Owen Among the Theologians

Unpacking John Owen Through the Voices of Church History

John Owen (1616–1683), a major figure in church history, has left an indelible impression on Christian theology. His depth of insight, devotional richness, and theological breadth have shaped the hearts and minds of laypeople, pastors, and scholars for generations. But what truly distinguishes Owen from his peers, and why does he continue to resonate through the centuries?

Owen Among the Theologians invites readers to examine the writings of Owen alongside those of other Christian thinkers from various eras and traditions. By putting Owen in fresh conversation with significant theologians who lived before and after him, this unique study offers a thorough theological study of specific themes such as the glory of Christ, communion with God, justification by faith, the perseverance of the saints, and much more. This compelling work not only helps readers gain a deeper understanding of Owen’s theology but, ultimately, a greater love of the triune God.

Deep Theological Insights: Articulates Owen’s thoughts on topics such as the glory of Christ, communion with God, justification by faith, and perseverance of the saints, not only describing Owen’s view but also retrieving his thought for the good of the church today Comparative Framework: Uses techniques including comparison, complement, consensus, consequence, and contrast to help readers gain a nuanced viewpoint Diverse Perspectives: Includes thoughts from many well-known and influential thinkers from a wide range of eras and traditions, but also includes some lesser-known voices and unexpected topics Historical: Explores Owen’s theological and pastoral contributions and assesses their impact on the life and ministry of the church

1. Opening Credits
2. Dedication
3. Epigraph
4. Foreword
5. Introduction: Pairing John Owen
6. Chapter 1: He Will Take What Is Mine: Inseparable Operations and the Spirit as Gift in Didymus the Blind
7. Chapter 2: Not Like Those “Who Have No Hope” or Faith or Love: Macrina and John Owen on Christian Dying
8. Chapter 3: Following Cain “East of Eden”: Augustine and John Owen on Cain as the Prototypical Sinner
9. Chapter 4: Love Bade Me Welcome: Bernard of Clairvaux and John Owen on Prosopological Exegesis of the Song of Songs
10. Chapter 5: The Perfectly Simple Triune God: Thomas Aquinas and John Owen on Divine Simplicity
11. Chapter 6: From [Sins] Plight to [God’s] Just Solution: Martin Luther and John Owen on Justification
12. Chapter 7: He Is Not Here, for He Has Risen: John Calvin and John Owen on Christ, the Ascended Priest
13. Chapter 8: O [Triune] Love That Will Not Let Me Go: Jonathan Edwards and John Owen on the Perseverance of the Saints
14. Chapter 9: Every Deed into Judgment, . . . Whether Good or Evil: Eschatology and Liberty in Lemuel Haynes and John Owen
15. Chapter 10: In Him All Things Hold Together: Karl Barth and John Owen on Christocentrism
16. Conclusion: Clearing the Tasting, Setting the Table
17. The Complete Works of John Owen
18. Closing Credits