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Charles Hodge: The Pride of Princeton
Charles Hodge (1797 1878) is regarded by many as the most significant American theologian of the nineteenth century. He drove forward the rapid growth of theological education and contributed to Presbyterianism's wide-ranging influence in public life. His advocacy of a Reformed orthodoxy combined with evangelical piety attracted a broad following within Old School Presbyterianism that spilled over into American evangelicalism as a whole. Hodge helped to define a distinctive ministerial model the pastor-scholar and his fingerprints can be seen all over the Reformed Christian scene of today.
464 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
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October 12, 2012
Author Andrew Hoffecker said in an interview that his study of Charles Hodge actually arose from reading about fundamentalism. While Hoffecker was a PhD student at Brown University, he came across Ernest R. Sandeen's
The Roots of Fundamentalism
(Univ. of Chicago, 1970). Sandeen, Hoffecker says, was the first to treat fundamentalism as a serious theological movement. Sandeen argued that fundamentalism was a union of dispensationalism and (Old) Princetonian theology—a union created by shared opposition to theological liberalism. Sandeen, however, wrote off the Princetonians' piety. They were, he said, all head and no heart. Hoffecker knew Sandeen's assessment of the Princetonians was wrong, and he wrote a dissertation to prove it.
Charles Hodge was one of the three major figures covered in that volume, and Hoffecker has returned several decades later to give him a full biographical treatment. This is a biography with a clear thesis relevant to you and me:
Hodge’s Piety
Hodge was indeed a pious man from a loving Christian family who himself formed a family legacy. His own son, A.A. Hodge, became another famous Princeton Seminary professor who served the church with his scholarship. Charles Hodge’s piety comes out over and over in Hoffecker’s volume, particularly in the journal entries Hoffecker unearthed. It comes out in quotes like this:
Hodge was not the modernist rationalist that some postmodern and postconservative theologians have painted him to be. Hodge loved the Lord with heart and mind and knew that only such a love could produce right thinking.
Hodge, like Jonathan Edwards, worked hard at a balance between head and heart, thought and feeling. "For Hodge, the cognitive and affective elements of the Christian faith are necessary, complementary, and never in contradiction." (227) He sought a similar balance in his assessment of revivalism:
Hodge’s Scholarship
Hodge's primary role in American Christianity was, of course, that of scholar. Hoffecker is willing to mention Hodge's academic weaknesses (languages being one of them; p. 149; cf. 218f.), but it was his academic strengths that endeared him to the church. It was a great strength of Hodge's, for example, that he studied in (and survived) Germany. The dangers Hodge saw in the developing German liberalism—dangers that affected, in Hodge's opinion, even the most evangelical of his friends there—scared him enough that he felt he ought to filter for America the books coming from the Old World. Hodge's book reviews in his own journal, The Biblical Repertory and Princeton Review , had a helpful impact on the American theological scene. Hodge felt that Christianity ought to impact all of life, so the Review touched on a broad range of topics, including science and economics.
The Review was also Hodge's venue for careful reports on the debates going on within American Presbyterianism. Hodge lived through a good deal of denominational wrangling, but to use such a word belies the importance of the issues at stake. Piety and doctrine were included in the wrangling, as was the massive issue of slavery. Hoffecker gives all of these a thorough treatment (but nonetheless manages to have fairly concise chapters throughout his volume).
Hodge and My Alma Mater
The thesis of Hodge's biography is important for my own alma mater (and other sectors of fundamentalism) in 2012, because we very clearly draws from both strains of Christianity mentioned by Earnest Sandeen: dispensationalism and Old Princeton. But Hoffecker shows that it is wrong to say that the former filled our hearts and the latter stuffed our heads. Strong piety (and even the influence of revival) was clearly present in Hodge—and in the Old Princeton he so decisively shaped. And through ties as personal as former Princeton professor Charles Brokenshire—who became a legendary Dean of the School of Religion at Bob Jones University (and even left his name on one of our dorms)—we can trace a direct line to Hodge's influence on us. Hodge is part of what we are, and he posits a vision of what we can be:
Charles Hodge was one of the three major figures covered in that volume, and Hoffecker has returned several decades later to give him a full biographical treatment. This is a biography with a clear thesis relevant to you and me:
Charles Hodge manifested the attributes associated with Calvinistic confessionalism (strong adherence to creedal religion, liturgical forms, and corporate worship) as well as the characteristics of evangelical pietism, moral activism, and individual pious practices. (32)
Hodge’s Piety
Hodge was indeed a pious man from a loving Christian family who himself formed a family legacy. His own son, A.A. Hodge, became another famous Princeton Seminary professor who served the church with his scholarship. Charles Hodge’s piety comes out over and over in Hoffecker’s volume, particularly in the journal entries Hoffecker unearthed. It comes out in quotes like this:
All familiar intercourse with holy things is dangerous. The ministry itself, from its official attention to religious duties and religious truth is perilous. (70)
Hodge was not the modernist rationalist that some postmodern and postconservative theologians have painted him to be. Hodge loved the Lord with heart and mind and knew that only such a love could produce right thinking.
Hodge, like Jonathan Edwards, worked hard at a balance between head and heart, thought and feeling. "For Hodge, the cognitive and affective elements of the Christian faith are necessary, complementary, and never in contradiction." (227) He sought a similar balance in his assessment of revivalism:
Hodge … affirm[ed] that revivals involving Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, Gilbert Tennent, and Samuel Davies had brought great blessings to the church. He rejected, however, the "hurtful error" that "these extraordinary seasons [were] the only means of promoting religion." … [Hodge added] that the gospel did not advance by "sudden and violent paroxysms of exertion"! Unfortunately, revival excitements offered potentially dramatic and spectacular experiences, which rendered "the ordinary means of grace … insipid or distasteful." Even ministers fell prey to relying on revivals "so that all other means are lost sight of." Hodge insisted that the less spectacular and unremarkable means of grace from an external point of view produced far more reliable and lasting work in people's inner spiritual lives. (164; cf. 202)
Hodge’s Scholarship
Hodge's primary role in American Christianity was, of course, that of scholar. Hoffecker is willing to mention Hodge's academic weaknesses (languages being one of them; p. 149; cf. 218f.), but it was his academic strengths that endeared him to the church. It was a great strength of Hodge's, for example, that he studied in (and survived) Germany. The dangers Hodge saw in the developing German liberalism—dangers that affected, in Hodge's opinion, even the most evangelical of his friends there—scared him enough that he felt he ought to filter for America the books coming from the Old World. Hodge's book reviews in his own journal, The Biblical Repertory and Princeton Review , had a helpful impact on the American theological scene. Hodge felt that Christianity ought to impact all of life, so the Review touched on a broad range of topics, including science and economics.
The Review was also Hodge's venue for careful reports on the debates going on within American Presbyterianism. Hodge lived through a good deal of denominational wrangling, but to use such a word belies the importance of the issues at stake. Piety and doctrine were included in the wrangling, as was the massive issue of slavery. Hoffecker gives all of these a thorough treatment (but nonetheless manages to have fairly concise chapters throughout his volume).
Hodge and My Alma Mater
The thesis of Hodge's biography is important for my own alma mater (and other sectors of fundamentalism) in 2012, because we very clearly draws from both strains of Christianity mentioned by Earnest Sandeen: dispensationalism and Old Princeton. But Hoffecker shows that it is wrong to say that the former filled our hearts and the latter stuffed our heads. Strong piety (and even the influence of revival) was clearly present in Hodge—and in the Old Princeton he so decisively shaped. And through ties as personal as former Princeton professor Charles Brokenshire—who became a legendary Dean of the School of Religion at Bob Jones University (and even left his name on one of our dorms)—we can trace a direct line to Hodge's influence on us. Hodge is part of what we are, and he posits a vision of what we can be:
Hodge would not shrug the responsibility for polemically confronting error as he perceived it. Scholarship at Princeton would be scholarship for pastors and thus scholarship that directed the church's ministry…. Hodge remained confident that preparation for the … ministry would combine exacting scholarship with traditional orthodoxy and piety. (pp. 71-72)
May 18, 2019
A dear Methodist minister friend bought me a copy and sent it to me out of the blue. He knew I like all things theological and Presbyterian, and Charles Hodge fits right into that nook. What my friend didn’t know is that this volume was written by an enjoyable Church History professor I had in seminary. So, my pleasure in receiving the tome was expanded exponentially! “Charles Hodge: The Pride of Princeton” is a 464-page paperback, and the fifth volume in the American Reformed Biography series by P&R Publishing. W. Andrew Hoffecker is emeritus professor of church history at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi, and author of two books on worldview, as well as “Piety and the Princeton Theologians.” Hoffecker desires to show “that Charles Hodge manifested the attributes associated with Calvinistic confessionalism (strong adherence to creedal religion, liturgical forms, and corporate worship) as well as the characteristics of evangelical piety (the necessity of vital religion marked by conversion, moral activism, and individual pious practice)” (32). I think the author reached his goal in a highly readable way!
Hoffecker chronicles the life of Charles Hodge, beginning with the family legacy of Presbyterians and patriots. He moves on through Hodge’s fatherless homelife and pious upbringing. Then the author describes the mentors Hodge had, his educational advancements and accomplishments, his development as a “New Side” (embracing the warm piety of the First Great Awakening) and “Old School” (holding to the Westminster Confession of Faith and classic Presbyterianism) theologian, his role in the controversies of the nineteenth century, and the ways Hodge held at bay the rising theological aberrations infiltrating from Germany. Hoffecker’s concluding paragraph summarizes the whole volume: “While the term New Side-Old School Presbyterian might seem a contradiction if not an impossibility in principle, Charles Hodge managed to exhibit the best that each faction could offer in its heyday. Unabashed in his enthusiasm for sound orthodoxy coupled with Reformed piety, as churchman, theologian, controversialist, and writer on all matters of interest, he lived and worked as one of the nineteenth century’s most influential Presbyterians” (360).
Hoffecker has done an excellent job in giving readers a wholesome biography on Charles Hodge, without sugarcoating the blemishes and idiosyncrasies. For Presbyterians, and those interested in American antiquity, this volume will put some much-needed historical background and context on the table. For Presbyterian ministers, you will find many of our own modern internal conflicts have their roots in Hodge’s own day and will gain more discerning perceptions. I’m delighted that my Methodist minister friend thought enough of me to obtain a copy and send it to me. But on the off chance you don’t have a friend who will purchase you a copy, let me encourage you to snatch up one as soon as you can and dive in. You won’t be disappointed!
Hoffecker chronicles the life of Charles Hodge, beginning with the family legacy of Presbyterians and patriots. He moves on through Hodge’s fatherless homelife and pious upbringing. Then the author describes the mentors Hodge had, his educational advancements and accomplishments, his development as a “New Side” (embracing the warm piety of the First Great Awakening) and “Old School” (holding to the Westminster Confession of Faith and classic Presbyterianism) theologian, his role in the controversies of the nineteenth century, and the ways Hodge held at bay the rising theological aberrations infiltrating from Germany. Hoffecker’s concluding paragraph summarizes the whole volume: “While the term New Side-Old School Presbyterian might seem a contradiction if not an impossibility in principle, Charles Hodge managed to exhibit the best that each faction could offer in its heyday. Unabashed in his enthusiasm for sound orthodoxy coupled with Reformed piety, as churchman, theologian, controversialist, and writer on all matters of interest, he lived and worked as one of the nineteenth century’s most influential Presbyterians” (360).
Hoffecker has done an excellent job in giving readers a wholesome biography on Charles Hodge, without sugarcoating the blemishes and idiosyncrasies. For Presbyterians, and those interested in American antiquity, this volume will put some much-needed historical background and context on the table. For Presbyterian ministers, you will find many of our own modern internal conflicts have their roots in Hodge’s own day and will gain more discerning perceptions. I’m delighted that my Methodist minister friend thought enough of me to obtain a copy and send it to me. But on the off chance you don’t have a friend who will purchase you a copy, let me encourage you to snatch up one as soon as you can and dive in. You won’t be disappointed!
September 9, 2013
Hoffecker's writing is clear and easy to read. He summarized Hodge's theology and writings well. I will confess that I had a difficult time engaging the book. Whereas some will find the Presbyterian intramural debates interesting (based on the cover reviews this is obviously the case), I was more interested in the larger issues that affected all of Christendom. I especially would have liked to see more attention given to Hodge's interaction on slavery, the Civil War, and with Darwinism. These topics were addressed. I would have liked more. My reading of this book was made more difficult because I read it at the same time, ironically, that I read "Team of Rivals." Each book covered men who were contemporaries. The issues that made up the majority of Hodge's bio were not quite as momentous.
April 17, 2023
Andrew Hoffecker has written an engaging biography of Charles Hodge who lived during an important period in American history. Hoffecker at the end called him a "Man of the Center." In other words, Hodge was balanced, and that balance became evident as he matured in his thought and engagement with controversy. Steeped in pietism in his childhood and early adult years, Hodge never left his confessional moorings and Calvinistic tradition. His mind was "old school" with a "new school" heart. The bio shows how wide ranging his interests were. Hodge was a consummate churchman but he wrestled with affairs outside of ecclesiastical boundaries with the social and cultural issues of the day. . . slavery, war, evolution, transcendentalism, etc, bringing to bear a Biblical perspective on the issues of the day.
June 29, 2024
It's tough to write a review of a biography that is necessarily niche in its focus and audience. However, I still believe some serious flaws remain. firstly, Hoffecker is not a great writer. He constantly repeats himself. This book could use some editing to address that. Second, Hoffecker chose to delve into the parliamentary and ecclesiastical controversies that Hodge entered into as an Old School Presbyterian, but neglected to write more about his actual thought. Little to nothing is said about Common Sense Realism, despite it being mentioned as Hodge's epistemology. Little to nothing is said about his magnum opus, his three-volume ST. Still, there are precious few biographies of Hodge, so this volume will have to do for those interested in his life and thought.
November 16, 2020
It's remarkable to me that a biography can be this interesting when the title character did very little that was dramatic. After a couple of fascinating years in Europe, Hodge taught seminary classes at the same school for over 50 years. Hoffeker is masterful, however, in tracing Hodge's enormous influence through his vast and varied writings. I'm a Baptist and, therefore, disagree with some of Hodge's deeply held beliefs; nevertheless, I found the discussions illuminating and enjoyable.
Read
January 31, 2021"I am not afraid to say that a new idea never originated in this Seminary"
December 26, 2012
3.5 stars.
Coming into this book, I knew relatively little about Charles Hodge: professor at Princeton, helped to safeguard orthodoxy in America in the 19th century, and was a theological father to men like Warfield, Machen, and JP Boice. I also knew that there were caricatures created about him and others whenever I sat in my thesis course in undergrad and heard a fellow student give a scathing retort to "old" Princeton.
This book, then, was very helpful in understanding more about this icon of American Reformed thinkers. I found most illumining his study in Germany and subsequent interaction with Europe later on in his life, his perspective on slavery, the role of piety in theological education, and his views on Darwinism detailed in his Systematic Theology. All of this was tremendously helpful in understanding Hodge's importance in modern church history.
I also found it interesting to see someone live and interact with most of the "big movements" in 19th century--Darwinism, transcedentalism, the German mind, slavery, the Civil War, etc. etc. I've studied each of those topics independently in various disciplines growing up, but never have seen an academic abiding in the Westminster Standards interact with each.
The only downside of this book for me was, as a Baptist, the in-depth history of certain Presbyterian schisms. While overall I learned more about the history of Presbyterianism in America, I had a hard time maintaining focus and understanding of its historical significance. Personally, I would much rather have read more about Hodge's life with his family, personal devotion, and more information about his dealings with the Civil War. Outside of his mother, first wife, and AA Hodge, there is little information about the rest of his family past the first part of the book. I grant that it would be near impossible to appropriately breach all of these topics, but for a book that wants to specifically push the piety of Hodge as part of its thesis, I think it would have benefited much from more exploration of these themes.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and very much look forward to hopefully reading the books on JP Boice and RL Dabney in the same series.
Coming into this book, I knew relatively little about Charles Hodge: professor at Princeton, helped to safeguard orthodoxy in America in the 19th century, and was a theological father to men like Warfield, Machen, and JP Boice. I also knew that there were caricatures created about him and others whenever I sat in my thesis course in undergrad and heard a fellow student give a scathing retort to "old" Princeton.
This book, then, was very helpful in understanding more about this icon of American Reformed thinkers. I found most illumining his study in Germany and subsequent interaction with Europe later on in his life, his perspective on slavery, the role of piety in theological education, and his views on Darwinism detailed in his Systematic Theology. All of this was tremendously helpful in understanding Hodge's importance in modern church history.
I also found it interesting to see someone live and interact with most of the "big movements" in 19th century--Darwinism, transcedentalism, the German mind, slavery, the Civil War, etc. etc. I've studied each of those topics independently in various disciplines growing up, but never have seen an academic abiding in the Westminster Standards interact with each.
The only downside of this book for me was, as a Baptist, the in-depth history of certain Presbyterian schisms. While overall I learned more about the history of Presbyterianism in America, I had a hard time maintaining focus and understanding of its historical significance. Personally, I would much rather have read more about Hodge's life with his family, personal devotion, and more information about his dealings with the Civil War. Outside of his mother, first wife, and AA Hodge, there is little information about the rest of his family past the first part of the book. I grant that it would be near impossible to appropriately breach all of these topics, but for a book that wants to specifically push the piety of Hodge as part of its thesis, I think it would have benefited much from more exploration of these themes.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and very much look forward to hopefully reading the books on JP Boice and RL Dabney in the same series.
March 10, 2012
For my "paideia" I find it pretty important to read biographies of leaders in the Christian faith, of which Hodge was. Born in December of 1797 and living until June of 1878 he existed through a very interesting time in American Religion and Politics.
Growing up he was catechized by his mother, church was not an option, and for Charles piety was a preferred lifestyle which never changed. The book takes you through much of his growth intellectually. He enrolled at Princeton at 14 and at that time was studying Latin and Greek already. Upon graduation of Princeton college he continued on at Princeton Seminary, becoming a Professor at the seminary after graduating. From here on out the book deals with mostly the academic life of Charles Hodge and the various struggles within academia and the church.
The past dealt with in this book has many lessons for us in the present. It shows that as cultures advance, things change some, but as the saying goes, they really kind of stay the same, nothing new under the sun. This is a book that will definitely be enjoyed by academics and pastors because they will empathize more with Hodge than the laymen. Though coming in at 360 pages it felt like a 500 page book because each paged is packed with words and lessons.
The biggest negative of the book was the numerous things repeated throughout the different chapters but I still found it worthy of the time. The chapters on slavery and science, very interesting and enlightening for us today.
Growing up he was catechized by his mother, church was not an option, and for Charles piety was a preferred lifestyle which never changed. The book takes you through much of his growth intellectually. He enrolled at Princeton at 14 and at that time was studying Latin and Greek already. Upon graduation of Princeton college he continued on at Princeton Seminary, becoming a Professor at the seminary after graduating. From here on out the book deals with mostly the academic life of Charles Hodge and the various struggles within academia and the church.
The past dealt with in this book has many lessons for us in the present. It shows that as cultures advance, things change some, but as the saying goes, they really kind of stay the same, nothing new under the sun. This is a book that will definitely be enjoyed by academics and pastors because they will empathize more with Hodge than the laymen. Though coming in at 360 pages it felt like a 500 page book because each paged is packed with words and lessons.
The biggest negative of the book was the numerous things repeated throughout the different chapters but I still found it worthy of the time. The chapters on slavery and science, very interesting and enlightening for us today.
July 26, 2012
Charles Hodge
W. Andrew Hoffecker
Book Description: Charles Hodge (1797-1878) is regarded by many as the most significant American theologian of the nineteenth century. He drove forward the rapid growth of theological education and contributed to Presbyterianism's wide-ranging influence in public life. His advocacy of a Reformed orthodoxy combined with evangelical piety attracted a broad following within Old School Presbyterianism that spilled over into American evangelicalism as a whole. Hodge helped to define a distinctive ministerial model-the pastor-scholar-and his fingerprints can be seen all over the Reformed Christian scene of today.
Review: This was a biography on Charles Hodge and his ministry. This is a great series to learn about those who have gone before. We live in a world where these biographies become more important to have an example of Godliness before us due to people moving, changes in the church and the breakdown of the family even in the church. Never before have more people been only been to church on Christmas Eve and Easter when they come to Christ it is through the lives of believers that we can glean the lives we wish to reflect upon for encouragement and example. Charles Hodge had a very dynamic life and his childhood was a model for our culture today to reflect on. It is important to have Godly role models for us to learn from.
I would like to thank Net Galley and P & R Publishing for allowing me to read and review his book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
W. Andrew Hoffecker
Book Description: Charles Hodge (1797-1878) is regarded by many as the most significant American theologian of the nineteenth century. He drove forward the rapid growth of theological education and contributed to Presbyterianism's wide-ranging influence in public life. His advocacy of a Reformed orthodoxy combined with evangelical piety attracted a broad following within Old School Presbyterianism that spilled over into American evangelicalism as a whole. Hodge helped to define a distinctive ministerial model-the pastor-scholar-and his fingerprints can be seen all over the Reformed Christian scene of today.
Review: This was a biography on Charles Hodge and his ministry. This is a great series to learn about those who have gone before. We live in a world where these biographies become more important to have an example of Godliness before us due to people moving, changes in the church and the breakdown of the family even in the church. Never before have more people been only been to church on Christmas Eve and Easter when they come to Christ it is through the lives of believers that we can glean the lives we wish to reflect upon for encouragement and example. Charles Hodge had a very dynamic life and his childhood was a model for our culture today to reflect on. It is important to have Godly role models for us to learn from.
I would like to thank Net Galley and P & R Publishing for allowing me to read and review his book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
November 11, 2014
This biography of Presbyterian theologian Charles Hodge will probably be of most interest to theology students, some lay Presbyterians, and those interested in the history of nineteenth-century American religious thought.
To some, the name of Charles Hodge may be familiar only through the name on the spine of a three-volume systematic theology. Andrew Hoffecker’s book gives the reader a good feel for Hodge as a person, but focuses particularly on how he responded to and shaped Presbyterian thought, debates, and polity issues. Of special note is Hoffecker’s reiteration throughout that Hodge was committed both to confessional Reformed theology and at the same time to personal piety. In other words, the world of the mind and the world of the heart were of equal importance for Hodge. This enabled him to be a moderating voice in the various debates and social issues that swirled around the Presbyterian church of the 1800s.
For those not familiar with the divisions and debates of the American Presbyterian church—I was only marginally up on this topic—Hoffecker offers a well-written overview that sets these issues in perspective, first, within the large context of Presbyterian history and second, within the larger social climate of the times. As one endorsement indicated, this is not a hagiography but a balanced look at one man’s strengths, weaknesses and legacy. It also provides a window into American church history of roughly 150 years ago. I have not read other Hodge biographies so can’t compare it, but I found it a very helpful book.
To some, the name of Charles Hodge may be familiar only through the name on the spine of a three-volume systematic theology. Andrew Hoffecker’s book gives the reader a good feel for Hodge as a person, but focuses particularly on how he responded to and shaped Presbyterian thought, debates, and polity issues. Of special note is Hoffecker’s reiteration throughout that Hodge was committed both to confessional Reformed theology and at the same time to personal piety. In other words, the world of the mind and the world of the heart were of equal importance for Hodge. This enabled him to be a moderating voice in the various debates and social issues that swirled around the Presbyterian church of the 1800s.
For those not familiar with the divisions and debates of the American Presbyterian church—I was only marginally up on this topic—Hoffecker offers a well-written overview that sets these issues in perspective, first, within the large context of Presbyterian history and second, within the larger social climate of the times. As one endorsement indicated, this is not a hagiography but a balanced look at one man’s strengths, weaknesses and legacy. It also provides a window into American church history of roughly 150 years ago. I have not read other Hodge biographies so can’t compare it, but I found it a very helpful book.
December 3, 2012
Charles Hodge seems to be the favorite whipping boy for how not to do theology, even among evangelical theologians such as John Frame and Kevin Vanhoozer. A common complaint is that Hodge relied overmuch on common sense realism and the scientific method of his day and that Princeton Theology became over intellectualized by reducing theology to propositions based on facts collected from Scripture. While the Princeton method is not above criticism, much of the criticism lodged against it is unfair. Hoffecker, who had already written a book on Princeton's piety, demonstrates in this biography that genuine Christian piety played a large role in Hodge’s life and ministry.
Hoffecker also ably walks the reader through the various theological controversies in which Hodges engaged, from debates between Old and New School Presbyterians, to his exchanges with Nevin, to the debates surrounding the Civil War to Darwinian Evolution—and more. Hoffecker is an excellent guide to these topics.
In all, this is an excellent biography exposing the thought of a significant, but much maligned, American theologian.
Hoffecker also ably walks the reader through the various theological controversies in which Hodges engaged, from debates between Old and New School Presbyterians, to his exchanges with Nevin, to the debates surrounding the Civil War to Darwinian Evolution—and more. Hoffecker is an excellent guide to these topics.
In all, this is an excellent biography exposing the thought of a significant, but much maligned, American theologian.
November 27, 2012
Continuing with the series of American Reformed Biographies is "Charles Hodge Tje Pride of Princeton". Hodge probably more than any other name is associated with 19th century Presbyterianism. He served over 50 years at Princeton seminary, was replaced by his son. Taught over 2500 students who went on to become both pastors here and abroad as well as future professors. He was an influence on men such as AA. Hodge, B.B. Warfield and Charles P. Beatty (Not that well known but his name caught my attention).
Hodge was known as a staunch defender of the Reformed doctrine or Calvinism. He stood his ground against the influx of German theology and was often involves in long and protracted debates. one of those debates that was not that long was on communion with John Williamson Nevin a former student who clearly Got tje better of his former teacher.
This biography goes into Hodge's life and much of his thought and doctrine. There are not many bios on Hodge and for those who have an interest in American Church History as well as Presbyterian History. I think you will find this a very interesting read.
January 26, 2013
This biography of Charles Hodge was pretty good, but not great. Hoffecker's method is helpful in that he approaches Hodge a bit more topically than a more chronologically-oriented biography might. This makes it easier to pinpoint specific debates or issues, but isn't always the greatest approach for telling an interesting story. The main issue that sometimes made reading this book seem like a chore is how repetitive it can be, a weakness that could be helped by a bit more editing. I began to wonder, for example, how many different ways the author could express the proposition that Charles Hodge was concerned about the influence of European theology and biblical criticism on American seminary education.
If you're interested in theological controversies and the role Hodge played in them in the nineteenth century, this is a good place to look. If you want to get to know Charles Hodge as a multi-faceted man and a vivid person, however, Paul Gutjahr's biography is, hands down, the winner.
If you're interested in theological controversies and the role Hodge played in them in the nineteenth century, this is a good place to look. If you want to get to know Charles Hodge as a multi-faceted man and a vivid person, however, Paul Gutjahr's biography is, hands down, the winner.
December 25, 2013
Of the fifty books I read this year this was the book that took 5 months. It was helpful but a bit dry at times. The early chapters were most helpful. The various Presbyterian debates were informative bit if you don't have a stick in those fires those chapters can be dry. His thinking regarding the Roman Catholic church was surprising to me and the account of his wrestling with the relationship between Bible and science was helpful for that ongoing debate. This is certainly a biography that focused on careful history and documentation to the neglect at times of drawing out lessons of edification from his life.
July 13, 2015
This is probably the most comprehensive biography of Hodge to date (I read the one by his son, A.A. Hodge some time ago).
The author does a very good job of not just tracing Hodge's life, but the various controversies Hodge was involved in, his work at the seminary, his spiritual life, his driving creed, pretty much everything I would have looked for. Very well done.
The author does a very good job of not just tracing Hodge's life, but the various controversies Hodge was involved in, his work at the seminary, his spiritual life, his driving creed, pretty much everything I would have looked for. Very well done.
September 26, 2012
A good, not great, biography. Hodge's life is treated mainly by subject rather than strictly chronologically. However, his work on various subjects was quite interesting, and I learned a good bit about revivalism, Protestant/Roman Catholic relations, and eldership and church government.
April 11, 2016
An inspiring account of the life a truly remarkable man. Charles Hodge's Systematic Theology is a monumental resource for understanding biblical truth. It has been refreshing to explore the amazing life behind that volume.
May 9, 2012
Having read Paul Gutjahr's wonderful biography I felt I ought to delve into this once right away.
April 21, 2017
Super inside look at one of the great Princeton theologians.
March 13, 2014
I stopped reading this book at about page 50. The prose is stilted and just awful to read. Apologies all around.
September 14, 2016
Better than Gutjahr's biography in several ways (but without the great illustrations). Unfortunately, repetitious in some places. And endnotes. I hate endnotes!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews