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A thorough investigation into the doctrine of Christ's virgin birth and its origins.
In what remains a widely discussed issue in contemporary theology, J. Gresham Machen's The Virgin Birth of Christ acts as both an introduction to the subject, and a window into American 'Princeton' theology in the early twentieth century. Machen undertakes an encyclopaedic study of the different perspectives on the virgin birth. He begins with a close reading of the scriptural accounts, comparing and contrasting the stories of Jesus' birth told in Luke and Matthew. Secular historical accounts are then considered, as well as possible alternative theories, including the likelihood of the story being of early Jewish or Pagan origin.
Machen's study was the definitive work on the virgin birth for the majority of the twentieth century, and remains an invaluable resource, both as an apologetic work and as a time capsule of theological progress.
In what remains a widely discussed issue in contemporary theology, J. Gresham Machen's The Virgin Birth of Christ acts as both an introduction to the subject, and a window into American 'Princeton' theology in the early twentieth century. Machen undertakes an encyclopaedic study of the different perspectives on the virgin birth. He begins with a close reading of the scriptural accounts, comparing and contrasting the stories of Jesus' birth told in Luke and Matthew. Secular historical accounts are then considered, as well as possible alternative theories, including the likelihood of the story being of early Jewish or Pagan origin.
Machen's study was the definitive work on the virgin birth for the majority of the twentieth century, and remains an invaluable resource, both as an apologetic work and as a time capsule of theological progress.
Price: $49.95
Pages: 432
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Inc.
Imprint: James Clarke
Publication Date:
28 July 2022
Trim Size: 5.98 X 8.98 in
ISBN: 9780227176825
Format: Paperback
BISACs:
RELIGION / Christian Theology / Systematic, Christianity, RELIGION / Biblical Studies / New Testament / General, RELIGION / Biblical Studies / New Testament / Jesus, the Gospels & Acts, RELIGION / Christian Theology / History, RELIGION / Christian Theology / General, RELIGION / Biblical Studies / General, Theology, Criticism and exegesis of sacred texts, New Testaments
Professor Machen's work is elaborate, learned and full. The writer possesses an acute mind and a competent knowledge of modern critical literature.
The Author has thought all around his subject and has left no phase unconsidered. His earlier published studies show that he has been thinking about it for a quarter of a century. I am not aware of any important literature on either side of the subject that he has overlooked.
It is no doubt the most extensive book on the subject that has hitherto appeared, an impressive volume. But it is ... also so earnest, so circumspect, so intelligent in its discussions, that it must be recognized unqualifiedly as an important achievement.
Dr Machen's learning is so great and his reading exceedingly wide, so that his book will long be a repertory of information as to all angles of its subject.
The Author has thought all around his subject and has left no phase unconsidered. His earlier published studies show that he has been thinking about it for a quarter of a century. I am not aware of any important literature on either side of the subject that he has overlooked.
It is no doubt the most extensive book on the subject that has hitherto appeared, an impressive volume. But it is ... also so earnest, so circumspect, so intelligent in its discussions, that it must be recognized unqualifiedly as an important achievement.
Dr Machen's learning is so great and his reading exceedingly wide, so that his book will long be a repertory of information as to all angles of its subject.
Preface to the First Edition
Preface to the Second Edition
Introduction
1. The Virgin Birth in the Second Century
2. The Birth Narrative an Original Part of the Third Gospel
3. Characteristics of the Lucan Narrative
4. The Hymns of the First Chapter of Luke
5. The Origin and Transmission of the Lucan Narrative
6. The Integrity of the Lucan Narrative
7. The Narrative in Matthew
8. The Relation between the Narratives
9. The Inherent Credibility of the Narratives
10. The Birth Narratives and Secular History
11. The Birth Narratives and the Rest of the New Testament
12. Alternative Th eories: Preliminary Considerations
13. The Theory of Jewish Derivation
14. The Theory of Pagan Derivation
15. Conclusion and Consequences
Index
Preface to the Second Edition
Introduction
1. The Virgin Birth in the Second Century
2. The Birth Narrative an Original Part of the Third Gospel
3. Characteristics of the Lucan Narrative
4. The Hymns of the First Chapter of Luke
5. The Origin and Transmission of the Lucan Narrative
6. The Integrity of the Lucan Narrative
7. The Narrative in Matthew
8. The Relation between the Narratives
9. The Inherent Credibility of the Narratives
10. The Birth Narratives and Secular History
11. The Birth Narratives and the Rest of the New Testament
12. Alternative Th eories: Preliminary Considerations
13. The Theory of Jewish Derivation
14. The Theory of Pagan Derivation
15. Conclusion and Consequences
Index