Deconstructing Dispensationalism
(This article grew out of a script debating the biblical merits of Dispensationalism. This is why the tone is perhaps more polemic than may be to the taste of some. I trust it doesn’t offend but I do hope it manages to provoke.)
I’d like to say a word on its behalf…
No, I will not say – Dispensationalism makes me laugh (though I confess some aspects tempt me). That would be unkind. Although this article attempts to undermine Dispensationalism in some of its key assertions, it would be foolish to view traditional dispensational thinking as either laughably superficial or uniformly wrong.
Firstly, we should be clear that in all other areas save the distinctives discussed below Dispensationalism is thoroughly orthodox and evangelical. Secondly, although given to absolutising distinctions between epochs of biblical revelation, Dispensationalism certainly helped deliver the church from a flat Bible that did not sufficiently recognise distinctions between eras of revelation, especially between the old and new covenant. In Reformed circles Geerhardus Vos is hailed as the father of Biblical Theology, however, I suspect Reformed Biblical Theology owes more to Dispensationalism’s work on epochs of revelation (dispensations) than it cares to admit. Thirdly, some of its earlier proponents were extremely gifted men, intellectually, theologically and spiritually. I, and many others who dare to criticise them, cannot hold a candle to them in any of these areas. That being said, I dare to add my tuppence worth of criticism because equally gifted men (intellectually, theologically and spiritually) have held views quite contrary and I stand on their shoulders. The problem is that enormously gifted teachers can make enormous errors that may mislead generations after them. This seems to me a criticism that can be levelled at the early architects of Dispensationalism.
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About John
Hi there - I am a member of Greenview and have been for over 20 years. For a number of these years I functioned as an elder, however, indifferent health forced me to take more of a back seat. I see this as an opportunity to do a little writing, often focussing on issues that are a matter of evangelical debate today. Naturally the views expressed are my own and may not reflect the views of the elders or church at large, though differences are likely to be in the detail and not the substance.
These articles and sermons were written partly to clarify my own thoughts and partly with the intention of provoking thought in others who may read them. If you read one I hope you find it stimulating. Please feel free to give me feedback or discuss my articles in the forums.
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