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A Passion for God: The Spiritual Journey of A. W. Tozer
"I fear we shall never see another Tozer. Men like him are not college-bred but Spirit-taught." Leonard Ravenhill, 20th century British evangelist.
Pastor A. W. Tozer, author of the Christian classics The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy, was a complex, intensely private, deeply spiritual man, and a gifted preacher whose impact for the kingdom of God is immeasurable. In this thoughtful biography, bestselling author Lyle Dorsett traces Tozer's life from his humble beginnings as a Pennsylvania farm boy to his heyday as a Chicago pastor--when hundreds of college students would travel to his South Side church to hear him preach and thousands more heard his Sunday broadcasts on WMBI. Eventually, he came to his final pastorate in Toronto.
From his conversion as a teen to his death in 1963, Tozer remained true to one passion: to know the Father and make Him known, no matter what the cost. The price he paid was loneliness, censure from other, more secular-minded ministers of the times, and even a degree of estrangement from his family. Read the life story of a flawed but gifted saint, whose works are still impacting the world today.
Pastor A. W. Tozer, author of the Christian classics The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy, was a complex, intensely private, deeply spiritual man, and a gifted preacher whose impact for the kingdom of God is immeasurable. In this thoughtful biography, bestselling author Lyle Dorsett traces Tozer's life from his humble beginnings as a Pennsylvania farm boy to his heyday as a Chicago pastor--when hundreds of college students would travel to his South Side church to hear him preach and thousands more heard his Sunday broadcasts on WMBI. Eventually, he came to his final pastorate in Toronto.
From his conversion as a teen to his death in 1963, Tozer remained true to one passion: to know the Father and make Him known, no matter what the cost. The price he paid was loneliness, censure from other, more secular-minded ministers of the times, and even a degree of estrangement from his family. Read the life story of a flawed but gifted saint, whose works are still impacting the world today.
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First published April 1, 2008
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About the author
Lyle Wesley Dorsett
25 books23 followersLyle W. Dorsett received his B.A. in history (1960) and M.A. in history (1962) from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and his Ph.D. in history from the University of Missouri-Columbia (1965). He began his teaching career at the University of Missouri, moving briefly to the Univ. of Southern California and University of Colorado at Denver, before he joined the history department at the University of Denver.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
May 20, 2013
A well-written and cautionary biography, which I recommend to anyone who has appreciated Tozer, and certainly pastors or others in ministry who are prone to introspection and intellection. I was disappointed and personally challenged by Tozer's extreme difficulty in connecting with his wife and often children as well, and by his lack of focus on pastoral skills outside of preaching. God truly does use very broken people, sometimes in amazing ways. I continue to value Tozer's book 'The Pursuit of God,' and still hope to read more from him. And yet I wonder (again, with personal application) how much more God wanted to do in Tozer's life or reveal to him if he had grown in his areas of need, in truly being available to and loving his family and spiritual flocks.
June 22, 2015
This was a dry, simplistic, and repetitious biography about A. W. Tozer, a theologian who seemed to have had quite the impact back in the day. I haven't read any of his books, but his name has been floated quite a bit in the circles I've frequented in the past. Tozer was an introvert and had at times a cold harshness to his personality. This, of course, led to a lot of relational difficulties that seemed to plague his entire life. While it was shocking to read about his uncaring ways towards his wife and children, the book did seemed to be weighted heavily on her side and we get very little of Tozer's perspective, so it's hard to really make any judgments on the situation. Tozer's devotion to God and to prayer are quite inspiring, but his lack of love for his family and parishioners certainly leaves a sour taste in my mouth. The author seemed almost obsessed with fleshing out Tozer's relational difficulties and that made it hard reading. I think I need to read some of Tozer's works and maybe read another biography from a different perspective to perhaps understand him a little better. It is clear, though, that God did use Tozer, cracked pot though he was (as we all are), and that is encouraging.
February 6, 2014
A few years ago I read A.W. Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy for the first time, and it blew me away. It is the most powerful book I have ever read, hands down. So when I saw that professor Lyle Dorsett had written a biography on Tozer, it instantly became a must read for me.
Going into this book I knew virtually nothing about Tozer outside of knowing he was a highly regarded preacher and his books: The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy are considered classics. So for me, reading this book was exciting from the start as I knew almost nothing of Tozer’s story.
Dorsett does an outstanding job of detailing Tozer’s roots and unpacking the childhood that would greatly influence his life and ministry. We get an intimate look at Tozer’s marriage and his relationships with his children. And of course there is much about Tozer’s growth as a pastor/preacher and the ministry path he took until his death.
We tend to put people on pedestals, especially people like Tozer. A man who passionately wanted to know Jesus in His fullness. A man who spent hours upon hours in prayer crying out to God. A man who preached with incredible conviction and empowerment. Thankfully though, Dorsett doesn’t make Tozer out to be a mythical saint. Throughout the book we learn quite a bit about Tozer’s personal flaws and struggles. A lonely man. A man who struggled with bouts of depression. A man who had virtually no relationship with his wife and children.
If you’ve put Tozer on a pedestal, this book might be deflating for you. For me I found it refreshingly honest and in parts quite sad, but at the same time very hopeful, convicting, and encouraging.
One highlight in the book for me, was a prayer Tozer wrote out shortly after being ordained. Here is a section of that prayer that is absolutely brilliant and timeless:
“Save me from the curse that lies dark across the face of the modern clergy, the curse of compromise, of imitation, of professionalism. Save me from the error of judging a church by its size, its popularity or the amount of its yearly offering. Help me to remember that I am a prophet; not a promoter, not a religious manager-but a prophet. Let me never become a slave to crowds. Heal my soul of carnal ambitions and deliver me from the itch for publicity” (p. 66).
I also loved reading about how he developed as a preacher. As a preacher myself, there was just a goldmine of wisdom in learning how Tozer learned to preach and preach effectively.
If you’re a fan of Tozer, or are just looking to read a great biography, I would highly recommend reading A Passion for God by Lyle Dorsett.
Blog: www.jonathanstephens.wordpress.com
Twitter: @jonstephensNY
Going into this book I knew virtually nothing about Tozer outside of knowing he was a highly regarded preacher and his books: The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy are considered classics. So for me, reading this book was exciting from the start as I knew almost nothing of Tozer’s story.
Dorsett does an outstanding job of detailing Tozer’s roots and unpacking the childhood that would greatly influence his life and ministry. We get an intimate look at Tozer’s marriage and his relationships with his children. And of course there is much about Tozer’s growth as a pastor/preacher and the ministry path he took until his death.
We tend to put people on pedestals, especially people like Tozer. A man who passionately wanted to know Jesus in His fullness. A man who spent hours upon hours in prayer crying out to God. A man who preached with incredible conviction and empowerment. Thankfully though, Dorsett doesn’t make Tozer out to be a mythical saint. Throughout the book we learn quite a bit about Tozer’s personal flaws and struggles. A lonely man. A man who struggled with bouts of depression. A man who had virtually no relationship with his wife and children.
If you’ve put Tozer on a pedestal, this book might be deflating for you. For me I found it refreshingly honest and in parts quite sad, but at the same time very hopeful, convicting, and encouraging.
One highlight in the book for me, was a prayer Tozer wrote out shortly after being ordained. Here is a section of that prayer that is absolutely brilliant and timeless:
“Save me from the curse that lies dark across the face of the modern clergy, the curse of compromise, of imitation, of professionalism. Save me from the error of judging a church by its size, its popularity or the amount of its yearly offering. Help me to remember that I am a prophet; not a promoter, not a religious manager-but a prophet. Let me never become a slave to crowds. Heal my soul of carnal ambitions and deliver me from the itch for publicity” (p. 66).
I also loved reading about how he developed as a preacher. As a preacher myself, there was just a goldmine of wisdom in learning how Tozer learned to preach and preach effectively.
If you’re a fan of Tozer, or are just looking to read a great biography, I would highly recommend reading A Passion for God by Lyle Dorsett.
Blog: www.jonathanstephens.wordpress.com
Twitter: @jonstephensNY
June 1, 2019
This is a rather strange biography.
First off there really isn’t much about Tozer. It does cover the highlights of his life, but not his thoughts about them. It covers his different jobs, but not what he thought. Tozer never apparently talked much about himself so what we do have in this book is what other people said about their interactions with him. We actually learn more about his wife and her reactions to their life together.
I felt at numerous places that the author was trying to make more of the marital trouble the Tozers had, but maybe that was just the way it sounded to me. I suppose that there was a lack of emotional closeness in their marriage. I just don’t know how much. The author himself said that Mr. Tozer appeared to be oblivious to it, and Mrs. Tozer never mentioned it. It had to be inferred and ‘read between the lines’ by friends and family.
The author also seemed determined to disparage all of Tozer’s relatives. He has almost nothing good to say of any of them.
All in all, it just didn’t seem like a dispassionate balanced biography.
First off there really isn’t much about Tozer. It does cover the highlights of his life, but not his thoughts about them. It covers his different jobs, but not what he thought. Tozer never apparently talked much about himself so what we do have in this book is what other people said about their interactions with him. We actually learn more about his wife and her reactions to their life together.
I felt at numerous places that the author was trying to make more of the marital trouble the Tozers had, but maybe that was just the way it sounded to me. I suppose that there was a lack of emotional closeness in their marriage. I just don’t know how much. The author himself said that Mr. Tozer appeared to be oblivious to it, and Mrs. Tozer never mentioned it. It had to be inferred and ‘read between the lines’ by friends and family.
The author also seemed determined to disparage all of Tozer’s relatives. He has almost nothing good to say of any of them.
All in all, it just didn’t seem like a dispassionate balanced biography.
March 13, 2015
I picked up this book on Tozer thinking that it would be great to have a good biography on such a influential Christian figure of the 20th century. However, what I got was really just a survey on a man whose inner life was hard to probe into. I met Lyle Dorsett at Wheaton and even went to the church where he preached for a while, and while a look into Tozer’s life is laudable, this book just scratched the surface of the inner man.
The issue is plain that Tozer was not outgoing. He dedicated almost all his personal time to seeking out God and knowing Jesus better. The rest of his time was devoted to preaching and teaching others about the Lord he knew so well. This must be the trouble with trying to write about him – he was singularly focussed for the 45 years after his conversion. The book tries to illustrate how this caused issues with his wife and children. But instead of leading to a fuller picture of the man, it seems like the author is just trying to come up with something to say besides “he prayed – a LOT.” Everyone of his friends and family relate that it was hard to be close to him, but his personal sacrifice was worth it when compared against his ministry as a prophetic voice. God had given Tozer a mission to warn the church against worldliness and to call her back to knowledge of Him. There is no doubt that he faithfully fulfilled his calling until his dying day.
The parts of the biography that I enjoyed the most were the outlining of the development of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, the denomination Tozer was affiliated with. The stories about A. B. Simpson and the fourfold doctrine of Christ (Christ as Savior, Christ as Sanctifier, Christ as Healer, and Christ as Coming King) were enlightening. Also to see how denominational lines were being drawn in the midwest in the early 1900’s gave the book the depth it couldn’t find in its main subject.
My guess is that while the subject is one worthy of all emulation, there are probably other books that handle his life better. But why read those when Tozer himself left such a formidable body of work? Pick up The Pursuit of God or The Knowledge of the Holy and let A. W. Tozer tell you in his own words where a Christian’s life should lead. It will be worth it.
4 stars out of 10.
Red Eagle's Legacy
The issue is plain that Tozer was not outgoing. He dedicated almost all his personal time to seeking out God and knowing Jesus better. The rest of his time was devoted to preaching and teaching others about the Lord he knew so well. This must be the trouble with trying to write about him – he was singularly focussed for the 45 years after his conversion. The book tries to illustrate how this caused issues with his wife and children. But instead of leading to a fuller picture of the man, it seems like the author is just trying to come up with something to say besides “he prayed – a LOT.” Everyone of his friends and family relate that it was hard to be close to him, but his personal sacrifice was worth it when compared against his ministry as a prophetic voice. God had given Tozer a mission to warn the church against worldliness and to call her back to knowledge of Him. There is no doubt that he faithfully fulfilled his calling until his dying day.
The parts of the biography that I enjoyed the most were the outlining of the development of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, the denomination Tozer was affiliated with. The stories about A. B. Simpson and the fourfold doctrine of Christ (Christ as Savior, Christ as Sanctifier, Christ as Healer, and Christ as Coming King) were enlightening. Also to see how denominational lines were being drawn in the midwest in the early 1900’s gave the book the depth it couldn’t find in its main subject.
My guess is that while the subject is one worthy of all emulation, there are probably other books that handle his life better. But why read those when Tozer himself left such a formidable body of work? Pick up The Pursuit of God or The Knowledge of the Holy and let A. W. Tozer tell you in his own words where a Christian’s life should lead. It will be worth it.
4 stars out of 10.
Red Eagle's Legacy
February 7, 2020
Eight years ago, after my sister’s death and a divorce, both in the same month, I began going to counseling. When the counselor found out I was deeply interested in reading Christian books, he told me something that would form my future reading, and birth a passion to see the church return to the “old paths” which have sadly grown over in modern Christianity. He said to me, “Do not waste your time reading anything less than a hundred years old.” What he meant was modern books do not have much depth (Though this is not always the case).
That day I set out to begin reading the classics and Tozer was the first writer I picked up. The book was Life in the Spirit and that was the first of many books by Tozer I purchased. When I came across this biography, I knew I had to add it to my library.
The story of A.W.’s life is both inspiring and heartbreaking. He was a man deeply driven into God’s presence, dedicated to ministry, and dogged about seeing reform in the church, but he was not as driven to be a great husband and father at home. I love that Lyle Dorsett went into detail of Ada Tozer, his wife’s, hurts and disappointments brought about by his lack of attention and intimacy from him. It is not only the man of God who is great but also his wife and Tozer’s wife endured much hurt and sadness because of his singular focus on ministry while faithfully supporting him to the end.
I found much inspiration, as a man who foolishly dropped out of high school, that Tozer, who had to leave school at fourteen, became a self taught man whose brilliance and knowledge was respected by many of the greatest academic men of his generation.
This autobiography taught me that great anointing is only achieved through great prayer and warned me that passion for learning and devotion to ministry must not cause one to neglect his family. We must be abandoned to God but also balanced in all of our responsibilities. It is also is a great reminder that God can do amazing things, even through flawed men and women, and honestly, isn’t that all of us?
I gave this book a four star rating, though I immensely enjoyed the read and Lyle Dorsett did a phenomenal job telling of Tozer’s story, because it was rather repetitive at times. For instance he gave an in-depth account of Tozer’s death, and memorial in the first chapter as well as the next to last chapter of the book. There was no additional information given, just a repeat of what the reader already learned. Also, I felt he spent too much time giving the back story on secondary characters in his life. But that is only my personal preference and it certainly is not reason for not buying it.
That day I set out to begin reading the classics and Tozer was the first writer I picked up. The book was Life in the Spirit and that was the first of many books by Tozer I purchased. When I came across this biography, I knew I had to add it to my library.
The story of A.W.’s life is both inspiring and heartbreaking. He was a man deeply driven into God’s presence, dedicated to ministry, and dogged about seeing reform in the church, but he was not as driven to be a great husband and father at home. I love that Lyle Dorsett went into detail of Ada Tozer, his wife’s, hurts and disappointments brought about by his lack of attention and intimacy from him. It is not only the man of God who is great but also his wife and Tozer’s wife endured much hurt and sadness because of his singular focus on ministry while faithfully supporting him to the end.
I found much inspiration, as a man who foolishly dropped out of high school, that Tozer, who had to leave school at fourteen, became a self taught man whose brilliance and knowledge was respected by many of the greatest academic men of his generation.
This autobiography taught me that great anointing is only achieved through great prayer and warned me that passion for learning and devotion to ministry must not cause one to neglect his family. We must be abandoned to God but also balanced in all of our responsibilities. It is also is a great reminder that God can do amazing things, even through flawed men and women, and honestly, isn’t that all of us?
I gave this book a four star rating, though I immensely enjoyed the read and Lyle Dorsett did a phenomenal job telling of Tozer’s story, because it was rather repetitive at times. For instance he gave an in-depth account of Tozer’s death, and memorial in the first chapter as well as the next to last chapter of the book. There was no additional information given, just a repeat of what the reader already learned. Also, I felt he spent too much time giving the back story on secondary characters in his life. But that is only my personal preference and it certainly is not reason for not buying it.
April 17, 2023
My second time through this biography of Tozer. Once again, I'd give this three stars, but not more, for several reasons: (1) While the author does a good job of covering the basic chronology of Tozer's life, it is far too brief to be considered a comprehensive, critical biography. (2) This biography doesn't hide the flaws in Tozer's marriage and family life but leaves many questions unanswered and seems to implicitly blame Tozer himself (more than Ada) for these problems. Though the author has clearly tried to be fair, I'm not quite happy with the result. I don't even know if I can put my finger on why, but I think more work needs to be done here. (3) The best parts of this book concern Tozer's spiritual life and his pastoral ministry. But, again, it is too brief. I found myself wanting more. Overall, I'd say this is a good (but not excellent) biography of Tozer, one that complements (but doesn't replace) James Snyder's older biography In Pursuit of God. What I'd love to see is a long, critical, comprehensive biography that builds on Dorsett's work, but goes deeper and more fully utilizes Tozer's essays and sermons.
June 19, 2013
The book is not so much about A. W. Tozer's spiritual life as it is about Ada Tozer, his wife. This book is her long complaint against his reclusive personality. Dorsett tries so hard not to write a hagiography that he obsesses over Aiden's flaws to the point of distraction. In my view, Dorsett assumes too much from Ada's letters making Tozer appear to be a hypocrite toward his wife and family. If I had never read Tozer before reading this biography, I would assume his books are not worthy to digest because of his inconsistent character.
June 5, 2014
Short Review: this is the second time I have read this (switched to audiobook this time) and I am still struck by how important it is to really look at the flaws and weaknesses of our Christian heroes. And still appreciate how much God did through them. Dorsett does not shy away from either the highs or the lows. This is a fairly brief bio, certainly there is more that probably could be said, but I did not feel any real lack. When I read Christian bio, this is a good example of what I want to read.
My full review is at http://bookwi.se/passion/
My full review is at http://bookwi.se/passion/
January 2, 2013
A very interesting book on the life of AW Tozer. It was a little more personal than I expected, but still a well rounded and thorough account of this great mans life. It has also turned me onto the work of AB Simpson which I am excited about. I haven't read any of Tozers books, but I see that changing in the very near future.
September 22, 2016
This short biography of a great man of few though glaring flaws is an inspiration to pursue God with passion and gives hope that a life invested in relationship with God does not end in bitterness. I really enjoyed this book.
August 21, 2017
This book challenged me in two ways: 1) to pursue God more fervently as a minister and 2) to learn from his mistakes of prioritizing his ministry over his marriage and family. Both lessons made a profound mark on me, and I pray God would help me do both for His glory.
May 21, 2016
Interesting biography of one of my favorite Christian writers.
October 17, 2021
I loved this biography. Years ago I read The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy, and appreciated them. My recent interest in this biography was, admittedly, a result of revisiting the "emotional blackmail" controversy stirred up by John Piper's speculative comments on this book (https://biblioskolex.wordpress.com/20...). I picked it up intending to see for myself whether Tozer had neglected his wife and family or not, and I got answers to that question, but I got so much more.
A few things: First, Lyle Dorsett is a great historian. This book is based on extensive oral history interviews with the Tozer family, children, and and close friends: "I made contact with all seven of the Tozer children. Each one granted me extensive and candid interviews" (10). The book is well footnoted, and written with a good awareness of significant events of the time.
Dorsett does a fantastic job of honest biography: "This book attempts to reveal the inner life of this gifted and complex man who at once loved God passionately and deeply, sought to know Him with all his heart and mind and soul, yet found it quite difficult to relate with similar enthusiasm to his own immediate and extended family, or to the congregations God called him to oversee" (20–21). This is why we need honest biography--not hagiography: "It is instructive for people who desire to grow in Christ to learn lessons from the lives of saints who have finished well. With this aim in mind, I have been careful to reveal Mr. Tozer's imperfections as well as strengths because most individuals find hope by learning that God uses flawed people" (22).
Interestingly, Tozer wrote a couple of biographies of significant Christian Missionary Alliance figures, and he too was keen to be honest. Tozer " he "found disfavor among some of his own Alliance people when he published the biographies of A. B. Simpson and Robert A. Jaffray. Always the realist, Tozer laid out a few of each man's flaws. Some folks, however, preferred doctored portraits. His brief biographies were 'too real' for people who preferred plastic saints" (137–38). I think Tozer would have approved of Dorsett's treatment of him.
As far as Tozer's flaws, I won't list them all here, but Dorsett summarizes them well: "Any candid of this twentieth-century prophet and Christian mystic reveals that he was far from perfect. Indeed, even after his conversion, growth in grace, and years of mature and successful ministry, personal flaws are readily apparent. That he consistently wounded his sensitive and loyal wife, albeit unintentionally, is irrefutable. That he revealed more of himself to a few young men he mentored than to his own children is undeniable." Yet, Dorsett notes, "all seven of Tozer's children became solid Christians and not one of them carried bitterness in their heart toward their father" (161). Ada's comments frequently went like this: "Aiden loved Jesus Christ, but Leonard Odam loves me" (160 -- Odam was her second husband after Aiden's death).
Yet, despite this brutal honesty, Dorsett succeeds in also writing a sympathetic biography of an honest, genuine, humble man. I walked away loving both Aiden and Ada and their family, and also feeling sadness for them all. I think this careful treatment (sympathetic *and* honest) is what helps us most to learn lessons for ourselves. Too dark, and it's too easy to judge; too bright, and we create heroes with feet of clay; tell it all--good, bad, and ugly--and we can truly learn. This biography succeeds admirably.
A few things: First, Lyle Dorsett is a great historian. This book is based on extensive oral history interviews with the Tozer family, children, and and close friends: "I made contact with all seven of the Tozer children. Each one granted me extensive and candid interviews" (10). The book is well footnoted, and written with a good awareness of significant events of the time.
Dorsett does a fantastic job of honest biography: "This book attempts to reveal the inner life of this gifted and complex man who at once loved God passionately and deeply, sought to know Him with all his heart and mind and soul, yet found it quite difficult to relate with similar enthusiasm to his own immediate and extended family, or to the congregations God called him to oversee" (20–21). This is why we need honest biography--not hagiography: "It is instructive for people who desire to grow in Christ to learn lessons from the lives of saints who have finished well. With this aim in mind, I have been careful to reveal Mr. Tozer's imperfections as well as strengths because most individuals find hope by learning that God uses flawed people" (22).
Interestingly, Tozer wrote a couple of biographies of significant Christian Missionary Alliance figures, and he too was keen to be honest. Tozer " he "found disfavor among some of his own Alliance people when he published the biographies of A. B. Simpson and Robert A. Jaffray. Always the realist, Tozer laid out a few of each man's flaws. Some folks, however, preferred doctored portraits. His brief biographies were 'too real' for people who preferred plastic saints" (137–38). I think Tozer would have approved of Dorsett's treatment of him.
As far as Tozer's flaws, I won't list them all here, but Dorsett summarizes them well: "Any candid of this twentieth-century prophet and Christian mystic reveals that he was far from perfect. Indeed, even after his conversion, growth in grace, and years of mature and successful ministry, personal flaws are readily apparent. That he consistently wounded his sensitive and loyal wife, albeit unintentionally, is irrefutable. That he revealed more of himself to a few young men he mentored than to his own children is undeniable." Yet, Dorsett notes, "all seven of Tozer's children became solid Christians and not one of them carried bitterness in their heart toward their father" (161). Ada's comments frequently went like this: "Aiden loved Jesus Christ, but Leonard Odam loves me" (160 -- Odam was her second husband after Aiden's death).
Yet, despite this brutal honesty, Dorsett succeeds in also writing a sympathetic biography of an honest, genuine, humble man. I walked away loving both Aiden and Ada and their family, and also feeling sadness for them all. I think this careful treatment (sympathetic *and* honest) is what helps us most to learn lessons for ourselves. Too dark, and it's too easy to judge; too bright, and we create heroes with feet of clay; tell it all--good, bad, and ugly--and we can truly learn. This biography succeeds admirably.
May 24, 2025
Fantastic biography on an incredible pastor and theologian. Not only does it highlight the highs of his life, but also reveals the lows and paints a true human side of this pastor.
April 26, 2012
In our week-long study of A.W. Tozer’s The Pursuit of God I thought it would be fitting to review the most recent biography written on the life of this extraordinary man.
A Passion For God is the title of Lyle Dorsett’s latest biography featuring the life of Aiden Wilson Tozer. The title perfectly describes the persistent devotion that Tozer had in pursuing God and describes the intimacy he had with the Almighty. The book offers an amazing insight into Aiden’s journey from a small farm in western Pennsylvania and into the hearts of so many devout followers of Christ. While no work could really get into the mysteries of what led and directed Tozer, A Passion For God offers a remarkable glimpse into the circumstances that led to this uneducated preacher’s rise to scholarship.
The book begins by showing Aiden’s humble beginnings and takes us to his lonely conversion. One thing that is remarkably true about Tozer is, midst a vibrant ministry, he felt incredibly alone. Through all of the hardships and accomplishments of his life, Tozer felt that there were few who understood him and there wasn’t much companionship in following after Christ.
While many biographies tend to veil the true nature of their subject, preferring to touch on the highlights instead of the valleys, Dorsett reveals that A.W. Tozer was just as flawed as any other man. It is incredibly important to realize where Tozer came from and to see all of the factors that shaped his worldview and ministry.
It is astounding to see that, while Tozer was leading the pack in pursuing God, he had neglected to pursue his wife Ada and her interests. There seems to be a close connection to being a spokesperson for intimacy with God and struggling in family life. Even John Piper has openly expressed the issues he has faced with his ministry and marriage. Perhaps we can learn to be both passionate in our love for God and attentive to the needs of our loved ones.
After long admiring the man, it was incredibly valuable to read about his life. Too often we can follow the teachings of those we look up to without heading the struggles they had to circumnavigate along the way.
Dorsett does an excellent job at honoring the man and revealing who he really was, to the extent that his family acknowledges this biography as the complete source for knowing and understanding this remarkable man. If you have been impacted by the writings of A.W. Toze, I encourage you to read the story of his life in A Passion For God by Lyle Dorsett.
Check out my book reviews every Wednesday at worthyofthegospel.com
A Passion For God is the title of Lyle Dorsett’s latest biography featuring the life of Aiden Wilson Tozer. The title perfectly describes the persistent devotion that Tozer had in pursuing God and describes the intimacy he had with the Almighty. The book offers an amazing insight into Aiden’s journey from a small farm in western Pennsylvania and into the hearts of so many devout followers of Christ. While no work could really get into the mysteries of what led and directed Tozer, A Passion For God offers a remarkable glimpse into the circumstances that led to this uneducated preacher’s rise to scholarship.
The book begins by showing Aiden’s humble beginnings and takes us to his lonely conversion. One thing that is remarkably true about Tozer is, midst a vibrant ministry, he felt incredibly alone. Through all of the hardships and accomplishments of his life, Tozer felt that there were few who understood him and there wasn’t much companionship in following after Christ.
While many biographies tend to veil the true nature of their subject, preferring to touch on the highlights instead of the valleys, Dorsett reveals that A.W. Tozer was just as flawed as any other man. It is incredibly important to realize where Tozer came from and to see all of the factors that shaped his worldview and ministry.
It is astounding to see that, while Tozer was leading the pack in pursuing God, he had neglected to pursue his wife Ada and her interests. There seems to be a close connection to being a spokesperson for intimacy with God and struggling in family life. Even John Piper has openly expressed the issues he has faced with his ministry and marriage. Perhaps we can learn to be both passionate in our love for God and attentive to the needs of our loved ones.
After long admiring the man, it was incredibly valuable to read about his life. Too often we can follow the teachings of those we look up to without heading the struggles they had to circumnavigate along the way.
Dorsett does an excellent job at honoring the man and revealing who he really was, to the extent that his family acknowledges this biography as the complete source for knowing and understanding this remarkable man. If you have been impacted by the writings of A.W. Toze, I encourage you to read the story of his life in A Passion For God by Lyle Dorsett.
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December 23, 2011
A well-written work that I found fascinating reading. Dorsett did not whitewash Tozer but depicted him as a sinner saved by grace.
My own thoughts: It was an interesting portrait of the church in the 20th century and shows the danger of promoting immature men into the ministry. I am not denying that Tozer was an amazing Christian, but certain of the sins that he fell into seem to me to be a result of spiritual immaturity. I Timothy 5:8 (But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.) is fairly clear. Dorsett can believe that Tozer was holy and fleed from materialism because he handed back a lot of the salary to the church and refused salary increases; I see it as foolishness and sin. He was not the one who paid the price - when he wanted books he seemed to have gone out and bought them - second-hand, yes, but he did not seem to deny himself what he wanted. It was his wife who had to make do feeding and clothing all the children, begging for lifts off other people because Tozer refused to drive, who was left close to destitute after Tozer died. The CMA church did, at that stage, do the right thing, but someone before that should have come along side Tozer and pointed him to Scripture. Was Tozer someone who would have listened? Maybe he felt he had a direct line to God, and did not need to listen to others who were not as mystical. I don't know.
p 156 'Like the saints of old, including "martyrs, reformers, Puritans, evangelists, and missionaries of the cross," each one differs "from the ordinary Orthodox Christian only because he experiences his faith down in the depths of his sentient being while the other does not." In short, the mystic "exists in a world of spiritual reality."' This is quoted from his book The Christian Book of Mystical Verse (1963)
p160 'During the years 1964 to 1974 several people who were close to Ada lovingly inquired about her happiness. Her responses were consistent: "I have never been happier in my life. Aiden loved Jesus Christ, but Leonard Odam loves me."'
My own thoughts: It was an interesting portrait of the church in the 20th century and shows the danger of promoting immature men into the ministry. I am not denying that Tozer was an amazing Christian, but certain of the sins that he fell into seem to me to be a result of spiritual immaturity. I Timothy 5:8 (But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.) is fairly clear. Dorsett can believe that Tozer was holy and fleed from materialism because he handed back a lot of the salary to the church and refused salary increases; I see it as foolishness and sin. He was not the one who paid the price - when he wanted books he seemed to have gone out and bought them - second-hand, yes, but he did not seem to deny himself what he wanted. It was his wife who had to make do feeding and clothing all the children, begging for lifts off other people because Tozer refused to drive, who was left close to destitute after Tozer died. The CMA church did, at that stage, do the right thing, but someone before that should have come along side Tozer and pointed him to Scripture. Was Tozer someone who would have listened? Maybe he felt he had a direct line to God, and did not need to listen to others who were not as mystical. I don't know.
p 156 'Like the saints of old, including "martyrs, reformers, Puritans, evangelists, and missionaries of the cross," each one differs "from the ordinary Orthodox Christian only because he experiences his faith down in the depths of his sentient being while the other does not." In short, the mystic "exists in a world of spiritual reality."' This is quoted from his book The Christian Book of Mystical Verse (1963)
p160 'During the years 1964 to 1974 several people who were close to Ada lovingly inquired about her happiness. Her responses were consistent: "I have never been happier in my life. Aiden loved Jesus Christ, but Leonard Odam loves me."'
May 12, 2013
One thing I loved was when Tozer mentioned that it was a good thing he didn't go to seminary, and that this may have been behind his being a more original thinker, kind of like C.S Lewis. While those who did go through seminary all would preach and write almost the exact same thing; all with the same interpretation of scripture; all using the same over used cliches and illustrations; everyone of them cookie cut, as if they came from a Ford assembly line. Oh it made me happy to hear him say this, I too have made the observation and actually draw a picture showing pastors coming down assembly line in a factory and then being placed in churches.
Tozer was someone who loved learning, books and was obsessed with spending time with Jesus. His biggest mistake in life was to get married, oh what a terrible, terrible tragedy. Tozer was the example of the single minded minister, longing to live by a vow of poverty, utterly consumed with Jesus and it seems he took Jesus' words literally "If you not hate father, mother, wife, etc... you can't be my disciple". Maybe the Catholics have a point making sure their Priest stay single, less any of them put a wife through the hell, that Tozer put his wife through. But yeah, once Aiden Tozer died and his wife got remarried, she finally got to experience some freedom and joy, after 40 years of misery and loneliness. Someone asked why she was so happy and she said "Aiden loved Jesus, my new husband loves me." That really says it all. While Aiden lived he wouldn't allow them to get a car, he gave half of his salary back to the church, he wouldn't take royalties for his books and refused a raise (Sounds great, right? well...) all this was while his practically abandoned wife had to struggle to feed and clothe their 7 children, having to bum rides to go anywhere. Mrs Tozar was the romantic type and Aiden was not one to show emotion or affection for family, he spent most of his time preaching, traveling, reading, studying, etc... So yeah, oh to God that single minded people would stay single!!!
Tozer was someone who loved learning, books and was obsessed with spending time with Jesus. His biggest mistake in life was to get married, oh what a terrible, terrible tragedy. Tozer was the example of the single minded minister, longing to live by a vow of poverty, utterly consumed with Jesus and it seems he took Jesus' words literally "If you not hate father, mother, wife, etc... you can't be my disciple". Maybe the Catholics have a point making sure their Priest stay single, less any of them put a wife through the hell, that Tozer put his wife through. But yeah, once Aiden Tozer died and his wife got remarried, she finally got to experience some freedom and joy, after 40 years of misery and loneliness. Someone asked why she was so happy and she said "Aiden loved Jesus, my new husband loves me." That really says it all. While Aiden lived he wouldn't allow them to get a car, he gave half of his salary back to the church, he wouldn't take royalties for his books and refused a raise (Sounds great, right? well...) all this was while his practically abandoned wife had to struggle to feed and clothe their 7 children, having to bum rides to go anywhere. Mrs Tozar was the romantic type and Aiden was not one to show emotion or affection for family, he spent most of his time preaching, traveling, reading, studying, etc... So yeah, oh to God that single minded people would stay single!!!
December 30, 2013
As with any good biography, the reader should walk away with a number of lessons from the life of the subject. Of course, these lessons may come in positive and negative forms. And this biography was certainly a great biography from the perspective that it provided a balanced portrait of a man some have come to consider a modern saint. This balanced perspective provides the reader the ability to learn from both the good and the ill of A.W. Tozer’s life. Here are my takeaways:
Positively: I need to cultivate a real and living relationship with God as Tozer did. For him, his relationship with God was deep and personal. He would spend intense and lengthy time with his Creator and was a better pastor and writer because of it. I also admire Tozer’s stand for truth in a time filled with error. Today’s challenges may be a little different, but there is an ongoing need for men and women who can stand firmly on the truth of Scripture in the face of great challenge. Finally, I respected Tozer’s breadth of reading. His versatility in the pulpit and in print is a testament to his willingness to read and interact with writers whom other evangelicals had written off.
Negatively: I must avoid Tozer’s disconnect with his family. My wife and daughter are my chief disciples and I must stay plugged in with their lives. Tozer’s passion for the things of God often caused him to neglect his family and fail to consult his wife’s opinion. Even his own children experienced great distance from their father. This distance also showed in Tozer’s churches. While he was a great pulpiteer, he lacked an intimate personal and pastoral connection with all of his people. Perhaps these flaws were less pronounced in Tozer’s generation, which placed a larger emphasis on fathers who led unilaterally and pastors who were more preachers than true pastors.
Ultimately, this work provides a balanced and insightful perspective into this truly challenging man of God. I would highly recommend this work to any reader who has dabbled in reading any of Tozer’s works.
Positively: I need to cultivate a real and living relationship with God as Tozer did. For him, his relationship with God was deep and personal. He would spend intense and lengthy time with his Creator and was a better pastor and writer because of it. I also admire Tozer’s stand for truth in a time filled with error. Today’s challenges may be a little different, but there is an ongoing need for men and women who can stand firmly on the truth of Scripture in the face of great challenge. Finally, I respected Tozer’s breadth of reading. His versatility in the pulpit and in print is a testament to his willingness to read and interact with writers whom other evangelicals had written off.
Negatively: I must avoid Tozer’s disconnect with his family. My wife and daughter are my chief disciples and I must stay plugged in with their lives. Tozer’s passion for the things of God often caused him to neglect his family and fail to consult his wife’s opinion. Even his own children experienced great distance from their father. This distance also showed in Tozer’s churches. While he was a great pulpiteer, he lacked an intimate personal and pastoral connection with all of his people. Perhaps these flaws were less pronounced in Tozer’s generation, which placed a larger emphasis on fathers who led unilaterally and pastors who were more preachers than true pastors.
Ultimately, this work provides a balanced and insightful perspective into this truly challenging man of God. I would highly recommend this work to any reader who has dabbled in reading any of Tozer’s works.
July 27, 2015
It is difficult to read this biography without anger at Dorsett and the hack job he has made of Tozer's life. My first impression is that it is a biography of an introvert written by an extrovert with limited sympathy. Even worse it is a biography by a former academic historian (see his serviceable biography of Billy Sunday) who has entirely abandoned the historian's craft of understanding context for an amiable reaching for spiritual lessons (here) and sometimes straight-up hagiography (certainly not here, but see his biography of Moody - his bibliographic comments there betray an entire abandonment of historiographic work.) Here Dorsett is quick to take family comments from well after Tozer's death to judge the man as sinful in his family relations. This judgment comes from a modern vantage of how family relations should operate, when perhaps an analysis of cultural changes in understandings of marriage and of depressive tendencies in Tozer would offer more charitable judgments of how the Tozer family operated. Dorsett's examinations of the social, cultural, and religious contexts of Tozer's life are cursory at best. He spends no time examining any of the massive changes in understandings of marriage and child raising that occurred during the 20th century (including the arrival of ideas of companionate marriage). All of Dorsett's works have been proud of access to personal papers and writings, which allow him to put the Tozers front and center in the writing, but without historical context, our understanding of their actions and motives are stuck in the present. Dorsett has been proud to name God's actions, the Spirit's work, in the life of both Moody and Tozer. Perhaps that is a counter to, so called, "secular" history. It is also serves as a convenient blanket covering of the author's sloth in failing to reach beyond the strictly personal to understand the subject in his times.
February 9, 2015
An honest telling of the life of one of the greatest Christians of the last century, who finished well and was vastly used by God, but who also had serious flaws and failures in his family life.
He stated the importance of "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."
He taught the importance of being "a man of one book, but a student of many."
Some wanted to make money, but Tozer wanted to know God, and to make Him known.
Tozer's messages, whether written or spoken, caused people to thirst for living watter, hunger for the bread of life, and even desire to read books and enlarge their vocabularies. Tozer's ministry at once illuminated minds and warmed hearts. In the final analysis those who envibed Tozer's fare were spiritually enlivened and hungry for more of Jesus.
"The knowledge of the Holy", the attributes of God, their meaning was a succinct statement of a man who wanted people to join him in seeing the character and attributes of God as He has chosen to reveal them; and through this vision to fall down with him before the throne, with exultant words of praise.
Tozer's greatest strength was his personal passion for the Lord Jesus Christ, and his concomitant ability to encourage others to know Christ and to love Him more. He was never more effective in his preaching than when he spoke of the wonders of his transcendent Lord.
He had but one consuming passion, the pursuit of God Himself.
"He was a voice in the wilderness of dead orthodoxy, defunct liberalism, and defeatist neo-orthodoxy. He called saints and sinners alike to repent and be converted."
Here-in lies Tozer's enduring legacy: his passion to know God is still contagious.
He stated the importance of "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."
He taught the importance of being "a man of one book, but a student of many."
Some wanted to make money, but Tozer wanted to know God, and to make Him known.
Tozer's messages, whether written or spoken, caused people to thirst for living watter, hunger for the bread of life, and even desire to read books and enlarge their vocabularies. Tozer's ministry at once illuminated minds and warmed hearts. In the final analysis those who envibed Tozer's fare were spiritually enlivened and hungry for more of Jesus.
"The knowledge of the Holy", the attributes of God, their meaning was a succinct statement of a man who wanted people to join him in seeing the character and attributes of God as He has chosen to reveal them; and through this vision to fall down with him before the throne, with exultant words of praise.
Tozer's greatest strength was his personal passion for the Lord Jesus Christ, and his concomitant ability to encourage others to know Christ and to love Him more. He was never more effective in his preaching than when he spoke of the wonders of his transcendent Lord.
He had but one consuming passion, the pursuit of God Himself.
"He was a voice in the wilderness of dead orthodoxy, defunct liberalism, and defeatist neo-orthodoxy. He called saints and sinners alike to repent and be converted."
Here-in lies Tozer's enduring legacy: his passion to know God is still contagious.
August 20, 2013
Tozer was a man who was passionate about God and commendably so. He was not a man to be pushed around by his context, but he was a man that was willingly pushed by his sincere pursuit of and understanding of Scripture. This biography shows Tozer's warts and all which I believe is the great value of the biography. The clear message I received from it was that God uses men who fully pursue God and yet these very men are not yet like their Savior who they so adore. In God's good grace his wife was faithful to him and his children were not bitter, but Dorsett documents how Tozer neglected them often. He was also less than a careful pastor of his people outside of the pulpit. I wanted to give a 5 because of the value it was for me to listen to it, but I also wanted to give it a 3 because of two primary things concerning the approach of the biographer. First, Dorsett consistently used the word "biblical" regarding Tozer's form of continuationism. I would have appreciated a simple statement of what Tozer believed. Second, Dorsett spoke often of Tozer's "mysticism." It would have been helpful for him to define that carefully rather than giving the impression that all "mysticism" is biblical. Overall I especially recommend this to pastors as it helps them to analyze their own ministry through the lens of Tozer's significant strengths and weaknesses.
October 31, 2015
I didn't give this book 5 stars because I loved it, in many ways I found it discouraging and heartbreaking. I gave it five stars because Mr. Dorsett achieved a rare balance of treating his subject sympathetically while being very honest about his faults. Too many biographers paint larger than life pictures of the person they are writing about, promoting hero worship. The flaws in Tozer are painful, they do not make for easy reading, but they are instructively sobering. This is not to say that the book is focused primarily on Tozer's flaws, but they do reoccur throughout the book and Mr. Dorsett does not allow us to push them into a corner and treat them as some inconsequential blemishes on an otherwise perfect man. We learn that Tozer's faults are troubling as much as his virtues are inspiring. I listened to this book as a download from Christian audio. My main complaint with the book was that Mr. Dorsett often said the same things twice or more. I think he was trying to pick up a theme he had already started in order to delve into it more thoroughly, but it sounded tediously repetitious at times.
June 23, 2010
A.W. Tozer is one of my spiritual heroes. I've been dipping into & benefiting from his writings for the past 4 decades of my life. This is a biography of a complex man, a man who knew how to enter the Holy of Holies with God and come back alive. His devotional life, self education, and resultant spiritual depth well equipped him to communicate gospel truth to his generation (early to mid 1900s). Tozer was both a writer and a preacher, and as such contributed cutting edge discernment and devastatingly probing prose. The biographer captures the essence of the man's passion and sympathetically deals with his glaring weakness: his insensitivity and inability to form a strong bond of companionship with his faithful wife. An insightful and stimulating read.
September 8, 2013
This was an interesting book of a very compelling life. I now have an affection for A.W. Tozier as a man who was able to have a very intimate relationship with God. I also found it somewhat sad and concerning that he had such a challenging relationship with his own family. I wonder if it's possible to have such a strong focus on God without neglecting your earthly family. I discovered what I usually find when I read a good biography; there are valuable things to learn, but I don't want to copy their life. The challenge that I have with this book is that I did not really enjoy the writing style of Dorsett, but in all it was worth the read.
December 24, 2011
Opens your eyes to life of Aiden W. Tozer. His struggles and his victories. Humbles you beyond belief & ignites a flame within- to give all to God and leave nothing for yourself. A man who came from nothing and kept the same humility his entire a life. He says at the end of his book, "“Others before me have gone much further into holy mysteries than I have done, but if my flame is not large it is yet real and maybe there are those who can light their candle at its flame" A.W. Tozer (A Passion For God).
March 29, 2015
I enjoyed this book very much. Dorsett's writing style is easy to read and his details are thorough. I read it while simultaneously reading The Pursuit of God by Tozer and I think this biography helped me to better understand and appreciate what Tozer was saying and where he was coming from.
I highly recommend this biography to anyone who is interested in learning more about Tozer or is curious about his works. It has made me want to read another book by Tozer at some point, probably The Knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God: Their Meaning in the Christian Life.
I highly recommend this biography to anyone who is interested in learning more about Tozer or is curious about his works. It has made me want to read another book by Tozer at some point, probably The Knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God: Their Meaning in the Christian Life.
September 10, 2015
I appreciated the author's balanced and thoughtful approach to exploring A.W. Tozer's life and the opportunity to learn from his mistakes and gain inspiration from his achievements. The chapter on Tozer's response to racial conflict in the Chicago church's neighborhood was notably interesting.
Chapters are nicely arranged by aspects of his life instead of strictly chronological. The photographs included in my edition were a treat.
I have never read any of Tozer's books, but now I want to collect everything he's written. I'm also looking forward to reading other biographies by Dorsett.
Chapters are nicely arranged by aspects of his life instead of strictly chronological. The photographs included in my edition were a treat.
I have never read any of Tozer's books, but now I want to collect everything he's written. I'm also looking forward to reading other biographies by Dorsett.
July 11, 2017
Fijn boek om naar te luisteren, hoewel wat kort misschien. Een goed leesbare en goed vertelde introductie tot het leven van A.W. Tozer. Tozers afstandelijke relatie met zijn vrouw kleurt het boek en toont ook de zwakke kanten aan deze invloedrijke man. Het boek inspireert desondanks om in de voetsporen van Tozer op zoek te gaan naar een meer mystieke omgang met God en om die God serieus te nemen.
Minpunt: een aantal gebeurtenissen of verklaringen van mensen komt meerdere keren naar voren, bijvoorbeeld dat zijn jongste en enige dochter zijn lievelingskind was.
Minpunt: een aantal gebeurtenissen of verklaringen van mensen komt meerdere keren naar voren, bijvoorbeeld dat zijn jongste en enige dochter zijn lievelingskind was.
December 4, 2017
The best biography I remember reading, it seemed to me completely absent pretentiousness.
It took me nearly 70 after the death of AW Tozer to discover the treasures he attempted to share with others of the God he loved so much, and it seemed his exclusive love. And there is the rub. The book reveals his humanity.
A very sobering discovery for me, and one I am still giving much thought to, is the utter humanity of even the greatest men.
It is not to focus on how great men can fail, but how mere men can be so great.
It took me nearly 70 after the death of AW Tozer to discover the treasures he attempted to share with others of the God he loved so much, and it seemed his exclusive love. And there is the rub. The book reveals his humanity.
A very sobering discovery for me, and one I am still giving much thought to, is the utter humanity of even the greatest men.
It is not to focus on how great men can fail, but how mere men can be so great.
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