7 comments

1. I’ve e read both Owen’s and Baxter’s books and I’ve certainly found John Owen as being just a fabulous Christian! Among his other Masterpieces, I found Apostasy From the Gospel to be a truly phenomenal work of his. Thank you for this. Look forward to more. Indeed!

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2. I had listened to an audiobook version of the book in question this week (Via Hoopla), but after getting through about 70% of it, decided it wasn’t worth my time to finish for the following reasons.

   The author attempts to analyze the relationship between the two men and their differences using a modern psychological conflict resolution paradigm, which I’m not sure can be done. There is a vast difference from the 17th Century world situation and our current world situation. The book is highly therapeutic-based with discussion questions at the end of each chapter. A major assumption by the author is that the issues that divided Owen & Baxter are no longer issues of importance to modern Christians; hence we can objectively view the relational failings without theological bias.

   At several points it appeared that he has read between the lines of existing documents and found “bitterness” and resentment directly or indirectly expressed between the two. It also appeared to me that the author favors Baxter, who he claims only wanted unity. Owen was the holdout.

   There are many statements of “Theology is important, BUT….” Unity is the ultimate goal to be pursued, and if the two had behaved differently, they could have had reached it. So bottom line: Learn from their mistakes. Be nice, listen, understand one another and purse unity as well.

   One thing I found very interesting was a quote from Baxter’s writings about how his views on Justification came about by a spiritual experience he had.

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   • Thank you.

     I call this approach psycho-history. As you suggest, it is hopelessly subjective.

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3. I’d also be interested in a review of the new book by Tim Cooper. Judging from the promos it is heavily downplaying the doctrinal differences between Baxter and Owen. There seems to be a slow movement underfoot to emphasize “unity” among those who claim the ‘Reformed’ tag when justification and imputed righteousness comes up because I’m also seeing the same where I am – that we should be concerned about “the kingdom” and “being on mission”

   The seeker-sensitive spirit still needs to be mortified.

   The people I’m seeing talking “unity” at the cost of doctrine are mostly Baptists who were weaned on “The Reformed Pastor” and “Don’t Waste Your Life” whose claim to the Reformed tradition boils down to predestination and sovereignty. It does make me wonder f this is animated by critiques of John Piper’s doctrine of justification. And whether this is their way of subtly saying “don’t touch our guy”

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4. Thank you for the podcast. In light of this information, please review this book for us:
   When Christians Disagree by Tim Cooper
   https://www.crossway.org/books/when-christians-disagree-tpb/
   The book seems to take the position that the conflict between Owens and Baxter was political and due to different personalities. As a result, their theologies grew out of contrasting threats and concerns. (I have not read the book.) I would love to see your take on this, or a review by one of your contributors.

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   • I’ve read Baxter and Owen on justification.

     There were deep, theological differences. They had a complicated personal relationship but they could be cordial. Indeed, I have wondered at Owen’s graciousness toward Baxter.

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5. Thank you for this informative podcast regarding Richard Baxter. I constantly see Reformed Christians sharing his quotes on social media. So, I’m sharing this Heidelminicast on social media with the hope they’ll be curious enough to listen to it. 🙂

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