Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 84:1 (Spring 2022)
Article: The Confessional Journey Of John Owen
Author: Daniel W. Burrus

WTJ 84:1 (Spring 2022) p. 83

The Confessional Journey Of John Owen

Daniel W. Burrus

Daniel W. Burrus is a pastor of Grace Community Bible Church in Lakeville, MN, and a faculty instructor with Equipping Leaders International.

Mid-seventeenth-century England was a tumultuous time politically, ecclesiastically, and theologically. It is no surprise, then, that during this period the nature and use of creeds, catechisms, and confessions were contested. What did it mean to be confessional in this period? John Owen (1616–1683), a leading theologian and pastor of the time, may serve as a paradigm for what it meant to be confessional in mid-seventeenth-century England. This article examines Owen’s confessionalism over his career, paying attention to the tumultuous historical context. Owen’s confessional journey takes shape over three major periods. Section I examines Owen’s use of confessional documents in the 1640s during his role as pastor of two churches. His concern during this period was the health of the church. Section II focuses on Owen’s academic and political career in the 1650s, and how his confessionalism was shaped by national interests. Section III analyses Owen in the 1660s and beyond, which gave rise to failed political ambitions and a return to the pastorate. Throughout his career, Owen used creeds, confessions, and catechisms in a multi-faceted way to suit his own purposes for the church, state, and faith, including writing his own confessional material. This article closes with reflections on how Owen’s view and use of confessional documents might inform discussions today about Reformed confessionalism.

What did it mean to be confessional in mid-seventeenth-century England? This question is not easy to answer. Part of the problem is that the very nature of creeds, confessions, and catechisms was hotly debated. Here is a sample of the kinds of questions that were being asked:

What significance should be given to the ancient creeds (e.g., the Apostles’ and Nicene creeds)? Should they be included; can they be altered? What is the relationship between a creed and Scripture, and how should that relationship be communicated in the creed, if at all? Should the confession provide proof-texts? Should a confessional need be met with an altogether new confession or with a revision of a

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current (or ancient) one? How theologically specific should a confession be—should it be the fullest confession possible, just fundamental articles, or something in between? What are the fundamental articles? What are the ministerial and political intentions for the confession? How shall the codification of orthodoxy, the limiting of heresy, and the growing concern for liberty and toleration be n...