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Rating: 
Summary: A Pleasurable and Challenging Read
Review: 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.
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Summary: Christian Spirituality: Deep, Historic, Biblical
Review: 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.
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Summary: H. Rogers
Review: 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!
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