Why Gresham Machen Still Matters for Reformed Readers
In an era where scriptural truth was increasingly under threat, J. Gresham Machen (1881–1937) stood firm for the Gospel, reason, and the Reformed faith. Known as a leading theologian and scholar, Machen's influence remains vivid today through the institutions and writings he founded. Let’s dive into his life, legacy, and why his voice is still essential for serious Christian believers.
A Scholar Shaped by Challenge
Machen began his theological journey at Princeton Seminary, influenced deeply by mentors like B. B. Warfield. A study stint in Germany challenged his faith, but ultimately strengthened his conviction for historic Christianity. His scholarly integrity and deep devotion to Scripture prepared him for the battles ahead.
Standing Against Liberalism
Machen first gained major attention through Christianity and Liberalism (1923), a bold work that declared liberal theology was not a variant of Christianity but a fundamentally different religion denying key doctrines such as the substitutionary atonement.
He followed this up with scholarly defenses of Scripture such as The Origin of Paul’s Religion (1921) and What Is Faith? (1925), pointing believers to the bedrock of redeeming truth.
Building Institutions of Reformed Faith
When Princeton Seminary drifted away from orthodoxy, Machen courageously left and founded Westminster Theological Seminary in 1929, designed to preserve historic Reformed theology. Shortly after in 1933, facing liberalism in church missions, he helped launch the Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions, an act that led to his suspension. These convictions culminated in the formation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) in 1936, a denomination still rooted in confessional Reformed beliefs today.
Defender of Faith and Liberty
Machen’s defense of the faith extended beyond theology. He championed Christian education, arguing that an authentic Christian worldview must inform every subject, not just religion class, in order to protect both truth and freedom. He also opposed increasing state control and expanded government authority, consistently advocating for individual liberty in both ecclesiastical and public life.
A Legacy That Lives On
Machen’s faith, intellect, and courage continue to inspire:
- Westminster Theological Seminary and OPC remain pillars of orthodox Reformed theology.
- Christianity and Liberalism remains a seminal work on the fundamentalist-modernist controversy.
- His life affirms that Christian conviction and scholarship go hand in hand.
Final Thoughts
In Machen, we meet a man of rigorous intellect, unwavering conviction, and bold faith not unlike the biblical heroes who defended truth when it mattered most. As he insisted, a redeemed heart eventually shapes culture, not the other way around.
“Faithful unto Death” these words on Machen’s tomb echo his legacy. May we, too, hold fast to the truths of Scripture, no matter the cost.