The Pursuit of God · Chapter
VII: The Gaze of the Soul explained
This chapter explores the nature of faith as the soul's gaze upon God, emphasizing that faith is a simple, inward looking at Jesus Christ rather than a complex intellectual exercise.
What happens
This chapter explores the nature of faith as the soul's gaze upon God, emphasizing that faith is a simple, inward looking at Jesus Christ rather than a complex intellectual exercise. It draws on the writings of Nicholas of Cusa to illustrate eternal life as a blessed regard between God and the soul, and argues that this gaze is accessible to all believers at any time and place, regardless of their circumstances or calling. The chapter also critiques shallow religious formalism and encourages a habitual, inward beholding of God that transforms the whole life.
Themes in this chapter
Faith as the Gaze of the Soul
Faith is defined as the soul's inward gaze upon God, a simple act of looking that is accessible to all believers at any time and place.
The Divine Presence
The chapter emphasizes that God's eyes are always upon the believer, and that the soul's gaze meets God's friendly regard, initiating heaven on earth.
Critique of Shallow Religion
The author criticizes the evangelical tendency toward a 'party line' and the focus on external means of grace, urging instead a simple, inward habit of beholding God.
Characters to notice
- Nicholas of Cusa
Quoted extensively on eternal life as a blessed regard between God and the soul; presented as a true follower of Christ and a model of radiant devotion.
- Jesus Christ
The object of faith's gaze; referred to as the author and finisher of faith, the perfect One upon whom the soul looks.
- Paul
Mentioned in connection with his powerful defense of faith in the Roman and Galatian epistles.
- Thomas à Kempis
Paraphrased: 'I had rather exercise faith than know the definition thereof.'
- The Christian
Described as one who practices the inward habit of beholding God, even amidst earthly affairs.
- Self
Referred to as the self-regarding focus that sin has twisted inward; faith redirects sight away from self to God.
Key passages
“Life eternal, says Nicholas, is 'nought other than that blessed regard wherewith Thou never ceasest to behold me, yea, even the secret places of my soul.'”
Eternal life is nothing but the loving, unceasing gaze of God upon the innermost parts of our being.
Nicholas of Cusa's definition of eternal life as a mutual regard between God and the soul.
“When the eyes of the soul looking out meet the eyes of God looking in, heaven has begun right here on this earth.”
The moment our inward gaze meets God's attentive look, we experience the beginning of heaven in our present life.
The author's summary of the transformative encounter between the soul and God.
“Faith is the least self-regarding of the virtues. It is by its very nature scarcely conscious of its own existence.”
Faith does not focus on itself; like the eye, it is absorbed in its object and unaware of its own activity.
The author's description of faith as a self-forgetful gaze upon God.
“While we are looking at God we do not see ourselves—blessed riddance.”
When our attention is on God, we are freed from obsessive self-examination, which is a welcome relief.
The liberating effect of faith as a redirecting of sight away from self.
