J. Gresham Machen (1881–1937) taught New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary from 1906 to 1929, when he founded Westminster Theological Seminary.

Following three chapters devoted to Machen’s life, Nichols examines Machen’s writings on theology and the Bible, on culture, and on the church (including several sermons). A select guide to books by and about Machen, a bibliography, and indexes conclude this accessible introduction to one of the twentieth century’s most important theologians. 

Table of Contents:

Part 1: Machen – A Biography

1. Coming of Age, 1881-1919

2. The Roaring Twenties, 1920-1929

3. Final Conflicts, New Beginnings, 1930-1937

Part 2: Machen as Scholar: Writings on Theology and the Bible

4. An Admirable Book: Christianity and Liberalism

5. Defender of the Faith: What Is Faith?

6. A Legacy of Scholarship: The Origin of Paul’s Religion and The Virgin Birth of Christ

Part 3: Machen as Citizen: Writings on Culture

7. Radically Ethical: Machen on Culture, Politics, and the Environment

8. The Great War: Machen and World War I

9. Solid Learning: Machen on Education

Part 4: Machen as Churchman: Writings on the Church and Sermons

10. A Doctrinal Church: Machen, Missions, and the Church

11. ‘The Good Fight of Faith’: A Sermon Preached in Miller Chapel, Princeton Theological Seminary, March 10, 1929

12. The Cross of Christ: Select Sermons from December 1936  

About the Author

Stephen J Nichols (PhD, Westminster Theological Semenary) is president of Reformation Bible College and chief academic officer of Ligonier Ministries.

Endorsements  

"J. Gresham Machen's writing was as clear as his arguments were persuasive. Nichols has accomplished the rare feat of making Machen even more accessible. For readers unfamiliar with machen, this is the perfect appetizer to the feast of further study in Machen's writings. For those more knowledgeable, this will be a reliable reference." - Darryl Hart

"Stephen Nichols has done a fine job of presenting an accessible introduction to the life and thought of J. Gresham Machen. Nichols offers lucid expositions and fresh interpretations based on his own research." - George M. Marsden