What is Christianity: A Selection of Notable Addresses by a Noble Defender of the Faith (Machen)

The original dust-jacket in 1951 began with these words: "The publication of a new collection of addresses by J. Gresham Machen is always an event. For this new volume the publishers have chosen twenty-seven addresses, papers and messages which are among Dr. Machen's very best apologetic efforts, and which will prove to be of enduring value in the defense of historic Christianity in any modern age. The addresses herein represent the most notable delivered by Dr. Machen during the last twenty years of his life; and now published together under the title of the opening address, 'What is Christianity?', are designed as a companion volume to his book of sermons, 'God Transcendant.'

It is always said of Machen's books that they are worth re-reading; that they can be consulted with profit over and over again. This is no less true of 'What is Christianity?' than it is of any of Dr. Machen's writings; for the threat from modernistic adversaries is ever the same, and the always cool, salient defense by Dr. Machen gives him an advantage that is, as H.L. Mencken put it, 'immense and obvious.'"

Table of Contents:

1. What is Christianity?
2. What the Bible Teaches about Jesus
3. The Witness of Paul
4. The Witness of the Gospels
5. The Virgin Birth of Christ
6. The Resurrection of Christ
7. Relations Between Jews and Christians
8. Christian Scholarship and Evangelism
9. Christian Scholarship and the Defense of the Gospel
10. Christian Scholarship and the Building Up of the Church
11. The Christian View of Missions
12. Christianity and Culture
13. History and Faith
14. The Modern Use of the Bible
15. The Christian and Human Relationships
16. The Church in the War
17. Facing the Facts Before God
18. Westminster Theological Seminary: Its Purpose and Plan
19. Consolations in the Midst of Battle
20. Servants of God or Servants of Men
21. Does Fundamentalism Obstruct Social Progress?
22. What Fundamentalism Stands for Now
23. Christianity and Liberty
24. The Responsibility of the Church in Our New Age
25. The Necessity of the Christian School
26. Mountains and Why We Love Them
27. The Benefits of Walking

Author

J. Gresham Machen (1881-1937) was professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1936 Machen was instrumental with others in founding what became the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, and was its first Moderator.

Endorsements 

"People have asked me whether Machen taught me. I have to tell them that he died 18 months before I was born. They ask that not only because they know him to be a 20th century American but because they have read some of his books and his writings are utterly up to date, vital, lucid and convicting.. He was the acknowledged champion of historic Christianity and so his books are timeless and even recently a book of his family letters from his service in Europe in the First World War have appeared. Appreciation for him has never been higher and in 'What is Christianity?' you will find the best introduction to his convictions. I love the man and I love this book. Thank God for J. Gresham Machen." - Geoff Thomas

"Machen was a singularly effective spokesman for Christianity for more than a score of years before his death on New Year's Day, 1937. Though his own books constitute the most significant record of what he had to say, they do not tell the complete story. Especially the public phases of his career as preacher, teacher, educator and citizen are illumined by the contents of the two volumes of sermons and addresses which are now made available to the general reader (the other volume being God Transcendant ). The present volume particularly discloses the rich diversity of his interests and activities as a Christian man and minister. . . May the publication of this volume serve, at least in a small way, to stimulate men to be concerned with the greatest questions, to mark the line where the truth lies, and to kindle love of the truth that they may be saved." - Ned B. Stonehouse (From the Introduction)