The Remnant Radio's Podcast

When Theologians Turn on Each Other: What Owen vs. Baxter Teaches Us About Christian Division

‱ The Remnant Radio

What happens when two theological giants who love Jesus have a FIERY public fallout? đŸ”„ The forgotten conflict between Puritans John Owen and Richard Baxter holds a sobering lesson for today.

In this episode of Remnant Radio, we sit down with Dr. Tim Cooper, a leading scholar on 17th-century Puritanism, to unpack the intense disagreement between Owen and Baxter—two titans of the post-Reformation era. Despite their shared love for Christ, Scripture, and the Gospel, their clash over salvation, church structure, and Christian ethics led to a public split that fractured the Puritan movement. Their story shows us how pride, personality, and past wounds can tragically impact even important theological debates.

But this isn’t just fascinating history! This episode is a direct challenge to today’s church. As theological disputes rage online and in person, the Owen–Baxter conflict raises urgent questions for us:

-How should believers navigate public disagreement biblically?
-When does contending for truth accidentally lead to unnecessary division?
-What kind of Christ-like character must accompany our doctrine?

If you’ve ever wrestled with how to hold strong convictions while still loving others and avoiding toxic conflict, this conversation is for you. 

ABOUT THE GUEST:
📖BOOK: https://a.co/d/9yrvp4C

Kairos Classroom: Use Promo Code Remnant for 10% off
https://kairosclassroom.com/classes

Support the show

ABOUT THE REMNANT RADIO:
📧 SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER https://www.theremnantradio.com
📚 COURSES & CONFERENCES https://www.theremnantradio.com
💝 SUPPORT OUR MINISTRY:
‱ Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheRemnantRadio
‱ Make a Donation: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=GC2Z86XHHG4X6&ssrt=1686780016992

🌐📧 Check Out Our Church Pages
Josh's Church
Miller's Church
Rowntree's Church


People on this episode

Podcasts we love

Check out these other fine podcasts recommended by us, not an algorithm.