{Book Review} J. Gresham Machen: A Biographical Memoir

J. Gresham Machen: A Biographical Memoir is written by Ned B. Stonehouse and published by Banner of Truth. This book was originally published in 1954. Banner of Truth’s first publication of this book was in 1987, and it was then republished and retypeset in 2020. 

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J. Gresham Machen: A Biographical Memoir

I would like to begin this review by honoring the subject of this book, J. Gresham Machen, by following the author’s lead in helping the reader to correctly pronounce this name. Many of us in the Reformed community view the pronunciation of this name as a kind of shibboleth (see Judges 12:6). So first of all, it’s not pronounced as gresh’am, but gress’am. And it’s not may’ken, but may’chen. With that out of the way, let’s dive in to this wonderful biography. 

Ned Stonehouse (1902-1962) “was an outstanding New Testament scholar and a colleague of Gresham Machen, serving as a founding member of the faculty of Westminster Theological Seminary for over thirty years” (taken from the back cover). He is truly one of the best qualified writers of this biography. 

This biography is sure to be the kind of book that the reader won’t be able to put down. Though it is certainly a large book (600 pages), it’s the kind of book that is read fairly quickly due to the exciting content. Gresham Machen is considered one of the most significant figures in the church in the twentieth century. Though he directly impacted the Presbyterian branch of Christianity, he certainly impacted the broader evangelical world in very significant ways as well as he defended the biblical Gospel and the reliability of God’s Holy Word. In a day when liberal theology seemed to almost completely take over the church, Gresham Machen was there to stare the opponent in the face and go to battle with them. He was willing to suffer for this, and he indeed faced that suffering often in his life. This biography not only honors the man, but it is a thrilling read, and one that will surely encourage Christians today (especially men who are in church leadership) to be courageous for Christ. 

I really enjoyed Stonehouse’s writing style. I also liked the pictures that were sprinkled throughout the book. Nothing competes, though, with the color picture of Gresham Machen as he’s surrounded by his Westminster Seminary faculty. Very well done! 

Christians should read at least one biography every year, and this is definitely one that needs to be toward the top of the list of bios to read! Tolle lege, take up and read! 

Disclaimer: My thanks to Banner of Truth for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.