David WilkieCoffee with Jesus

“Coffee with Jesus” is a remarkable comic strip, consisting of characters talking over coffee with Jesus. Obviously, this is a way of portraying prayer in a broad sense, including an ongoing conversation during the day. Many strips will speak to part of your life, and others will help you empathize with others. Almost always with a smile.Wilkie has developed a very interesting Jesus here, one that may rub literalists the wrong way. Jesus is a counselor with a sense of humor and not a little irony. At the same time, he does assert his prerogatives as God, and he’s not above trash talking with Satan.But don't think this comic is only for Christians. Indeed, I first learned of this strip from an atheist friend, who is a big fan. Wilkie touches on issues everyone deals with, and you'll identify with parts of each character. It has the same kind of life insights as another remarkable comic, "Calvin and Hobbes." You don't have to be a boy or a tiger to appreciate that, do you?Artistically, this is the simplest comic you’ll ever see – with one exception, each character has only one pose, seen at two distances. A smile will occasionally become a closed mouth. Jesus almost always appears in the second and fourth panel, and one character in the other two. That’s it. It’s remarkably effective.Some features of the Coffee world will shape the reader’s reaction to this material. Wilkie comes from an evangelical background that clearly stamps the kinds of Christianity he knows, the world of mega-churches, charismatic pastors, and a certain kind of Bible study. African Methodist Episcopalians and Catholics will recognize their neighbors here, but not their own church. When Wilkie talks politics, it’s clear that his characters are G. W. Bush evangelicals – though Wilkie is more inclusive. Indeed, Wilkie would rather get partisan politics out of the church entirely.Even so, whatever your church, whatever your politics, you’ll find something here.

These comic strips are funny, but not laugh-out-loud funny. They will make you think, they'll make you smile, they'll make you grimace as you recognize yourself in these coffee-shop conversations.I am not a Christian. My view of Jesus (in the context of "Coffee with Jesus") is that he represents a moral and ethical ideal, a role model that we can aspire to emulate, a friend. In these strips, Jesus punctures pomposity, humbles hypocrisy, and provides brilliant insights not only about ourselves, but also about the nature of good vs. evil... or more appropriately, as the eternal battle between doing what's easy and doing what's right.Some of these strips fall flat with me as a non-Christian, particularly those that urge that someone should simply trust Jesus (i.e., God) to handle the hard stuff. That's not how *my* God works; as the saying goes, God helps those who helps themselves.The bulk of the strips offer a less denominational message. When Jesus chats with a vain woman, a hard-working gardener, a couple with relationship issues, a weary preacher, and even with Satan (who mocks him as "Boy King") these strips make you think. You could imagine Mohammed, the Buddha and Moses nodding along with this Jesus' pithy observations and terse one-liners.This is not a book to read in one sitting; the subtlety and thoughtfulness would be wasted. Instead, put "Coffee with Jesus" on your nightstand, and read a page before you go to sleep. Even if you aren't a Christian, you'll find that this is a Jesus you can relate to.By the way, Volume II is out; I have ordered it and will review soon.

To me this book is a refreshing collection of mini parables of people and lives. Each character can touch on your own self and cause you to ask questions of your self. Laugh with Jesus, feel His care and concern.This isn’t an irreverent book or superficial Christianity. This isn’t about structures, programs, dogma or doctrine. You feel as if you were asking Jesus things. The answers point us inward to examine our own relationship not to highlight something or someone else.

I begrudgingly read this book on the recommendation from someone who is much more god loving than I am. She said it was unlike any other book she had ever read on Jesus. She also said it would get my attention because of its witty content. I took the book and went right home and proceeded to give it to my close friends a Pastor and his wife. This man is funny, witty, and has a sense of humor quite like mine so I knew, if this book made him laugh, I would love it. Sure enough, the analogies, questions, conversations with Jesus and the answers he gives (which are written in an almost Sunday Comics format) are spot on with today's society and how Jesus would handle all the ME ME ME issues presented to him. He told me that he not only personally loved it, but that he constantly referred to it over the few weeks he had it. And with that glowing endorsement, I bought him his very own copy. You don't have to be one ounce religious to enjoy this book, instead you'll find yourself enamored by it...

Great idea. Funny and challenging. My favourite comic strip was when Jesus was asked who his favourite christian singer was and answered a lady from Northern Thailand who sings her heart out all day while farming. Also enjoyed the character profiles. Wasn't sure initially about Jesus having banter with satan but some of the comic strips very poignant.

A very good book. I purchased from a recommendation. I am not disappointed. It contains truths that can be brought into every day discussion.Be prepared to laugh, or at least smile!

A selection of some of the best coffee with Jesus strips, some make you laugh, others hit you between the eyes. Well worth the pennies!

Can't get enough of Coffee with Jesus. Really like the background information on each of the characters.

This is a wonderful collection of comments on faith and life. Every pastor should have this in their library. It is excellent for discussion starters and sermon illustrations.