The Knowledge of the Holy

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The Knowledge of the Holy – A.W. Tozer

1. Full Citation

Tozer, A.W. (1961) The Knowledge of the Holy. New York: Harper & Row.

2. Introduction

A.W. Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy is a concise yet profound devotional classic that explores the attributes of God in a spirit of reverence, awe, and spiritual depth. Though not systematic theology in the academic sense, it stands as a powerful meditation on divine character and the necessity of right thinking about God. Tozer’s goal is to restore the grandeur of God in the minds of believers and churches that have trivialised His holiness. This review evaluates the book’s theological insights, spiritual tone, and its enduring value in Christian devotion and doctrine.

3. Author Background and Credentials

Aiden Wilson Tozer (1897–1963) was an American pastor, preacher, and self-taught theologian affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He wrote more than 40 books, many drawn from sermons and spiritual reflections. Tozer was known for his prophetic voice, calling the church back to holiness, worship, and a high view of God. He had no formal theological training, yet his writings continue to shape evangelical spirituality.

4. Summary of Contents

The book contains 23 brief chapters, each focusing on one of the attributes of God, including:

  • The self-existence of God
  • The immutability of God
  • The omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence of God
  • The mercy, justice, and grace of God
  • The holiness and sovereignty of God

Each chapter is framed with a Scripture-based meditation, practical implications, and a call to worship and reverence. Tozer insists that what we think about God is the most important thing about us, and that wrong thinking leads to weak faith and shallow living.

5. Critical Evaluation

a. Coherence and Argumentation

Tozer’s work is coherent in structure and purpose, treating each attribute independently while reinforcing a unified theology of divine majesty. His writing is not argumentative or academic but reflective, moving the reader to spiritual response rather than doctrinal debate.

b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution

While Tozer is not original in terms of doctrine—he draws from classical theism—his prophetic tone and devotional urgency are striking. His approach revives classical attributes of God (e.g. aseity, infinitude) in a modern devotional context, bridging historical theology with contemporary worship.

c. Evidence, Sources, and Method

Tozer quotes Scripture extensively, occasionally referencing church fathers and classical theologians (Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas), but without rigorous academic citation. His method is contemplative theology, shaped by biblical meditation and pastoral insight.

d. Style and Accessibility

Tozer’s prose is poetic, lofty, and inspiring, yet readable. His rhetorical style echoes the Puritans and mystics. Although intellectually rich, the book is highly accessible to lay readers, pastors, and students alike.

e. Limitations and Critiques

Some may find Tozer’s tone overly intense or his style more exhortational than analytical. The lack of formal theological method or citation may limit its use in academic contexts. Still, its spiritual and doctrinal clarity is profound.

6. Comparative Context

The Knowledge of the Holy aligns with devotional classics like J.I. Packer’s Knowing God and Thomas Watson’s Body of Divinity. It revives the medieval and Reformation traditions of divine attributes within a modern evangelical context, without the dryness of academic detachment.

7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance

The book is important for doctrinal theology (attributes of God), spiritual formation, worship studies, and devotional literature. It is often used in pastoral training, discipleship groups, and introductory theology classes in evangelical settings.

8. Reflection or Practical Application

Tozer’s writing urges worshipful response and personal repentance. Readers often report spiritual renewal, deeper prayer life, and a transformed view of God’s majesty. The book cultivates awe, humility, and a longing for holy living in response to divine character.

9. Conclusion

The Knowledge of the Holy is a devotional masterpiece that restores the mystery and majesty of God to the heart of Christian faith. Though brief and non-academic in tone, it offers profound theological vision with pastoral power. Tozer speaks with urgency to a modern church tempted to diminish God’s transcendence.

Recommended for: All believers, pastors, worship leaders, theology students, and readers seeking to deepen their reverence for God.

10. Other Works by the Same Author

  • The Pursuit of God – Tozer’s most famous devotional, focused on intimacy with God.
  • God’s Pursuit of Man – On divine initiative in salvation and surrender.
  • The Root of the Righteous – A collection of essays on spiritual maturity and holy living.

11. Similar Books by Other Authors

  • J.I. Packer – Knowing God
  • A.W. Pink – The Attributes of God
  • R.C. Sproul – The Holiness of God
  • John Piper – The Pleasures of God

12. References (only if external works are cited)

  • Packer, J.I. (1973) Knowing God. London: Hodder & Stoughton.
  • Sproul, R.C. (1985) The Holiness of God. Wheaton: Tyndale House.
  • Pink, A.W. (1930) The Attributes of God. Grand Rapids: Baker.

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