by J. Gresham Machen
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
"The Origin of Paul's Religion" by J. Gresham Machen is a compelling exploration of the theological and historical underpinnings of Christianity, focusing specifically on the Apostle Paul. Machen challenges the prevailing theories of his time, particularly those suggesting that Paul's religion was derived merely from existing Jewish ideas or pagan beliefs. Instead, Machen argues convincingly for the uniqueness of Paul's divine revelation received through Jesus Christ.
This book is a detailed scholarly work that addresses the critical questions surrounding the early Christian church and its separation from both Judaism and pagan religions. Machen provides a thorough analysis of Paul’s writings and experiences, arguing that they represent a direct revelation from Christ rather than a synthesis of contemporary religious thought.
Machen thoroughly explores the environment in which Paul operated, examining the influences of Jewish monotheism, Hellenistic culture, and the early Christian community on his theology. He also assesses the supernatural aspects of Paul’s conversion and ministry, defending the miraculous against modern historical skepticism.
The book is structured to provide readers not only with historical context but also with a profound understanding of why Paul’s version of Christian doctrine was both revolutionary and true to the earliest teachings of Jesus. It is an essential read for theologians, historians, and anyone interested in the foundations of Christian faith as it articulates a defense of orthodoxy against the backdrop of modernist criticism.
Overall, Machen’s work stands out for its rigorous defense of the historical and divine truth of Christianity, making a compelling case for the supernatural origins of Paul's faith and its enduring impact on Christian theology.
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Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. The Early Years
III. The Triumph of Gentile Freedom
IV. Paul and Jesus
V. The Jewish Environment
VI. The Religion of the Hellenistic Age
VII. Redemption in Pagan Religion and in Paul
VIII. The Lordship of Jesus