Faculty

portrait of Klaus D Issler

Klaus D Issler

Professor of Christian Education and Theology

  • Ph.D., Michigan State University
  • Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary
  • M.A., University of California, Riverside
  • B.A., California State University, Long Beach

CV Document (PDF)

Featured Books

View all books by Professor Klaus D Issler

Dr. Issler holds degrees in education, theology, and philosophy, and specializes in Christian spirituality, Jesus the master teacher, formation of Christian character, and the philosophy and theology of Christian education. He teaches primarily in the Ph.D. in Educational Studies program. Dr. Issler co-authored In Search of a Confident Faith: Overcoming Barriers to Trusting in God, co-edited Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective: an Introductory Christology, authored Wasting Time with God: A Christian Spirituality of Friendship with God, and co-authored Teaching for Reconciliation: Foundations and Practice of Christian Educational Ministry and How We Learn: A Christian Teacher's Guide to Educational Psychology. He has contributed to Baker Dictionary of Christian Education and Christian Education in the New Millennium. Dr. Issler has been an associate pastor, an instructor for Walk Thru the Bible, and a board member with BEE International.

For more information, please visit the personal website of Professor Klaus D Issler.

Affiliations

  • National Association of Directors of Church Educators (1973-1980)
  • North American Professors of Christian Education
  • Evangelical Theological Society

Awards and Honors

  • Elizabeth Ann Bogert Memorial Fund for the Study and Practice of Christian Mysticism, Friends World Committee for Consultation (1998, 1999, 2000).
  • Provost's Award for Excellence in Scholarship, Biola University (2004).
  • Biola University Faculty Research and Development Grant (1996, 1997, 1999, 2000).
  • Dean's Incentive Award, Talbot School of Theology (1982-1984).
  • Faculty Fellowship for doctoral studies, International School of Theology (1982-1984).
  • Graduate scholarship, Martha Schoepe Memorial Foundation, Anaheim, CA (1981-1982).

Publications

Books

  • “In Search of a Confident Faith: Overcoming Barriers to Trusting in God”, with J.P. Moreland, Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2008.
  • “Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective: An Introductory Christology”, Fred Sanders and Klaus Issler, editors, Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2007.
  • “The Lost Virtue of Happiness: Discovering the Disciplines of the Good Life.” (co-authored with J. P. Moreland). NavPress, 2006.
  • “Wasting Time With God: A Christian Spirituality of Friendship With God.” Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2001. 296pp. Korean, Portuguese, Russian translations.
  • “How We Learn: A Christian Teacher's Guide to Educational Psychology.” (co-authored with Ronald Habermas) Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 1994 [Baker, originally], 288 pp.
  • “Teaching For Reconciliation: Foundations and Practice of Christian Educational Ministry.” (co-authored with Ronald Habermas). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 421 pp. 1992. Paper edition published, 1977. Korean translation published, 1996.

Chapters in Books

  • Chapter 5: “The Soul/Heart and Spiritual Formation”, in Foundations of Spiritual Formation: A Community Approach, Ed. Paul Petitt Ed., Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 2008.
  • Chapter 6: “"Jesus' Example: Proto-type of the Dependent, Spirit-Filled Life"” in Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective: An Introductory Christology. (co-edited with Fred Sanders). Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2007.
  • Chapter 9: “Conscience: Moral Sensitivity and Moral Reasoning.” In J. Moreland & David Ciocchi, Eds., Christian Perspectives On Being Human: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1993.
  • Chapter 19: “Habits of the Excellent Teacher”, in With an Eye on the Future: Development and Mission in the 21st Century, [Festschrift for Ted Ward] edited by Duane Elmer and Lois McKinney, Monrovia, CA: MARC, 1996.
  • Chapter 3: “Theological Foundations of Christian Education”, in Christian Education in the New Millennium, Michael Anthony, ed., Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2001.
  • Chapter 4: “Biblical Perspectives on Children's Spirituality”, in Children's Spirituality: Christian Perspectives, Research, and Application, ed. Donald Ratcliff, Eugene, OR: Cascade/Wipf & Stock, 2004.
  • Chapter 1: “Theological and Philosophical Foundations”, Curriculum Development, Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, (in press).

Dictionary Articles

  • “Louis Marshall (1773-1866),” (1000 words); "Eliphalet Pearson (1752-1826)," (1000 words) in the American National Biography, 20 Volumes, John A. Garraty, gen. ed., NY: Oxford University Press, 1998 [this new edition replaces the Dictionary of American Biography, 1928].
  • “Faith/Belief, Content of,” (2000 words); "The Teaching-Learning Process" (1600 words) in the Baker Dictionary of Christian Education, Michael Anthony, ed., Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2001.

Journal Articles

  • “A Conception of Excellence in Teaching,” Education, 103, (Summer): 338-343. 1983.
  • Reprinted in Christian Education Journal, VI, (Fall): 19-23. 1985.
  • Reprinted in J. I. Packer (Ed.), The Best in Theology, Vol. I., Carol Stream, IL: Christianity Today Institute, 423-429. 1987.
  • “Moral Development As A Curriculum Emphasis in American Protestant Theological Education,” (co-authored with Ted Ward), Journal of Moral Education [British], 18 (2), (May): 131-143. 1989.
  • “Nurturing Marriage and Family Life,” Christian Education Journal, 10(2), (Winter): 75-85. 1990.
  • “The Spiritual Formation of Jesus: The Significance of the Holy Spirit in the Life of Jesus” Christian Education Journal, 4 (2), Fall 2000, 5-24. 2000.
  • “Divine Providence And Impetratory Prayer: A Review of Issues from Terrance Tiessen's Providence and Prayer,” Philosophia Christi, Series 2, Vol 3, Nov., 533-541. 2001.