{
  "id": "dict_002539",
  "term": "Hodge",
  "slug": "hodge",
  "letter": "H",
  "entry_type": "historical_theologian_biography",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "Charles Hodge (1797–1878), a leading nineteenth-century American Presbyterian theologian and professor at Princeton Theological Seminary.",
  "simple_one_line": "A major Princeton theologian known for defending Reformed orthodoxy and biblical authority.",
  "tooltip_text": "Usually refers to Charles Hodge, the influential American Presbyterian theologian.",
  "aliases": [
    "Hodge (Historical Theology)"
  ],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [
    "Princeton Theology",
    "Reformed theology",
    "inspiration of Scripture",
    "systematic theology",
    "Presbyterianism"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "Charles Hodge",
    "Archibald Alexander",
    "B. B. Warfield",
    "Princeton Theology"
  ],
  "lede_intro": "“Hodge” in theological contexts usually refers to Charles Hodge, a major nineteenth-century Presbyterian theologian whose work helped define conservative Reformed scholarship in the United States.",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "American Presbyterian theologian, seminary professor, and defender of Reformed orthodoxy.",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [
    "Associated with Princeton Theological Seminary",
    "known for systematic theology",
    "influential in conservative Reformed thought",
    "the term is a person-name rather than a doctrinal concept."
  ],
  "description_academic_short": "Charles Hodge (1797–1878) was an influential American Presbyterian theologian associated with Princeton Theological Seminary. He is best known for his systematic theology, his defense of biblical authority, and his role in shaping nineteenth-century Reformed orthodoxy.",
  "description_academic_full": "Charles Hodge was a prominent nineteenth-century American Presbyterian theologian and long-time professor at Princeton Theological Seminary. He became one of the most influential defenders of Reformed orthodoxy in his era, especially through his teaching, preaching, and major theological writing. Hodge is often associated with a high view of Scripture, doctrinal clarity, and a commitment to systematic theology. Because “Hodge” is primarily a surname identifying a historical figure, it is best treated as a biographical or historical-theology entry rather than as a biblical doctrine or technical theological term.",
  "background_biblical_context": "Hodge did not introduce a biblical doctrine of his own, but he is often discussed in connection with Scripture’s authority, inspiration, and the orderly presentation of Christian doctrine.",
  "background_historical_context": "He lived during the nineteenth century, when Protestant theology in America faced challenges from rationalism, revivalism, and modern critical approaches. At Princeton, Hodge represented a learned, confessional defense of historic Reformed Christianity.",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "Not applicable directly; this entry concerns a modern Christian theologian rather than an ancient Jewish or biblical figure.",
  "key_texts_primary": [
    "2 Timothy 3:16-17",
    "John 10:35",
    "Acts 17:11",
    "Jude 3"
  ],
  "key_texts_secondary": [
    "Not a Bible term in itself",
    "these passages are commonly relevant to Hodge’s emphasis on biblical authority and doctrinal fidelity."
  ],
  "original_language_note": "Not applicable. The headword is an English surname, not a biblical Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek term.",
  "theological_significance": "Hodge is significant as a representative of confessional Protestant theology and a major defender of the inspiration and authority of Scripture.",
  "philosophical_explanation": "His theology is associated with careful logical method, doctrinal systematization, and a strong confidence that Christian truth can be stated coherently from Scripture.",
  "interpretive_cautions": "This is a historical-theology entry, not a doctrinal category. Readers should distinguish Hodge’s views from Scripture itself and from later theological developments.",
  "major_views_note": "Hodge is generally associated with Reformed orthodoxy, Presbyterian confessionalism, and a strong doctrinal reading of Scripture.",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "Hodge should be read as a theologian within the historic Reformed tradition, not as an additional authority alongside Scripture.",
  "practical_significance": "He remains useful for readers studying the history of conservative Protestant theology, the Princeton tradition, and arguments for biblical authority.",
  "meta_description": "Charles Hodge was a leading nineteenth-century Presbyterian theologian and Princeton Seminary professor known for defending Reformed orthodoxy and biblical authority.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/hodge/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/hodge.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}