Richard James Foster (born 1942) is a Christian theologian and author in the Quaker tradition.

Born in 1942 in New Mexico, Foster spent the majority of his childhood growing up in Southern California.

It was named by Christianity Today as one of the top ten books of the twentieth century.

[4] He also published Freedom of Simplicity in 1981, which further explores the discipline of simple, intentional living.

[6] In recent years he has allowed his hair to grow, wearing it in a long pony tail.