Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield born near Lexington, Kentucky on 5th November 1851. Born into a wealthy family he was taught privately. He entered Princeton University in 1868 and graduated in 1871 with high honours in mathematics and science. While travelling in Europe he decided to theology to the surprise of his friends. He entered Princeton Seminary in 1873 to train to be a Presbyterian ministry. He graduated in 1876 and also married Annie Pierce Kinkead.
Together they went to Germany and Annie was struck by lightning - the result being she to a degree paralyzed. (see 10 thing you should know about B.B Warfield.)
In 1877 he became professor of theology at Princeton Theological Seminary (1877-1921). He was ordained on 26th April 1879. He served as the the last principal from 1886-1902 . On his death in 1921 Francis Landley Patton became the first president of the seminary.
In 1881 he wrote a joint article with A.A. Hodge about the inspiration of the Bible.
It drew attention because of the scholarly and forceful defence of the inerrancy ( infalliblity)of the Bible. This article presented basically the position that Benjamen was to defend and elaborate upon for more than 40 years.
From 1890 -1902 Benjamin was the editor of the * Presbyterian and Reformed Review.* His own contribution was articles and critical book reviews. He also wrote a number of books and his sermons were turned into 3 volumes. (See Warfield’s writings and Writings)
During his time his primary aim thrust was the authoritative view of the Bible. He went against the trend of modernist theology. He therefore preached and believed the doctrine of * sola scriptura * - that the Bible is God inspired and is sufficient for the Christians to live their faith
Some conservative Presbyterians consider him to be the last of the great Princeton theologians.
The 10 Things you should know about B.B. Warfield by Fred G. Zaspel makes for interesting reading.
Sources used
Great Leaders of the Christian Church editor John D. Woodbridge
contributor Roger Nicole
wikipedia
Crossways Articles
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