The relationship between J. Gresham Machen (1881–1937) and Carl McIntire (1906–2002) evolved from allies in the fight against theological liberalism to bitter adversaries over doctrinal, practical, and personal differences. Here’s a breakdown of their relationship and eventual split:
1. Initial Alliance Against Liberalism
- Shared Opposition to Modernism:
Both Machen and McIntire were staunch conservatives who rejected the growing theological liberalism in the Presbyterian Church in the USA (PCUSA). Machen, a Princeton Theological Seminary professor and scholar, became a leading voice against modernism through works like Christianity and Liberalism (1923). McIntire, a younger minister, admired Machen and joined his cause. - Key Collaborations:
- Westminster Theological Seminary: Machen founded Westminster in
1929 after Princeton shifted toward liberalism; McIntire supported the
seminary and briefly served on its board.
- Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions: In 1933, Machen led the
creation of this alternative mission board to counter the PCUSA’s
"modernist" missions. McIntire joined the board, and both were
later suspended from the PCUSA for insubordination (1935).
2. Growing Tensions
Differences emerged over secondary doctrines, ecclesial
strategy, and leadership style:
A. Theological Disputes
- Eschatology:
Machen and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC), formed in 1936 after leaving the PCUSA, tolerated both amillennialism (the dominant Reformed view) and premillennialism. McIntire, however, insisted on premillennial dispensationalism (a literal 1,000-year earthly reign of Christ) as non-negotiable, accusing amillennialists of compromising Scripture. - Legalism vs. Confessionalism:
McIntire pushed for strict behavioral rules (e.g., total alcohol abstinence, dress codes) beyond the Westminster Confession. Machen opposed such extrabiblical legalism, emphasizing Reformed confessionalism over personal piety mandates.
B. Separatism vs. Engagement
- Ecumenical Separatism:
McIntire demanded complete separation from any group tainted by liberalism, including the newly formed OPC. He cited 2 Corinthians 6:14 (“Do not be unequally yoked”) to justify breaking ties even with conservative allies. Machen, while opposing liberalism, sought to engage broader Reformed networks without isolationism.
C. Leadership Styles
- Machen: A scholarly, principled leader focused on doctrinal integrity and
institutional reform.
- McIntire: A confrontational activist who embraced militancy, media campaigns
(e.g., his Christian Beacon newspaper), and
personality-driven leadership.
3. The Break (1936–1937)
- OPC Formation: In 1936, Machen led conservatives out of the PCUSA to form the
OPC. McIntire initially joined but quickly clashed with OPC leaders over
his premillennialism and separatism.
- Machen’s Death: Machen died suddenly in January 1937, leaving the OPC without its
founding leader. McIntire seized the opportunity to push his agenda.
- Bible Presbyterian Church (BPC): By 1937–1938, McIntire and his
followers split from the OPC to form the BPC, citing the OPC’s
“compromise” on eschatology and ecumenism. The BPC enforced
premillennialism, teetotalism, and strict separatism.
4. Aftermath and Legacy
- OPC vs. BPC: The OPC maintained Machen’s confessional Reformed focus, while the
BPC became a hub for McIntire’s fundamentalist activism. The BPC later
fragmented further, with remnants merging into the Presbyterian
Church in America (PCA) and Evangelical Presbyterian
Church (EPC).
- McIntire’s Downfall: McIntire’s authoritarianism, financial scandals, and far-right
political activism (e.g., anti-communist crusades) alienated many, leading
to his eventual marginalization.
- Machen’s Enduring Influence: Machen’s defense of Reformed orthodoxy and intellectual rigor left
a lasting legacy in conservative Presbyterianism, particularly through
Westminster Seminary and the OPC.
Key Points of Contention
|
Issue |
Machen’s Position |
McIntire’s Position |
|
Eschatology |
Tolerant of
amillennialism/premillennialism |
Premillennial dispensationalism
required |
|
Alcohol |
No teetotalism mandate (moderation
allowed) |
Total abstinence enforced |
|
Separatism |
Engage cautiously with other
conservatives |
Complete separation from
"compromised" groups |
|
Leadership |
Collegial, scholarly |
Authoritarian, media-driven |
Conclusion
Machen and McIntire began as allies in the battle against modernism, but
their partnership fractured over secondary doctrines, strategies for
engagement, and conflicting leadership styles. Machen’s death in 1937
accelerated the split, with McIntire’s fundamentalist zeal and legalism driving
him to form the BPC. Their rift illustrates tensions within conservative
Protestantism between confessional traditionalism and militant
separatism, a dynamic that continues to shape Reformed and evangelical
movements today.
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