D.G. Hart, the editor of this superb volume, has collected 46 of Machen's shorter writings and organized them into 10 different categories. In amassing this selection of writings, Hart hopes to reveal the depth and complexity of Machen's thought. Although Machen is often viewed as a typical Fundamentalist, the writings collected here cast doubts on such unnuanced and myopic caricatures. One section in the volume on Christianity and culture reveals Machen's progressive social thought, which does not follow what one might expect from a conservative Presbyterian minister.
In a similar vein, another section contains writings which explore the relation of Machen to Fundamentalism. Interestingly, Machen's thought differs from Fundamentalism at several key points and Machen himself prefers "Calvinist" as a better description of his theological identity than the term "Fundamentalist." As a whole, this fine volume presents a compelling and at times surprising portrait of this Presbyterian stalwart, who continues to offer much wisdom to the church today.
