The Pursuit of God (origineel 1957; editie 1957)

You can read my full review at Quieted Waters.

Where I praise J. I. Packer's Knowing God for its depth, clarity, and inspiration, I enjoyed A. W. Tozer's The Pursuit of God for its depth of passion that emphasizes the joy of seeking God Himself. Tozer writes from a charismatic background, and his enthusiastic love for God fills these pages. ( )

Located in Large Print Section.

http://www.wordandspirit.co.uk/blog/2012/05/12/book-review-the-pursuit-of-god-a-... ( )

Have you ever looked for a devotional-style book that communicated the greatness of God, and how to be closer to Him? *The Pursuit of God* by A. W. Tozer is one such book. It is a very short work that essentially is a look at the “modern” evangelicalism in particular, and Christianity in general, of the late 1940's by Tozer, who was a pastor at Southside Alliance Church in Chicago, Ill.

The book is divided into sections that begin with the quoting of a verse of Scripture that pertains to the topic that Tozer wishes to discuss. The chapters are really vignettes of sorts, that all are connected by the theme of modern Christianity's stepping away from the faith of our forebears into a cold, impersonal faith. This is because we do not “see” with our spiritual eyes, which Tozer insists the Bible commands us to do, and previous generations of Christians could do.

At the end of each chapter is a prayer that Tozer “prays” with the reader. There are many “thees” and “thous” and “thus”'s and so forth. Yet none of it feels pretentious. This is because, at least to me, Tozer's “servant's heart” comes across. He is not talking in a very formalistic manner to impress the reader, but to honor God, and perhaps help fellow Christians grow closer to their Savior and Lord.

The book, though short, was extremely edifying. I have only two real criticisms, or disagreements, with Tozer. The first deals with how the author relates his interpretations of some Scriptural events, specifically the testing of Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. None of what he said is heretical, or anti-Biblical. The problem was that he phrased it with a surety that his interpretation is how it was. It just sounded a bit too much like he was adding to the Scriptures by trying to insist on the absolute veracity of an interpretation not given by the Scriptures.

What I mean is that there is a difference by far between an interpretation *allowed* by the Bible, and one *made certain in the text* of the Bible. For a pastor to say that “they believe” that “x” means “y” is one thing. For them to say that this is definitely what it meant is another. When people are so insistent on an interpretation that is not stone-clear in the text, it tends to discomfit me, and make me fear that they are taking the Scriptures too much to their ends. I guess I'm saying that more humility in interpretation over non-clear cut, non-important Doctrinal issues, is preferable to me.

The other area of disagreement is his disdain for holy days. I will say that he is remarkable for his time frame in refraining from Catholic-bashing. He makes clear that that is not what this is about. He simply believes that since we are commanded to do “all to the glory of God”, in 1 Cor. 10:31, that specific days of feast and celebration on any “calendar” of holy days, is unBiblical.

I see his point, and admit it halfway. We *all* ought to treat each day, and *every* activity therein, as holy to God. My divergence comes in that I think that holding such days gives meaning to specific events that we must remember. They help such events to not take on a “ho-hum” attitude, if you will.

Despite the minor disagreements with Tozer, the book really was a pleasure and blessing to read. The way that he entreats the reader to embrace his holy calling as a saved and redeemed child of the King is infectious. You can't help but be stoked and excited by what you read. There are so many quotable passages in the book, not because Tozer was such a talented writer (though he did have a gift from God for writing, to be sure), but because God is so vivid and wondrous, that when related to us by one with Tozer's obvious enthusiasm, the Lord's true awesomeness and majesty comes across.

A deeply edifying book.

Recommended. ( )

Perhaps the best book of its genre that I have ever read! If you are a Believer, Tozar cuts to the chase as to the what, why, and how of your relationship with God. This book is not a one-time read, but instead should be treated and read at least monthly as a foundational reminder and how-to of the beauty of a personal relationship with God. Warning: This book will change your life! ( )