John Owen And English Puritanism

John Owen (1616-83) was the most significant theologian in 17th century England, and a key player in the revolution that created the English republic (1649-60). Rising from humble origins, he became preacher at the regicide of Charles I, chaplain to Oliver Cromwell in the invasions of Ireland and Scotland, vice chancellor of the University of Oxford, and the premier religious statesman of the Interregnum. The restoration of the monarchy pushed Owen into dissent, criminalizing his religious practice and driving his writing of eight million words in defense of high Calvinism and religious toleration. But Owen transcended his many experiences of defeat, and his claims to quietism were frequently undermined by rumors of his involvement in anti-government conspiracies. This religious biography traces the evolution of Owen's thinking and religious practice until his emergence as a leader of Restoration nonconformists.

John Owen was a leading theologian in seventeenth-century England. Closely associated with the regicide and revolution, he befriended Oliver Cromwell, was appointed vice-chancellor of the University of Oxford, and became the premier religious statesman of the Interregnum. The restoration of the monarchy pushed Owen into dissent, criminalizing his religious practice and inspiring his writings in defense of high Calvinism and religious toleration. Owen transcended his many experiences of defeat, and his claims to quietism were frequently undermined by rumors of his involvement in anti-government conspiracies. Crawford Gribben's biography documents Owen's importance as a controversial and adaptable theologian deeply involved with his social, political, and religious environments. Fiercely intellectual and extraordinarily learned, Owen wrote millions of words in works of theology and exegesis. Far from personifying the Reformed tradition, however, Owen helped to undermine it, offering an individualist account of Christian faith that downplayed the significance of the church and means of grace. In doing so, Owen's work contributed to the formation of the new religious movement known as evangelicalism, where his influence can still be seen today.

John Owen (1616-83) was the most significant theologian in 17th century England, and a key player in the revolution that created the English republic (1649-60). Rising from humble origins, he became preacher at the regicide of Charles I, chaplain to Oliver Cromwell in the invasions of Ireland and Scotland, vice chancellor of the University of Oxford, and the premier religious statesman of the Interregnum. The restoration of the monarchy pushed Owen into dissent, criminalizing his religious practice and driving his writing of eight million words in defense of high Calvinism and religious toleration. But Owen transcended his many experiences of defeat, and his claims to quietism were frequently undermined by rumors of his involvement in anti-government conspiracies. This religious biography traces the evolution of Owen's thinking and religious practice until his emergence as a leader of Restoration nonconformists.

Over 3 centuries since his passing, Puritan John Owen continues to impact readers through his writings. With over 8 million words published in 80 titles, his topics were as diverse as they were many, ranging from theological works to sociopolitical topics such as the proper nurture and education of children. An Introduction to John Owen by Crawford Gribben is a theological survey of these works, inviting readers to experience anew the grace of God as they go through the Christian life. For Owen, spiritual life was about increasing in grace and goodness, in fellowship with each member of the Trinity. This exploration captures the vision of the Christian life that Owen wished for his readers to have and distills it into an accessible companion volume.

John Owen between Orthodoxy and Modernity offers fresh reflections on a leading Reformed theologian who sits on the brink of a new age. Reflecting both pre-modern and modern tendencies, John Owen’s 17th-century theology and spirituality reflect the growing tensions of the time.

John Owen is considered one of the sharpest theological minds of the seventeenth century and a significant theologian in his own right, particularly in terms of his contributions to pneumatology, christology, and ecclesiology.Carl Trueman presents a major study of the key elements of John Owen's writings and his theology. Presenting his theology in its historical context, Trueman explores the significance of Owen's work in ongoing debates on seventeenth century theology, and examines the contexts within which Owen's theology was formulated and the shape of his mind in relation to the intellectual culture of his day - particularly in contemporary philosophy, literature and theology.With the current resurgence of interest in seventeenth century Reformed theology amongst intellectual historians, and the burgeoning research in systematic theology, this book presents an invaluable study of a leading mind in the Reformation and the historical underpinnings for new systematic theology.