J. I. Packer: His Life and Thought

by Alister McGrath

Overview

J. I. Packer was one of the most influential evangelical theological and spiritual writers of the twentieth century, best known for his classic work Knowing God. In the 1990s Christianity Today readers named him one of the most influential theologians of the twentieth century, second only to C. S. Lewis. But who was Jim Packer, and what is the story of the man behind the writings.

Alister McGrath, a bestselling author and friend of Packer, tells the story of Packer's faith and how it sustained him during his time in England and Canada. Along the way he explores Packer's many contributions to theology and spirituality, alternating narrative with reflection. By engagingly setting out Packer's ideas and the central themes of his work, McGrath helps to explain why Packer and his writing continue to be so helpful to millions on the journey of encountering God.

This beautiful recollection of a giant of the Christian faith is both a celebration of his life and the perfect introduction to his thought and writings for a new generation of readers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780830841776
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	11/10/2020
Pages:	192
Sales rank:	1,063,051
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Alister McGrath is president of the Oxford Center for Christian Apologetics. He is the author of many books, including The Twilight of Atheism, Theology for Amateurs and "I Believe": Exploring the Apostles' Creed.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. The Beginnings of a Journey: From Gloucester to Oxford
2. Old Books and Deep Wisdom: The Importance of the Christian Past
3. Preparing for Ministry: From Oxford to Birmingham
4. Learning from History: Retrieving the Puritan Heritage
5. The Theological Educationalist: Tyndale Hall, Bristol
6. The Bible: Authority, Interpretation and Translation
7. The Return to Oxford: Latimer House
8. Theology and the Life of the Church
9. A New Beginning? Trinity College, Bristol
10. Theology and Spirituality: Knowing God
11. The Move to Canada: Regent College, Vancouver
12. Conservatism: Holding on to What Is Good
13. The Golden Years: Ministry in Vancouver
Epilogue
Notes
Further Reading

What People are Saying About This

Christianity Today

"Packer was magisterial in substance, but adopted the tone of a fellow traveler. He convinced us that the study of God 'is the most practical project anyone can engage in.'"

From the introduction

"Like the Puritans before him, Packer saw the natural place of the theologian as lying within the community of faith—not standing above the community of faith, still less standing outside it, but rather speaking to the Christian community as one who shared in their journey of faith and hoped to encourage them to reflect on it more rigorously and profoundly. This small volume aims to help its readers explore and reflect on what Packer so vividly describes as 'the biggest thing that ever was. In retelling Packer's story, this book explores the interconnection of faith and life, opening up the ways in which the core ideas of Christianity change people as they become part of their lives."

Leland Ryken

"J. I. Packer's primary legacy is the influence he held over events in Christendom and over people's lives during his lifetime. . . . J. I. Packer gave evangelicals a place to stand in regard to the authority of the Bible."

Derek Rishmawy

"Like thousands of other pastors, I can say that Packer's work and witness are of inestimable value to me. He was a master of making the divide between doctrine and piety disappear."

Editorial Reviews

"Like the Puritans before him, Packer saw the natural place of the theologian as lying within the community of faith—not standing above the community of faith, still less standing outside it, but rather speaking to the Christian community as one who shared in their journey of faith and hoped to encourage them to reflect on it more rigorously and profoundly. This small volume aims to help its readers explore and reflect on what Packer so vividly describes as 'the biggest thing that ever was. In retelling Packer's story, this book explores the interconnection of faith and life, opening up the ways in which the core ideas of Christianity change people as they become part of their lives."

From the introduction

"Packer was magisterial in substance, but adopted the tone of a fellow traveler. He convinced us that the study of God 'is the most practical project anyone can engage in.'"

Christianity Today

"Like thousands of other pastors, I can say that Packer's work and witness are of inestimable value to me. He was a master of making the divide between doctrine and piety disappear."

Derek Rishmawy

"J. I. Packer's primary legacy is the influence he held over events in Christendom and over people's lives during his lifetime. . . . J. I. Packer gave evangelicals a place to stand in regard to the authority of the Bible."

Leland Ryken