Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary: J. Gresham Machen Episode

Podcast Information:

• Title: Renewing Your Mind
• Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
• Episode: J. Gresham Machen
• Release Date: January 11, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Renewing Your Mind, hosted by Ligonier Ministries, W. Robert Godfrey delves into the life and legacy of Dr. J. Gresham Machen, a pivotal figure in early 20th-century American Presbyterianism. As part of a six-part series on church history, this final installment examines Machen’s role in defining the boundaries between true Christianity and theological liberalism.

Background on J. Gresham Machen

Dr. Machen emerged as a leading conservative voice during a time when American Protestantism was increasingly polarized between fundamentalist and modernist factions. Godfrey emphasizes Machen's significance in the 20th century, particularly through his scholarly works and steadfast defense of conservative theology.

“Machen was seen as such an important voice in America in the 20s and 30s in defense of conservative Protestantism.” ([01:38])

Early Life and Education

Born in 1881 in Baltimore, Maryland, Machen hailed from a prominent Southern family with deep roots in Virginia and Georgia. His upbringing in a devout Presbyterian household instilled in him a strong theological foundation. Machen pursued higher education at Johns Hopkins University followed by Princeton Seminary, distinguishing himself as a brilliant scholar. His time in Germany for post-seminary studies further shaped his academic rigor and love for German culture.

“Dr. Machen really loved Germany. He kind of fell in love with Germany and things German.” ([02:45])

Scholarly Work and Theological Contributions

Machen’s most notable scholarly contribution is his book, The Virgin Birth of Christ, a comprehensive defense of the doctrine against liberal theological critiques. This work showcased his meticulous exegetical skills and his ability to engage deeply with both scriptural texts and contemporary theological debates.

“He showed what the Scripture actually taught about that, then as a theologian, reasoned about why that was important... and answered one by one, all of the objections of liberal scholarship to the idea of the virgin birth.” ([10:15])

Machen was committed to maintaining rigorous academic standards in theological education, advocating for seminaries to be "battlegrounds of the faith" where ministers were trained to engage thoughtfully and intelligently with opposing viewpoints.

“We shall make them battlegrounds of the faith... learn to substitute for the unthinking faith of childhood the profound convictions of full grown men.” ([06:50])

Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy

As Protestantism in America began to fracture, Machen stood as a staunch defender of conservative Presbyterianism. He critiqued those within the church who, in his view, adopted liberal theology without adequately understanding or defending traditional doctrines. Machen argued that mere adherence to fundamental principles was insufficient without a comprehensive theological framework.

“He felt it was important for Christians to have a fuller theology than that represented by the fundamentals alone.” ([03:55])

Machen's efforts culminated in his seminal work, Christianity and Liberalism (1918), which challenged the creeping liberalism within the church and affirmed the necessity of doctrinal integrity.

The Scopes "Monkey" Trial and Its Impact

A significant turning point discussed in the episode is the 1925 Scopes Trial, which dramatically shifted public opinion against fundamentalism. Machen recognized how this event, sensationally covered by the media, portrayed fundamentalists as intolerant and anti-science, undermining their credibility.

“Darrow made Bryant look ridiculous... America was set laughing at fundamentalism.” ([15:40])

This trial intensified the conflicts within the Presbyterian Church, leading to increased suspicion and mistrust between conservative and liberal factions. In response, the General Assembly's inability to address the underlying theological tensions effectively led to Machen's eventual departure and the formation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

Machen's Later Years and Legacy

Following the Scopes Trial and the subsequent waning of conservative influence within the Presbyterian General Assembly, Machen continued to advocate for theological orthodoxy. His unwavering commitment to defending traditional Christian doctrines left a lasting impact on American Presbyterianism and broader evangelical thought.

Machen's legacy is characterized by his scholarly excellence, his dedication to doctrinal purity, and his ability to articulate a coherent and robust defense of Christianity against modernist challenges.

“There was never a conservative majority at a Presbyterian General assembly after 1925.” ([24:30])

Conclusion

W. Robert Godfrey’s exploration of J. Gresham Machen underscores the profound influence Machen had on shaping American Presbyterianism and the broader evangelical movement. Through his scholarly works and steadfast defense of orthodox Christianity, Machen established a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and challenge believers today.

“Machen helps us see that fundamentalists in the early part of the 20th century were not at all what fundamentalism came to mean later when it was used in a derogatory way.” ([03:20])

As Renewing Your Mind concludes this series on church history, listeners are encouraged to reflect on Machen’s contributions and their relevance to contemporary theological discussions.

Notable Quotes:

1. Dr. J. Gresham Machen:

   • “We shall make them battlegrounds of the faith... learn to substitute for the unthinking faith of childhood the profound convictions of full grown men.” ([06:50])

2. W. Robert Godfrey:

   • “Machen was seen as such an important voice in America in the 20s and 30s in defense of conservative Protestantism.” ([01:38])
   • “Darrow made Bryant look ridiculous... America was set laughing at fundamentalism.” ([15:40])
   • “There was never a conservative majority at a Presbyterian General assembly after 1925.” ([24:30])

Final Notes

This episode provides a comprehensive overview of J. Gresham Machen’s life, his theological battles, and his enduring legacy. For those interested in deepening their understanding of church history and the fundamentalist-modernist controversy, this summary encapsulates the critical themes and insights presented by W. Robert Godfrey. To explore more on similar topics, listeners are encouraged to engage with Ligonier Ministries' resources and future episodes.