Richard Baxter and Conversion: A Study of Puritan Concept of Becoming Christian

by Timothy K. Beougher

Publisher:

Mentor

, 2007

Overview

Puritan religious experience was centered on conversion, the ‘new birth’ of the soul - the essence of Puritanism.

Tim Beougher forensically dissects Baxter’s writings and life so that we see how he constructs a ‘systematic theology of conversion’. How relevant this is becomes clear as Beougher investigates how Baxter speaks to us today about controversies on justification, church discipline and the sacraments.

Baxter was, arguably, the greatest of the Puritan pastors, over the period of his ministry in Kidderminster he had every person in his town to his house to enquire of their spiritual state. It was central to his care for his ‘flock’.

In an era where authentic belonging is sought, but rarely found, Baxter can speak to us today just as effectively through this study by Tim Beougher.

Key Features

• Provides a rich historical and theological study of Christian conversion.
• Reminds us that the study of church history has immense practical benefits.
• Combines scholarship and evangelistic passion in this important book.

Praise for Print Edition

We are indebted to Timothy Beougher for providing a rich historical and theological study of Christian conversion through the lens of the great 17th century Puritan pastor and theologian, Richard Baxter. Few in the history of the church cared so much, studied so much, and wrote so much about conversion as Baxter, and Beougher offers here both a well-documented and eminently readable account of Baxter's deep and nuanced thought. I highly recommend this book, both for the fascinating discussion of theological themes of central importance to the Puritans and to all thoughtful Christians, and for the profound richness to mind and soul that comes through considering afresh the nature and process of true Christian conversion.

--Bruce Ware, Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky & author of ‘Big Truths for Young Hearts’

Timothy Beougher's study of Richard Baxter offers a fresh interpretation of a very important early 'evangelical.' Baxter's advocacy of 'mere Christianity' was important in the contentious milieu of seventeenth-century England, and as Beougher shows persuasively it remains important in the midst of our contemporary contentions as well.

--Mark A. Noll, Author of ‘America’s Book: The Rise and Decline of a Bible Civilization, 1794–1911’

The publication of Beougher's important book confirms that Baxter was a fresh and independent thinker who wrestled first-hand with the scriptures. Baxter's theology was aimed at the strengthening of the church and the conversion of the lost, and his passion for truth reverberates throughout the work. We can be thankful for Beougher's wonderfully clear and perceptive analysis of Baxter's theology of conversion. Beougher dispels some misunderstandings of Baxter's theology, reminding us that the study of church history has immense practical benefits, for Baxter comments on many of the debates that we still face today. I commend this work enthusiastically.

--Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Associate Dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Product Details

• Title: Richard Baxter and Conversion: A Study of the Puritan Concept of Becoming a Christian
• Author: Timothy K. Beougher
• Publisher: Mentor
• Print Publication Date: 2007
• Logos Release Date: 2023
• Pages: 238
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691; Christian converts; Conversion Christianity
• ISBNs: 9781845503109, 1845503104
• Resource ID: LLS:RCHRDBXTRCHRSTN
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-12-19T18:12:39Z

About Timothy K. Beougher

Timothy K. Beougher (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism and Associate Dean of the Billy Graham School at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. An active pastor, evangelist, professor, and evangelism scholar for over 35 years, Beougher is the author of numerous books about evangelism history and practice, including Richard Baxter and Conversion, Evangelism for a Changing World, and Overcoming Walls to Witnessing.