Dispensationalism Today, Yesterday and Tomorrow: Intro…
In the last few months I haven’t posted any of the material I’ve been reading in my continuing study of theology. For anyone who was around a year ago, then you know I’ve never placed myself in any one theological camp–but have tried to allow the Holy Spirit to show me the truth within any or all of the different theological views held by the many good bible teachers of today or of the past. If I had to choose one paper which I’ve read which comes closest to the beliefs I have formed, it would be the (4) part teaching on Covenant and Dispensational Theology: Understanding the relation of the Old/New Covenants. These are posted within the The “Ologys” page at the top for anyone interested. The series is both biblical and easy to grasp for even the simplest student of theology, which is a plus for me, LOL. The simple comparison of the two-train analogy which the author used, was inspired in my opinion.
I’d like to share with you this week a series of essays written by Grover Gunn which were included in a book titled Dispensationalism Today, Yesterday and Tomorrow. You can find the review posted below, here:
Review, quote…
Dispensationalism: Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow, Crenshaw and Gunn
This helpful book is a must for those interested in understanding or evaluating Dispensationalism. The authors were raised within this system and trained at its leading seminary, Dallas Theological Seminary. Not only is it a straightforward and accurate presentation and critique of this approach to the Bible, it accomplishes these goals without being arrogant and boastful. As the preface contends, it is not the purpose of the book to attack or ridicule Dispensationalism, “I ask my dispensational brethren to receive this books in love, for it was prompted in a desire to be true to God’s Word.
This book is divided into two sections, each written by one of the authors. Part one focuses on the principles of interpretation that arise from the Bible and that differ from the “literal” hermeneutic of Dispensationalism. It also highlights the theological and practical tendencies of this system. Part two is an in-depth critique of the major components, interacting with actual references of leading proponents of this approach. Covering many issues, including the relationship of Israel and the Church as well as Christian Zionism, this part of the book is saturated with a multitude of verses, some of which I did not know existed! There are also three useful appendices.
Crenshaw and Gunn’s book is important, not simply for its incisive analysis but because it is an accessible read for laymen and ministers alike. It is not technical, yet its insight into the weakness of this uniquely American system is profound. For those on the edge of leaving Dispensationalism it will benefit greatly.
I’ll be posting part (1) later tonight, and am hoping to get some feed back from you on the series this week, pro or con. I think its an excellent series of essay’s on an important topic related to the Church today, mainly because of the huge significance dispensationalism has imbeded within its teachings and beliefs, concerning the last days and end-time prophecy. As one well known theologian has said, Dispensationalism is more an Eschatological set of beliefs then it is a form of Theology; I agree.
