This book reminds me of the advice to develop a timeline when dealing with complex matters. Discovering Dispensationalism does this well. It seeks to articulate the theological development of what we now know as Dispensationalism. It (again) dispels the myth that Dispensationalism came out of a vacuum by Darby, but also acknowledges the contribution he played. Reading theological history is trying for me, but afterwards I am reminded of the importance of this discipline. This book is a worthwhile read and I’d submit should be required reading for anyone studying Dispensationalism or church history.

What it is and is not

This book is not an exegetical nor theological defense of what Dispensationalism is. Given the title, some may look to the book for that and leave disappointed. Discovering Dispensationalism is a history, tackling well it’s subtitle of “tracing the development of Dispensational thought form the first to the twenty-first century.” This book will likely not persuade one to be a Dispensationalist, though it should give appreciation to the theological movement. The book is academic and likely not a good read for regular church ministry.

Confirmation bias or actual history

The editors and writers note well the climate in which Dispensationalism exists. My guess is many not holding to the viewpoint would simply write off the book. Academic malaise to the movement holds it to tight rope that is not reciprocated. (There is frankly much slander towards the movement than is biblically appropriate.) The writers take great care in tracing theological developments as proto-Dispensational concepts, and not arguing for historical figures as dispensational. This acknowledges what such figures are saying that would be in agreement with what is called dispensationalism while also demonstrating where historical figures differed. History is complex, as this book demonstrates.

Nuance of history and life isn’t a vacuum

I, like many of my generation, run towards simplicity and reductionism. History is complex. Paul even alludes to this in Romans 9-11 where he ends in doxology over God’s plan which we cannot comprehend. The charge that Dispensationalism was pulled out of a vacuum is simply untrue. While all the ideas of modern dispensationalism did not exist in one person, the theological concepts did. The contribution of Darby was to bring together what was already there. It was another step in our understanding the Bible, and not giant leap as asserted. But in reading through the book, fidelity to the Bible and what it teaches is THE battle of church history. After reading the book, I would say Dispensationalism has more to do with the seriousness of the Bible than eschatology.

Warts and all

Proverbs tells us that faithful are the wounds of a friend. The writers’ and editors’ are quite candid about the dangers and also the aspirations of the movement throughout history. I appreciate the clarion, though parenthetically given, call for a drop of frivolous endeavors such as another left behind movie. I also appreciate that the book deals with the development and refinement of ideas that all theological systems have and do go through. While sensitive to issues, the book is not ashamed of the movement. The editors calling out academics for ignoring the movement is well overdue.

A Warning

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. The vitality of Dispensationalism in America is tied to the fight against theological liberalism. Such fidelity to Scripture and the Gospel is largely lost on those who critique the movement today. Paul warns us in Romans 11 concerning the natural branches. If God did not spare them, neither will he spare us. Paul later asserts that God will graft back in the natural branches. The battle for literal interpretation vs allegorical started with the issue of Israel. Amillennialism unquestionably took root because of not wanting to accused of being too Jewish focused. This lead to the allowance of antisemitism throughout church history. Yet the question about God’s promises to Israel still lingered throughout church history. In Dispensationalism’s fidelity to Scripture, perhaps the movement as a whole became a repentance of the church’s arrogance towards the natural branches. Humility is in order, the most recurring thought as I read the book.

Who should read Discovering Dispensationalism

Given the movement’s contribution to the North American Church, any pastor or academic regardless of theological persuasion should read the book. It is important to know where we came from, even if we disagree. Amill/postmill types may write if off as confirmation bias, but that would be to their own shame. A more humble appreciation for the movement is in order. For those who are dispensational or quietly so, I do think it is time for the gloves to come off. Dispensationalism is not a niche movement. The issues it addresses are just as important today as in times past. Reading the book gives a humble admiration of those who dealt with persecution and also stood against apostasy. More so, the book should impress upon us the need to continually be in and study the Scriptures. In our stewardship of the church, may we serve in such a way as to merit a chapter.

The bottom line:

Discovering Dispensationalism is a well put together historical work on the ideas that formed into what we call Dispensationalism. It accurately demonstrates that Dispensationalism is not from a vacuum as the theology that makes up Dispensationalism existed throughout church history. For sure the best application from the book is humility, as many have strived for biblical fidelity and that is still greatly needed today. The editors and writers should be commended for this overdue and well done work.