📖 Biblical Definition
J. I. Packer (1926-2020) was the English-Canadian Anglican theologian whose Knowing God (1973) became one of the most-read modern Christian books — selling over a million copies. Born in Gloucestershire, educated at Oxford (Corpus Christi, Wycliffe Hall), ordained Church of England priest in 1952, he emigrated to Vancouver in 1979 to teach at Regent College, where he served to the end of his life. His writing combined Reformed conviction (he was a self-described "Latimer Trust Calvinist"), Puritan affection (he loved John Owen above all), and Anglican breadth. Other major works: Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, A Quest for Godliness, Fundamentalism and the Word of God. He died in Vancouver at 93.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
English-Canadian Anglican theologian (1926-2020); author of Knowing God.
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Born Gloucester (England); converted at Oxford 1944; doctorate on Richard Baxter; ordained Church of England priest 1952. Taught at Tyndale Hall (Bristol), Trinity College (Bristol), then moved to Regent College (Vancouver) 1979.
Major works: Fundamentalism and the Word of God (1958), Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God (1961), Knowing God (1973), Concise Theology (1993), Quest for Godliness (Puritan studies).
📖 Key Scripture
Jeremiah 9:24 — "But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD."
Psalm 73:25 — "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee."
Philippians 3:10 — "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection."
Hosea 6:3 — "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity often consumes theology as information; Packer insisted on theology as knowing God — a relational, doxological pursuit.
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The opening of Knowing God distinguishes knowing about God from knowing God. The first is information; the second is relational, transformative, and the proper end of theology.
Packer's combination of Reformed conviction, Puritan warmth, and Anglican breadth made him a bridge figure for late-20th-century evangelicalism. His advocacy for the ESV translation, his Puritan studies, and his catechetical work all extended this same combination.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
English given and surname.
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English Packer — surname from pack (occupational).
Note: doctoral work was on Richard Baxter, the 17th-century Puritan; Puritan studies remained central to his theology.
Usage
"Theology as knowing God, not just knowing about Him."
"Reformed conviction, Puritan warmth, Anglican breadth."
"A bridge figure for late-20th-century evangelicalism."