John Owen (1616–1683) and Richard Baxter (1615–1691) were both pivotal figures in shaping the nonconformist landscape of Restoration England. Yet despite having much in common, they found themselves taking opposite sides in several important debates, and their relationship was marked by acute strain and mutual dislike. By comparing and contrasting the parallel careers of these two men, this book not only distils the essence of their differing theology, it also offers a broader understanding of the formation of English nonconformity. Placing these two figures in the context of earlier events, experience and differences, it argues that Restoration nonconformity was hampered by their strained personal relationship, which had its roots in their contrasting experiences of the English Civil War. This study thus contributes to historiography that explores the continuities across seventeenth-century England, rather than seeing a divide at 1660. It illustrates the way in which personality and experience shaped the development of wider movements.

John Owen (1616-1683) and Richard Baxter (1615-1691) were both pivotal figures in shaping the nonconformist landscape of Restoration England. Yet despite having much in common, they found themselves taking opposite sides in several important debates, and their relationship was marked by acute strain and mutual dislike. By comparing and contrasting the parallel careers of these two men, this book not only distils the essence of their differing theology, it also offers a broader understanding of the formation of English nonconformity. Placing these two figures in the context of earlier events, experience and differences, it argues that Restoration nonconformity was hampered by their strained personal relationship, which had its roots in their contrasting experiences of the English Civil War. This study thus contributes to historiography that explores the continuities across seventeenth-century England, rather than seeing a divide at 1660. It illustrates the way in which personality and experience shaped the development of wider movements.

Despite wide acclaim for John Owen (1616-1683) as the leading representative of the Reformed doctrine of particular atonement, a thorough examination of Owen's views on the atonement has yet to be undertaken. This work is the first full-scale monograph on Owen's atonement theology and therefore fills the apparent lacuna. Drawing on recent historiographical studies on the intellectual history of Protestant Orthodoxy and the full range of Owen's writings, the author demonstrates that at the heart of Owen's atonement theology is his peculiar understanding of Christ's priesthood conceived in terms of the oblation and intercession of Christ, performed in the states of humiliation and exaltation. COMMENDATION "Edwin Tay presents a vivid and valuable portrait of John Owen's atonement theology. His book, elegantly written and meticulously researched, brings a fresh and original approach to a key theme in Owen's writings." - Susan Hardman Moore, University of Edinburgh, UK