Who was J.I. Packer — James Innell Packer (1926–2020) was an English-born Canadian evangelical theologian, cleric, and writer in the low-church Anglican and Calvinist traditions. His influence extended across North America, and he is known for his best-selling book “Knowing God” (1973). Here are some key points about his life and legacy:
Who was J.I. Packer
Early Life and Conversion:
- Born on July 22, 1926, in Twyning, Gloucestershire, England.
- Raised in a nominally Anglican family, but his life-changing conversion to Christ occurred during his undergraduate years at Oxford University.
- Influenced by lectures from C. S. Lewis during his time at Oxford.
Academic and Ministerial Career:
- Earned his doctorate on Richard Baxter in 1952.
- Served as a parish minister in suburban Birmingham.
- Held teaching posts at theological colleges in Bristol.
- Warden of Latimer House in Oxford, a hub for evangelical interests in the Church of England.
- Moved to Regent College in Vancouver in 1979, where he continued to impact evangelical theology.
Notable Works:
- “Knowing God”: A classic exploration of knowing and experiencing God personally.
- Editor for the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible.
Involvement in Theological Debates:
- Signatory of the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy.
- Advisory board member of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.
- Participant in the ecumenical book “Evangelicals and Catholics Together” (1994).
Legacy:
- Last teaching position at Regent College until his retirement in 2016 due to failing eyesight.
- Packer’s impact on evangelical theology endures through his writings and influence on subsequent generations.
Lesser-known facts
J.I. Packer, renowned for his theological works and influence, also had some lesser-known facets to his life and career:
- Athlete Turned Scholar: Before pursuing theology, Packer was a keen athlete, particularly in track and field, and excelled in the high jump. His athletic background shaped his disciplined approach to study and writing.
- Influence Beyond Anglicanism: While Packer is closely associated with Anglicanism, particularly his involvement in the evangelical wing of the Church of England, he had a broad impact across various Christian denominations, especially within the broader evangelical movement.
- Early Struggles: Packer experienced financial struggles early in his life, which influenced his commitment to social justice and advocacy for the poor throughout his career.
- Ecumenical Engagement: Despite being a committed Anglican, Packer engaged with Christians from various traditions, fostering dialogue and cooperation across denominational lines. This included participation in ecumenical endeavors, particularly regarding theological education and publishing.
- Avid Reader: Packer was an avid reader, consuming a wide range of literature beyond theology, including history, philosophy, and literature, which enriched his writing and teaching.
- Support for Young Theologians: Packer was passionate about mentoring and supporting young theologians, often taking time to encourage and guide emerging scholars in their academic and spiritual journeys.
- Love for Hymnody: Packer had a deep appreciation for hymns and their theological richness. He frequently incorporated hymnody into his teaching and writing, emphasizing their importance in shaping Christian worship and doctrine.
These lesser-known aspects of J.I. Packer’s life complement his well-known contributions to theology and highlight the depth and breadth of his influence within the Christian community.
Remembering J. I. Packer, a faithful servant who encouraged believers to seek a deeper relationship with God.
Sources:
- J.I. Packer – Wikipedia
- J.I. Packer, ‘Knowing God’ Author, Dies at 93 – Christianity Today
- 14 Lesser-Known Details about J. I. Packer | Crossway Articles
- 10 Things You Should Know about J. I. Packer – Crossway
- J. I. Packer | Theopedia
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