AW Tozer: The Life, Legacy, and Enduring Influence of a Spiritual Giant
AW Tozer was a Christian pastor, author, and speaker who lived from 1897 to 1963. His works have been read by millions of people around the world, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential Christian thinkers of the 20th century. In this article, we will examine Tozer’s life and legacy, as well as his impact on contemporary Christian thought. We will also provide a list of his most notable books and selected quotes, and discuss how they have been received by readers over the years.
Biography
Tozer was born in 1897 in western Pennsylvania, USA. He grew up in a poor family and had only a limited formal education, but he was an avid reader from a young age. He became a Christian at the age of 17 and soon began preaching at local churches. In 1919, he was ordained as a minister in the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA), a Protestant denomination.
Tozer served as a pastor in several C&MA churches over the course of his career, including the Southside Alliance Church in Chicago and the Avenue Road Church in Toronto. He also served as editor of The Alliance Witness, the denomination’s official magazine, from 1950 until his death.
Tozer was known for his deep devotion to God and his emphasis on the importance of personal holiness. He believed that Christians should constantly strive to grow in their relationship with God and pursue a life of spiritual maturity. He also had a gift for communicating complex theological concepts in a way that was accessible and engaging to ordinary people.
Influence and Contemporary Views
Tozer’s writings have had a profound influence on Christian thought and spirituality in the decades since his death. Many of his books, including The Pursuit of God, The Knowledge of the Holy, and The Attributes of God, are considered classics of Christian literature and are widely read and studied today.
Tozer’s emphasis on personal holiness and spiritual growth has also had a lasting impact on the Christian church. Many contemporary Christian leaders and thinkers continue to draw on his insights and teachings, and his influence can be seen in the growing emphasis on spiritual disciplines and practices in many churches and Christian communities.
However, Tozer’s views have also been criticized by some as overly individualistic and lacking in social and political engagement. Some have argued that his emphasis on personal piety may have contributed to a neglect of issues of social justice and the common good in some Christian circles.
Selected Books and Quotes
Here are some of Tozer’s most notable books, along with selected quotes and information about how they have been received:
- The Pursuit of God (1948) – This book is perhaps Tozer’s most famous work, and it has been widely read and beloved by Christians around the world. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God above all else and pursuing a deep, intimate relationship with Him.
Selected Quote: “The moment we make up our minds that we are going on with this determination to exalt God over all, we step out of the world’s parade.”
- The Knowledge of the Holy (1961) – In this book, Tozer explores the nature and character of God, emphasizing His majesty, holiness, and sovereignty.
Selected Quote: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
- The Attributes of God (1961) – This book provides an in-depth exploration of God’s attributes, such as His love, justice, and mercy.
Selected Quote: “What we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
- The Pursuit of Man (1950) – In this book, Tozer emphasizes the importance of a personal encounter with God and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their own spiritual growth.
Selected Quote: “The only way to know God is to love Him; the only way to love Him is to know Him.”
- The Root of the Righteous (1955) – This book focuses on the importance of personal righteousness and the need for Christians to live lives that are pleasing to God.
Selected Quote: “A man by his sin may waste himself, which is to waste that which on earth is most like God. This is man’s greatest tragedy and God’s heaviest grief.”
- The Knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God – This book combines The Knowledge of the Holy and The Attributes of God into one volume, providing a comprehensive exploration of God’s nature and character.
Selected Quote: “What we believe about God is the most important thing about us.”
Tozer’s books have been widely read and praised for their spiritual insight and depth. They have been translated into multiple languages and continue to be influential in Christian circles today.
Conclusion
AW Tozer was a Christian pastor, author, and speaker who had a profound impact on Christian thought and spirituality in the 20th century. His emphasis on personal holiness, spiritual growth, and a deep relationship with God has inspired millions of people around the world. While some have criticized his views as overly individualistic, his legacy as a writer and thinker continues to influence the Christian church today. His books, including The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy, remain popular and widely read, and his insights into the nature and character of God continue to inspire Christians to seek a deeper understanding of their faith.