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 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.
Preface
Introduction
1) Apprentice puritan
2) Emerging theologian
3) Frustrated pastor
4) Army preacher
5) Oxford reformer
6) Cromwellian courtier
7) Defeated revolutionary
8) Restoration politique
9) Nonconformist divine
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Crawford Gribben has held positions in early modern studies at the University of Manchester, Trinity College Dublin, and Queen's University Belfast, where he is currently professor of early modern British history. He is the author of several books on the print cultures of Puritanism and evangelicalism.
"Gribben pays careful attention to the research, writing,
publication, dissemination, reception, and defence of many of
Owen's key works." -- Matthew Rowley, Churchman
"Gribben has done a remarkable job in weaving together evidence
from Owen's life and writings to present a vibrant portrait of his
personal and intellectual character." -- Mark Burden, The
Seventeenth Century
"This is the most thorough treatment of Owen's life yet, drawing on
a variety of sources."-- Glenn Moots, Anglican and Episcopal
History
"For most contemporary English-speaking Calvinists, John Owen is an
unending
source of wisdom and inspiration Gribben gives even better reasons
for esteeming Owen than those that prevail in Calvinist circles.
Such theological insight forged in a context of political intrigue
and personal adversity make Owen truly exceptional."-Darryl G.
Hart, Ordained Servant
"Engaging, quotable, scholarly, exemplary -- these four words
summarise Gribben's fine biography of John Owen. This book belongs
in the libraries of universities and theological coleges as well as
in the hands of any serious student of Owen or the Puritans."--T.
J. Marinello, European Journal of Theology
"John Owen and English Puritanism is a remarkable achievement,
offering a sophisticated presentation of Owen's life and writings
as they are embedded in the religious, political, and literary
cultures of his period. Gribben is an astute and detailed observer
of the complexity, range, and shifts in Owen's thought, and his
book establishes a new standard in study of one of the most complex
and enduringly provocative thinkers of seventeenth-century
nonconformity."--John Webster, Professor of Divinity, University of
St. Andrews
"Crawford Gibben's superb book establishes John Owen as a towering
figure in the culture and politics of seventeenth-century England.
Readers have been deterred by the bulk and difficulty of his huge
output of theological writings, but Gribben steers us clearly and
expertly through the development of his ideas across the
rapidly-shifting political landscapes of revolutionary and
post-revolutionary England."--David Norbrook, Emeritus Merton
Professor of English
Literature, University of Oxford
"Crawford Gribben has here produced the most persuasive account
ever of a multi-faceted career that ended in deep personal sadness
and public failure. Owen was a profound Calvinist thinker who
outlived the welcome of most of the millions of words he published,
but he was as much a Lord General in the war of ideas as Oliver
Cromwell was the Lord General of the clash of swords."--John
Morrill, Fellow of the British Academy, Emeritus Professor of
British and Irish
History, University of Cambridge
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