The Deeper Life by A.W. Tozer was given to me as a gift last autumn. I'm sorry that it has taken me this long to get around to just now reading it because it was an interesting read.
The book consists of nine chapters in its 97 pages as Tozer deals with the state of the Christian church during his time. He lived from 1897-1963 and I must agree that things have not improved any in the Evanglical churches of today.
I've heard the author's name for many years, but this is the first of his books that I have actually read. I did a little research and found that the first church he pastored was actually in West Virginia...not all that far from where I live! He is described as having had no formal training for the pastorate, but he remained faithful to his calling for 44 years with the Christian Missionary Alliance denomination.
Tozer deals with what is missing in the majority of churches...the lack of desire by Christians to have more than just a nominal relationship with God. In the nine chapters he covers what he believes to be the reason for this and shares ways that a Christian can have what he refers to as a deeper life.
I honestly cannot recommend this book. The title of the last chapter of the book might help to explain why..."The Five Vows for Spiritual Power".
I've heard his name a lot but have never read anything by him. I didn't know he didn't have formal training.
ReplyDeleteThe book does sound interesting, until I get to the part about the last chapter.
The thought line of how he viewed the Evangelical churches of his day certainly lines up with so much of what we see today...basically, the mind-set of entertainment and programs rather than preaching the Word. But the further I went in the book, the more I saw a greater emphasis on works.
DeleteI don't think I have read anything of Tozer's besides The Knowledge of the Holy, and I enjoyed that. Of course, I see quotes from him all over.
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering what it was about the last chapter you disagreed with. I don't think of spiritual power as something we receive by vows. And I wonder exactly what he means by spiritual power. If he means by spiritual power the ability to obey God and do His will--I think that's something we receive by grace from God, but He gives it through His Word, prayer, abiding in Him.
Is this the gist of what he said: https://www.fxmissions.com/2016/12/five-vows-to-make-and-keep/ ? If so, I'd agree that sin without repentance will blunt or block spiritual power. And I'd agree that we should guard our words and not fall into self-glory. I'm not so sure about 2 and 3. But this is not what I would expect in an article about spiritual power.
Barbara,, we think so much alike! :) Your second paragraph summed up the book in a nutshell. His idea of "spiritual power" has to do with that "deeper life"...I came away feeling like there was a lot of judgment going on if you didn't live by the things that he laid out. And you are right, those are all things that we receive by grace from God THROUGH HIS WORD, PRAYER AND ABIDING IN HIM. This was the first book that I had read by him, but I was very familiar with his name from the denomination that we left behind several years ago. As I finished reading...especially the last chapter it reminded me strongly of the legalistic mindset and I understood more clearly why it was there that I heard his name mentioned so much.
DeleteYes, sin certainly needs to be confessed and repented. The NT mentions that a man's prayers can be hindered if we have unconfessed sin. I'm definitely not in agreement with his #2 and #3 vow. It all smacks of works and duty rather than focusing on salvation in Christ alone and serving Him out of our love for God because of what He's done for us.
I appreciate your reviews. The Lordship of Christ has certainly been downplayed and we all still have so much to learn about our Triune God in His Word. Thank you for your faithfulness in sharing, Dianna!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ellen. Yes, Ellen, the Lordship of Christ certainly has been downplayed and that's why there's such a need for good solid biblical teaching rather than focusing on making people happy. I know I still have so much to learn when it comes to our Triune God in His Word. Opening my Bible each day is like a treasure hunt. Are you familiar with Michael Reeves? I think you and Greg would really enjoy his preaching. There are a lot of his sermons on YouTube, Ligonier, and also on YouTube he's under the Union Theology channel.
DeleteI haven't read any of Tozer's books but I have read excerpts and always thought he sounded right on but I'm glad you reviewed his book. I won't bother looking for it.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you were so ill but thankful that you're feeling better.
Thank you, my friend. It's wonderful to be feeling well again!
DeleteI've read quotes from Tozer but never a complete book. He is often quoted. Thank you for the review.
ReplyDeleteYes he is, Melanie. You are welcome for the review. 😊
DeleteI have never read this book but of course have heard of Tozer for my entire Christian life of fifty-plus years. I wondered about the Five Vows for Spiritual Power so I looked it up and all I could find was "Five Vows to Make and Keep" by Tozer. I wonder if they are the same as the ones in the last chapter of this book. According to the article I read which was actually written by Tozer, the five vows to make and keep are: Deal thoroughly with sin; Never own anything; Never defend yourself; Guard your words about others; and Never accept any glory. I don't see any red flags popping up and honestly I will say that as to the last one, I am nearly sickened by the glory that church leadership accepts for itself these days. I don't know how others feel about this but a standing ovation in a church just feels wrong to me -- is that Jesus we are standing for? I will not do it. I stay in my seat. I don't want to seem controversial but many many years ago I was in a service where someone was given a standing ovation just because of what his last name was, and not because of who he was as a person. Not that it would have mattered; HE (Jesus) must increase and I must decrease! I have gone far afield but that is what sprang to mind. The words "deeper life" trigger me somewhat also because I have for many years known through a close relative, a group that identifies that way. They seem extremely judgmental but that may be just me being judgmental, hahaaa! I think I'm in trouble. Best shut it down! xoxo
ReplyDeleteOh, dear Jenny. I wish we lived close enough to each other so we could have some long talks! The "deeper life" or sometimes known also as "higher life" movement is which Tozer was a part of, is highly focused on "works"rather than resting in the Lord... which in my humble opinion produces that judgemental attitudes. Carroll and I were in a denomination that was very legalistic and depended heavily on works so I pick up on those things easily. And I agree totally with you about man accepting God's glory. Sister, I would be sitting right there with you.
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