The Virgin Birth of Christ

by J. Gresham Machen

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Extent: 432 pages

Publisher: James Clarke & Co

Subjects: Religious Studies

Language: English

Hardback (No longer our product)

(November 1987)

ISBN: 9780227676301

Price: $32.00

Out of stock

PDF (Published)

(July 2022)

ISBN: 9780227906682

Price: $26.00

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.

  • By (author) J Gresham Machen

"This volume sustains, and more than sustains, Dr. Machen's reputation as not only one of the world's foremost New Testament scholars but as one of the ablest defenders of historic Christianity." Samuel Craig, in Christianity Today, May 1930 "Professor Machen has written a book on the Virgin Birth which is certain to gain the attention of all, friends or foes, who have an interest in this perplexing subject. His work is genuinely learned; it displays a thorough mastery of relevant literature, even when rather out of the way, and is surrounded by a wider zone of scholarship than discussion of this special subject might seem to require, but one which testifies the more to the writer's extreme carefulness." Professor H.R. Mackintosh, in British Weekly "Professor Machen's work is elaborate, learned and full. The writer possesses an acute mind and a competent knowledge of modern critical literature." The Times "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." Theologische Studien und Kritiken "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 Churchman (USA)