The Origin of Paul's Religion

What it is

This book, published in 1921, was written by J. Gresham Machen, an assistant professor at Princeton Theological Seminary. It was delivered as a series of lectures (the James Sprunt Lectures) at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia and examines where Paul's religious ideas came from.

Why it matters

The book is part of a long debate among scholars about whether Paul's teaching grew mainly from his own experience of conversion or from other influences. It shows how twentieth-century theologians continued to argue over the meaning of Paul's life and writings.

Look closer

• Why might scholars disagree about where a historical figure's ideas truly came from?
• What kind of evidence would be needed to argue about the