Freedom of Simplicity

Published in the Catalyst, Vol. 32, No. 2 - Spring 2009

Freedom of Simplicity: Finding Harmony in a Complex World
Richard J. Foster
New York: HarperOne, 1981. Revised and updated 2005

Reviewed by Karri Munn-Venn

I’ve recently encountered a series of rather random reflections on living more simply: A catalogue sidebar about a couple that has committed to buy nothing but food for a year. A blog post chronicling one family’s effort not to bring any plastic into their home for a month. And a network reality series following six families that have pledged to only eat local food for one hundred days. Interesting that I stumbled across these stories just as I was finishing Richard Foster’s compelling call to simplicity.

Originally published in 1981, Freedom of Simplicity remains wonderfully timely. With a global food crisis, climate crisis, and credit crisis, people around the globe are currently questioning the way we live and the impact that it has on our neighbours, our societies and our world. Foster offers a call to Christians to live a simpler life as a way of deepening our relationship with Christ and making a positive contribution to the world. “Simplicity,” he says, “enables us to live lives of integrity in the face of the terrible realities of our global village.”

In an extensive exploration of the concept’s biblical roots Foster laces together several themes that form the foundation of Christian simplicity. From God’s generosity to the “exuberant caring and sharing” of the Saints, Foster highlights the call for justice, compassion and wholeness. He repeatedly emphasizes the importance of keeping our gaze squarely on Jesus Christ as we serve the orphan, the widow and the stranger. This is an approach that resonates strongly with CPJ’s guiding principles, to be “stewards of creation and practice justice and compassion in relationships.”

Having accepted that living simply is indeed good and desirable, the most interesting – and most difficult – part of the book for me was “the practice.” The starting point? A consideration of voluntary poverty. Foster acknowledges that a vow of poverty would represent a radical lifestyle change for most, but argues that complete transformation may indeed be easier than more nuanced changes. Only a few will be called to sell everything and give the proceeds to the poor. Still, everyone is encouraged to reduce their level of consumption, and, by extension, their material treasures, and to become more aware of the limits of the earth and its resources. Living a God-centred life allows us to pursue justice and service to the poor more freely.

So am I ready to commit to stop buying nice new clothes, or give up my morning coffee? Not yet. But I am willing to ask the question: what motivates me in my daily decision-making? Is it prestige and personal satisfaction or is it the glory of God?