“In the sphere of religion, as in other spheres, the things about which are agreed are apt to be the things that are least worth holding; the really important things are the things about which men will fight.”
–J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1923. Reprinted 2001), pp. 1-2.
“The great redemptive religion which has always been known as Christianity is battling against a totally diverse type of religious belief, which is only the more destructive of the Christian faith because it makes use of traditional Christian terminology.”
–J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1923. Reprinted 2001), p. 2.
“What prophet ever spoke in this way? The prophets said, ‘Thus saith the Lord,’ but Jesus said ‘I say.’ We have no mere prophet here, no mere humble exponent of the will of God; but a stupendous Person speaking in a manner which for any other person would be abominable and absurd.”
–J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1923. Reprinted 2001), p. 36.
“Here is found the most fundamental difference between liberalism and Christianity– liberalism is altogether in the imperative mood, while Christianity begins with a triumphant indicative; liberalism appeals to man’s will, which Christianity announces, first, a gracious act of God.”
–J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1923. Reprinted 2001), p. 47.
“Indifferentism about doctrine makes no heroes of the faith.”
–J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1923. Reprinted 2001), p. 51.
“At the very root of the modern liberal movement is the loss of the consciousness of sin.”
–J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1923. Reprinted 2001), p. 64.
“Without the consciousness of sin, the whole of the gospel will seem to be an idle tale.”
–J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1923. Reprinted 2001), p. 66.
“It (that is Christian experience) is a fair flower, and should be prized as a gift of God. But cut it from its root in the blessed Book, and it soon withers away and dies.”
–J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1923. Reprinted 2001), p. 72.
“Liberalism regards Him as an Example and Guide; Christianity, as a Saviour: liberalism makes Him an example for faith; Christianity, the object of faith.”
–J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1923. Reprinted 2001), p. 96.
“The greatest menace to the Christian Church today comes not from the enemies outside, but from the enemies within.”
–J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1923. Reprinted 2001), pp. 159-160.
