurturing. I learned that listening with the heart is a gift of grace and something to be treasured. I learned that the bonds of friendship are of greater value than most anything I can think of" (174).
I didn't want the story to end because I wanted to see more of the father-son relationship unfold. Having that bond is a basic human need, a need which impacts all of life. I'm thankful that the Fosters allowed others to be silent witnesses to unlocking "the hidden chambers of [their hearts]." I could easily read this again and enjoy it even more on a second reading.
June 13, 2010
Beautiful and profound...DEEP. Hilarious. Insightful. Packed full of truth and grace.
Makes me want to hike a LOT more than I do :)
Makes me want to hike a LOT more than I do :)
July 14, 2022
Reviewed by: Mary Lou Codman-Wilson, PhD., Pastoral Psychology, Psychological Anthropology, Christian Education and Buddhism.
Review:
Wisdom Chasers by Nathan Foster is a self-reflective memoir about a failing, rebellious child, alienated from his famous polar-opposite, author-father, coming of age. His twin teachers were his polar-opposite father and the ten years they climbed 14,000 foot mountains in Colorado together. Their mountain-climbing journeys are described in detail. But the mountains also serve as metaphors for all he was conquering in his life. One of the most significant of those conquests is aptly reflected in the subtitle of the book: “Finding my father at 14,000 feet.” The book is easily readable, and written from the perspective of a 20-something millennial. It offers significant insights for all those trying to find their own identity and significance in life.
5 stars
Excerpts:
“There on the side of the mountain one of my lifelong quandaries was being revealed. The answer was just so simple: pace yourself, move slowly, don’t stop. This turned out to be an ingenious way to climb a mountain. If I know my limits and I am willing to accept them, all I have to do is keep moving forward. Dream big and find my pace…The whole notion of pacing myself was so simple yet it sparked a revolution, a cosmic shift in the way in which I attempted to live my life. My string of failures was about to end. I was learning how to hike. I was learning how to live from a man I had determined had nothing to teach me,” (pp. 34, 36).
“Ideas that needed years to simmer had found their way to me. I now felt the freedom to question. I began redefining what I had called ‘church’ into the New Testament concept of the Body of Christ. . . I was learning that the church was simply a collection of broken people recklessly loved by God. Christ suffered for these people. The least I can do is to try to love them. Jesus told us He came for the sick not the healthy and certainly our churches are a reflection of this truth. I just wish we knew how sick we are. It’s the arrogance, judgmental attitude that I find nearly impossible to love. The smooth seeker-friendly machines that seem to be replacing the dying denominations aren’t much of an improvement. What if we were known for our love/ What does it look like when honest, broken human beings get together because they need God and each other?” (p. 89).
“It would be nice to say that he achieved because he believed in himself or because he had the ingenuity or self-determination that it took to succeed, that he pulled himself up by his bootstraps. Yah, that would be nice. But it wouldn’t be true at all. That’s hero talk. That’s American folklore. My father became a writer not only because he worked hard but because he had a supportive community who believed in him and together they asked God for a gift. . . I was starting to see how we create worth by what we value and my Dad valued me,” (p. 125).
“Dr. Chris Wilgers is a gifted counselor with whom I worked for several years. . . .He told me that when someone walks in the door, he begins to pray that God shows him who this [client] could be if they were healed. Rather than asking God what is wrong with the person, Chris asks about his or her potential. Once a picture starts to form, he has the unique way of praying the transformation into the person. He treats the person as if they were fully whole. We become what others expect us to be. God expected me to get better and even assume that I would have something helpful to say,” (p. 127).
“Sometimes my awareness lays dormant, waiting for the right time to shake loose meaning from past experiences. Dad had taken interest in my life and afraid as I was to admit it, his caring had meant a lot. I was beginning to see ways that his presence had helped to shape the person I had become. For 10 years my Dad had showed up; he had listened and tried to be involved. He had seldom offered advice and had been quick with a laugh. I had felt accepted and free to be myself without judgment. Dad had offered what Henri Nouwen described as hospitality, and I realized that this is the finest gift a father could give his son,” (p. 171).
Review:
Wisdom Chasers by Nathan Foster is a self-reflective memoir about a failing, rebellious child, alienated from his famous polar-opposite, author-father, coming of age. His twin teachers were his polar-opposite father and the ten years they climbed 14,000 foot mountains in Colorado together. Their mountain-climbing journeys are described in detail. But the mountains also serve as metaphors for all he was conquering in his life. One of the most significant of those conquests is aptly reflected in the subtitle of the book: “Finding my father at 14,000 feet.” The book is easily readable, and written from the perspective of a 20-something millennial. It offers significant insights for all those trying to find their own identity and significance in life.
5 stars
Excerpts:
“There on the side of the mountain one of my lifelong quandaries was being revealed. The answer was just so simple: pace yourself, move slowly, don’t stop. This turned out to be an ingenious way to climb a mountain. If I know my limits and I am willing to accept them, all I have to do is keep moving forward. Dream big and find my pace…The whole notion of pacing myself was so simple yet it sparked a revolution, a cosmic shift in the way in which I attempted to live my life. My string of failures was about to end. I was learning how to hike. I was learning how to live from a man I had determined had nothing to teach me,” (pp. 34, 36).
“Ideas that needed years to simmer had found their way to me. I now felt the freedom to question. I began redefining what I had called ‘church’ into the New Testament concept of the Body of Christ. . . I was learning that the church was simply a collection of broken people recklessly loved by God. Christ suffered for these people. The least I can do is to try to love them. Jesus told us He came for the sick not the healthy and certainly our churches are a reflection of this truth. I just wish we knew how sick we are. It’s the arrogance, judgmental attitude that I find nearly impossible to love. The smooth seeker-friendly machines that seem to be replacing the dying denominations aren’t much of an improvement. What if we were known for our love/ What does it look like when honest, broken human beings get together because they need God and each other?” (p. 89).
“It would be nice to say that he achieved because he believed in himself or because he had the ingenuity or self-determination that it took to succeed, that he pulled himself up by his bootstraps. Yah, that would be nice. But it wouldn’t be true at all. That’s hero talk. That’s American folklore. My father became a writer not only because he worked hard but because he had a supportive community who believed in him and together they asked God for a gift. . . I was starting to see how we create worth by what we value and my Dad valued me,” (p. 125).
“Dr. Chris Wilgers is a gifted counselor with whom I worked for several years. . . .He told me that when someone walks in the door, he begins to pray that God shows him who this [client] could be if they were healed. Rather than asking God what is wrong with the person, Chris asks about his or her potential. Once a picture starts to form, he has the unique way of praying the transformation into the person. He treats the person as if they were fully whole. We become what others expect us to be. God expected me to get better and even assume that I would have something helpful to say,” (p. 127).
“Sometimes my awareness lays dormant, waiting for the right time to shake loose meaning from past experiences. Dad had taken interest in my life and afraid as I was to admit it, his caring had meant a lot. I was beginning to see ways that his presence had helped to shape the person I had become. For 10 years my Dad had showed up; he had listened and tried to be involved. He had seldom offered advice and had been quick with a laugh. I had felt accepted and free to be myself without judgment. Dad had offered what Henri Nouwen described as hospitality, and I realized that this is the finest gift a father could give his son,” (p. 171).
July 29, 2017
My favorite book of the decade---no joke!!!
I have been a huge fan of Richard Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline, Prayer, and others, and the founder of RENOVARE, an ecumenical and evangelical support ministry for those seeking to be transformed by Christ and conformed to His image. In the past year, I have also become a fan of Nathan Foster, Richard's son, who hosts one of my favorite weekly podcasts, RENOVARE. I recently heard Nathan casually mention on the podcast that He had written a book--this book, about his relationship with his father. The subtitle, "Finding my Father at 14,000 Feet" intrigued me also because my own son, who is around the same age as the author, frequently participates in mountain climbing expeditions. I thought I might also gain insight as to his attraction to the sport.
This is one of those books where I seriously grieve that the book had to end. Nathan's humility, openness, and honesty endear him to the reader. "For years, failure had protected me from dealing with such vulnerable emotions. When failure is part of your identity, you don't worry about letting others down. You know you will, and that's that. But if you're proud of me, then you may start expecting me to be a certain way; that felt like a set up." His voice rings clear throughout this well-crafted narrative.
Like many PK's, Nathan had a rough relationship with his Dad during his growing up years. It wasn't until he hit his early 20s that he attempted to kindle a relationship by asking his father to accompany him on a climb. And Dad said Yes!
The setting contributes to the theme of traversing a rough and rocky relational path. Then one climb led to another as Nathan and his father decided to start checking off the Colorado 14ers, over 50 CO mountains exceeding 14,000 feet. Each mountain becomes a teacher to them both. "As is often the case in life, pain made me teachable." With each climb they gained a greater understanding of each other and of themselves.
I learned much from their relationship about my role as a parent to three millennials. During his first three decades, Nathan tested his parents in nearly every possible way a child could possibly challenge them--he became addicted to cigarettes, alcohol, even drugs at an early age. And yet, Richard, patient and mindful, ever serves as a role model to his son. Nathan comes to see "how we create worth by what we value, and my dad valued me." His nonjudgmental and supportive example as a father becomes one Nathan grows to love and appreciate and emulate as he becomes a parent.
I gleaned a clearer understanding of what constitutes a healthy relationship with our adult children from reading Wisdom Chaser, the title and the trail name Nathan gave to his father, and enjoyed learning more about these two amazing men of faith!
I have been a huge fan of Richard Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline, Prayer, and others, and the founder of RENOVARE, an ecumenical and evangelical support ministry for those seeking to be transformed by Christ and conformed to His image. In the past year, I have also become a fan of Nathan Foster, Richard's son, who hosts one of my favorite weekly podcasts, RENOVARE. I recently heard Nathan casually mention on the podcast that He had written a book--this book, about his relationship with his father. The subtitle, "Finding my Father at 14,000 Feet" intrigued me also because my own son, who is around the same age as the author, frequently participates in mountain climbing expeditions. I thought I might also gain insight as to his attraction to the sport.
This is one of those books where I seriously grieve that the book had to end. Nathan's humility, openness, and honesty endear him to the reader. "For years, failure had protected me from dealing with such vulnerable emotions. When failure is part of your identity, you don't worry about letting others down. You know you will, and that's that. But if you're proud of me, then you may start expecting me to be a certain way; that felt like a set up." His voice rings clear throughout this well-crafted narrative.
Like many PK's, Nathan had a rough relationship with his Dad during his growing up years. It wasn't until he hit his early 20s that he attempted to kindle a relationship by asking his father to accompany him on a climb. And Dad said Yes!
The setting contributes to the theme of traversing a rough and rocky relational path. Then one climb led to another as Nathan and his father decided to start checking off the Colorado 14ers, over 50 CO mountains exceeding 14,000 feet. Each mountain becomes a teacher to them both. "As is often the case in life, pain made me teachable." With each climb they gained a greater understanding of each other and of themselves.
I learned much from their relationship about my role as a parent to three millennials. During his first three decades, Nathan tested his parents in nearly every possible way a child could possibly challenge them--he became addicted to cigarettes, alcohol, even drugs at an early age. And yet, Richard, patient and mindful, ever serves as a role model to his son. Nathan comes to see "how we create worth by what we value, and my dad valued me." His nonjudgmental and supportive example as a father becomes one Nathan grows to love and appreciate and emulate as he becomes a parent.
I gleaned a clearer understanding of what constitutes a healthy relationship with our adult children from reading Wisdom Chaser, the title and the trail name Nathan gave to his father, and enjoyed learning more about these two amazing men of faith!
November 12, 2020
This is a casual exploration of fourteeners and the relationship between a father and son. Foster allows the reader to tag along on the adventures and lets us peek into the nature of perspective. Our perspectives shift depending on our vantage point, this is true when we are evaluating our ability to climb a mountain. From my living room looking at the guidebook I may feel quite confident, but when I reach 10,000 feet or so the change in perspective may cause me to reconsider. The same is true in relationships. Both parent and child experience a change in perspective as they change. Relationships are complicated, yet in this book, grace abounds. When I think about my childhood I often think: "Mistakes were made!". And now as a parent of adult children when I think about my own parenting I think the same thing. I enjoyed the descriptions in this book because I now live in Colorado but I was most touched by the description of a father and son who shared a decade of better perspective.
March 28, 2021
A touching writing of a man’s journey of hiking the high mountains called Fourteeners in Colorado. His dad joined him, through which he started to truly connect with his famous but unfamiliar father, and got to know him and more importantly himself in the process.
An easy read of a young Christian’s story about self-discovery, and reckoning.
My friend read it together with his teenage son, which inspired them on their father and son’s fourteeners journey.
I have passed the life stage of young adulthood long ago that I understand the writer. The challenge of Longs Peak at Rocky Mountain National Park is enticing. One more thing that I would like to do. Also, I may recommend my young son to read years from now.
An easy read of a young Christian’s story about self-discovery, and reckoning.
My friend read it together with his teenage son, which inspired them on their father and son’s fourteeners journey.
I have passed the life stage of young adulthood long ago that I understand the writer. The challenge of Longs Peak at Rocky Mountain National Park is enticing. One more thing that I would like to do. Also, I may recommend my young son to read years from now.
March 24, 2017
I ordered this book as I was finishing Making of an Ordinary Saint, also by Nathan Foster. I appreciated Foster's vulnerability and insight in Ordinary Saint, this work was never more vulnerable and just as insightful. It was a joy to read of the father-son relationship being developed. As a pastor it keeps me aware of how my vocation affects my children. It also brings hope that those who are battling addiction can see freedom. All of this and filled with spiritual insight, Wisdom Chaser is one of the vast books I've read in a long time, possibly just one of the best period. Hopefully Foster isn't done writing.
June 24, 2017
I never read his father's books. This was recommended to me by my pastor. It is amazing book.
1. We can all relate to the guy in one way or another to challenge ourselves as he did.
2. He is brutally open and honest.
3. We see an example, through his father, of what meekness looks like. I loved that!
1. We can all relate to the guy in one way or another to challenge ourselves as he did.
2. He is brutally open and honest.
3. We see an example, through his father, of what meekness looks like. I loved that!
February 14, 2018
great read, excellent writing
July 4, 2019
This book is so much more than mountaineering. It's about rediscovering relationships, healing and self discovery. Wondeful read.
July 14, 2022
A truly great story.
February 12, 2023
Casual. Powerful. Hilarious
August 20, 2023
Good book for young adults navigating questions for life such as who am I and what is my purpose? Also a great resource for building relationships between Father and son.
June 18, 2024
This book made me wish I were Nathan’s friend. He’s just a really cool person. Vulnerable, transparent, funny, insightful, a blessing.
February 1, 2016
A friend gave me a copy of Nathan Foster's book Wisdom Chaser. I was interested for two reasons. First, he is the son of Richard Foster. While it may not have been the most exciting read, Celebration of Disicipline was a good read. Second, he's a prof at Spring Arbor University, my alma mater.
This book proved to be a quick and easy read with (wait for it) lots of wisdom. In it, Nathan recounts a decade of stories where he climbed mountains in Colorado (the fourteeners) with his dad. As they begin, they do not have the greatest of relationships, but a few fourteeners later, that seems to be well resolved.
The story-reveals-truth style of writing is nice, but the use of shock value I found distracting. Color me prude if you wish, but I found his choice of verbal crassness unnecessary. It took me away from what he was attempting to communicate and left me wondering why he chose to use those words.
Understand that I am not perfect in this area and I truly understand the sometimes scientific effort that writers will go through in order to grab the attention of their readers. But to speak something quickly and without thought seems to be on a different level than writing something down for generations to come.
I suppose my thoughts on cursing aside, the book was well done. I was left curious at a few points that did not seem to fit in the timeline or mood of the book. I also was left wondering how Ziggy the dog did on those mountain journeys. Perhaps these mysteries will be left for another book.
The afterword by his father, Richard, was also interesting to read, since he was the subject matter of most of the book. This is worth a read as long as you can look past a few written indiscretions.
This book proved to be a quick and easy read with (wait for it) lots of wisdom. In it, Nathan recounts a decade of stories where he climbed mountains in Colorado (the fourteeners) with his dad. As they begin, they do not have the greatest of relationships, but a few fourteeners later, that seems to be well resolved.
The story-reveals-truth style of writing is nice, but the use of shock value I found distracting. Color me prude if you wish, but I found his choice of verbal crassness unnecessary. It took me away from what he was attempting to communicate and left me wondering why he chose to use those words.
Understand that I am not perfect in this area and I truly understand the sometimes scientific effort that writers will go through in order to grab the attention of their readers. But to speak something quickly and without thought seems to be on a different level than writing something down for generations to come.
I suppose my thoughts on cursing aside, the book was well done. I was left curious at a few points that did not seem to fit in the timeline or mood of the book. I also was left wondering how Ziggy the dog did on those mountain journeys. Perhaps these mysteries will be left for another book.
The afterword by his father, Richard, was also interesting to read, since he was the subject matter of most of the book. This is worth a read as long as you can look past a few written indiscretions.
February 9, 2013
This book was discovered on Richard J Foster's website introduced by three relaxed video question and answer sessions between Nathan and his Dad.
Wisdom Chaser is the story of many things , discovering the mystery and majesty of mountains over 14 000 feet, a young man's discovery and acceptance of who he is and the renewal of a relationship with his Father over a period of 10 years.
You may know well the famous book Celebration of Discipline by Nathan's Dad Richard. But Nathan's book "sings" the principles of that book in action. Celebration of discipline argues that spiritual disciplines are not mechanically learned one by one but are rather an integrated set of tools which can be used on God's behalf whenever we receive the grace to see and respond to a need for them.
Well in Wisdom Chaser Nathan and Richard visit and renew spiritual formation alongside each other . Here we see the relationship of a good Father and Son in action gentle , listening ,forgiving ,joyous and humourous. Both grow in fellowship and love as the walk together in God's creation and one senses God's presence in each and every page.
Wisdom Chaser is the story of many things , discovering the mystery and majesty of mountains over 14 000 feet, a young man's discovery and acceptance of who he is and the renewal of a relationship with his Father over a period of 10 years.
You may know well the famous book Celebration of Discipline by Nathan's Dad Richard. But Nathan's book "sings" the principles of that book in action. Celebration of discipline argues that spiritual disciplines are not mechanically learned one by one but are rather an integrated set of tools which can be used on God's behalf whenever we receive the grace to see and respond to a need for them.
Well in Wisdom Chaser Nathan and Richard visit and renew spiritual formation alongside each other . Here we see the relationship of a good Father and Son in action gentle , listening ,forgiving ,joyous and humourous. Both grow in fellowship and love as the walk together in God's creation and one senses God's presence in each and every page.
May 24, 2014
I for one am not wowed by the religious leaders and thinkers of Christianity. I have personally known far too many of their children. I am glad that Foster got a chance to relate to his father and to write this book. But as usual, it is not the (insert your own expletive) of a religious thinker that makes an earth shattering revelation about how he abused/neglected his family, or even seeks to better understand and relate to the real world occurring around him. Rather, it is the poor offspring, struggling with life and faith that has to come to grips with forgiveness and acceptance.
I understand the whole feet of clay thing. The one thing I do appreciate about the elder Foster that gets expressed in this book is he has come to grips with the fame and sought to control the environment where he practices his faith expression in such as way as to avoid the groupies and attempt to lead people to a more realistic expression. Most would be cashing in with their magnificent ego of a stage presence. Foster is to be commended for at least going for a hike with his adult son.
I understand the whole feet of clay thing. The one thing I do appreciate about the elder Foster that gets expressed in this book is he has come to grips with the fame and sought to control the environment where he practices his faith expression in such as way as to avoid the groupies and attempt to lead people to a more realistic expression. Most would be cashing in with their magnificent ego of a stage presence. Foster is to be commended for at least going for a hike with his adult son.
September 29, 2014
Short Review: This is a memoir of Nathan Foster discovering a relationship with his father Richard (the well known author). I enjoyed this in part because I have hiked some of what is described here. I also have read most of what Richard Foster has written, most of it multiple times. Nathan had a difficult time growing up. And he resists either blaming his Dad for his problems or ignoring the fact that his Dad was gone much of the time. It is not really about the bad, it is about the reconciliation. It is a fairly short read and on sale on kindle when I picked it up, so I read it in a day and enjoyed it. Not an earth shattering book, but a good one to remind us that parents are real people and relationships require work.
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/wisdom-chaser/
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/wisdom-chaser/
January 21, 2014
This book gives you an appreciation as a father and as a son. The son part is that we probably never really learn to love your father until after you have grown up. You see how hard it is to be good in all ways to your own children. It is this appreciation which bears the understanding how much your father has loved you as you try to love your own. This leads to the conclusions own father's greatest attribute is his capacity to love.
The book as a story, the mountain scenes are the most compelling. But they are just vehicles to drive home his points. Most of his points do talk about how he messed up his life and how through having a goal and a loving father he was able to work through some pretty tough periods of his life.
For more on this book, see my blog
The book as a story, the mountain scenes are the most compelling. But they are just vehicles to drive home his points. Most of his points do talk about how he messed up his life and how through having a goal and a loving father he was able to work through some pretty tough periods of his life.
For more on this book, see my blog
August 22, 2011
I loved this book. It was just what I needed to read. I don't have many Christian books in my hometown library that I would find as wise to read...but this was a rich find. I had picked up "Celebration of Discipline" from a friends personal library and when I saw this I wasn't sure if this would discount the author. I was completely wrong by judgements made before I began reading this book. I cannot wait to read Celebration of Discipline because his son here clearly points out that his father lived out what he wrote about. I nearly cried a few times at the end. I can relate in so many ways to him, and I just loved learning about who his father was. A great read whether you are a Christian or not.
July 30, 2012
I loved this book. It included a redemption and recovery theme; with backpacking, hiking and mountain climbing; deep bonding of a father and son and wisdom from a famous father. I also loved the style of writing. The author bounced from one setting to another around a common theme, connected through a beautiful string of phrases. Excellent book! I also recently got to spend some time with the author, meeting over all things, over a common allergy. I hear that with a number of Christian authors, the person does not always match the voice in the book--very disappointing. Nate does, as does his father, Richard. Nathan Foster is the real deal.
April 16, 2014
Nathan Foster's father wrote famous books on spiritual disciplines, yet Nathan felt he never knew his father. After dabbling in drugs, alcoholism and other poor choices, Nathan invites his father to climb some 14,000 foot mountain peaks in Colorado. The two men mend their relationship and become friends. I enjoyed this book and their discussions.
Father's mantra: "The disciplined person does what needs to be done when it needs to be done."
Nathan: "I was learning that the church was simply a collection of broken people recklessly loved by God. Christ suffers for these people; the least I can do is try to love them" "
Father's mantra: "The disciplined person does what needs to be done when it needs to be done."
Nathan: "I was learning that the church was simply a collection of broken people recklessly loved by God. Christ suffers for these people; the least I can do is try to love them" "
September 26, 2010
Interesting true story about a troubled young man who finds his way. Nathan, the son of the Quaker best-selling author Richard Foster, initiates the restoration of a broken relationship with his famous father by inviting him to climb a mountain. He is a sweet young man and learns many lessons about life while discovering his famous father. I liked him and was glad about the restored connection and the direction his life takes but his writing style was not engaging to me. The book was given to me Baker Duncan.
June 23, 2011
I loved this book. I read it in one day and liked the writing style, the order, and the content. At George Fox, the alma mater of Richard Foster, his book is highly regarded and, while attending the whole myself, I got to hear him speak once. To me, this book is about father/son relationships, a relationship with God, and an ability to accept one's self. I thought it was fantastic and wish I'd bought it rather than checking it out at the library...
December 31, 2013
A must read for this true story of faith and a parent-adult/child relationship that became strengthened thru hiking 14'ers in Colorado. What I took away: we must tend and cultivate our relationships with others...it is perhaps the most important human activity we can spend time, energy, and effort on. And as evangelical Christians, we must feel a special urgency to do so; because of Christ's love for us we can love others as God intends us to.
May 30, 2014
I read this in one sitting on an airplane from Detroit to LA.
I had the privilege of meeting Nathan and his father, Richard Foster, after hearing them speak at Spring Arbor University in Michigan.
Nathan struggled in his life and didn't have a good relationship with his father. The climbing brought them together. Richard had not done mountain climbing prior to this. I admire his willingness to delve into this rugged sport for his son.
I had the privilege of meeting Nathan and his father, Richard Foster, after hearing them speak at Spring Arbor University in Michigan.
Nathan struggled in his life and didn't have a good relationship with his father. The climbing brought them together. Richard had not done mountain climbing prior to this. I admire his willingness to delve into this rugged sport for his son.
December 29, 2019
On vacation in the Colorado mountains, I pulled this book off a library shelf based just on its title. Then I saw it was by Nathan Foster, whose Renovare podcast I enjoy, and that it traced his spiritual journey while hiking Colorado mountains. It was insightful, amusing and easy to read. Gives wisdom on the importance of relationships (his with his father author Richard Foster), listening, humility, not fearing failure, enjoying the journey, slowing one’s pace.
August 15, 2012
Nathen thinks and writes Ike I do, I've been asking a lot of the same questions about God and the church that it really was goo for me. His words put words to my feelings and has helped me process them. It was a a great story of a father and son and how they both became closer to God because of it.
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