The Attributes of God: A Journey into the Father's Heart

This devotional exploration of divine attributes represents Tozer's mature reflection on the nature of God, originally composed as a series of articles for Alliance Witness magazine between 1959 and 1961. The work examines ten fundamental attributes of God, moving from God's infinity and immutability through omniscience, wisdom, omnipotence, transcendence, omnipresence, faithfulness, love, and culminating in divine holiness. Tozer approaches these classical theological categories not through systematic argumentation but through contemplative meditation aimed at spiritual transformation.

The text situates itself within the tradition of devotional theology, drawing heavily on mystical writers including Bernard of Clairvaux, Richard Rolle, and particularly the anonymous author of The Cloud of Unknowing. Tozer's method combines scriptural exegesis with poetic reflection, eschewing technical philosophical discourse in favor of accessible spiritual instruction. Each chapter begins with relevant biblical passages before developing its theme through analogy, personal testimony, and exhortation.

Central to Tozer's argument is the claim that true knowledge of God transcends intellectual comprehension, requiring instead a transformation of the heart through contemplative encounter. He critiques what he perceives as the spiritual poverty of mid-twentieth century evangelicalism, arguing that doctrinal orthodoxy without experiential knowledge produces merely formal religion. This emphasis on experiential knowledge places him in tension with both rationalist natural theology and neo-orthodox approaches that stress divine transcendence at the expense of accessibility.

The work's significance lies in its synthesis of classical theism with pietistic spirituality, maintaining traditional affirmations about divine attributes while insisting these truths must be personally appropriated through prayer and meditation. Tozer's treatment of divine love and holiness as complementary rather than contradictory attributes offers a distinctive contribution to discussions of divine simplicity. His influence extends particularly through charismatic and contemplative evangelical movements that seek to balance doctrinal fidelity with mystical experience.

While lacking the philosophical rigor of academic theology, the text's enduring influence stems from its ability to translate abstract theological concepts into practical spiritual guidance. Tozer's integration of Reformed orthodoxy with Catholic mystical traditions creates a unique evangelical mysticism that continues to shape popular Christian spirituality. His insistence that theology must lead to doxology challenges purely academic approaches to the divine attributes.