Dispensationalism: Essential Beliefs and Common Myths: Revised and Updated PDF
Preview Dispensationalism: Essential Beliefs and Common Myths: Revised and Updated
I think it is possible to define the essential beliefs of dispensationalism. Although there are theological differences among dispensationalists, we can identify core beliefs shared by most dispensationalists. Likewise, we also can identify issues that are often mistakenly viewed as essential to dispensationalism but in reality are not. That is what this book will attempt to do. It will highlight the foundational beliefs of dispensationalism that truly are at the heart of the system. It will also look at misrepresentations of dispensationalism.
Such an endeavor must properly take into account the various views within dispensationalism. Not all dispensationalists believe the same thing on every issue. Debated issues include how to define the church, the relationship of the church to the new covenant, and Jesus’ relationship to David’s throne. Some believe these differences are minor while others hold that they are more serious.
Also there are different camps. Some dispensationalists consider themselves “classical” or “traditional.” Others say they are “modified,” “revised,” or “progressive.” Some see themselves incorporating elements from the different variations. Some do not like to use titles at all.
In case you are wondering, on the dispensational spectrum I consider myself between revised and progressive dispensationalism. Yet even as I say that I have a healthy respect for traditional dispensationalism and own much of what traditional dispensationalism affirms. I consider myself as one who has learned much from traditional, revised, and progressive dispensationalists and do not view any of these varieties as an opponent. I often attend meetings with representatives from these three camps and will continue to do so.
In addition, this book is not an attempt to iron out all the points of difference between the variations within dispensationalism. Those looking for a detailed discussion of the differences between the dispensational camps will need to look elsewhere. I recommend the book, Three Central Issues in Contemporary Dispensationalism: A Comparison of Traditional & Progressive Views, edited by Herbert W. Bateman.5 Instead, I am looking to give the reader a basic introduction to the foundational beliefs of dispensational theology as a whole, so a better understanding of this theology can occur.
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