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A heavenly directory. Trinitarian piety, public worship and a reassessment of John Owen's theology. By Ryan M. McGraw. (Reformed Historical Theology, 29.) Pp. 256. Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2014. €89.99. 978 3 525 55075 5

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 December 2015

Tom Schwanda*
Affiliation:
Wheaton College, Illinois
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Abstract

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Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2016 

John Owen continues to attract attention from numerous angles of research. This volume represents the author's slightly revised dissertation (University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa). His primary focus is to advance the neglected principle that ‘John Owen's doctrine of communion with the Trinity is the foundation of his theology of public worship’ (p. 27). While many scholars have examined Owen's understanding of personal devotion or private worship relatively few have been attracted to his rich understanding of corporate worship. This exploration takes readers on a six–part journey that considers the historical introduction and question of research, the nature and dynamics of Trinitarian worship, the fascinating topic of chastity and the role of the second commandment in worship, heavenly worship and the place of affections, the role of the covenant in the believer's communion with God and the interaction of Christian ministry as the integral means for developing communion with God. This is a learned study that continually interacts with the best of Owen scholarship at a consistently critical level. McGraw is quite prepared to disagree or even correct other scholars, even such notable writers as Richard Muller, when he believes that they have misread some aspect of Reformed theology. There is much to applaud in this treatise, including the detailed footnotes that discuss some of the significant aspects of Owen's theology, especially as it relates to the Trinitarian nature of his understanding of public worship. These rich reservoirs often suggest valuable areas for further reading. However, there were some gaps that were not addressed. For example, it was surprising for a book that highlights the importance of heaven in Owen's theology of worship to be relatively silent on the subject of heavenly meditation that held a foundational place in Owen's theology and piety. Also missing is a consideration of the devotional language of the Song of Songs that figures so prominently in Owen's oeuvre. Given McGraw's broad awareness of the sources it would have been helpful to have his astute interaction on these significant topics. Unfortunately a number of typos and inconsistencies in the reference system have crept into this publication. Those minor concerns aside this is a helpful and engaging resource, appropriate for both academics and interested lay people, that will undoubtedly extend the exploration into Owen's Trinitarian understanding of public worship and how it can enrich the believer's communion with God.