In honor of Purgatorio's search for the ultimate modern Puritan, I've compiled a list of those who, in my opinion, most embody the spirit of those great, godly men and women from the past. (Note: by Puritan I do not mean the stuffy, stodgy and legalistic portrait that has been painted of them in contemporary times. I mean to emphasize the great vision of the Glory of God in theology and the Christian life that these people had as they strove to reform the Church in England.) 1. John Piper: Piper has become synonymous for me with the spirit of modern day puritanism. Piper, more than any other contemporary author I have read is passionate about the glory of God and seeing that worked out in the life of the church and individual Christians.
2. Mark Driscoll: Driscoll is a great encouragement to me in that he is extremely theologically driven and yet has a very balanced view of the Christian life. I think that we can expect to see him have a bigger influence on the church in coming years than just about anyone else I that I know of.
3. J.I. Packer: Packer has been seeking for his whole ministry to reform the Anglican church with Reformation doctrine. What can be more Puritan than that? He has combined depth of theological insight with with a concern for how it fleshes itself out in the Christian life.
4. Grant Horner: Horner is professor of English at The Master's College in Santa Clarita, CA. I almost learned more theology from him than I did from my theology classes! Following in the footsteps of John Milton, he effectively teaches discernment in theology and life both in the academy and the church.
5. Scott Hafemann: His book, "The God of Promise and the Life of Faith: Understanding the Heart of the Bible" ought to become a classic of Christian theological/devotional literature. He makes Biblical Theology practical!
6. D.A. Carson: Carson may be the John Owen of our time... enough said!
7. Paul David Tripp: Tripp, along with David Powlision, Ed Welch and Ted Tripp have done much for advancing today's Biblical Counseling movement... which is really the grandson of the Puritan's view of discipleship.
8. Tim Keller: Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian church, Keller is the thinker and theologian for today's missional churches. Just as the puritans were seeking to renew the church and the culture, today's reformed missional church movement is striving to accomplish this in our culture today.
9. Jerry Bridges: Possibly the John Bunyan of today.
10. Graeme Goldsworthy: More than anyone, Goldsworthy has brought the heart piercing benefits of Biblical Theology centered on Christ into the church for the benefits of preachers and congregations everywhere.
If anyone happens to read this and thinks that I've left someone out, please feel free to let me know who you think I should add. God bless!
