Children of a Larger God
July 1, 1998
Packer by name, packer by nature," so the subject of our interview has often quipped, and rightly so. Alister McGrath, recent biographer of J. I. Packer, noted his subject's "remarkable ability to deal with complex issues in crisp and concise sentences."
Yet McGrath also notes that his subject is an "unpacker," in that "he has consistently shown himself able and willing to explain, unfold, and apply the riches of the Christian gospel to his readers."
James Packer is most famous for his packing and unpacking in Knowing God (InterVarsity), which brought him to the attention of Americans in 1973 and has now sold nearly 2 million copies. It was, however, already his thirteenth book. Since then he has published another 26, and in each he aims to present, as he puts it, "truth for people."
In addition to writing, he is a working theologian, teaching at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is also an assistant rector at St. John's Church Shaughnessy of Vancouver, a congregation of 1,100. He assists in worship, oversees adult education, and preaches from time to time.
Leadership editors Kevin Miller and Marshall Shelley sat down with Dr. Packer and asked how pastors might best communicate the gospel truth to today's culture. For many, theology is a bad word. Why have you devoted your life to
it?
It helps me appreciate the greatness, goodness, and glory of God—lifting
up the sheer wonder and size and majesty of the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit. In the providence of God, the Puritans and Calvin taught me
that's what theology is about. The truth I try to grasp and share is truth
that enlarges the soul because it tunes into the greatness of God. It generates
awe and adoration.
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