John Owen

Date of Birth: 1616

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 1683

Biography

John Owen was a prominent English theologian and academic administrator during the 17th century. Born in 1616 in Stadhampton, Oxfordshire, Owen became one of the most influential Puritan pastors and scholars of his time. He was educated at Queen’s College, Oxford, where he completed his BA and MA degrees. Owen initially served as a parish priest but later became more deeply involved in the political and religious upheavals of his era, becoming a chaplain to Oliver Cromwell and playing a significant role in the English Civil War. Owen’s theological works are extensive, covering a wide range of topics including the nature of the church, the atonement, and sanctification. His magnum opus, “The Death of Death in the Death of Christ,” is regarded as a definitive work on the doctrine of atonement. Owen also served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford from 1652 to 1657, where he was instrumental in reforming the university’s curriculum and administration. After the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Owen faced political and religious opposition but continued to write and preach until his death in 1683. His legacy endures through his voluminous writings, which continue to be studied by theologians and laypeople alike.

5 Interesting Facts about John Owen

1. John Owen was a chaplain to Oliver Cromwell and played a significant role in the English Civil War.

2. He served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford from 1652 to 1657.

3. Owen’s most famous work, “The Death of Death in the Death of Christ,” is a seminal text on the doctrine of atonement.

4. Despite facing political and religious opposition after the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Owen continued to write and preach.

5. Owen was highly influential in the development of Reformed theology and Puritanism in England.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Owen

1. “Be killing sin or it will be killing you.”

2. “The foundation of true holiness and true Christian worship is the doctrine of the gospel.”

3. “We are never nearer Christ than when we find ourselves lost in a holy amazement at His unspeakable love.”

4. “Faith, as inseparably annexed to the promises, comforts, and favours of God, and as the root of holiness and obedience, is the great means of the accomplishment of the whole work of sanctification.”

5. “The vigor and power and comfort of our spiritual life depends on our mortification of deeds of the flesh.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a theologian in the 17th century, John Owen did not amass personal wealth in the manner of modern celebrities or business figures. His impact and legacy are measured more in terms of his theological influence and written works rather than financial net worth.

Children

John Owen had eleven children with his first wife, Mary Rooke. Tragically, all but one of his children died in infancy or early childhood. His surviving daughter, also named Mary, lived until adulthood.