Christianity and Liberalism

On November 3, 1921, the author of this book delivered a speech before the Elders of the Chesterton Association Presbytery, which was subsequently published in The Princeton Review, vol. Xx, 1922, pp. 93-117, under the title “Liberalism or Christianity.” The speech generated such interest that it motivated the author to write an extensive work on the same subject.

This classic defense of true Christianity opposes the growing liberalism of the early 20th century. In it, Machen sets out to establish the importance of biblical doctrine and to draw a clear contrast between liberalism and orthodox Christianity with respect to the doctrines of God, man, the Bible, Christ, salvation, and the Church. These teachings continue to be under attack to this day, so readers will grasp the continued relevance of this book written some seventy years ago.

The purpose of this book is not to resolve the religious issues of the moment, but rather to present current religious issues with the greatest possible clarity and sharpness, with the aim of helping the reader to evaluate them for themselves.