Acknowledgments
In the four-hundredth birth year of John Owen (1616–1683), a conference was held at the Theological University of Apeldoorn on ‘John Owen Between Orthodoxy and Modernity’ (August 31–September 2, 2016). As representatives of several continents we were united in our interest in John Owen’s cultural context and challenging content, political situation and positive spirituality, theological conflicts and lasting consequences. Every participant felt—in their own way—somehow related to Owen’s faith, and this connection gave our conference an extra dimension of relevance.
At the end of our in-depth discussions, we concluded that the publication of contributions to this conference would provide major added value. This is how the editorial process started. I, Willem van Vlastuin, thank all the authors who contributed to this volume and were wonderful in their cooperation with us in the editorial process. My special thanks go to my student assistant Hans-Willem Westerbeke who has done a lot of editorial work and compiled the index. I thank Stichting Jagtspoel Fonds for making this editorial work financially possible, and Hans Burger who helped make this connection so that the necessary funding could be secured. Not in the least thanks to Kelly Kapic, who supported me tremendously during the editorial process with his feedback, suggestions and encouragements. Last but not least, my thanks go to my wife Wilma, and our children, Tonny, Hennie, Jan, Meindert, Marianne and Willem for their patience during the editing of this book.
I, Kelly M. Kapic, am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been invited to participate in the conference and then help with the formation of this volume. What an honor and delight to work with Willem van Vlastuin who has not only been faithful in his organization, production, and oversight of the project, but also abounding in graciousness throughout the whole process. Your friendship, Willem, has been one of the great gifts to come out of this whole process, so thank you! I am also deeply grateful to those who came from around the world (e.g., Indonesia, Poland, Romania, England, Netherlands, Germany, Scotland, Belgium, America, etc.) to participate in the original conference. Having such international representation not only was an example of John Owen’s abiding influence, but also helped foster a conversation that was at the same time lively, practical, and yet willing to be critical of this 17th century English Puritan. It was humbling and deeply encouraging to be with these friends from around the globe.
I would also like to express my gratitude to Covenant College in general for providing consistent encouragement and support, and to Norris and Billie Little in particular. Billie and Norris, it is a great joy for me to dedicate this volume to you: even though you are not scholars, you value scholarship, teaching, and the vocational call of mentoring students. Thank you for your friendship, support, and kindness through the years. I will always be in your debt. Finally, thanks as always to my wife Tabitha and children Jonathan and Margot: while work like this takes time, I am so thankful that your laughter and love always help me put scholarship in proper perspective.