John Owen and English Puritanism: Experiences of Defeat (Oxford Studies in Historical Theology)

John Owen was a leading theologian in 17th-century England. As vice-chancellor of Oxford University, he was a man of immense intellectual and cultural significance. Through his association with Oliver Cromwell in particular, he exercised considerable influence on central government, 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. 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. structured around Owen's own publications. In contrast to the current scholarly consensus, this book emphasizes Owen's importance as a controversial theologian deeply involved with his social and political environment. Far from personifying the Reformed tradition, he helped to undermine it, offering an individualist account of Christian faith which downplayed the significance of the Church's means of grace. His work contributed to the formation of the new religious movement known as evangelicalism, where his influence still can 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. 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. Apprentice Puritan -- Emerging Theologian -- Frustrated Pastor -- Army Preacher -- Oxford Reformer -- Cromwellian Courtier -- Defeated Revolutionary -- Restoration Politique -- Nonconformist Divine. Crawford Gribben. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. John Owen was a leading theologian in 17th-century England. Through his association with Oliver Cromwell in particular, he exercised considerable influence on central government, and became the premier religious statesman of the Interregnum. But far from personifying the Reformed tradition, as is assumed by the current scholarly consensus, he helped to undermine it. He offered an account of Christian faith which contributed to the formation of evangelicalism