Communion with God: The Divine and the Human in the Theology of John Owen

The recent resurgence of interest in the Puritan John Owen has resulted in increasing requests for Kelly Kapic’s Communion with God, which was one of the books that helped foster renewed attention on this classic theologian. This book is now back in print with a new preface by the author.

According to Kapic, a variety of people today are rediscovering Owen, including academic theologians, ministers from different denominational backgrounds, and laypeople interested in classic forms of spirituality. With this diverse audience in mind, Kapic focuses on the concept of communion with God in Owen’s thought, covering key areas such as anthropology, Christology, trinitarian studies, and the Lord’s supper.

Kapic shows that Owen remains a rich dialogue partner for those engaged both in contemporary theology and pastoral practice.

1. The Lingering Shadow of John Owen
2. Created to Commune with God: Owen’s Formulation of the Imago Dei
3. Humanity Actualized: The Relationship between the Incarnation and Fallen Humanity
4. Reconciling God and Humanity: Looking at the Question of Justification
5. Communion with the Triune God: God’s Being and Action Informing Human Response
6. Signs of Continuing Communion: Lord’s Day and Lord’s Supper
Epilogue
Appendix: Comparing Westminster Standards and John Owen on Humanity (Jesus’s and Ours)
Indexes

288 pages.

“John Owen was one of the giants of Puritanism, his massive erudition displayed on every page of the many volumes that flowed from his pen. We now have no better guide to Owen’s thought than Kapic’s study. Focusing on the relation of humans to God and the communion with God established by Christ, Kapic masterfully opens up all aspects of the great Puritan’s theology. This fresh look is a most welcomed resource as it probes significant aspects of Owen’s thought for contemporary theology and Christian life.”

Donald K. McKim, editor, Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith

“This well-rounded research will be of interest to anyone concerned with the development of Reformed theology from a historical or systematic perspective. Kapic’s analysis is clear and well constructed, solidly grounded in an excellent grasp of recent writing on Owen and with a sure sense of where its own distinctive contribution lies. Kapic has produced a meticulous piece of scholarship that brings a sophisticated and nuanced approach to the exploration of crucial themes in Owen’s theology.”

Susan Hardman Moore, School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh (emeritus)

“This book, which draws from an impressive array of sources, is a marvelously rich, full, and systematic treatment of Owen’s focus on communion with God. It will enhance our understanding and appreciation of Owen and, most importantly, of personal communion with the Triune God.”

Joel R. Beeke, chancellor and professor of homiletics and systematic theology, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary