A. W. Tozer, a renowned evangelical author and preacher, is celebrated for his profound insights into spirituality and Christian living. His writings, still widely read today, have influenced generations of believers. Tozer's perspectives on children and parenting, scattered across his works, offer timeless wisdom that continues to resonate with contemporary readers.
Tozer, often referred to as the '20th-century prophet', had a unique understanding of the human soul. He believed that children, as individuals on their spiritual journey, deserve respect and gentleness. This article explores Tozer's views on children and parenting, drawing from his various works.
Tozer's Perspective on Children's Spiritual Nature
Tozer saw children as spiritual beings, capable of comprehending and experiencing God's love. He believed they were not just 'little adults' but individuals in their own right, with their own relationship with God. In his essay 'The True Preaching of the Gospel', Tozer writes, "Children are capable of as deep a spiritual experience as their elders."
This perspective was radical in Tozer's time, challenging the prevailing notion of children as mere extensions of their parents. Tozer saw children as valuable, precious in God's sight, capable of profound spiritual experiences.
Encouraging Children's Spiritual Fervor
Tozer believed that children's spiritual fervor should be nurtured, not dampened. In his sermons, he often spoke about probably bestowing God's grace upon children and encouraging their spiritual hunger. He once preached, "Do not quench the spirit of a child. Do not discourage him in his hungry pursuit of God."
Tozer understood that children's spiritual intensity could be a powerful force for change. He encouraged parents and churches not to stint on provisions for children's spiritual growth, but rather to fan the flame of their passion for God.
The Danger of Religious Formalism
Tozer warned against heaping religious formalism on children, cautioning that it could stifle their natural religious impulses. In 'The Christian Experience', he writes that religious forms and rituals should serve as aids to worship, not replace it. He believed that excessive focus on religious routines could hinder children's genuine spiritual experience.
Tozer advocated for a simple, genuine faith. He encouraged parents to model this faith, fostering an atmosphere where children could explore and express their spirituality freely, rather than being confined to prescribed religious behaviors.
Tozer's Advice for Parents
Tozer's advice to parents was rooted in his belief in the importance of children's spiritual experiences. He stressed that parents should cultivate a God-centered home environment. In 'The Wisdom of God', Tozer wrote, "A God-centered home is the most important factor in the spiritual development of a child."
He believed that parents should lead by example, demonstrating a vibrant, authentic faith. He wrote in 'The Attributes of God', "Children learn by watching, not by listening... They will know us by our lives, not by our talks."
Prayer and the Family
Tozer emphasized the importance of family prayer. He believed that praying together as a family taught children to address God directly and to see prayer as a natural part of life. In his essay 'The Power of Prayer', he wrote, "The family that prays together stays together, both in affection and in spiritual power."
He encouraged parents to pray with their children, even when they were very young. He believed that this habit cultivated a spiritual awareness that would stay with them throughout their lives.
Spiritual Disciplines and Children
Tozer advised parents to introduce children to spiritual disciplines like Bible reading, meditation, and fasting. He saw these as tools for nurturing a deep, personal relationship with God. In 'The Pursuit of God', he wrote, "Spiritual childhood is not childhood in spiritual things... but childhood is the right attitude of soul in approaching God."
Tozer believed that these disciplines, introduced and modeled in a way appropriate to children's understanding, could help them build a robust spiritual foundation. He encouraged parents to help their children develop a lifestyle of personal devotion, sloughing off religious formalism.
Tozer's views on children, while rooted in a specific religious context, offer insights that transcend denominational boundaries. They challenge us to respect children's spiritual agency, to nurture their passion for God, and to model a vibrant, authentic faith. As we strive to apply these principles, we may find our families and churches transformed, as children are honored and nurtured in their unique spiritual journeys.