J. I. Packer: His Life and Thought
Digital Logos Edition
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.
This is a Logos Reader Edition. Learn more.
- Provides an introduction to his thought and writings for a new generation of readers
- Explores Packer’s many contributions to theology and spirituality
- Focuses on the ideas and the central themes of his work
- Introduction
- The Beginnings of a Journey: From Gloucester to Oxford
- Old Books and Deep Wisdom: The Importance of the Christian Past
- Preparing for Ministry: From Oxford to Birmingham
- Learning from History: Retrieving the Puritan Heritage
- The Theological Educationalist: Tyndale Hall, Bristol
- The Bible: Authority, Interpretation and Translation
- The Return to Oxford: Latimer House
- Theology and the Life of the Church
- A New Beginning? Trinity College, Bristol
- Theology and Spirituality: Knowing God
- The Move to Canada: Regent College, Vancouver
- Conservatism: Holding on to What Is Good
- The Golden Years: Ministry in Vancouver
- Epilogue
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, University of California, Irvine
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, Christianity Today, obituary, July 17, 2020
- Title: J. I. Packer: His Life and Thought
- Author: Alister McGrath
- Publisher: IVP
- Print Publication Date: 2020
- Logos Release Date: 2020
- Pages: 182
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
- Subject: Packer, J. I. (James Innell) › Biography
- ISBNs: 9780830841783, 9780830841776, 9781529380583, 0830841784, 0830841776, 1529380588
- Resource ID: LLS:JPCKRHSLFTHGHT
- Resource Type: text.monograph.biography
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T00:55:15Z
Alister McGrath (Ph.D.) is a scholar and writer who is presently Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at Oxford University. After his initial studies in natural science at Oxford, taking a doctorate in molecular biophysics under the supervision of Prof Sir George Radda, McGrath moved into the field of Christian theology. He was Oxford’s Professor of Historical Theology from 1999 to 2008. He then moved to King’s College London as Professor of Theology, Ministry, and Education, before returning to Oxford as Idreos Professor in 2014. He also served as Gresham Professor of Divinity, a position established in 1597, from 2015-18. He retired in September 2022.
He is best known for his definitive and widely used textbooks on Christian theology and his authoritative biography of C. S. Lewis. As a former atheist, McGrath is fascinated by the interaction of faith, science, and atheism, and writes regularly on these themes. McGrath was born in Belfast in 1953, and holds both Irish and British citizenship. He lives in the Cotswolds near Oxford.
For McGrath’s website, including details of his weekly Youtube postings and videos helping you use his theology textbooks, go to alistermcgrath.net