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.

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.

Over 3 centuries since his passing, Puritan John Owen continues to impact readers through his writings. With over 8 million words published in 80 titles, his topics were as diverse as they were many, ranging from theological works to sociopolitical topics such as the proper nurture and education of children. An Introduction to John Owen by Crawford Gribben is a theological survey of these works, inviting readers to experience anew the grace of God as they go through the Christian life. For Owen, spiritual life was about increasing in grace and goodness, in fellowship with each member of the Trinity. This exploration captures the vision of the Christian life that Owen wished for his readers to have and distills it into an accessible companion volume.

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.

"Who was John Owen (1616-1683)? Was he, as some have said, the Calvin of England? Lee Gatiss introduces the Prince of the Puritans and his tumultuous life and ministry as a Christian statesman, a fine scholar, a thoroughgoing Protestant, a Reformed theologian, and a Bible Commentator." -- Back cover