Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary

Episode Title: J. Gresham Machen: Defending the Truth
Release Date: April 9, 2025
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Episode Description: In this episode of Renewing Your Mind, host Nathan W. Bingham delves into the life and legacy of J. Gresham Machen, a pivotal figure in early 20th-century American Christianity. Through detailed analysis and engaging storytelling, Dr. Stephen Nichols explores Machen's unwavering defense of orthodox Christianity against the rising tide of liberalism.

Introduction

The episode begins with Nathan W. Bingham highlighting J. Gresham Machen's defining stance: "liberal Christianity isn't Christianity at all" ([00:00]). This assertion sets the tone for a comprehensive exploration of Machen's life, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining doctrinal purity within the Presbyterian Church.

J. Gresham Machen's World War I Experience ([01:44])

Dr. Nichols provides a vivid account of Machen's time during World War I, illustrating how his experiences in the trenches deepened his theological insights. Machen's reflections on Romans 8 are particularly poignant, as he relates his survival and faith amidst the horrors of war:

"One of the most fervent prayers that I ever offered in my life was the prayer of thanksgiving... when I pulled on those dry, warm socks." ([01:44])

This period not only tested Machen's resilience but also enriched his understanding of Scripture, reinforcing his theological convictions.

Academic Journey and Mentorship under Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield

Machen's academic path was significantly shaped by his mentor, Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield, a renowned New Testament scholar and apologist. Dr. Nichols details their relationship and the profound impact Warfield had on Machen:

"Warfield turns to Machen and he looks him square in the eye and he says, you can't split dead wood." ([09:15])

This pivotal moment underscores the looming schism within the Presbyterian Church, foreshadowing Machen's future endeavors to preserve orthodox Christianity.

Publication of "Christianity and Liberalism" (1923)

In 1923, Machen publishes his seminal work, Christianity and Liberalism, directly challenging the integration of liberal theology within the church:

"Liberalism is not a version of Christianity. Liberalism is not Christianity." ([27:00])

This bold thesis not only cements Machen's reputation as a staunch defender of orthodoxy but also sparks widespread debate and movement within the Presbyterian community.

Conflict with Princeton Theological Seminary and Founding Westminster Theological Seminary (1929)

Dr. Nichols narrates the escalating tensions at Princeton Theological Seminary, leading to Machen's dismissal in 1929. Faced with progressive shifts within the seminary, Machen takes decisive action:

"Machen fought it, but there was very little that was at his disposal to withstand it." ([18:30])

Utilizing his resources, Machen establishes Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, ensuring a bastion for confessional Presbyterianism:

"He chooses the name on purpose because he saw his denomination as moving away from its commitment to its confessional standards." ([20:45])

Rethinking Missions and Denominational Schism (1933-1936)

The publication of the "Rethinking Missions" report in 1933 catalyzes further conflict. The report advocates for a shift from evangelization to welfare in missionary work, a stance Machen vehemently opposes:

"Machen expected that the Board of Foreign Mission of his church, the Presbyterian Church, would denounce this report. And instead they didn't." ([22:10])

Machen's 100-page rebuttal highlights the infiltration of liberalism in missionary activities, but his efforts are stymied within the presbytery, leading to his eventual excommunication in 1936.

Formation of a New Denomination and Machen's Legacy ([24:38])

In response to his expulsion, Machen, alongside 120 elders, establishes a new Presbyterian denomination in June 1936. Despite ongoing struggles, including health issues that lead to his untimely death in January 1937, Machen's foundational work ensures the continuity of orthodox Presbyterianism.

Dr. Nichols emphasizes Machen's enduring influence:

"Machen left behind a significant legacy of books and a significant legacy of helping us with significant issues." ([24:38])

Conclusion

The episode concludes by reaffirming Machen's pivotal role in defending traditional Christian doctrines against liberal reinterpretations. His relentless pursuit of theological purity and institutional integrity serves as a model for contemporary Christian leaders and believers alike.

Notable Quotes:

• J. Gresham Machen ([00:00]):
  "Liberalism is not a version of Christianity. Liberalism is not Christianity."

• J. Gresham Machen ([01:44]):
  "One of the most fervent prayers that I ever offered in my life was the prayer of thanksgiving... when I pulled on those dry, warm socks."

• Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield ([09:15]):
  "You can't split dead wood."

• J. Gresham Machen ([27:00]):
  "Liberalism is not a version of Christianity. Liberalism is not a new understanding of Christianity. Liberalism is not Christianity."

• Dr. Stephen Nichols ([18:30]):
  "Machen fought it, but there was very little that was at his disposal to withstand it."

• Dr. Stephen Nichols ([20:45]):
  "He chooses the name on purpose because he saw his denomination as moving away from its commitment to its confessional standards."

• Dr. Stephen Nichols ([22:10]):
  "Machen expected that the Board of Foreign Mission of his church, the Presbyterian Church, would denounce this report. And instead they didn't."

• Nathan W. Bingham ([24:38]):
  "Machen left behind a significant legacy of books and a significant legacy of helping us with significant issues."

Final Thoughts: Dr. Stephen Nichols adeptly captures the essence of J. Gresham Machen's life, portraying him as a resilient defender of orthodoxy whose actions had lasting repercussions for American Presbyterianism. This episode serves as both an informative historical account and an inspirational testament to unwavering faith and conviction.