About the Book
For the last 60 years, J. I. Packer has exerted a steady and remarkable influence on evangelical theology and practice. His many books, articles, and lectures have shaped entire generations of Christians, helping elevate their view of God and enliven their love for God. In this new biography, well-known scholar Leland Ryken provides readers with a compelling overview of Packer's interesting life and influential legacy. Exploring his childhood, college days, theological education, and professional life in both England and America, this volume combines detailed facts with personal anecdotes so as to paint a holistic portrait of the man himself. Finally, Ryken identifies lifelong themes evident in Packer's life, ministry, and writings that shed light on his enduring significance for Christians today.
About the Author :
Leland Ryken earned his doctorate at the University of Oregon and served as professor of English at Wheaton College for nearly fifty years. He has authored or edited over fifty books, including The Word of God in English and The Complete Literary Guide to the Bible. He is a frequent speaker at the Evangelical Theological Society and served as literary stylist for the English Standard Version Bible.
James Innell Packer is a British-born Canadian Christian theologian. He serves as the Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is the author of many books and is considered one of the most influential evangelicals in North America.
James Innell Packer is a British-born Canadian Christian theologian. He serves as the Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is the author of many books and is considered one of the most influential evangelicals in North America.
David Cochran Heath is a professional actor with more than 30 years of experience on the stage in over 130 productions. He is also a lifelong fan of radio theater and has done a variety of narration and character work. He lives in San Diego with his wife, Beth.
Review :
"A friendly portrait of a great evangelical, the man behind the headlines, full of insight into Packer's genius as a brilliant communicator of the Reformed faith."
-- "Andrew Atherstone, tutor and Latimer Research Fellow, Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford"
"It is such a pleasure to read Leland Ryken's biography of Dr. Jim Packer. Personally, I have been deeply blessed by Dr. Packer's writing and teaching ministry for over fifty years since, as a student, I picked up "Fundamentalism" and the Word of God. I can also testify that his Knowing God was most often nominated by my seminary students as a work that profoundly influenced them. To be able to read about the man himself and to understand how God gifted and shaped him has been a moving and edifying experience. This is a good book about a great man."
-- "Peter Jensen, former archbishop, Sydney, Australia"
"J. I. Packer is chief among the cadre of impressive British thinkers who have had a shaping influence on evangelical Christianity in North America over the past half-century. Indeed, his influence girdles the globe, and it shows no sign of abating as this great theologian approaches his tenth decade. This new biography builds on earlier Packer studies, but it offers distinctive insights into the humanity and ministry of a life lived well, with grace abounding and wisdom from above."
-- "Timothy George, founding dean, Beeson Divinity School"
"This book is a fascinating, insightful, and, to my mind, precisely accurate portrait of the same Jim Packer whom I have known for more than thirty-five years. What a joy to read this book and be challenged by Packer's remarkable life!"
-- "Wayne Grudem, research professor of theology and biblical studies, Phoenix Seminary"
"This book offers a full and balanced portrait of a diligent and faithful theologian. But because J. I. Packer's theology has always been pastoral, practical, catechetical, and eminently readable--instead of recondite, esoteric, or merely academic--it is appropriate that this welcome volume is itself down-to-earth, accessible, and reader friendly. Leland Ryken, as a veteran student of the Puritans, is the ideal author to write about the most influential Puritan of our time."
-- "Mark A. Noll, Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History, University of Notre Dame"
"Without a doubt, this is now the definitive, most up-to-date biography of J. I. Packer, and it deserves high praise. With the sensitivity, wisdom, and sheer humanity that a fine biographer needs, Leland Ryken allows us to see the life, mind, and heart of this quiet but highly influential man. Traversing the notoriously complex and hazardous terrain of UK and US evangelicalism with impressive sure-footedness, Ryken not only helps us understand the man and his context but ourselves as evangelicals."
-- "Michael Reeves, director of union and senior lecturer, Wales Evangelical School of Theology"
