Undistorted God, by Ray Waddle

Read this book slowly.  Ray Waddle takes a breather from the world and reminds us to do the same in Undistorted God: Reclaiming Faith Despite the Cultural Noise.  Not exactly a devotional book, but not exactly a book of essays, Waddle's companionable style evokes a discussion with a wise mentor on a long walk.  He is, in fact, a big fan of walking: "Walking is the transportation industry equivalent of writing longhand--a way to slow down  your thoughts."  His text is sometimes scripture, but his text is also the world around him.

Waddle doesn't expound on contentious theological questions.  He doesn't make proclamations on the political hot buttons that Christians often take sides on.  And that makes Undistorted God particularly refreshing.  Waddle and I might disagree on many things politically and theologically.  He's a journalist, an Episcopal, and an Oklahoma Sooner.  I tend to be suspicious of all of those groups (unfairly, of course!).  But Waddle's writing transcends all that, directing the reader to be thoughtful, prayerful, meditative, and reflective.  Take time when taking communion to savor the meaning.  Soak in the canopy of stars or the stained glass at church.  Enjoy the space that worship gives your mind to turn to God.

My personality is very different from Waddle's.  I tend to rush through a book like this, like I rush through most everything else.  Undistorted God deserves to be read slowly, not just because Waddle's writing is worth reading, although it is, but also because God deserves to be pursued patiently and deliberately.  Waddle calls for slowing down, taking "the long view, a consoling sanity, a renewed search for the undistorted God."


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!