I read a recent Lighthouse Trails article concerning A. W. Tozer’s relationships with mystics. I have great respect for my friends at Lighthouse Trails and do not disparage their article. The article was fair and well-written, and I have no intention of attempting to refute it. However, more needs to be said about Tozer than the article presented. The authors of the article implied as much.
It is true that Tozer admired several mystics and quoted them. From the surface of that information, one could conclude he practiced mysticism. That did not occur. His fruit does not identify him as a mystic. Apparently, his associations did not bother anyone at the time. I do not know of anyone who he encouraged to become a mystic from reading his books. The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) has embraced Contemplative spirituality. They may point to Tozer and quote him as inspiration, but people treat the apostle Paul likewise. Paul is labeled as a mystic by many spiritually compromised groups and individuals. That does not make him a mystic. Continue reading