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..

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.

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.