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Into His Presence: A Theology of Intimacy with God
A theologically grounded treatment of what it means to be close to God
Numerous Christian books aim to provide guidance on relationships with God, but few base their conclusions on a biblical theology of intimacy. In this volume, Tim Anderson develops a biblical and holistic portrait of nearness to God, exploring key themes like God's Trinitarian union, the fall, God's fatherhood, marriage imagery, suffering, and our relationship with the Holy Spirit. A concluding chapter examines contemporary Christian songs that address oneness with God and evaluates their theological messages in light of the previous chapters.
Into His Presence is a helpful guide for pursuing intimacy with God and distinguishing contemporary cultural understandings of close relationships from those communicated in Scripture.
Numerous Christian books aim to provide guidance on relationships with God, but few base their conclusions on a biblical theology of intimacy. In this volume, Tim Anderson develops a biblical and holistic portrait of nearness to God, exploring key themes like God's Trinitarian union, the fall, God's fatherhood, marriage imagery, suffering, and our relationship with the Holy Spirit. A concluding chapter examines contemporary Christian songs that address oneness with God and evaluates their theological messages in light of the previous chapters.
Into His Presence is a helpful guide for pursuing intimacy with God and distinguishing contemporary cultural understandings of close relationships from those communicated in Scripture.
- GenresChristian Living
280 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2019
11 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Timothy L. Anderson
1 bookTim L. Anderson is professor of theology at Corban University in Salem, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 4, 2019
I’ve thought for some time that I needed some help on the theology of intimacy with God that was more depth and less fluff. There are so many who claim to be the golden ticket that it is refreshing to find someone who would prefer to dig out what the Scriptures truly say. When you think about it, there are not that many books that help us at this more theological level. There’s probably an experiential book on intimacy with God released every month but that usually doesn’t translate into us knowing anything more about it. Tim Anderson has clearly felt the same way and has made a grand attempt to step into the void. I’m not sure that this book fully settles the question, but it’s the best one I’ve gotten so far to get the discussion started.
Don’t skip his introduction as he makes it about what he’s trying to accomplish and the wide array of thinking that has to be sifted through to make sense of the subject of intimacy with God. The first half of the book comprising four chapters most scratched my itch. His defining intimacy with God forces us to think concretely about all the nebulous thoughts swirling around. Chapter 2 addresses the subject regarding philosophy and theology with some of that theology being the most helpful to me. Chapter 3 on linking the Fall of Man with intimacy with God was one of the best in the book and did clear up some real questions for me. The chapter on God as our Father tied in some important information as well and made sense of the role of fathers in our lives that is often written about today.
The chapter on interpreting biblical images of marriage and Christ perhaps got a little off track and in some cases, I felt split the hair too finely. Some of the pages on hermeneutics and how to interpret the Song of Solomon might have been better in another book too. There were additional chapters that addressed intimacy with the Holy Spirit and how suffering might be involved. A final chapter on songs of intimacy did not materially add to my understanding because I did not know every song discussed. I can see how that would have been a helpful exercise in his class, but I thought it was, perhaps, less effective in the book. Though he was cautious not to go the How-To route, a real theological discussion for how to apply the more pertinent things his book told us might have been in order.
Though I still say we need more, this book is an outstanding start. I appreciate what was shared here and the work that went into it. It’s nice to know that he read so across the spectrum to make sure he got a thorough idea of what’s believed in Christianity. It added something nice to when he discussed the theological directives of Scripture itself. I’ve scribbled several helpful notes from this fine book. Now I just need to figure out myself how to put it all in practice.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Don’t skip his introduction as he makes it about what he’s trying to accomplish and the wide array of thinking that has to be sifted through to make sense of the subject of intimacy with God. The first half of the book comprising four chapters most scratched my itch. His defining intimacy with God forces us to think concretely about all the nebulous thoughts swirling around. Chapter 2 addresses the subject regarding philosophy and theology with some of that theology being the most helpful to me. Chapter 3 on linking the Fall of Man with intimacy with God was one of the best in the book and did clear up some real questions for me. The chapter on God as our Father tied in some important information as well and made sense of the role of fathers in our lives that is often written about today.
The chapter on interpreting biblical images of marriage and Christ perhaps got a little off track and in some cases, I felt split the hair too finely. Some of the pages on hermeneutics and how to interpret the Song of Solomon might have been better in another book too. There were additional chapters that addressed intimacy with the Holy Spirit and how suffering might be involved. A final chapter on songs of intimacy did not materially add to my understanding because I did not know every song discussed. I can see how that would have been a helpful exercise in his class, but I thought it was, perhaps, less effective in the book. Though he was cautious not to go the How-To route, a real theological discussion for how to apply the more pertinent things his book told us might have been in order.
Though I still say we need more, this book is an outstanding start. I appreciate what was shared here and the work that went into it. It’s nice to know that he read so across the spectrum to make sure he got a thorough idea of what’s believed in Christianity. It added something nice to when he discussed the theological directives of Scripture itself. I’ve scribbled several helpful notes from this fine book. Now I just need to figure out myself how to put it all in practice.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
September 10, 2019
Growing intimacy with God is something all followers of Jesus Christ desire. Yet, it’s a difficult subject to objectify, quantify, and thus, rightly understand. Tim Anderson, professor of theology at Corban University, identifies this need and sets out to bring some much-needed clarity to the subject.
In chapter 1, Anderson wisely sets out to define terms and offers the following for intimacy: “The movement of God and Christians toward a good place of true knowledge and close contact” (25). After a brief discussion on the human longing for intimacy—with one another and with God—the author then suggests four elements of intimacy with God that function as a distillation and summary of the biblical data on the subject. The first is the movement toward intimacy of both the location of God and/or the consciousness or attitude of the believer. The second element is intimate knowledge—both understanding that God has that type of understanding of us already, and pursuing it of Him ourselves. Element number three is that of an intimate place/location where God meets with his people. The fourth element of intimacy with God is that of contact/touch between the Creator and the created. For a topic that too often drifts into vague, subjective language, Anderson does his readers a great service by beginning his study with clear handles onto which they can hold throughout the rest of the work.
Chapter 2 attempts to establish the philosophical and theological anchors of an exploration of intimacy with God. While a necessary chapter without which the book would be incomplete, I did find it a more tedious read than the rest of the work. Perhaps this is because while, as a Christian excited to explore intimacy with God, wading through technical issues of secularism and existentialism seemed unsatisfying.
Anyone who reads the Bible, even in a cursory manner, can identify Genesis 3 as an obstacle to relationship with God. In chapter 3, Anderson discusses why this is so, what was supposed to be, what is available to us in spite of the fall, and what we have to look forward to when sin is removed.
I did find myself wondering at times, however, if the author was forcing the meaning of the Fall of humanity into his intimacy-with-God-thesis. No doubt Adam’s sin had a profound effect on our relationship with the Creator, but to understand it primarily through this lens I found unconvincing.
Irregardless, Anderson is right in highlighting Genesis 3 as ground zero for our intimacy problems. I appreciated also his articulation of the ripple effects of that fateful day: “It appears, then, that the ban from the Garden (Gen. 3:22–24), God’s rejection of Cain’s offering (4:5–7), and the wandering of Cain (4:9–16) are some of the examples of this universal estrangement playing itself out. The Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:2–4), Jacob’s wrestling with God (Gen. 32:24–32), Nadab and Abihu’s ‘strange fire’ (Lev. 10:1–3), and Saul’s use of a medium (1 Sam. 28:6–7, 16) are just some of the examples strewn along the path of man’s vain attempts to restore intimacy with God on their own terms (cf. Rom. 1:21–23)” (70–71).
Barriers to our relationship with God obviously continue today. Anderson notes wickedness, worldliness, satanic opposition, self-sufficiency, distraction, and fear and hiding as relatable examples. “We are broken, and things are not as they should be. And yet we are fully culpable for cultivating our estrangement from God. It is as if the magnetic pull of our hearts and minds is reversed to God’s polarity too often” (85).
Chapter 4 sets out to explore symbols of intimacy found in Scripture and, more specifically, how God has revealed himself to humanity through anthropomorphic language. While Anderson outlines a number of approaches to handling these descriptions, he eventually suggests his own, one that “emphasizes the linguistic and existential elements of anthropomorphisms. … [which] refines our approach and helps us to avoid viewing them with a naive literalism or as disposable metaphors which we can simply substitute with other words or phrases to arrive at the same meaning” (93–94).
One may wonder, why is this an important discussion? Anderson answers: “… these images make God more tangible and relatable. They don't contradict the rest of what Scripture reveals to us about our relationship with God, but enhance and fill it out” (95).
The author then takes time to unpack specific “body parts” utilized in Scripture (e.g., God’s face, eyes, hands and arms, and ears), giving readers real-time examples of implying the strategy he described int he opening part of the chapter. This was an interesting and well-structured presentation, one that added to the overall purpose of the book.
In chapter 5 the author shifts to explore God’s Fatherhood as a “script of intimacy” to remedy those who feel shame. Shame is a big deal, as Anderson notes. “… past sins and current attractions (e.g. adultery, homosexuality, alcoholism) cause many to struggle to approach intimacy with God and Christianity out of the shame they continually suffer. However, the church, and especially pastors and ministry leaders, can help those under the weight of unnecessary shame to give themselves over to a new and much healthier ways of understanding God and the church” (112). More to the point: “people need to know God as a good Father, which—as a script—undercuts simplistic notions of God only as an angry or disappointed judge” (112).
How does the Bible combat this shame? Anderson suggests that, “while the Bible never excuses sin, it presents intimacy with God as our good Father, the one who intimately meets the needs of His children. He demonstrates this by adopting us and meeting our basic life needs, all the while revealing His motivations of love and compassion” (120). Anderson goes on to unpack the realities of adoption, family fellowship, and life needs (e.g. provisions, direction, comfort, discipline). He then describes the divine motivation driving the meeting of these needs, namely, God’s intimate love and compassion for his children.
Ultimately, we have a well-deserved shame. God, as described in the Bible, flips the script. Praise Jesus!
In Chapter 6 Anderson shifts his focus to marriage as he rightly observes there’s nothing in the Bible that better communicates the intimacy of Creator-creature than that of husband-wife and, more perfectly, Christ-church. After illustrating several misunderstandings of this theological reality, Anderson sets out to “dig deep into the presentations of these images in the Old and New Testaments to allow them to wonderfully enrich our conception of and quest for an intimate relationship with Christ Himself” (143–144). What follows is exactly as advertised as the author skillfully handles both the metanarrative of Scripture and individual passages therein to not only bring beautiful clarity to a beautiful God-given picture, but also thwart many common misconceptions that exist in the church today, blurring our view of this truth and, thus, robbing us of appropriate implications.
Anderson provides a lengthy and helpful discussion on sexual intimacy within marriage and what that means—and does not mean—for our relationship with God. He also quickly but effectively tackles the issue with an allegorical hermeneutic when approaching the Scriptures in general, but texts on intimacy in particular.
In chapter 7, the author turns his attention the admittedly difficult task of studying the Holy Spirit’s role in human intimacy with God. I appreciated the care with which Anderson went about this study. After acknowledging that “the Holy Spirit’s activity in the believer’s life has always been an intimate one regardless of the Testament” (181), the author then turns his attention to themes in the NT in particular. These themes include that of the Holy Spirit’s role as Paraclete (the means by which we have intimacy with God, the provider of intimate knowledge of God to us, and the creator and sustainer of intimate relationships between believers while Christ is in heaven), in building the church, and in the individual Christian.
Intimacy with God in the midst of suffering is the topic of chapter 8. By the authors’ own admission, this chapter “is perhaps the most relationally intense, as it attempts to grapple with the seemingly uncaring absence of God that appears to haunt many instances of suffering” (208). There are times God seems (and Scripture affirms with its language) distant, hidden, absent. But Scripture clearly affirms we are “not left in our suffering with an absent God” (216).
Chapter 9 addresses the church’s history of singing about intimacy with her God. To do this, Anderson sets out to model what assessing Christian songs for this type of content may look like. He begins by considering a couple of “inadequate” examples, examining the song’s assumptions, positive contributions, and concerns with its accuracy and adequacy, and follows that up with some positive examples based on the elements of intimacy with God—movement toward intimacy, intimate knowledge, intimate place/location, intimate contact/touch. Of course, any discussion around the artistic expression of biblical truths walks a fine line, one Anderson is aware of: “We must walk a tight balance between the intimate familiarity that He allows us as His redeemed children an the awesome holiness that separates Him from any being and consumes the slightest impurity” (251). By studying the lyrics of Christian songs and holding their words, claims, metaphors, etc. up to what Scripture posits about intimacty with the Almighty, Anderson has done the church a service. In fact, from a pastor’s point of view, I found this chapter worth the book as a whole (not that the rest was unhelpful!).
A small feature of the book I appreciated was the series of discussion-prompting questions that concluded each chapter. These could be used in an individual study of the material or in a group setting.
As the chief aim of the book was to “explain intimacy with God in a way that answers fundamental questions about who God is, and how we are to relate to Him” (259), Anderson succeeded. He is well-researched, well-thought, and well-articulated. In addition to those qualities, the book was generally quite accessible and readable, I would assume, for the popular Christian audience. Concluding with a list of practical suggestions of next steps for people who want to continue exploring intimacy with God was a welcomed touch. This work is recommended for anyone desiring to think more clearly about what it means to draw near to God on the terms he has laid out for us in his Word.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
In chapter 1, Anderson wisely sets out to define terms and offers the following for intimacy: “The movement of God and Christians toward a good place of true knowledge and close contact” (25). After a brief discussion on the human longing for intimacy—with one another and with God—the author then suggests four elements of intimacy with God that function as a distillation and summary of the biblical data on the subject. The first is the movement toward intimacy of both the location of God and/or the consciousness or attitude of the believer. The second element is intimate knowledge—both understanding that God has that type of understanding of us already, and pursuing it of Him ourselves. Element number three is that of an intimate place/location where God meets with his people. The fourth element of intimacy with God is that of contact/touch between the Creator and the created. For a topic that too often drifts into vague, subjective language, Anderson does his readers a great service by beginning his study with clear handles onto which they can hold throughout the rest of the work.
Chapter 2 attempts to establish the philosophical and theological anchors of an exploration of intimacy with God. While a necessary chapter without which the book would be incomplete, I did find it a more tedious read than the rest of the work. Perhaps this is because while, as a Christian excited to explore intimacy with God, wading through technical issues of secularism and existentialism seemed unsatisfying.
Anyone who reads the Bible, even in a cursory manner, can identify Genesis 3 as an obstacle to relationship with God. In chapter 3, Anderson discusses why this is so, what was supposed to be, what is available to us in spite of the fall, and what we have to look forward to when sin is removed.
I did find myself wondering at times, however, if the author was forcing the meaning of the Fall of humanity into his intimacy-with-God-thesis. No doubt Adam’s sin had a profound effect on our relationship with the Creator, but to understand it primarily through this lens I found unconvincing.
Irregardless, Anderson is right in highlighting Genesis 3 as ground zero for our intimacy problems. I appreciated also his articulation of the ripple effects of that fateful day: “It appears, then, that the ban from the Garden (Gen. 3:22–24), God’s rejection of Cain’s offering (4:5–7), and the wandering of Cain (4:9–16) are some of the examples of this universal estrangement playing itself out. The Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:2–4), Jacob’s wrestling with God (Gen. 32:24–32), Nadab and Abihu’s ‘strange fire’ (Lev. 10:1–3), and Saul’s use of a medium (1 Sam. 28:6–7, 16) are just some of the examples strewn along the path of man’s vain attempts to restore intimacy with God on their own terms (cf. Rom. 1:21–23)” (70–71).
Barriers to our relationship with God obviously continue today. Anderson notes wickedness, worldliness, satanic opposition, self-sufficiency, distraction, and fear and hiding as relatable examples. “We are broken, and things are not as they should be. And yet we are fully culpable for cultivating our estrangement from God. It is as if the magnetic pull of our hearts and minds is reversed to God’s polarity too often” (85).
Chapter 4 sets out to explore symbols of intimacy found in Scripture and, more specifically, how God has revealed himself to humanity through anthropomorphic language. While Anderson outlines a number of approaches to handling these descriptions, he eventually suggests his own, one that “emphasizes the linguistic and existential elements of anthropomorphisms. … [which] refines our approach and helps us to avoid viewing them with a naive literalism or as disposable metaphors which we can simply substitute with other words or phrases to arrive at the same meaning” (93–94).
One may wonder, why is this an important discussion? Anderson answers: “… these images make God more tangible and relatable. They don't contradict the rest of what Scripture reveals to us about our relationship with God, but enhance and fill it out” (95).
The author then takes time to unpack specific “body parts” utilized in Scripture (e.g., God’s face, eyes, hands and arms, and ears), giving readers real-time examples of implying the strategy he described int he opening part of the chapter. This was an interesting and well-structured presentation, one that added to the overall purpose of the book.
In chapter 5 the author shifts to explore God’s Fatherhood as a “script of intimacy” to remedy those who feel shame. Shame is a big deal, as Anderson notes. “… past sins and current attractions (e.g. adultery, homosexuality, alcoholism) cause many to struggle to approach intimacy with God and Christianity out of the shame they continually suffer. However, the church, and especially pastors and ministry leaders, can help those under the weight of unnecessary shame to give themselves over to a new and much healthier ways of understanding God and the church” (112). More to the point: “people need to know God as a good Father, which—as a script—undercuts simplistic notions of God only as an angry or disappointed judge” (112).
How does the Bible combat this shame? Anderson suggests that, “while the Bible never excuses sin, it presents intimacy with God as our good Father, the one who intimately meets the needs of His children. He demonstrates this by adopting us and meeting our basic life needs, all the while revealing His motivations of love and compassion” (120). Anderson goes on to unpack the realities of adoption, family fellowship, and life needs (e.g. provisions, direction, comfort, discipline). He then describes the divine motivation driving the meeting of these needs, namely, God’s intimate love and compassion for his children.
Ultimately, we have a well-deserved shame. God, as described in the Bible, flips the script. Praise Jesus!
In Chapter 6 Anderson shifts his focus to marriage as he rightly observes there’s nothing in the Bible that better communicates the intimacy of Creator-creature than that of husband-wife and, more perfectly, Christ-church. After illustrating several misunderstandings of this theological reality, Anderson sets out to “dig deep into the presentations of these images in the Old and New Testaments to allow them to wonderfully enrich our conception of and quest for an intimate relationship with Christ Himself” (143–144). What follows is exactly as advertised as the author skillfully handles both the metanarrative of Scripture and individual passages therein to not only bring beautiful clarity to a beautiful God-given picture, but also thwart many common misconceptions that exist in the church today, blurring our view of this truth and, thus, robbing us of appropriate implications.
Anderson provides a lengthy and helpful discussion on sexual intimacy within marriage and what that means—and does not mean—for our relationship with God. He also quickly but effectively tackles the issue with an allegorical hermeneutic when approaching the Scriptures in general, but texts on intimacy in particular.
In chapter 7, the author turns his attention the admittedly difficult task of studying the Holy Spirit’s role in human intimacy with God. I appreciated the care with which Anderson went about this study. After acknowledging that “the Holy Spirit’s activity in the believer’s life has always been an intimate one regardless of the Testament” (181), the author then turns his attention to themes in the NT in particular. These themes include that of the Holy Spirit’s role as Paraclete (the means by which we have intimacy with God, the provider of intimate knowledge of God to us, and the creator and sustainer of intimate relationships between believers while Christ is in heaven), in building the church, and in the individual Christian.
Intimacy with God in the midst of suffering is the topic of chapter 8. By the authors’ own admission, this chapter “is perhaps the most relationally intense, as it attempts to grapple with the seemingly uncaring absence of God that appears to haunt many instances of suffering” (208). There are times God seems (and Scripture affirms with its language) distant, hidden, absent. But Scripture clearly affirms we are “not left in our suffering with an absent God” (216).
Chapter 9 addresses the church’s history of singing about intimacy with her God. To do this, Anderson sets out to model what assessing Christian songs for this type of content may look like. He begins by considering a couple of “inadequate” examples, examining the song’s assumptions, positive contributions, and concerns with its accuracy and adequacy, and follows that up with some positive examples based on the elements of intimacy with God—movement toward intimacy, intimate knowledge, intimate place/location, intimate contact/touch. Of course, any discussion around the artistic expression of biblical truths walks a fine line, one Anderson is aware of: “We must walk a tight balance between the intimate familiarity that He allows us as His redeemed children an the awesome holiness that separates Him from any being and consumes the slightest impurity” (251). By studying the lyrics of Christian songs and holding their words, claims, metaphors, etc. up to what Scripture posits about intimacty with the Almighty, Anderson has done the church a service. In fact, from a pastor’s point of view, I found this chapter worth the book as a whole (not that the rest was unhelpful!).
A small feature of the book I appreciated was the series of discussion-prompting questions that concluded each chapter. These could be used in an individual study of the material or in a group setting.
As the chief aim of the book was to “explain intimacy with God in a way that answers fundamental questions about who God is, and how we are to relate to Him” (259), Anderson succeeded. He is well-researched, well-thought, and well-articulated. In addition to those qualities, the book was generally quite accessible and readable, I would assume, for the popular Christian audience. Concluding with a list of practical suggestions of next steps for people who want to continue exploring intimacy with God was a welcomed touch. This work is recommended for anyone desiring to think more clearly about what it means to draw near to God on the terms he has laid out for us in his Word.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
October 1, 2019
Summary: Offers a biblical study of the idea of intimacy with God, and engages with Catholic mystical, Pentecostal experiential, and Evangelical devotional approaches to intimacy with God.
Tim L. Anderson contends that scripture assures us that God both longs to draw near to us and for us to draw near to Him. He writes this book to uncover the wealth of material in scripture that both assures us of this truth and explains how this can be a reality in the life of the believer. He writes that he is also seeking "an intervention of sorts." He believes there are three approaches to intimacy with God that suffer from theological imprecision and thus will fail to lead believers into the fullness of intimacy with God that is promised the believer. He describers these approaches as Catholic Mystical, Pentecostal Experiential, and Evangelical Devotional.
He begins with defining intimacy, which he proposes is "the movement of God and Christians toward a place of true knowledge and close contact." He believes this consists in four elements: movement toward intimacy, intimate knowledge, intimate place/location, and intimate contact/touch, elaborating each of these from scripture. Chapter 2 looks at the place of intimacy with God in theology and philosophy, beginning with the God who is source of our existence, consciousness, and delights, thus making knowledge of God both our gift and our responsibility, pursued through God's self-revelation in scripture, showing us a God both immanent and transcendent, all-present and knowing, and yet condescending to us.
Chapter 3 considers the fall and the barriers to intimacy this raises. Chapter 4, then, explores the beautiful symbols of scripture that convey God's communication of intimacy, especially the anthropomorphisms of face, ears, hands, voice and mouth, and how we are to understand these.
Chapter 5 then elaborates the particular image of God as Father and how a proper understanding of God as an intimate. loving Father heals unhealthy shame that hinders our approach to God. Chapter 6 looks at Christ through the lens of the marriage images in scripture. Here he focuses on the intimate care and faithfulness of Christ and the church, but sets bounds on some of the highly romanticized or even sexualized applications of this imagery. Chapter 7 turns to the Holy Spirit and how he discloses truth in illuminating scripture and intercedes for us in prayer.
Chapter 8 deals with suffering and the apparent hiddenness of God in times of suffering. He shows from scripture how God knows us in our suffering and provides in himself a place of security as we suffer. He underscores this with the stories of the suffering of Moses and Elijah, and ultimately of Christ.
Finally, chapter 9 applies all this material on intimacy to assessing our songs of intimacy, our worship music, past and present, particularly for how the four elements of intimacy are present in them. I loved his treatment of "Just as I Am," a song deeply etched in my own life from Billy Graham Crusades and other contexts.
I greatly appreciated the emphasis of setting forth the rich biblical testimony for intimacy that grounds intimacy in the promises, works, and commands of God and not in our experience. His critique of the "Jesus is my boyfriend or lover" kind of spirituality is a much needed corrective. I felt that the approaches of Catholic Mystical, Pentecostal Experiential, and Evangelical Devotional were treated somewhat as straw men against which he took a few whacks while focusing more on elaborating a biblical theology of intimacy, and critiquing some examples of unhelpful teaching. I thought the book might have been stronger had he left the straw men out while focusing on his primary aim of a theology of intimacy, while offering helpful correctives to specific examples of inadequate or even false teaching, which I felt did not represent the best of the three approaches.
Because of the lack of good biblical/theological instruction in many of our Christian communities, many believers do not know what is theirs in Christ. As human beings, we long for intimacy. Anderson's work assures us that God's longing for intimacy with us more than matches our longing for Him, and in Christ the bridegroom, and the Spirit who discloses his bidding and intercedes for us, He has made that intimacy possible.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Tim L. Anderson contends that scripture assures us that God both longs to draw near to us and for us to draw near to Him. He writes this book to uncover the wealth of material in scripture that both assures us of this truth and explains how this can be a reality in the life of the believer. He writes that he is also seeking "an intervention of sorts." He believes there are three approaches to intimacy with God that suffer from theological imprecision and thus will fail to lead believers into the fullness of intimacy with God that is promised the believer. He describers these approaches as Catholic Mystical, Pentecostal Experiential, and Evangelical Devotional.
He begins with defining intimacy, which he proposes is "the movement of God and Christians toward a place of true knowledge and close contact." He believes this consists in four elements: movement toward intimacy, intimate knowledge, intimate place/location, and intimate contact/touch, elaborating each of these from scripture. Chapter 2 looks at the place of intimacy with God in theology and philosophy, beginning with the God who is source of our existence, consciousness, and delights, thus making knowledge of God both our gift and our responsibility, pursued through God's self-revelation in scripture, showing us a God both immanent and transcendent, all-present and knowing, and yet condescending to us.
Chapter 3 considers the fall and the barriers to intimacy this raises. Chapter 4, then, explores the beautiful symbols of scripture that convey God's communication of intimacy, especially the anthropomorphisms of face, ears, hands, voice and mouth, and how we are to understand these.
Chapter 5 then elaborates the particular image of God as Father and how a proper understanding of God as an intimate. loving Father heals unhealthy shame that hinders our approach to God. Chapter 6 looks at Christ through the lens of the marriage images in scripture. Here he focuses on the intimate care and faithfulness of Christ and the church, but sets bounds on some of the highly romanticized or even sexualized applications of this imagery. Chapter 7 turns to the Holy Spirit and how he discloses truth in illuminating scripture and intercedes for us in prayer.
Chapter 8 deals with suffering and the apparent hiddenness of God in times of suffering. He shows from scripture how God knows us in our suffering and provides in himself a place of security as we suffer. He underscores this with the stories of the suffering of Moses and Elijah, and ultimately of Christ.
Finally, chapter 9 applies all this material on intimacy to assessing our songs of intimacy, our worship music, past and present, particularly for how the four elements of intimacy are present in them. I loved his treatment of "Just as I Am," a song deeply etched in my own life from Billy Graham Crusades and other contexts.
I greatly appreciated the emphasis of setting forth the rich biblical testimony for intimacy that grounds intimacy in the promises, works, and commands of God and not in our experience. His critique of the "Jesus is my boyfriend or lover" kind of spirituality is a much needed corrective. I felt that the approaches of Catholic Mystical, Pentecostal Experiential, and Evangelical Devotional were treated somewhat as straw men against which he took a few whacks while focusing more on elaborating a biblical theology of intimacy, and critiquing some examples of unhelpful teaching. I thought the book might have been stronger had he left the straw men out while focusing on his primary aim of a theology of intimacy, while offering helpful correctives to specific examples of inadequate or even false teaching, which I felt did not represent the best of the three approaches.
Because of the lack of good biblical/theological instruction in many of our Christian communities, many believers do not know what is theirs in Christ. As human beings, we long for intimacy. Anderson's work assures us that God's longing for intimacy with us more than matches our longing for Him, and in Christ the bridegroom, and the Spirit who discloses his bidding and intercedes for us, He has made that intimacy possible.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
September 11, 2019
In any work on intimacy, one cannot avoid the subject of knowing God. For may laypersons, theology theology may seem to be something too "ivory-tower" or academic. This is understandable but I would urge readers to be patient. Dismissing any theological discussion outright leads to ignorance. Trying to engage theology without guidance may seem too lofty. That is why this book is a helpful guide to enable us to learn intimacy from the guiding framework of theology. After all, theology is essentially about the study of God. God has revealed Himself to us and for any intimate relationship to grow, we need to know God through all means available to us. I find the use of the Wesleyan quadrilateral a helpful guide: Scripture, Reason, Experience, and Tradition.
Anderson has adopted a lot of Scripture in this book. Even when the points are not specifically referenced, they are anchored on the truths revealed in Scripture. Every page are well-reasoned, with a keen awareness about the importance of experience. Anderson is also well-versed with the tradition, which was why he started the book with the three main thrusts of intimacy: Catholic Mystical, Pentecostal Experiential; and Evangelical Devotional. There are merits in all of them. While Anderson did not expound on each of them in the later part of the book, he develops his own approach with a respectful acknowledgment of the merits of these traditional spiritual practices.
What I appreciate is how the author approaches the topic of intimacy from various cultural and personal angles. Culturally, there are aspects of barriers which he tackled well in the chapter on the Fall and the effects of sin. Personally, he deals with the difficulty of intimacy from the standpoint of brokenness. This reminds me that intimacy is for all occasions, regardless of our emotional ups and downs. Maybe we sense a deeper need for God in times of struggle. This is where the last chapter really hits home. Through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, we look at another dimension of intimacy. I would say that might arguably be the most powerful application of the theology of intimacy in this book.
Tim L. Anderson is professor of theology at Corban University in Salem, Oregon.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Kregel Academic without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
Anderson has adopted a lot of Scripture in this book. Even when the points are not specifically referenced, they are anchored on the truths revealed in Scripture. Every page are well-reasoned, with a keen awareness about the importance of experience. Anderson is also well-versed with the tradition, which was why he started the book with the three main thrusts of intimacy: Catholic Mystical, Pentecostal Experiential; and Evangelical Devotional. There are merits in all of them. While Anderson did not expound on each of them in the later part of the book, he develops his own approach with a respectful acknowledgment of the merits of these traditional spiritual practices.
What I appreciate is how the author approaches the topic of intimacy from various cultural and personal angles. Culturally, there are aspects of barriers which he tackled well in the chapter on the Fall and the effects of sin. Personally, he deals with the difficulty of intimacy from the standpoint of brokenness. This reminds me that intimacy is for all occasions, regardless of our emotional ups and downs. Maybe we sense a deeper need for God in times of struggle. This is where the last chapter really hits home. Through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, we look at another dimension of intimacy. I would say that might arguably be the most powerful application of the theology of intimacy in this book.
Tim L. Anderson is professor of theology at Corban University in Salem, Oregon.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Kregel Academic without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
September 11, 2025
I went back and forth with this book. On the one hand it is well researched with detailed footnotes, but on the other hand, it has an aloofness at certain points. Anderson is a college professor who obviously loves the Word. He also is someone who seems very reticent to embrace any concepts of intimacy with God that have the touch of mystical reflection. This gives the book a sense both of theological solidity and stuffiness.
There is much to learn from this work. The treatment of biblical texts is very intriguing and the viewpoints of the writer merit close consideration. On many occasions he points to the doctrinal deficiencies in modern worship that many of us have to endure. His insistence of theological accuracy is commendable yet it does tend towards critiques that are rooted in a more restrictive view of worship. I cannot say that I differ greatly on most points. But, imo, worship is not only right belief, it is a right approach (including forms and aesthetics) that often necessitates the kind of diversity that brings a Saint Francis and John Calvin together before the same great Savior despite their variations in tradition. It was this seeming lack of flexibility that was the one personal draw back for an otherwise solid read.
There is much to learn from this work. The treatment of biblical texts is very intriguing and the viewpoints of the writer merit close consideration. On many occasions he points to the doctrinal deficiencies in modern worship that many of us have to endure. His insistence of theological accuracy is commendable yet it does tend towards critiques that are rooted in a more restrictive view of worship. I cannot say that I differ greatly on most points. But, imo, worship is not only right belief, it is a right approach (including forms and aesthetics) that often necessitates the kind of diversity that brings a Saint Francis and John Calvin together before the same great Savior despite their variations in tradition. It was this seeming lack of flexibility that was the one personal draw back for an otherwise solid read.
October 19, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Thesis Jesus wants to connect with us through the gospel and prayer.
-F.T.C. Disclaimer- "I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher Kregel Academic I am required to provide a review not necessarily positive. All opinions are solely therein my own." "I am disclosing this in accordance with The F.T.C. Title 16 Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials."
-F.T.C. Disclaimer- "I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher Kregel Academic I am required to provide a review not necessarily positive. All opinions are solely therein my own." "I am disclosing this in accordance with The F.T.C. Title 16 Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials."
January 1, 2020
A solid, if somewhat dry, biblical theology on intimacy with God. The most helpful parts were the opening framework at an attempt to define intimacy with God, and the chapter about how the Holy Spirit helps us to have intimacy. Still not sure I agree on his qualifications about the nature of intimacy in marriage and its applicability to our relationship with God.
September 10, 2019
When I was a young Believer I found a bumper sticker that said, “If you feel far from God… Guess who moved”. I placarded it across the glove box. I supposed I needed it’s constant reminder. Tim Anderson’s very readable book, Into His Presence a Theology of Intimacy With God, is an awe inspiring work. He takes a common experience that crosses all traditions and shows us all the significance of it and the theology of it. He teaches us to think biblically and theologically about our shared experience.
Chapter one gives us a biblical basis of intimacy with four elements. First there is a scriptural movement towards intimacy; seeking, turning, and coming. Second there is God’s intimate knowledge of us. Some things are known to us and God alone; some things about us are known only to God. Yet God seeks to share with us knowledge of Himself, “He invites worshipful believers into His secret counsel and knowledge of Him (Ps 25:14; Prov 3:32; Jn 7:17; 17:25, 26).” Third there is an intimate place. And it is not a matter of miles but of experience as in brokenness and humility. Fourth is intimate touch as when the father embraces and kisses the prodigal son upon his return.
Chapters four and six were especially helpful in that the exploration of metaphor and symbols are rich in providing what I would call a point of contact. I have always had difficulty as a male with “bride” images. I have found much help in taking another look at how to understand these metaphors.
Chapter eight Suffering and Intimacy is perhaps the capstone chapter and of deep significance to me personally. During our deepest grief and suffering why do we experience God as silent? Anderson uses the examples of Moses, Elijah, Jesus, and Stephen to show how “God reveals His nearness to them, in order for them to bring others near to Him.”
I recommend this book to anyone seeking to be near to God and who desires gain a deeper theological understanding of what that means. It would be a good tool for a group study since reflection questions are at the end of each chapter. I would have preferred a full bibliography but a good scripture and author index is provided as well as footnotes. Thanks to Kregel Publications for a review copy of this book. My views are my own and given in the hope to be an assistance to those pondering whether or not this work would be a good read for them. Happy reading.
Chapter one gives us a biblical basis of intimacy with four elements. First there is a scriptural movement towards intimacy; seeking, turning, and coming. Second there is God’s intimate knowledge of us. Some things are known to us and God alone; some things about us are known only to God. Yet God seeks to share with us knowledge of Himself, “He invites worshipful believers into His secret counsel and knowledge of Him (Ps 25:14; Prov 3:32; Jn 7:17; 17:25, 26).” Third there is an intimate place. And it is not a matter of miles but of experience as in brokenness and humility. Fourth is intimate touch as when the father embraces and kisses the prodigal son upon his return.
Chapters four and six were especially helpful in that the exploration of metaphor and symbols are rich in providing what I would call a point of contact. I have always had difficulty as a male with “bride” images. I have found much help in taking another look at how to understand these metaphors.
Chapter eight Suffering and Intimacy is perhaps the capstone chapter and of deep significance to me personally. During our deepest grief and suffering why do we experience God as silent? Anderson uses the examples of Moses, Elijah, Jesus, and Stephen to show how “God reveals His nearness to them, in order for them to bring others near to Him.”
I recommend this book to anyone seeking to be near to God and who desires gain a deeper theological understanding of what that means. It would be a good tool for a group study since reflection questions are at the end of each chapter. I would have preferred a full bibliography but a good scripture and author index is provided as well as footnotes. Thanks to Kregel Publications for a review copy of this book. My views are my own and given in the hope to be an assistance to those pondering whether or not this work would be a good read for them. Happy reading.
December 24, 2019
Into His Presence, is a book that takes any reader into a theological discourse of Biblical interpretation and correct exegesis.
It is often I get many biased opinions, but Dr. Anderson has stepped alongside the reader and walks through specific theological issues he has encountered throughout his teaching career. I was enlighted and encouraged as a student and a scholar to learn deeper meaning by proper hermeneutics.
Dr. Anderson, with his intuitive insights, invites any learning soul to come with him as he continues to walk into the presence of a living God.
It is often I get many biased opinions, but Dr. Anderson has stepped alongside the reader and walks through specific theological issues he has encountered throughout his teaching career. I was enlighted and encouraged as a student and a scholar to learn deeper meaning by proper hermeneutics.
Dr. Anderson, with his intuitive insights, invites any learning soul to come with him as he continues to walk into the presence of a living God.
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