Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary
Episode Title: Machen and Apologetics
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Series: Final Episode in the Series Featuring J. Gresham Machen
Introduction
In the concluding episode of the series on J. Gresham Machen and his seminal work Christianity and Liberalism, host Nathan W. Bingham welcomes listeners to discuss Machen's enduring legacy in Christian apologetics. This episode features insights from Stephen Nichols, who delves deep into Machen's approach to defending the Christian faith amidst modern challenges.
Understanding Apologetics
Stephen Nichols begins by defining apologetics:
“Apologetics is a word from two Greek words. It literally means to speak... a reasoned defense.”
— Stephen Nichols, [01:50]
He traces the term back to Socrates in 399 B.C., emphasizing its roots in logical and passionate defense, especially in life-or-death situations. Nichols highlights that the New Testament also incorporates apologetic elements, particularly in Luke, Acts, Philippians, and 1 Peter, where believers defend their faith under trial.
Nichols clarifies a common misconception about apologetics:
“One thing it doesn't mean is going around and saying, I'm sorry for being a Christian... It's the opposite, a reasoned defense.”
— Stephen Nichols, [02:45]
He underscores that apologetics is about providing rational and structured defenses for the Christian faith, not about apologizing for one's beliefs.
Machen’s Apologetic Approach
Nichols references Machen’s assertion:
“A Christianity that avoids argument is not the Christianity of the New Testament.”
— Stephen Nichols, [00:00]
Machen viewed apologetics not just as a scriptural command but as intrinsic to Scripture itself. Nichols explores how Machen approached apologetics in his works, particularly in his classic Christianity and Liberalism. Machen argued that liberal Christianity diverged fundamentally from true Christianity by rejecting essential historical doctrines.
Classical Apologetics vs. Machen’s Approach
Nichols differentiates between classical apologetics and Machen’s methodology. While classical apologetics often begins with the authority of the Bible, Machen believed in starting with observable truths:
“We do not indeed begin with the conviction that the Bible is the word of God in our defense of the Christian religion.”
— Stephen Nichols, [09:30]
Machen advocated for establishing the existence of God, the personhood of God, and the historical resurrection of Jesus independently before asserting the Bible’s divine authority. This approach allows the defense of core Christian beliefs without relying solely on scriptural inerrancy from the outset.
Historical Evidence and the Resurrection
Nichols delves into how Machen approached the resurrection of Jesus as a pivotal apologetic point:
“Machen says there are many Christians who can go with us that far and yet cannot accept our view of the Bible and we rejoice in the measure of their agreement with us.”
— Stephen Nichols, [10:45]
Machen emphasized the resurrection as a historical event supported by credible sources and eyewitness testimonies. By establishing the resurrection’s historicity, Machen provided a foundation upon which the truthfulness of the Bible could further be affirmed.
Machen’s Defense Against Liberal Christianity
Nichols discusses Machen’s critique of liberal Christianity, which he viewed as incompatible with true Christian doctrine. Liberal Christians often dismissed the historical events of Jesus’ life, focusing instead on personal spiritual experiences. Machen countered this by reaffirming the importance of doctrinal truths and historical facts.
“Liberalism was dispensing with the historicity of Christianity... seeing Christianity as the pious experience of an encounter with the living God.”
— Stephen Nichols, [12:30]
Machen argued that without accepting the historical reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, Christianity loses its foundational claims and transforms into a mere ethical or experiential movement.
Machen’s Scholarly Works
Nichols highlights two of Machen’s significant works:
-
Origin of Paul’s Religion (1921):
Machen asserts that Paul was the true originator of Christian doctrine, countering the German scholarship that viewed Jesus as more ethical than doctrinal. Machen demonstrated that Jesus’ teachings inherently included robust doctrinal beliefs, aligning closely with Paul’s theology. -
Virgin Birth of Christ:
Published in 1931, this scholarly work underscores the necessity of the virgin birth in understanding the uniqueness of Jesus Christ. Machen posits that the virgin birth is foundational to the entire Christian narrative, linking it to the doctrines of resurrection and redemption.
These works exemplify Machen’s commitment to grounding Christian belief in historical and doctrinal truths, rather than subjective experiences.
Apologetics to Culture and Personal Assurance
Machen didn’t limit his apologetic efforts to academic debates but extended them to cultural critiques. Nichols cites Machen’s essay Skyscrapers and Cathedrals (1931), where Machen contrasts modern achievements with spiritual emptiness:
“Modern builders can uplift the body... but ancient builders in an age of faith could uplift the soul.”
— Stephen Nichols, [18:00]
Machen argued that while modern advancements bolster physical existence, they neglect the spiritual void, which only the Gospel can truly address.
Additionally, Machen provided personal encouragement for believers facing doubt and persecution:
“Our real confidence rests not in the signs of the times, but in the great and precious promises of God.”
— Stephen Nichols, [22:00]
He emphasized unwavering faith in God’s promises, even amidst societal rejection and personal struggles.
Nathan W. Bingham’s Closing Remarks
Nathan W. Bingham concludes the episode by reflecting on Machen’s enduring relevance:
“We really do have no reason to be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
— Nathan W. Bingham, [23:15]
Bingham highlights the importance of Machen’s legacy in empowering Christians, especially the youth, to stand firm against societal claims that debunk Christianity. He encourages listeners to engage with Ligonier’s resources, attend upcoming events, and support the ministry through donations.
Final Thoughts and Upcoming Programming
As the episode wraps up, Bingham announces special programming for Holy Week, including:
- Dr. R.C. Sproul’s readings from The Donkey Who Carried a King.
- Messages from the What Did Jesus Do? series.
- A new book release from Dr. Sproul titled The Week That Changed the World.
Listeners are encouraged to participate and deepen their understanding of the Gospel through these resources.
Notable Quotes
-
Stephen Nichols:
“Apologetics is a rational defense of the Christian faith.”
— [02:45] -
Stephen Nichols:
“A Christianity that avoids argument is not the Christianity of the New Testament.”
— [00:00] -
Nathan W. Bingham:
“We really do have no reason to be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
— [23:15]
Conclusion
This episode of Renewing Your Mind offers a comprehensive exploration of J. Gresham Machen’s contributions to Christian apologetics. Through detailed analysis and historical context, Stephen Nichols and Nathan W. Bingham illustrate the vital role of reasoned defense in maintaining the integrity of the Christian faith. Machen’s legacy serves as both a scholarly foundation and an inspiration for contemporary believers to steadfastly uphold and articulate their beliefs amidst modern challenges.
For More Information:
- Donate and Receive Special Offers: Visit renewingyourmind.org before midnight.
- Register for Youth Apologetics Events: ligonier.org/events
- Join the National Conference: Learn more at ligonier.org/2026
Thank you for supporting the proclamation and defense of the Gospel through Renewing Your Mind.