By God's transcendence we mean that God is above any and everything, God is above and over us in every way. He is so far above us that it cannot be measured, all adjectives that can truly describe God are not existent, and the closest ones that we can use must have something to do with infinte, or no boundaries.
What really caught my attention in this chapter was when Tozer said that God is above an archangel the same way that he is above a caterpillar. Not that he is comparing the archangel to the caterpillar, but that God is infinitely above both the caterpillar and the archangel, and you can't add anything to infinity. Infinity is infinity.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
God's Omnipotence
The fact that God is omnipotent is amazing, because then I can know that God has everything under control no matter what is happening. But at the same time I wonder why is the world like this, Why didn't God change things, he has the power to do it, but he didn't, why? I'm comforted by God's omnipotence, but I fail to understand why he doesn't do certain things, he is perfectly capable, and it makes sense to do certain things, at least to me, but God didn't do it. God has all power, but it seems like he sometimes refrains from using his power, and I don't get why.
I have seen God's omnipotence in many ways. In my life there have been many situations, that by our standards are impossible. But since God is not limited by our standards, he came through and is still coming through unto this day.
I have seen God's omnipotence in many ways. In my life there have been many situations, that by our standards are impossible. But since God is not limited by our standards, he came through and is still coming through unto this day.
Monday, November 9, 2015
Tozer Chapter 11
"...God is wise in himself, and all the shining wisdom of men or angels is but a reflection of that uncreated effulgence which streams from the throne of the Majesty in Heaven."
The Bible says that we are made in God's image, and we truly are in every way. Everything that we know or have we don't actually know or have. At least not without God. We always say that we are independent, but we aren't. We depend on God for everything, even if we don't acknowledge it. Without God we can't do anything, we can't even think without God. All of the wisdom and knowledge that we have originally comes from God.
The Bible says that we are made in God's image, and we truly are in every way. Everything that we know or have we don't actually know or have. At least not without God. We always say that we are independent, but we aren't. We depend on God for everything, even if we don't acknowledge it. Without God we can't do anything, we can't even think without God. All of the wisdom and knowledge that we have originally comes from God.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Tozer ch 7
"The mind looks backward in time till the dim past vanishes, then turns and looks into the future till thought and imagination collapse from exhaustion; and God is at both points, unaffected by either."
I have always heard that God is simultaneously in the past, the present and the future because time has no restraints on God. But How? I know that this question is one that I cannot understand, but I will always wonder. Time has no restraints on God because God created time, the creation has no control over the creator. Our minds cannot comprehend God and his being, because he is infinite and we are finite. Our rules do not and cannot pertain to God.
I have always heard that God is simultaneously in the past, the present and the future because time has no restraints on God. But How? I know that this question is one that I cannot understand, but I will always wonder. Time has no restraints on God because God created time, the creation has no control over the creator. Our minds cannot comprehend God and his being, because he is infinite and we are finite. Our rules do not and cannot pertain to God.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Tozer ch 6
"Whatever God is, and all that God is, He is in Himself."
"The word necessary is wholly foreign to God."
"Nothing is beyond him (God), nothing beyond him (God)."
All of these facts about God, we accept, but why? We know so little about God, there are so many unanswered questions, yet we still believe. Why?
I began asking myself this question when I was reading Tozer ch 6, and I had trouble answering. I know that God is self-sufficient, that God is above everything, that he needs nothing, and i accept these facts. Whenever asked, however, I always reply "Faith, we need to have faith." Which is a right answer, and I know that I cannot try to explain God because he is incomprehensible, but whenever I ask myself this question I honestly don't know how to answer
"The word necessary is wholly foreign to God."
"Nothing is beyond him (God), nothing beyond him (God)."
All of these facts about God, we accept, but why? We know so little about God, there are so many unanswered questions, yet we still believe. Why?
I began asking myself this question when I was reading Tozer ch 6, and I had trouble answering. I know that God is self-sufficient, that God is above everything, that he needs nothing, and i accept these facts. Whenever asked, however, I always reply "Faith, we need to have faith." Which is a right answer, and I know that I cannot try to explain God because he is incomprehensible, but whenever I ask myself this question I honestly don't know how to answer
Monday, October 12, 2015
Tozer Ch 5
1). Tozer says that “Man is…dependent upon the continuing creative impulse” of God (p.28). Have you ever considered the fact that you and I were not merely created at one time, and then let go till we “run out” our life, but that God is continually holding you in existence, and that he is constantly creating and recreating us in his work of new (and ever new) creation? Ponder this reality. How does it settle with you? How do you respond to this?
It kind of makes sense, almost. When I start thinking about it, it makes less sense. But it does support the claim that God is truly almighty and that he is undoubtedly in control of everything, no matter what.
2). Tozer reflects on what sin is in this chapter (28-31). (A) How do you understand sin? (B) How does Tozer seem to present it? Strive to capture the many nuances of his understanding.
Sin is anything that goes against God and his principles, anything that dethrones God and puts us in his place, or pride, as Tozer mentions. through an action of pride sin entered the world, so naturally pride is considered a sin.
It kind of makes sense, almost. When I start thinking about it, it makes less sense. But it does support the claim that God is truly almighty and that he is undoubtedly in control of everything, no matter what.
2). Tozer reflects on what sin is in this chapter (28-31). (A) How do you understand sin? (B) How does Tozer seem to present it? Strive to capture the many nuances of his understanding.
Sin is anything that goes against God and his principles, anything that dethrones God and puts us in his place, or pride, as Tozer mentions. through an action of pride sin entered the world, so naturally pride is considered a sin.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Tozer Chapter 3
1). On pg. 13 Tozer says, "We might be wise to follow the insight of the enraptured heart rather then the more cautious reasoning of the theological mind." What lies behind such a statement as this? Why do you think Tozer would say this? (Do you think he is disparaging the "Theological mind").
Tozer is saying that it is better to listen to those who truly love God, than to those who only think about God. Since God is incomprehensible, no one can actually understand God, so one can only speculate, and even then we should not limit God to our descriptions because they are used to describe humans and cannot fully tell of all of God's being. I do not think that Tozer is disparaging the "Theological mind" he is merely saying that we need both the Theological mind and The enraptured heart. We need to love and worship God, but at the same time it would benefit us if we knew who we were worshipping. I think that Tozer prefers that we do worship God without studying him, because studying God is a futile mission.
2).Tozer is trafficking in deep theological reflection on p.15-16. He draws the distinction between the “creature-thoughts” we have when we consider attributes of humans. Human attributes are parts of who we are because we are composite creatures. Though thoughts we must have when we consider the nature of God are infinitely different, because God is One.
In good company with many theologians before him, T. expresses that, “[God’s] being He owes to no one. His substance is indivisible. He has no parts but is single in His unitary being. The doctrine of the divine unity means not only that there is but one God [Deut.6:4ff]; it means also that God is simple, uncomplex, one with Himself. The harmony of his being is the result not of a perfect balance of parts but of the absence of parts…All of God does all that God does; He does not divide Himself to perform a work, but works in the total unity of His being. An attribute, then, is not a part of God. It is how God is, and as far as the reasoning mind can go, we may say that it is what God is…He is simply BEING Himself.” (p.15) How do you respond to these weighty ideas? What questions, thoughts do you have? Any connections made? Describe.
It is a very confusing concept because we know that God is three in one, the trinity. But we also know that he is distinctly God, so it can get very confusing. And how can the harmony of God come from the absence of all parts. What parts? And how can these parts be absent from God. It does not really make sense to me. Which is mainly why I do not try to study God because it is absolutely pointless. No one can understand God.
Tozer is saying that it is better to listen to those who truly love God, than to those who only think about God. Since God is incomprehensible, no one can actually understand God, so one can only speculate, and even then we should not limit God to our descriptions because they are used to describe humans and cannot fully tell of all of God's being. I do not think that Tozer is disparaging the "Theological mind" he is merely saying that we need both the Theological mind and The enraptured heart. We need to love and worship God, but at the same time it would benefit us if we knew who we were worshipping. I think that Tozer prefers that we do worship God without studying him, because studying God is a futile mission.
2).Tozer is trafficking in deep theological reflection on p.15-16. He draws the distinction between the “creature-thoughts” we have when we consider attributes of humans. Human attributes are parts of who we are because we are composite creatures. Though thoughts we must have when we consider the nature of God are infinitely different, because God is One.
In good company with many theologians before him, T. expresses that, “[God’s] being He owes to no one. His substance is indivisible. He has no parts but is single in His unitary being. The doctrine of the divine unity means not only that there is but one God [Deut.6:4ff]; it means also that God is simple, uncomplex, one with Himself. The harmony of his being is the result not of a perfect balance of parts but of the absence of parts…All of God does all that God does; He does not divide Himself to perform a work, but works in the total unity of His being. An attribute, then, is not a part of God. It is how God is, and as far as the reasoning mind can go, we may say that it is what God is…He is simply BEING Himself.” (p.15) How do you respond to these weighty ideas? What questions, thoughts do you have? Any connections made? Describe.
It is a very confusing concept because we know that God is three in one, the trinity. But we also know that he is distinctly God, so it can get very confusing. And how can the harmony of God come from the absence of all parts. What parts? And how can these parts be absent from God. It does not really make sense to me. Which is mainly why I do not try to study God because it is absolutely pointless. No one can understand God.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
1. Tozer quotes Nicholas of Cusa who says, “If we can conceive of God, it is not God that we have.” Do you agree? Your thoughts? Describe.
I do agree with this statement. Our minds are sinful, and God is perfection, there is no possible way that we can understand God. We can try, but how can imperfection even begin to know what perfection is? We can have ideas about who God is, and they may or may not be true. But we will never even begin to understand God.
2. Tozer makes a strong claim that the “glory of God has not been revealed to this generation” (remember, he wrote this in 1961), and that “The God of contemporary Christianity is only slightly superior to the gods of Greece and Rome…if…not actually inferior to them.” (8) We can’t inhabit Tozer's time and space, but what about our own? (A) Do you think T. would say the same of our generation? Your generation? (B) Based on what you have been learning of the gods of Greece & Rome and our God, do you see what Tozer might mean by this? Describe.
Tozer would more than likely say the say thing about our generation today. i think that most people underestimate God or they feel as though their needs aren't important, or even that they are not important. So God is almost seen as this imposing figure who either won't or can't help us. whereas the Greeks and Romans fervently believed in the power of their Gods, yes they were legitimately afraid of their gods, but they, sadly, had a stronger faith in their created gods than some Christians have in our God, the creator.
3. Tozer says, “The yearning to know What cannot be known, to comprehend the Incomprehensible, to touch and taste the Unapproachable, arises from the image of God in the nature of man. Deep calleth unto deep, and though polluted and landlocked by the mighty disaster theologians call the Fall, the soul senses its origin and longs to return to its Source.” (9) (A) Do you agree? Why or why not? (B) Can we begin to identify the ways in which we see this borne out in all people - not Christians only? (C) Can you see this happening in yourself somehow?
Again, I do agree, everyone has an inkling, or a tiny desire for God even though some may not realize that what they desire is God. When people want peace, and joy and love, they want God. All of those things are found in God, those desires can't be found in the World, especially in a world without God. These desires are not just the desires of Christians, but of non- Christian as well. I for one know that I desire God, even when I want something as simple as rest, I find that in God. There is a natural desire for God in everyone.
4. T. (and those he quotes) will often use feminine pronouns to describe the soul - even of males. Why, do you think?
In the bible God is the Groom and we are his bride. We are called to have a special relationship with God that is represented by marriage. It is a holy bond that is not to be broken..
I do agree with this statement. Our minds are sinful, and God is perfection, there is no possible way that we can understand God. We can try, but how can imperfection even begin to know what perfection is? We can have ideas about who God is, and they may or may not be true. But we will never even begin to understand God.
2. Tozer makes a strong claim that the “glory of God has not been revealed to this generation” (remember, he wrote this in 1961), and that “The God of contemporary Christianity is only slightly superior to the gods of Greece and Rome…if…not actually inferior to them.” (8) We can’t inhabit Tozer's time and space, but what about our own? (A) Do you think T. would say the same of our generation? Your generation? (B) Based on what you have been learning of the gods of Greece & Rome and our God, do you see what Tozer might mean by this? Describe.
Tozer would more than likely say the say thing about our generation today. i think that most people underestimate God or they feel as though their needs aren't important, or even that they are not important. So God is almost seen as this imposing figure who either won't or can't help us. whereas the Greeks and Romans fervently believed in the power of their Gods, yes they were legitimately afraid of their gods, but they, sadly, had a stronger faith in their created gods than some Christians have in our God, the creator.
3. Tozer says, “The yearning to know What cannot be known, to comprehend the Incomprehensible, to touch and taste the Unapproachable, arises from the image of God in the nature of man. Deep calleth unto deep, and though polluted and landlocked by the mighty disaster theologians call the Fall, the soul senses its origin and longs to return to its Source.” (9) (A) Do you agree? Why or why not? (B) Can we begin to identify the ways in which we see this borne out in all people - not Christians only? (C) Can you see this happening in yourself somehow?
Again, I do agree, everyone has an inkling, or a tiny desire for God even though some may not realize that what they desire is God. When people want peace, and joy and love, they want God. All of those things are found in God, those desires can't be found in the World, especially in a world without God. These desires are not just the desires of Christians, but of non- Christian as well. I for one know that I desire God, even when I want something as simple as rest, I find that in God. There is a natural desire for God in everyone.
4. T. (and those he quotes) will often use feminine pronouns to describe the soul - even of males. Why, do you think?
In the bible God is the Groom and we are his bride. We are called to have a special relationship with God that is represented by marriage. It is a holy bond that is not to be broken..
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Francis de Sales: One True Devotion
1). Francis used a lot of analogies, which are most powerful or meaningful to you?
One of the analogies that I love the most is the analogy with the birds. How ostriches don't fly, and Hens can fly, but it is very clumsy, unlike the eagles who soar majestically. This analogy illustrates the different types of people and their devotional life. some do not have one, others have a devotional life, but it is not strong, awkward almost, while others are solid in their devotional life.
2). Francis writes Philothea, "True devotion does us no harm whatsoever, but instead perfects all things...[it] adorns and beautifies [them]" (p.30). Based on what Francis describes as "True devotion", and our discussions and studies of "perfection" thus far in this class, (A) what do you think he means by this, and (B) do you think this is actually possible? (C) How or How not? Describe, bring in an example to illustrate.
I think that Francis means exactly what he said, True devotion will do us no harm, it will help perfect us. Perfection is achievable, just not down on earth, our whole lives as Christians is a spiritual journey. the goal is to be with God, or perfection. And yes this journey is possible because why would God, who loves us trick us by saying, this is your goal, but it turns out to be a lie. God doesn't lie.
3). What are some of your favorite devotional practices? Which do you find the most difficult?
My favorite devotional practice is listening to music, not singing, just listening, and praying. Praying sometimes can be difficult because I can get easily distracted at times, and it can be hard to focus.
4).Given your level of Spiritual energy, your weekly activities and duties, what kind of devotional habits fit your needs?
I really do not have a ton of energy,so after talking for a long time, and being around people for a long time, I get tired. Not to mention, other activities after school, getting home late and homework, a break is much needed. Which may be another reason why I love listening to my Christian/Gospel music, because I can just relax, and still spend time with God. It is a double blessing.
One of the analogies that I love the most is the analogy with the birds. How ostriches don't fly, and Hens can fly, but it is very clumsy, unlike the eagles who soar majestically. This analogy illustrates the different types of people and their devotional life. some do not have one, others have a devotional life, but it is not strong, awkward almost, while others are solid in their devotional life.
2). Francis writes Philothea, "True devotion does us no harm whatsoever, but instead perfects all things...[it] adorns and beautifies [them]" (p.30). Based on what Francis describes as "True devotion", and our discussions and studies of "perfection" thus far in this class, (A) what do you think he means by this, and (B) do you think this is actually possible? (C) How or How not? Describe, bring in an example to illustrate.
I think that Francis means exactly what he said, True devotion will do us no harm, it will help perfect us. Perfection is achievable, just not down on earth, our whole lives as Christians is a spiritual journey. the goal is to be with God, or perfection. And yes this journey is possible because why would God, who loves us trick us by saying, this is your goal, but it turns out to be a lie. God doesn't lie.
3). What are some of your favorite devotional practices? Which do you find the most difficult?
My favorite devotional practice is listening to music, not singing, just listening, and praying. Praying sometimes can be difficult because I can get easily distracted at times, and it can be hard to focus.
4).Given your level of Spiritual energy, your weekly activities and duties, what kind of devotional habits fit your needs?
I really do not have a ton of energy,so after talking for a long time, and being around people for a long time, I get tired. Not to mention, other activities after school, getting home late and homework, a break is much needed. Which may be another reason why I love listening to my Christian/Gospel music, because I can just relax, and still spend time with God. It is a double blessing.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
The Knowledge of the Holy
After one of our Spiritual Formation classes we were assigned to read the preface and first chapter of A.W Tozer's The Knowledge of the Holy. We were then asked to respond to four questions.
1.What does Tozer identify as the problem? Do you agree or disagree?
The problem that Tozer identifies is that the Church has lost the concept of majesty. i must say that i do agree with that statement, because more and more churches today are focusing on what we can do, but not on what god can and will do, and what he has done. The focus has been shifted toward ourselves and away from God, and that should never happen.
2.What does he mean by "the majesty of God"?
The majesty of God means the supreme authority, or sovereignty of God. The acknowledgement of God's greatness, and power.
3.What are the "further losses" he identifies? What do they all share in common?
We have lost our spirit of worship, and the ability to stop and spend quality time with God, Both of these losses are dealing with our relationship with God, these losses lead to losing our relationship with God.
4.Note Tozer's view on reading great works of Christian authors. Note also the time in which he was writing. Do you think things have improved since then? How might your education relate to the problem and solution both individually and for Christianity in America?
Having a Classical education gives us the opportunity to read these Documents which will help to further strengthen our relationship with God. Many Christians didn't and still don't read these documents, and I do not feel as though things have improved, which is, again, where a Classical education does come in handy.
1.What does Tozer identify as the problem? Do you agree or disagree?
The problem that Tozer identifies is that the Church has lost the concept of majesty. i must say that i do agree with that statement, because more and more churches today are focusing on what we can do, but not on what god can and will do, and what he has done. The focus has been shifted toward ourselves and away from God, and that should never happen.
2.What does he mean by "the majesty of God"?
The majesty of God means the supreme authority, or sovereignty of God. The acknowledgement of God's greatness, and power.
3.What are the "further losses" he identifies? What do they all share in common?
We have lost our spirit of worship, and the ability to stop and spend quality time with God, Both of these losses are dealing with our relationship with God, these losses lead to losing our relationship with God.
4.Note Tozer's view on reading great works of Christian authors. Note also the time in which he was writing. Do you think things have improved since then? How might your education relate to the problem and solution both individually and for Christianity in America?
Having a Classical education gives us the opportunity to read these Documents which will help to further strengthen our relationship with God. Many Christians didn't and still don't read these documents, and I do not feel as though things have improved, which is, again, where a Classical education does come in handy.
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