Tim Cooper, When Christians Disagree (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 167 pp.
Scripture proclaims, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1, ESV). Yet, too often, Christians are at each other’s throats and not only disobey their Lord; they miss out on the rich blessing of walking in unity. Tim Cooper’s book, When Christians Disagree explores how two titans of the faith were at odds with one another and draws out some practical lessons for us over four hundred years later.
Cooper introduces the two titans of the Christian faith, John Owen and Richard Baxter. Both Puritans, born at the beginning of the seventeenth century, these men fought vigorously about their understanding of Scripture. Even when they met face to face, their animosity was not quelled, but maximized.
While the controversy that ensued between these two men is complex, the author is quick to sum up the point of contention:
Owen worried about the Arminians: they would be aided by anyone who emphasized, as Baxter did, human response and responsibility. Baxter worried about the antinomians: they would be aided by anyone who emphasized, as Owen did, God’s eternal decrees and the exact price for sin paid by Christ on the cross. These underlying fears made it extremely difficult for each man to see in the other the many points they held in common. Rather, each one saw the other as aiding and abetting the enemy. (p. 69)
While the historical debate between Owen and Baxter proves interesting, the larger lesson for contemporary readers is how we benefit from this tragic clash of personalities in our lives and ministries. Cooper shares a bit of advice that is timely: “I was once told that there is no problem in the world that cannot be solved by humility – humility from all those involved.” This rich counsel combined with other biblical wisdom makes this book incredibly important.
Instead of casting blame on Owen and Baxter, we should learn from their sinful responses to one another and strive to be united in our interactions with others. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35, ESV)
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
Veritas et Lux 