John Owen: Reformed Catholic, Renaissance Man

by Carl R. Trueman

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.

Genres: Biography, Theology, Church History, History, Christianity, Religion, Philosophy

140 pages, Paperback

Published September 28, 2007

About the author

Carl R. Trueman (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is the Paul Woolley Professor of Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary and pastor of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Ambler, Pennsylvania. He was editor of Themelios for nine years, has authored or edited more than a dozen books, and has contributed to multiple publications including the Dictionary of Historical Theology and The Cambridge Companion to Reformation Theology.

Reviews

[Ben Chidester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suspect that for similar reasons, Trueman and I have been drawn to the writings and thought of John Owen. Trueman's thesis of this monograph is that, contrary to stereotypes of Reformed thinkers as shallow biblicists or unthinking rationalists, John Owen was skilled in a wide array of arts (including keen knowledge of the original Biblical languages, metaphysics, and philosophy) and adeptly incorporated these skills, along with a vast knowledge of the thought of contemporaries (both adversaries and colleagues) and theologians throughout the history of the church, into his theological writings. In this sense, the titles of "renaissance man" and reformed "catholic" (with a little 'c') are truly fitting.

Trueman assesses this thesis in three main categories: the knowledge of the Triune God; Christology and covenantal theology; and the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

This book assumes some familiarity with Owen's works (especially his "Display of Arminianism", "Vindication of the Gospel", "The Death of Death", or "Discourse on the Holy Spirit") or with some of 17th century Reformed thought (the Synod of Dort and the controversies of Arminianism and Socianism). Trueman has a similar mission to Richard Muller of vindicating 17th century Reformed theology from the bad reputation it has gained by later historiography, using Owen as a particular and significant case-study. Trueman's ability to relate Owen's thought to the surrounding theological context of the 17th century and to modern historical, theological scholarship on that era was particularly helpful.

This book was also helpful for relating some of the concepts of Owen's thought throughout his lifetime and across different works, from his earlier works, like "Display of Arminianism", to his more mature works, like his massive commentary on Hebrews. For example, Owen's thoughts on divine justice changed after writing the former work and is evidenced in later works. These kind of observations by Trueman make this book a helpful guide to Owen's works.

As I continue to make my way through Owen's writings, for these reasons, I expect this will be a valuable reference.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A judicious overview and analysis of the theology of John Owen. A combination of the price and brevity of the volume may put some readers off purchasing it, yet I believe it is money well-spent. Carl Trueman's grasp of the relevant intellectual and cultural history means that he does not read Owen's theology in a vacuum and miss the relevance of the wider intellectual, political, and social context in which Owen wrote. While Dr Trueman's personal commitment to confessional Reformed orthodoxy is clear, he is an objective scholar and is fair to all sides in any debate.

[Reagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are asking for a good biography on John Owen, this is not the one I would suggest first. If you want to know more about his intellectual prowess or the different theological controversies he dealt with, this is the one for you. This is not a Biography; this is a study of Owen's views on theology and how he communicated those views in the contexts of his day. For what it is, it is very good and Carl Trueman does an excellent job understanding exactly what Owen believed on so many different subjects.

[G Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good, helpful... overpriced as are almost all Ashgate publications... but tsill very much worth reading of any student of Owens... Trueman true to form has great insights...

[Joel Zartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somewhat difficult, but to the point.

[Cody Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

An in-depth examination of Owen’s theology in light of the theological controversies of his day. Helpful resource for those wanting to do a deep dive on Owen.