John Gresham Machen

Date of Birth: July 28, 1881

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: January 1, 1937

Biography

John Gresham Machen was a renowned American Presbyterian theologian, born on July 28, 1881, in Baltimore, Maryland. He is best known for his staunch defense of orthodox Christian doctrine against the encroachments of modernism in the early 20th century. Machen studied at prestigious institutions, including Johns Hopkins University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and the University of Marburg in Germany. He was deeply influenced by the teachings of renowned theologians like Benjamin Warfield and Adolf von Harnack. Machen’s career was marked by his involvement in the fundamentalist-modernist controversy within the Presbyterian Church. He argued vigorously against liberal theology, which he believed compromised the essential truths of Christianity. In 1923, he published his seminal work, “Christianity and Liberalism,” which made a compelling case for the distinctiveness of Christian doctrine. In 1929, Machen left Princeton Theological Seminary to help establish Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, where he continued to teach and write until his death. He also played a pivotal role in founding the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in 1936, which sought to maintain doctrinal purity in the face of modernist influences. Machen passed away on January 1, 1937, in Bismarck, North Dakota, while on a speaking tour.

5 Interesting Facts about John Gresham Machen

1. John Gresham Machen was a key figure in the fundamentalist-modernist controversy, advocating for the preservation of orthodox Christian beliefs.

2. He founded Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia in 1929 after leaving Princeton Theological Seminary due to theological differences.

3. Machen played a significant role in establishing the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in 1936.

4. He was a critic of the Social Gospel movement, emphasizing the importance of doctrinal purity over social reform.

5. Machen’s book “Christianity and Liberalism” is considered a classic defense of orthodox Christian doctrine.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Gresham Machen

1. “Modern liberalism not only is a different religion from Christianity but belongs in a totally different class of religions.”

2. “The Christian faith is like a great tree; if you hack away at its roots, the whole tree will fall.”

3. “Faith is not the holding of correct doctrines; it is personal trust in a living Savior.”

4. “The more we know of God, the more unreservedly we will trust Him; the greater our progress in theology, the simpler and more childlike will be our faith.”

5. “A low view of law always produces legalism; a high view of law makes one a seeker after grace.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Gresham Machen’s highest net worth is not well-documented, as his life and efforts were primarily focused on theological education and ministry rather than financial gain.