A critical review of A. W. Tozer's And He Dwelt Among Us: Teachings from the Gospel of John - Book Report/Review Example

A critical review of A. W. Tozer’s “And He Dwelt among Us: Teachings from the Gospel of John” Introduction Following a long time of study, reflection and prayer using John’s Gospel, A. W. Tozer decided to present to his church mates an account full of his careful insights. An edited technique of a number of sermons from this account is what makes up a book that is not quite a commentary, but that which treats some passages from the Gospel of John with complicated details and meditative ideas that may actually make a reader regard the book as a commentary. The summary, purpose, and analysis of the book bring out the strengths, weaknesses, and the connection between the author’s thoughts and how they impact the reader’s understanding of John’s Gospel. The purpose of the book The major objective of writing the book was to assist the readers who already have some knowledge about the gospel to expand their thoughts from simple thoughts to the reality of fascination and appreciation of Jesus’ unique nature. According to the author, John is an outstanding gospel writer, and thus the book is meant to give believers the true basics of Christianity. Even though Tozer tries to vividly bring out his objective, he ignores the obvious characteristics of his work and instead focuses on the most complex and awe-inspiring features (Tozer 2009, 65). Summary Just like John purposed to convince Christians of the divinity of Jesus and to make them repent their sins, Tozer in the same way tries to emphasize the reality on who really is Christ, an aim that he accomplishes through each chapter of the book. To critically summarize the book, it is vital to include some quotes and themes evidenced throughout the chapters. Chapter one shows how God has put everything entirely in the human souls. The author divided the realities of John1:1, wrapping up that all human beings created in the image of God crave the everlasting world, eternally with God. In the 2nd chapter, “A time Before Time Began”, the reader now has a hint on how to think time form existence, and Tozer goes on to look into John 1:3-5 to show the infinite self-being nature of God., the absurdity of his wish for creation, and the anonymity of people’s predestined redemption prior to the then time. Tozer (2009, 81) describes creation and a couple of John’s world in chapter 1:10, showing both the natural world in its utility and beauty, and the human world in its profanity and spirituality. Even though Tozer’s mysticism shines through the chapters, he depicts that good news can only exist if there is also bad news. In “The Tragic Side of Christ Becoming Flesh,” Tozer concentrates on verse eleven of chapter one, moving very closely from one word to the other, and creating the anti-climax that while God gave his own son to deliver humanity from sin, people still rejected him. Analysis Theologically, Tozer uses this chance to preach using John’s Gospel to build the setting of many central doctrines. His teaching gives readers a test, for instance, the discussion on how God became flesh, where he teaches the question of the God-man relation as shown in the lives of Abraham and Enoch, which are at the end verified in Christ’s life. However, it is questionable the way Tozer describes how God forsake Christ’s humankind stained on the cross with sin and argues that God and Christ should have never divided their divinity. Another theologian issue depicted in the book is that of the explicit atonement outlined in chapter 11, where the author challenges the widespread Christian understanding that since Christ died for humanity sins, then they are not to die for their sins (Tozer 2011, 23). I argue that this is a weakness in Tozer’s work. This is for the reason that even the scriptures agree that death is natural and inevitable. In “And He Dwelt Among Us: Teachings from the Gospel of John,” the author does not only stress on evangelism, a virtue that suits all believers as the audience in this context, but he also talk about missions at two major points in the text. In the first place, in discussing the poor practices of pastors and missionaries who limit the challenge of universal evangelism to what he refers to as “giving God a hand,” he identifies the iniquity of lifting up man and diminishing God. Tozer documents, “A God who needs my help does not deserve my worship”. Secondly, in discussing the necessity of a country considering God as divine, he denotes, “A missionary cannot go to a heathen land and immediately preach the Gospel…He must talk about the high God and purge the minds of the people from low and unworthy and ignoble concepts of God.” I consider these two references or phrases not in order because they seem to affect missionary work, both in the field and at home, since it reminds missionaries that when all is said and done, missionary work does not concern humans. This is a challenge to Tozer, given that missions are not just about God alone, for he is the one who calls upon his servants, they preach about him, and he finally draws believers close to himself. Despite the fact that many Christians seem familiar with Tozer’s prophetic work, only a few of them had a chance to listen to his presentation. However, the strengths associate d with this work outdoes the weaknesses. It is commendable how Tozer took John’s writings that are naturally abstract and crafted them into a message that is of significance to a very broad audience. Tozer has a high view of the Lord, a view clearly illustrated in this text, and which appears to be so unique Tozer 2009, 47). Most importantly, he has the ability to take the most compound ideas and make them so overwhelmingly simple that it is not possible to miss his point. Nevertheless, I would have wished to see him write more about his familiarity with the early Christian evangelical community rather than telling more on his theological understanding. Conclusion Whereas my opinion on A. W. Tozer’s “And He Dwelt among Us” outlines a few weaknesses, this book is full of strong content that can challenge the thinking of a reader and build his or her faith. What I enjoyed most about the reading is the author’s questioning, meditating, and pondering his way using the Gospel of John because I have also learned to follow suit. My recommendation of the book goes to the long-term believers who only view the Gospel of John as a book for novices and who have never individually experienced what this Gospel is really about. References Tozer, Aiden Wilson. And He Dwelt Among Us: Teachings from the Gospel of John. Regal, 2009. Tozer, A. W. A Disruptive Faith: Expect God to Interrupt Your Life. Gospel Light Publications, 2011. Read More