Introduction by Joannah M. Sadler
Richard J. Foster originally published Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of the Christian Faith in 1998. In this groundbreaking follow-up to Celebration of Discipline, he identified six traditions from the various movements in church history and categorized each according to their unique emphasis in faith and practice. Foster prefaced this discussion by making the argument that the essence of each of these major traditions is found in the person and practice of Jesus. Logically, since we are called to follow Christ, these traditions and practices should be part of the life of both the believer and the church.
It has been argued by some that these “streams” Foster identifies are so essential to nurture of the body of Christ that they can be considered “food groups” from which a balanced diet can be found. Certainly, it seems that one of the marks of a mature faith is that it is sufficiently secure to engage with other Christian traditions and discover in them important ideas and practices which can be incorporated into one’s life. Streams of Living Water has provided food for thought and stimulated growth in Christ for over twenty-five years.
When the editors of Conversations decided to build an issue of the journal around Foster’s important work and insights into ways of being with God—it was no small task. Various writers from all six streams were invited to contribute, many interviews and book reviews were included, as well as helpful resources like forming a Rule of Life, and an article on how our personality influences and is shaped by our relationship with God. An online gallery and a several page spread in the issue was created to showcase artwork that readers sent in representing the Six Streams. You’ll hear from long-time—as well as newer contributors—to the journal: A lecture given by Dallas Willard on living out our faith as seen in the Book of Acts, Todd Hunter shared how his faith journey took him through Charismatic, Incarnational, and Evangelical streams, and Luci Shaw delights us with poetry for this topic. It wouldn’t be complete without an interview with Richard Foster and his son Nathan, to help give us even more context for this theme. Follow the link to the classroom for that conversation and more. The Spring 2013 issue is a treasure trove from the archives!
As Tara Owens stated in the front page,
The six great traditions of the Christian faith are a stunning picture of the diversity of the body of Christ throughout the ages. The grace of God is that this diversity, when lived out under the power and headship of Jesus, doesn’t bring comparison or conflict but instead greater unity. That is our heart’s cry, as it is the cry of every believer across the ages. Let your body be unified, God, and let your church be built. Let the gifts of God be experienced by the people of God for the realization of your Kingdom on this earth.
May this issue inspire and challenge you to experience your faith in a new way, as you continue down the stream of the “with-God” life.