'Prisoner of Conscience' is an interdisciplinary study of Bunyan's
understanding of conscience, to what degree it demands fidelity, and how
this affects Bunyan's relationship both to the modern emphasis on
individualism and to historic Christianity. This book deals with
Bunyan's theological, fictional, and autobiographical writings, often in
comparison with his contemporaries, such as the Quakers, John Milton,
and Richard Baxter. Galen Johnson vigorously argues against current
trends in Bunyan studies which herald Bunyan as a figure of incipient
modernism. Johnson grounds his study of Bunyan in Reformation
orthodoxies and especially in the scriptural basis of all of Bunyan's
writings. While not discounting the profound anxieties and tensions
which propel Bunyan's conversion crisis and set him at odds with the
Restoration state, Johnson insists on Bunyan's fundamental adherence to
biblical authority over individual subjectivity in matters personal,
political and ecclesial. Johnson's point is simple but profound. The
submission of the individual believer to the word of God and to the
community of believers who sustain the witness to that Word prompted all
other forces in Bunyan's life."" --Vera J. Camden, Department of
English, Kent State University Galen Johnson has crafted a fresh and
thoughtful interpretation of one of Christian history's more complex,
controversial, and interesting figures. Johnson's research is exhaustive
and his conclusions well reasoned. This book will make a significant
contribution to Bunyan studies and may well set the tone of discussion
for years to come."" --Barry Hankins, Professor of History and
Church/State Studies, Baylor University Against the standard reading of
Bunyan as a modern subjectivist, Galen Johnson shows that the great
Dissenter constantly resorted to ancient Christian tradition, to both
biblical and doctrinal objectivity, to a strict privileging of the
Christian community over solitary faith, even to the sacraments. In sum,
a revolutionary book for Bunyan studies and the contemporary church
alike."" --Ralph C. Wood, University Professor of Theology and
Literature, Baylor University Thoroughly researched, well written and
thought provoking, Johnson dismisses Bunyan's role in society's current
obsession with individualism. He challenges academics who draw
conclusions from Bunyan's major works without knowing his miscellaneous
works. The conscience, not the individual, is the primary issue.""
--Greg Randall, The International John Bunyan Society, Edmonton,
Alberta, Canada Galen K. Johnson is Assistant Professor of Theology at
John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. He holds a PhD from
Baylor University as well as degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary
and Wake Forest University. He is also an ordained Baptist minister.
