1st Edition

John Owen Reformed Catholic, Renaissance Man

By Carl R. Trueman Copyright 2007

    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. Examining Owen's theology from pneumatological, political and eschatological perspectives, Trueman highlights the trinitarian structure of his theology and how his theological work informed his understanding of practical Christianity. 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.

    Contents: Preface; John Owen: reformed Catholic, renaissance man; The knowledge of the Trinitarian God; Divine covenants and Catholic Christology; The article by which the Church stands or falls; Conclusion; Index.

    Biography

    Carl R. Trueman is Professor of Historical Theology and Church History at the Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, USA.

    ’... a thorough enquiry into its subject's theology, and an often polemical argument favouring its subject's Reformed Catholicity over the short-sighted spirituality of contemporary Evangelicals.’ Church Times ’Thanks to Carl Trueman's handy summary, the labyrinth of Owen's thought has been straightened and made more maneuverable for students venturing into the intricacies of his theological universe.’ Greenbaggins.wordpress.com ’... will profit enthusiastic undergraduates and advanced scholars alike.’ Journal of Ecclesiastical History ’As an introduction to Owen's life and thought as well as his place within the wider corpus of Reformed and Reformation thinking, this book is unlikely to be surpassed: it is well researched, it is well written and it is well worth reading.’ The United Reformed Church History Society Journal ’I recommend this book very highly. Anyone interested in John Owen, the Puritans, the confessional era of Reformed orthodoxy, and historical theology in general should view this as a must read. Trueman provides penetrating analysis of Owen and other relevant primary sources, historical, theological, philosophical, and cultural awareness, and further debunking of the Calvin v. the Calvinists myth. JO, therefore, stands as a much-needed corrective to the historical revisionism that has taken place concerning seventeenth-century Reformed theology.’ Reformed Baptist Fellowship ’The book gives the reader a good overview of Owen's theology and polemical works, and it explains well the context in which Owen wrote.’ Protestant Reformed Theological Journal ’I recommend this book very highly. Anyone interested in John Owen, the Puritans, the confessional era of Reformed orthodoxy, and historical theology in general should view this as a must read. Trueman provides penetrating analysis of Owen and other relevant primary sources, historical, theological, philosophical, and cultural awareness, and further debunking of the