God's Statesman: The Life and Work of John Owen

by Peter Toon

That the man who has been called "the greatest British theologian of all time" should have no adequately researched biography of his life and times would be incredible if it were not a fact. But as Dr. Toon, an able historian who specializes in the Puritan era, shows in this book, John Owen was even more than just a great theologian. He exercised a profound influence on youth as Dean of Christ Church, and Vice Chancellor in the University of Oxford; he was also a statesman of no mean order, whose wisdom often prevented excesses into which his contemporaries would have fallen in their untampered zeal; but above all, he was a spiritual shepherd with a true pastor's heart who delighted in nothing so much as to feed the flock of God. Dr. Toon, who has been engaged for over four years on almost continuous research, has produced a volume full of new information as well as an assessment of the tremendous influence of this outstanding leader. The current worldwide interest in the Puritan period underlines the timeliness and importance of this new work. John Owen achieved national recognition when at the comparatively early age of thirty he preached before the House of Commons at St. Margaret's, Westminster. Yet his achievements would eventually be recorded in higher archives than any mere earthly ones, for he was to become a revered and redoubtable servant of the King of kings. Like many other renowned servants of God, John Owen cared little for personal aggrandizement and by his own command not one of his diaries has been preserved; and since the extant letters in which he lays bare his soul are very few, his biographer is hard put to find those personal touches which have helped to establish biography as an important part of English literature. Nevertheless this carefully researched study has been produced to help meet the need for a fuller life of this remarkable man.

Genres: Biography, History

208 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1971

Reviews

[Pig Rieke · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Peter Toon’s biography of Owen, the author writes to provide a detailed account of the life and circumstances of the Prince of the Puritans. While little detail is known about Owen’s personal life, Toon provides extensive research into Owen’s ecclesiastical, political, and theological activities. The result is a book that excellently places Owen in his seventeen century English context.

This said, the deserts of Arabia are less dry than this book. Toon has accomplished a significant task in bringing together previously unknown and undocumented research; however, he has done so at the expense of producing a particularly readable and accessible work. For those who are new to the Owen and the Puritans or are looking for spiritual nourishment, this work is not for you. For those looking to write a PhD dissertation on Owen or his time, this is a great starting place.

[Sean Carney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers an in depth view into the life of John Owen from his childhood years till his death. It is very informative, but can be dry and hard to read.

[Peter Bringe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I now have a better picture of John Owen, not only as a Puritan writer, but as a Vice-Chancellor of Oxford, a chaplain of Cromwell's army, a man involved in the politics of the English Civil War and the interregnum, a pastor, congregationalist leader, and theologian. His was a lively and eventful career. This book not only helped me better understand Owen, but also the discussions and dynamics between the English Presbyterians, Independents, and Anglicans and the issue of the nature of English church (e.g. whether the Anglican church would be presbyterian, or presbyterian and congregationalist, or episcopalian with separate tolerated dissenter churches, or only one of the above with no toleration).

[Inwoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Peter Toon’s methodology is very good. This work is far from hagiography, yet at the same time respectful to the past. I wish Toon was still alive so I could throw him some questions via email. Toon sought not to make Owen in his own image, but attempted to understand Owen on his own terms. Owen was not only a theologian, but also a man involved heavily in the politics of his day.

Toon would be pleased with Gribben’s work published by Oxford, Gribben’s work on Owen is a must read and it is worth of praise. Yet, this work by Toon—although not perfect (it has its flaws)—is the best Owen biography I have read thus far. It is written with sharp detail and opens the reader to Owen’s time and place.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good biography with a difficult subject, since many of the personal details of Owen's life simply do not exist. Toon covers the major events and context of Owen's life well, but this isn't a riveting read by any stretch of the imagination. Still, worth it for a look at one of Britain's greatest theologians.

[Josh Kannard · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always good to learn more about a beloved theological giant and personal hero in the faith.