John Owen and English Puritanism

Experiences of Defeat

Crawford Gribben

Oxford Studies in Historical Theology

Offers a fresh look at the life of John Owen, leading theologian of 17th century England
Draws on new records of Owen's preaching from the 1670s-80s
Argues for interpretation of Owen as pragmatic, changeable, and undermining the Reformed tradition

John Owen and English Puritanism

Experiences of Defeat

Crawford Gribben

Oxford Studies in Historical Theology

Description

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.

Crawford Gribben's biography documents Owen's interactions with the intellectual and print cultures of his social, political and religious environments; its narrative is 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 and English Puritanism

Experiences of Defeat

Crawford Gribben

Oxford Studies in Historical Theology

John Owen and English Puritanism

Experiences of Defeat

Crawford Gribben

Oxford Studies in Historical Theology

Author Information

Crawford Gribben, Professor of Early Modern British History, Queen's University Belfast

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.

John Owen and English Puritanism

Experiences of Defeat

Crawford Gribben

Oxford Studies in Historical Theology

Reviews and Awards

Honourable mention for the Richard L. Greaves Prize of the International John Bunyan Society

"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

"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

"a detailed, careful analysis" - English Churchman

"Crawford Gribben has produced a fluent biography of a difficult historical figure. John Owen and English Puritanism provides an accessible and thorough starting point for any study of John Owen and his milieu" - Dr Elliot Vernon, Reviews in History

"Gribbens work makes a gripping and interesting narrative." - Ryan M. McGraw, Westminster Theological Journal

"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