Notes from Chapter 1 of Machen's "Christianity & Liberalism"

Tim Challies is currently leading an on-line reading group, which is discussing J. Gresham Machen's Christianity & Liberalism. Below are some notes that I've taken from the first chapter.

"...the really important things are the things about which men will fight."

Modernism/liberalism is rooted in naturalism.

"...may Christianity be maintained in a scientific age?"

The liberal theologian seeks to rescue "the general principles of religion," which are considered "the essence of Christianity."

"Modern liberalism may be criticized (1) on the ground that it is un-Christian and (2) on the ground that it is unscientific." [Machen focuses on the first criticism.]

Christianity is not in conflict with science.

"...the things that are sometimes thought to be the hardest to defend are also the things that are most worth defending."

"A public-school system, if it means the providing of free education for those who desire it, is a noteworthy and beneficent achievement of modern times; but when once it becomes monopolistic it is the most perfect instrument of tyranny which has yet been devised."

Machen decries the ill effects of utilitarianism, especially upon art and education.