Wasting Time with God: A Christian Spirituality of Friendship with God

Although the title of his book may be misleading, In Wasting Time With God, Klaus Issler writes candidly of his own spirituality through a variety of personal stories, anecdotes, and illustrations. Providing insight through his own life events, and those close to him, Issler provides solid thinking on seven spiritual characteristics necessary for an intimate relationship with God. A reader could quickly surmise a possible synopsis of this book is make room for God. Issler's approach consists of expounding several theological concepts, such as the foreknowledge of God, kingdom living, alternative affirmation answers from God, and simplifies these concepts into easy to comprehend ideas, using charts, maxims, and illustrations. The charts are helpful and enjoyable, especially dealing with the foreknowledge of God. Klaus Issler writes in a summary style. Issler first prepares the reader, in chapter 1, what to expect from reading his book. In each chapter, he states what he will write, writes about the subject, and then closes each subject with a conclusion. By doing so, Issler brings the reader within the realm of his thoughts. When introducing each new subject, He builds up anticipation and leads the reader into the next idea or chapter. He uses several illustrations to maintain interest in his subject and neither does he rely upon his self as an authority. In Wasting Time With God, are extensive ideas and quotes of several notable thinkers such as Rice, Augustine, Dillard, and C.S Lewis. Issler references the Scriptures hundreds of times and through a series of endnotes, for each chapter, Issler provides the reader an opportunity to investigate the author's research for further study or clarification. Although he flirts with subjects many Baptists tend to avoid: the working of the Holy Spirit, circumstances, the Holy Spirit speaking to us, extra biblical manifestation of God's working, Issler provides thought provoking ideas and challenges readers to rethink and evaluate God's omnipotence. The honest reader's faith stretches. For the Christian, young or old in the faith, Issler forces readers to look at long held ideas in a different light, providing the catalyst for biblical change. Issler challenges readers in several areas of spirituality and a person will finish the book with a sense of self-examination and expectancy.

Wow! The best book I have read in some time. I started this book and had to start over, this time armed with a yellow highlighter. The author's incredible insight makes this book a keeper. I know I'll read it more than once!

Klaus Issler is professor of Christian educationa and theology at the evangelical Talbot School of Theology (Biola University) in La Mirada CA. The title "Wasting Time with God" is an irony: what people consummed with busy-ness and materialism consider "lost" time is, in fact, the very center of life. The book has broad appeal, drawing from an immense diversity of Christian sources. Tracing his own pilgrimage, the author begins with "The Quest" to know God. The work then divides into two major sections: (1) "Making Room for God" through developing friendship, humility and faith; and (2) "Deepening Our Friendship with God" by way of personal commitment, communication, "apprenticeship" and "partnership." Extensive endnotes (249-82) and indexes of authors, subjects and biblical texts enrich the work for those who desire to explore further."Wasting Time with God" is a theology of Christian spirituality. And yet the theological concerns lie subtly underneath a work very readable and relevant to everyone yearning for authentic relationship with God. The work is full of practical illustrations and applications that make every chapter come alive for the teenager as well as the pastor. At times the diversity of sources is a bit overwhelming. Yet the mosaic of voices through various Christian traditions affirm that what Issler is setting forth is not a novel or peripheral teaching about relationship with God. Rather I found each chapter wonderfully convincing as it leads the reader in the way of life.

I first came across the book at a conference on spiritual formation. The IVP table had a pre-release copy on their table for examination. After taking a peak I ended up reading over half the book between breaks and at lunch. The author encourages a thoughtful passionate spirituality. I liked the chapter on faith where we are challenged to remind ourselves regularly of unseen realities. The chapter on prayer is inspiriing. It actually encouraged me so much that I looked forward to prayer. What more could you ask for? A hearty thanks to the author.