John Gresham Machen (1881-1937) was an American Protestant theologian, pastor, and scholar, best known as a prominent figure in the conservative Presbyterian movement known as the "fundamentalist-modernist controversy" of the early 20th century.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Machen received his education at Johns Hopkins University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and the Universities of Marburg and Göttingen in Germany. He became a professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary, where he taught for 23 years. Machen's scholarly insights and dedicated commitment to biblical orthodoxy brought him both acclaim and controversy within his denomination.
Machen's most significant contribution to theology was his robust defense of historic Protestant Christianity against the rising tide of liberal theology and modernist reinterpretation of the Bible. He argued passionately for the importance of preserving the supernatural elements of the Christian faith, insisting on the inerrancy and authority of Scripture as well as the necessity of Christ's atoning work for salvation.
Machen's theological positions led to his involvement in the fundamentalist movement, and eventually, his departure from Princeton Theological Seminary. In 1929, he founded Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as an institution dedicated to upholding traditional Christian orthodoxy in theological education.
A prolific author and eloquent speaker, Machen sought to equip believers with a robust understanding of the Christian faith while engaging with contemporary theological challenges. His written works, including "Christianity and Liberalism" and "The Origin of Paul's Religion," continue to be influential in shaping conservative Protestant theology.
Machen's legacy lies in his unwavering defense of biblical truth and his pivotal role in the conservative Christian movement of the early 20th century.
