When Christians Disagree

Lessons from the Fractured Relationship of John Owen and Richard Baxter

By: Tim Cooper, Michael A. G. Haykin - foreword

Narrated by: Lyle Blaker

Two Oppositional Figures in Church History Shed Light on Division in the Church Today

Our current culture seems to be increasingly divided on countless issues, including those affecting the church. But for centuries, theological disagreements, political differences, and issues relating to church leadership have made it challenging for Christians to foster unity and love for one another.

In this book, author Tim Cooper explores this polarization through the lives of two oppositional figures in church history: John Owen and Richard Baxter. Cooper highlights their individual stories while showing how their contrasting life experiences, personalities, and temperaments led to their inability to work together. After exploring these lessons from the past, listeners will gain insights into their own relationships, ultimately learning how to love and live in harmony with their fellow believers despite their disagreements.

• Timely: In today's deeply divided culture, this book offers past examples to help spur unity among believers today
• Historical: Biographical examination of two Puritan writers from the 17th century: John Owen and Richard Baxter
• Accessible: Short format and crisp writing style offer an engaging story with no background knowledge required

©2024 Tim Cooper (P)2024 Crossway

Conflict with a Christian brother requires other brothers

It seems that there was no one to bring the two men together and no one who was strong enough and had the love to try and help them reconcile. I strongly admire Owen and have a bias for his writings and personality. Baxter in my opinion was the one more in the wrong. It seems that Baxter refusal to use words, his own words to define his position on certain doctrines and was hard to handle. I feel that Baxter was hard hearted and viscous to Owen. I don’t think I would have wanted to be in Baxter’s Church. I’ve read his book the “Reformed Pastor” and think it would have been hard to be under him. I don’t see gentleness or compassion but a harder man than I would trust myself too. However I don’t know Owen well personally yet his doctrine is spot on and accurate most precious. All that being said it is sad that these two great leaders who I have leaned from couldn’t get along and had no happy ending. May the Lord help us to live peaceful with all men.

What I take from this book that we must work to understand each others past and work to accurately portray each others position. We must try and understand each others goals and fears so we don’t assume the worst. We must assume the best in love and try hard, work with utmost effort to find the good and focus on that most and gently work on what might be wrong. We must be humble our self to the possible outcome of our own wrong thinking and positions. God help us!

Excellent and relevant resource!

Incredible! I appreciate the wisdom offered here. I will be considering the points made in this book in my own interactions. We live in a politically volatile time - I believe this is a must read for those in ministry (vocational or otherwise).

Made to start discussion

While I thought this book was good and had a lot of good things to say, I wouldn't say it was amazing. I think this book really is meant more to start a discussion than to be read on its own.