A Protestant Closer to Catholic Saints Than Many Catholics

A.W. Tozer was Protestant through and through, yet his spirit whispers Catholic mysticism. He devoured Church Fathers like Augustine, absorbed medieval devotionals like The Imitation of Christ, and emphasized transcendence, sin, grace, and interior transformation—hallmarks of classical Catholic teaching.

Compared to modern Catholicism, often bogged in programs and softened edges, Tozer’s urgency feels more aligned with the Magisterium’s core: Holiness as heroic, non-negotiable. He critiqued superficial piety, standing apart from colleagues like Jesus from Pharisees.

From a Hero’s Journey view, Tozer was the wanderer-prophet, slaying dragons of mediocrity while clashing with ordinary obligations. Protestant in identity, Catholic in imagination—he bridged worlds without converting.

On ecumenism: The Church won’t canonize Protestant “saints” like Tozer, Lewis, or Bonhoeffer formally (it’s tied to sacraments and communion). But informally? They’re quoted by popes, taught in seminaries. Their content rediscovers ancient truths, reminding Catholics of their own heritage from outside.

Truth doesn’t need labels; these men stand alone, functioning as bridges and prophets. Ecumenism thrives without annexation—unity in shared wisdom, not flattened differences.

Why does this matter? It shows spiritual depth transcends labels. Dive into Tozer: You might find Catholic saints speaking through a Protestant voice.

Thoughts: Who else bridges traditions like this?

Developed with assistance from GROK and Gemini