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The Life of John Murray
'A well-written enjoyable chronicle of the life of a significant evangelical player.' -- Erik Raymond
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Professor John Murray was recognized in his own lifetime as one of the leading Reformed theologians in the English-speaking world. Born in Scotland, he served in France during the First World War, before pursuing studies, first at the University of Glasgow, and then at Princeton Theological Seminary, USA. In 1929 he was invited to teach Systematic Theology at Princeton, and did so for one year, before joining the Faculty of the newly formed Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. There he shared with such scholars and Christian leaders as J. Gresham Machen and Cornelius Van Til in the great struggle to theology, represented by the Hodges and B.B. Warfield.
John Murray remained at Westminster until his retirement in 1966. He returned to his native Scotland, married and enjoyed a brief period of fatherhood prior to his death in 1975.
A careful scholar, and eloquent lecturer, a moving preacher, and the author of many outstanding articles and books, Murray's driving passions were to declare Christ's Word, advance his cause, and bless his people.
The Life of John Murray , published originally to accompany the four volumes of his Collected Writings , is now available again separately in this popular reset edition.
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Professor John Murray was recognized in his own lifetime as one of the leading Reformed theologians in the English-speaking world. Born in Scotland, he served in France during the First World War, before pursuing studies, first at the University of Glasgow, and then at Princeton Theological Seminary, USA. In 1929 he was invited to teach Systematic Theology at Princeton, and did so for one year, before joining the Faculty of the newly formed Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. There he shared with such scholars and Christian leaders as J. Gresham Machen and Cornelius Van Til in the great struggle to theology, represented by the Hodges and B.B. Warfield.
John Murray remained at Westminster until his retirement in 1966. He returned to his native Scotland, married and enjoyed a brief period of fatherhood prior to his death in 1975.
A careful scholar, and eloquent lecturer, a moving preacher, and the author of many outstanding articles and books, Murray's driving passions were to declare Christ's Word, advance his cause, and bless his people.
The Life of John Murray , published originally to accompany the four volumes of his Collected Writings , is now available again separately in this popular reset edition.
220 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
About the author
Iain H. Murray
61 books253 followersIain Hamish Murray is a British pastor and author. He was educated in the Isle of Man and at the University of Durham before entering ministry in 1955. He served as assistant to Martyn Lloyd-Jones at Westminster Chapel (1956–59) and subsequently at Grove Chapel, London (1961–69) and St. Giles Presbyterian Church, Sydney, Australia, (1981–84). In 1957 he and Jack Cullum founded the Reformed publishing house, the Banner of Truth Trust, of which he continues to serve as a trustee.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 23, 2022
To my shame, before reading this book I barely knew who John Murray was. I vaguely understood that he was a theologian in the past century, but beyond that? No clue. Recently discovered this biography existed and that it was written by one of my all-time favourite authors and I decided to pick it up and give it a go. I was very much rewarded for this choice. I confess the next bit of this not to laud myself but simply to highlight the quality of this book. I started reading this book yesterday afternoon and couldn't help but finish it this evening, so compelling was the story of the man's life that was told in these pages. Yes, it's a short book (clocking in at barely 200 pages), but it is remarkably rich and dense and profoundly encouraging. If you would like to read a book that will convict you and point you towards Christ, this is the one. I feel most moved this evening as I consider the life of the man that I have just finished reading about. Who was John Murray? Well, I'm just going to tell you to read this book, because I think everyone should read this book. But I'll say briefly that he was a man who was born and grew up in Scotland, fought in WWI, attended Princeton and taught briefly there before moving over to Westminster Theological Seminary and serving on faculty there for the majority of his remaining years. He then moved back to Scotland for a few years, ministering and preaching all the while. His life and practice may seem a bit severe and outdated to some of us in the superior twenty-first century - I will most certainly confess I don't share all Murray's beliefs or burdens of conscience - but that is nothing when I see the high regard in which he held his Lord and God. Murray intimately knew God and rejoiced and delighted in Him day after day. He understood who God was and who he was and he gloried that He had the privilege of communion with this almighty and beautiful God. Murray was one who had a high view of the Word of God and would not countenance those who sought to diminish its authority, yet he showed grace and love to all, even to those whom he knew did not practice the faith or believe as he did. I could go on and on on Murray, but the man himself would quail at the thought. He ever pointed to Christ and Him crucified - would that we all do the same. This book encouraged my soul because it is the story of God's work in a man's life. It is the story of a man who submitted himself to God and His work and was used mightily for His glory. Might that be the attitude of every one of us - that we would seek to know God more and make Him known just as surely as we are known by the God who saved us through the staggeringly gorgeous work of Jesus Christ who died on a cross for us and was raised to life that we also who were dead will be made alive and live with Christ forevermore, to God be the glory forever and ever, amen. And Murray understood the work of the Holy Spirit - that this Spirit is yet active and working in this world and that as we seek to be more obedient and humble before God, so we pray that the Spirit might move and do mighty works in our lives and in the church. This book lit a fire in my heart to more fully walk and live the life that our God has prepared for us - a life for God's glory, not ours. Any quibbles with this book? Really no. Yes as I mentioned before, Murray's theology and practices may seem old-fashioned and conservative to some - but possibly reading his story (even as he was not perfect, as he himself would confess!) is a good corrective to the overly-indulgent and soft evangelical Christianity of this age. The Christian church seems to be deeply sleeping at times, too concerned to be on the right side of various controversies or appear the correct shade of loving in the eyes of the world or even overly focused on her own pleasures and authority, and I think it is important to read and meditate on testimonies of various men and women of the faith who have so manifestly committed their lives to the cause of Christ. Might we think less of how others will perceive us and think more on the life that God calls us to. Oh that we might decrease and Christ might increase. I have written too many words here to be sure, and not given an adequate summary of this book at all. I will say that near the end of this book, I decided I must read some of Murray's books and have now ordered a few of them from the Banner of Truth (an organization that Murray himself was intimately involved with!) and I was also rather delighted to find that I had volume 1 of Murray's Romans commentary on my shelf! I have no idea where I got it, but I have not read it up until now. That must be remedied. A good biography of a Christian soul is always a balm to my soul. This is such a one. And my soul has been deeply encouraged and strengthened as I have read this book and considered the wonderful works of the Lord. Might I - and indeed all of us - go to our Lord in prayer and ask that He do a great work in our lives and upon this world - for his glory, now and forever, amen.
December 22, 2020
Such a great, quick and enjoyable read!
It was fascinating to learn about the life of John Murray (no relation to the author, Iain Murray). While growing up in the Scottish Highlands, he was exposed to the teachings of God and godly people. For instance, when the Free Presbyterian minister of Bonar Bridge, Ewen MacQueen visited Badbea, Migdale (the beautiful area of John's home), 'he had the habit of putting his hand on John’s head and saying a few words to him affectionately about spiritual things. It was not known to Mr. MacQueen at the time, but in later years John spoke of those occasions as being accompanied by the first stirrings of spiritual emotion which he could recall.' [p11]
Then there were the heart-wrenching times surrounding The Great War: 'Of John’s brothers, William went to the Navy, Donald went to France with the Seaforth Highlanders, and Thomas to the Dardanelles with the Cameron Highlanders. An eye-witness on the day when Thomas left Badbea spoke of it as one of the most affectionate partings he ever witnessed between a loving father and a dutiful son. The thick-set and soft-spoken father put his arms around Tommy’s neck — the boy who had never said ‘No’ to him — and Tommy embraced his father: “Goodbye, Tommy, I’ll never see you again” were among his final words before he watched his son ride off on a white horse. And so it was to prove. Thomas was killed in action. J0hn’s call-up for military service was dated 18 April 1917... By the time John arrived in France his brother Donald had already been posted as ‘missing-in-action’, the location of his presumed death being unknown...
While leading a section of men, as a lance corporal, and in the act of firing his rifle John was, as he believed, temporarily blinded in his ‘shooting eye’ by dirt thrown up from a bursting shell. The truth was that the sight of his right eye had been irretrievably destroyed by shrapnel. From a f1rst-aid post, where he stopped to have his eye washed, he was at once ordered back to the rear, then to a base hospital, and before the day was over, he was on a train headed for the Channel. Soon he was in an English hospital where, a few days later, his eye was removed…
The glass eye which John Murray wore, so closely resembled the original that even those who knew him well tended to forget that his sight was limited to one eye. It was a considerable handicap for one whose next ten years were to be given to almost unremitting study. He entered the University of Glasgow in the autumn of 1919 and, in the hope that less strain would be placed on his eyesight, his Arts course in Logic, Moral Philosophy, Institutes of Education, Mathematics, Latin, and English Literature, was extended over four years instead of three.' [pp12, 13, 15]
Some of the theologians preceding or surrounding Murray at Princeton Theological Seminary and Westminster Theological Seminary I have heard of/have some of their books - such as B. B. Warfield, J. Gresham Machen and Cornelius Van Til - but this is the first time to be introduced to John Murray, of which, I'm very thankful!
I was moved as the author, Iain Murray shared this "vivid memory" of visiting with John in his home in Scotland: 'The simplicity of the house seemed in perfect unison with its surroundings. In the parlour there were two of more three chairs, a table and a desk, but it was sufficient. Prayer and godliness had long been Badbea’s greatest adornment. At the evening meal there was the best of Highland fare for every visitor. This was followed by family worship, begun and closed with prayer, with Psalm and Scripture in between. For the closing prayer all knelt and the throne of God was approached with a reverence borne of long acquaintance with the realities of eternity.' [pp183, 184]
Though I could have listed others, these quotes encouraged me and are to whet your appetite for this wonderful biography of John Murray.
It was fascinating to learn about the life of John Murray (no relation to the author, Iain Murray). While growing up in the Scottish Highlands, he was exposed to the teachings of God and godly people. For instance, when the Free Presbyterian minister of Bonar Bridge, Ewen MacQueen visited Badbea, Migdale (the beautiful area of John's home), 'he had the habit of putting his hand on John’s head and saying a few words to him affectionately about spiritual things. It was not known to Mr. MacQueen at the time, but in later years John spoke of those occasions as being accompanied by the first stirrings of spiritual emotion which he could recall.' [p11]
Then there were the heart-wrenching times surrounding The Great War: 'Of John’s brothers, William went to the Navy, Donald went to France with the Seaforth Highlanders, and Thomas to the Dardanelles with the Cameron Highlanders. An eye-witness on the day when Thomas left Badbea spoke of it as one of the most affectionate partings he ever witnessed between a loving father and a dutiful son. The thick-set and soft-spoken father put his arms around Tommy’s neck — the boy who had never said ‘No’ to him — and Tommy embraced his father: “Goodbye, Tommy, I’ll never see you again” were among his final words before he watched his son ride off on a white horse. And so it was to prove. Thomas was killed in action. J0hn’s call-up for military service was dated 18 April 1917... By the time John arrived in France his brother Donald had already been posted as ‘missing-in-action’, the location of his presumed death being unknown...
While leading a section of men, as a lance corporal, and in the act of firing his rifle John was, as he believed, temporarily blinded in his ‘shooting eye’ by dirt thrown up from a bursting shell. The truth was that the sight of his right eye had been irretrievably destroyed by shrapnel. From a f1rst-aid post, where he stopped to have his eye washed, he was at once ordered back to the rear, then to a base hospital, and before the day was over, he was on a train headed for the Channel. Soon he was in an English hospital where, a few days later, his eye was removed…
The glass eye which John Murray wore, so closely resembled the original that even those who knew him well tended to forget that his sight was limited to one eye. It was a considerable handicap for one whose next ten years were to be given to almost unremitting study. He entered the University of Glasgow in the autumn of 1919 and, in the hope that less strain would be placed on his eyesight, his Arts course in Logic, Moral Philosophy, Institutes of Education, Mathematics, Latin, and English Literature, was extended over four years instead of three.' [pp12, 13, 15]
Some of the theologians preceding or surrounding Murray at Princeton Theological Seminary and Westminster Theological Seminary I have heard of/have some of their books - such as B. B. Warfield, J. Gresham Machen and Cornelius Van Til - but this is the first time to be introduced to John Murray, of which, I'm very thankful!
I was moved as the author, Iain Murray shared this "vivid memory" of visiting with John in his home in Scotland: 'The simplicity of the house seemed in perfect unison with its surroundings. In the parlour there were two of more three chairs, a table and a desk, but it was sufficient. Prayer and godliness had long been Badbea’s greatest adornment. At the evening meal there was the best of Highland fare for every visitor. This was followed by family worship, begun and closed with prayer, with Psalm and Scripture in between. For the closing prayer all knelt and the throne of God was approached with a reverence borne of long acquaintance with the realities of eternity.' [pp183, 184]
Though I could have listed others, these quotes encouraged me and are to whet your appetite for this wonderful biography of John Murray.
June 29, 2026
Inspired by a recent conversation about John Murray at the PCA's GA, I sauntered over to the Banner of Truth booth in the exhibit hall and bought Iain Murray's short biography of the Scottish theologian and Westminster Seminary professor. I found the book a helpful and entertaining introduction to the man, though I felt frequently that I was only getting a brief fly-over. Much of this was no doubt made necessary by the relative paucity of the materials left behind by John Murray, a taciturn man who was not prone to sharing details of his life, and whose papers (if the story I heard is correct) were destroyed after his death--what a loss that was!
Murray was a man of conviction. Sometimes those convictions seem to have been on the more extreme side of things, but he clearly was a deep and careful thinker, which ought to give the reader pause before they blow off his stricter Sabbatarian views or his exclusive psalmody.
I will mention a few annoyances I had with the book: 1) at some points, Iain Murray will refer to an event in passing, whetting the reader's appetite, but then not mention it again. For example, as he describes Murray's active participation in worship, he mentions that "on one occasion, as a communicant at the Lord's Supper, his feelings simply overflowed" (93). The reader expects to find the whole story in the next pages, but is baffled when Iain Murray simply moves on. What does it mean that his feelings overflowed? Did he say anything memorable? I recall similar occurrences throughout the book--almost as if Iain Murray cherishes these memories but would rather not divulge them to anyone else. 2) Iain Murray's method (or lack thereof?) of footnoting was baffling. Sometimes he would insert a block quote with little indication of where it came from. This was disappointing, because the reader will often want to pursue these rabbit holes, but is sometimes unable to because of the lack of reference. Some of this, it should be mentioned, is due to the fact that Iain Murray got much of his material from personal notes and interviews.
All in all, I would recommend this book as a starting point for anyone interested in John Murray. I myself am interested at some point in diving deeper into some of his Selected Writings, put out by the Banner of Truth.
Murray was a man of conviction. Sometimes those convictions seem to have been on the more extreme side of things, but he clearly was a deep and careful thinker, which ought to give the reader pause before they blow off his stricter Sabbatarian views or his exclusive psalmody.
I will mention a few annoyances I had with the book: 1) at some points, Iain Murray will refer to an event in passing, whetting the reader's appetite, but then not mention it again. For example, as he describes Murray's active participation in worship, he mentions that "on one occasion, as a communicant at the Lord's Supper, his feelings simply overflowed" (93). The reader expects to find the whole story in the next pages, but is baffled when Iain Murray simply moves on. What does it mean that his feelings overflowed? Did he say anything memorable? I recall similar occurrences throughout the book--almost as if Iain Murray cherishes these memories but would rather not divulge them to anyone else. 2) Iain Murray's method (or lack thereof?) of footnoting was baffling. Sometimes he would insert a block quote with little indication of where it came from. This was disappointing, because the reader will often want to pursue these rabbit holes, but is sometimes unable to because of the lack of reference. Some of this, it should be mentioned, is due to the fact that Iain Murray got much of his material from personal notes and interviews.
All in all, I would recommend this book as a starting point for anyone interested in John Murray. I myself am interested at some point in diving deeper into some of his Selected Writings, put out by the Banner of Truth.
January 22, 2019
I have rarely so enjoyed a biography. This stands in my estimation above the biography of Dallas Willard which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was encouraged, exhorted, rejoiced, and convicted by the life of this faithful student of Scripture and disciple of Jesus, who though considered the greatest Calvin scholar of his era, nevertheless possessed a genuine surprise that other ministers would find his writings beneficial. I highly commend the reading of this book to all believers, regardless of whether they agree in detail with all of J.M.'s perspectives, as I myself do not wholly share his perspective (on the exclusive singing of psalmody, for example). Few could do better than to imitate the example of his convictions lived out with gracious mien, however.
December 24, 2021
Outstanding.
January 16, 2022
I loved this biography for its portrayal of a gifted, faithful, humble man. I highly recommend it, especially to any reader friends who are of the Reformed persuasion.
November 21, 2022
This book did more than increase my admiration for the man. It made me long to be like him: wholly devoted to God, to the sufficiency and authority of Scriptures, to radical obedience, and to consistent gentle love to others, especially to those of the Household of Faith.
April 9, 2026
This is a stirring recounting of the life and ministry of a consistent Christian, a faithful minister of the Word, and a humble yet brilliant theologian.
October 19, 2022
Excellent book. Insightful to see Murray's godly living and godly principles that shaped his life and others.
October 1, 2025
Excellent to learn more about this legendary Scot! A humble man of prayer with a deep Spirituality- could do with a few more like him today!
One takeaway (amidst all the fun anecdotes about the life of John Murray) for me is the realisation that true theology is of the heart, therefore we have to get it right. True theology starts from the Word, not our own notions.
One takeaway (amidst all the fun anecdotes about the life of John Murray) for me is the realisation that true theology is of the heart, therefore we have to get it right. True theology starts from the Word, not our own notions.
December 18, 2015
I really am glad I read this book (it is also found in John Murray's collected works, which is where I read it). It is a great story of a godly man. John Murray was a Highland Scot (wounded in WWI) who became an early professor of Westminster Seminary along with men like J. Gresham Machen and Cornelius Van Til in the 1920s. He was heavily involved with the fundamentalist-moderist controversy and the founding of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (my church's denomination) in 1936. He contributed much to systematic theology, ethics, and covenant theology, and ended his career pastoring churches back in Scotland. His eagerness to be a pastor, his godly family heritage, the attention he gave to children, his humility and principled piety, and his close relationships with his friends especially stand out in this biography.
One interesting tidbit is in a footnote explaining John Murray's dedication to Christian education. It says, "Faced once with the question, 'How do you account for the spiritual decline in Scotland?' he commenced his answer with the words, 'The surrender of education of the young by the parents to the State. This had not been so in former years.'"
One interesting tidbit is in a footnote explaining John Murray's dedication to Christian education. It says, "Faced once with the question, 'How do you account for the spiritual decline in Scotland?' he commenced his answer with the words, 'The surrender of education of the young by the parents to the State. This had not been so in former years.'"
September 25, 2012
I dont know why this hasn't received great praise. John Murray, in my opinion, is one of the best and most important Reformed theologians of the 20th century. Murray shows also his godly manner in life and how he took a stand against modern skepticism with Machen.
He is the right blend of historic presbyterian godliness and reformed doctrine.
Read, share and enjoy!
He is the right blend of historic presbyterian godliness and reformed doctrine.
Read, share and enjoy!
February 25, 2021
Such a fantastic biography. Hard to describe the feeling as I read this, but it was simply, "These are my people." I am encouraged & strengthened by the Holy Spirit to continue pressing on & following the Lord Jesus!
May 13, 2014
This is the third time I have read this work on John Murray and it gets better each time.
May 3, 2017
When it comes to biographers, Iain Murray's consistent excellence in telling another's story really stands out. I must confess that I found the beginning of this bio on John Murray to start off a bit slower than normal, but by the end I was truly inspired not only to become more familiar with John, but inspired by the kind of life he lived.
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