The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism: How the Evangelical Battle over the End Times Shaped a Nation, by Daniel G. Hummel, Eerdmans, 382 pag.
From the cover:
In The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism, Daniel G. Hummel illuminates how dispensationalism, despite often being dismissed as a fringe end-times theory, shaped Anglo-American evangelicalism and the larger American cultural imagination.
Hummel locates dispensationalism’s origin in the writings of the nineteenth-century Protestant John Nelson Darby, who established many of the hallmarks of the movement, such as premillennialism and belief in the rapture. Though it consistently faced criticism, dispensationalism held populist, and briefly scholarly, appeal-visible in everything from turn-of-the-century revivalism to apocalyptic bestsellers of the 1970s to current internet conspiracy theories.
Measured and irenic, Hummel objectively evaluates evangelicalism’s most resilient and contentious popular theology. As the first comprehensive intellectual-cultural history of its kind, The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism is a must-read for students and scholars of American religion.
My Goodreads review
In this extensively researched work, Daniel Hummel traces the origin, development, and impact of a new theological system (later known as dispensationalism) that began to emerge in the 1830s under John Nelson Darby.
Writing as a historian, the author does an excellent job of showing how these new theological ideas impacted Christian movements in particular and the broader American culture (and politics) in general. Darby did not coin the term dispensationalism itself, but his are its distinctive features: strict literalism, church-Israel distinction, secret rapture, and the concept of dispensational time.
Dispensationalism is also not monolithic but was adopted (and sometimes adapted) in various degrees by diverse Christian movements and institutions throughout the 20th century.
The three broader parts into which the author has categorized the history of dispensationalism are: 1. The New Premillennialists 1830-1900, 2. The Dispensationalists 1900-1960, and 3. The Pop Dispensationalists 1960-2020.
There is a disconnect between scholastic dispensationalism and what became known as pop dispensationalism. The former is a whole system of theology and has been in decline since the 1960s. At the same time, the latter’s influence on culture and politics steadily increased well into the 21st century, mostly by succeeding commercially with dispensationalism’s peculiar end times features (rapture, antichrist, etc.)
Although the author provides a wealth of information and details, the book is not a dry read and is very well organized. Recommended to anyone interested in eschatology (doctrine of the end times) or American evangelicalism’s history.
Three Views on The Millennium and Beyond, by Darrell L. Bock (General Editor), Zondervan, 330 pag.
From the cover:
Are these the last days? Could Jesus return at any time to establish his thousand-year reign on earth? What is the nature of Christ’s millennial kingdom referred to in the book of Revelation? What must happen before Jesus returns, and what part does the church play?
Three predominant views held by evangelicals seek to answer these and related questions: premillennial, postmillennial, and amillennial. This book gives each view a forum of presentation, critique, and defense. Besides each contributor’s personal perspective, various interpretations of the different positions are discussed in the essays.
Three Views on The Millennium and Beyond lets you compare and contrast three important eschatological viewpoints to gain a better understanding of how Christianity’s great hope, the return of Jesus, is understood by the church.
My Goodreads review:
Eschatology is a challenging and controversial subject. In this regard, debate-format books are an excellent way to get a more comprehensive understanding of the subject. This volume focuses on the meaning of the millennium in Revelation 20.
The format involves an essay on each of the three major views on the millennium: postmillennialism (Kenneth L. Gentry Jr.), amillennialism (Robert B. Strimple), and premillennialism (Crag A. Blaising). Each essay is followed by responses from the other two scholars. Darrel Bock, the editor, wrote a helpful summary essay identifying the major interpretative issues at stake.
Despite significant differences in the various views, one should not lose sight of the fact that they all affirm the ultimate victory of God.
The book sometimes gets a bit technical, but is well suited for the interested layman, although it might be difficult to understand for someone approaching the subject for the first time.
The Bible and the Future, by Anthony A. Hoekema, Eerdmans / Paternoster Press, 343 pag.
Writing from the perspective that the coming of God’s kingdom is both present and future, Hoekema covers the full range of eschatological topics in this comprehensive biblical exposition. The two major sections of the book deal with inaugurated eschatology (the “already”) and future eschatology (the “not yet”).
Detailed appendix, bibliography, and indexes.
About the Author:
Anthony A. Hoekema (1913-1988) was a Christian theologian of the Dutch Reformed tradition who served as professor of Systematic theology at Calvin Theological Seminary for twenty-one years.
Hoekema was born in the Netherlands but immigrated to the United States in 1923. He attended Calvin College (A.B.), the University of Michigan (M.A.), Calvin Theological Seminary (Th.B.) and Princeton Theological Seminary (Th.D., 1953). After pastoring several Christian Reformed churches (1944-56), he became Associate Professor of Bible at Calvin College (1956-58). From 1958 to 1979, when he retired, he was Professor of Systematic Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
My Goodreads review:
A comprehensive treatment of biblical eschatology from a Reformed perspective. The author’s depth of knowledge and even-mindedness come through in every chapter. The book is scholarly and detailed, yet written in a way that anyone familiar with the Bible can follow along.
It is divided into two parts: inaugurated eschatology and the much larger section on future eschatology, including chapters on the intermediate state, the millennium, the final judgment, the resurrection of the body, eternal punishment, and the new earth.
Hoekema analyses the major millennial views with balanced exegesis, defending the amillennial position. In reviewing the opposing positions, his detailed critique of dispensational premillennialism is the most convincing.
Although a bit dated (1979), the book is written in such a clear style and arranged in such a systematic manner that it is well suited to anyone who is looking for a deeper understanding of the last things.
The End Times Mad Simple, by Samuel E. Waldron, Calvary Press, 251 pag.
From the cover:
In today’s Evangelical Christian world, eschatology—or the study of the “Last Things”—has been turned into a sort of pseudo-science with a plethora of authors claiming to know exactly the scenario of events that are to take place just prior to the Lord Jesus Christ’s return. On one hand, believers are told they must follow the unbiblical, complex and bizarre scheme of Dispensationalism, with its “Secret Rapture”, political Anti-Christ and worldly Millennium. On the other, those in the “full preterist” camp tell them that all biblical prophecy has been fulfilled in the past and that they should not look for the sky to break open and Our Lord to descend in judgment and triumph. But the author of this work claims that both are wrong and that eschatology, despite what many will tell you, is really a rather simple and straightforward affair. His thesis is that there is This Age and The Age to Come… we will be, or are, in either one or the other. Any “End Times” system that forms a hybrid of these two, or contradicts this simple formula, is unbiblical, and should be rejected!
Piece by piece, Waldron strips away years of false teaching and faulty exegesis thrust upon the church to reveal what the Bible, in its own simple but profound way, says about what will happen at the end of this present age.
My Goodreads review:
The book is divided into three parts: the first is a brief survey of eschatology in the history of the church, while the second and main part introduces the subject of eschatology from the Holy Scriptures. In the third part, the author answers specific questions related to eschatology such as: ‘Are Israel and the church distinct peoples of God?’ or ‘Can the date of Christ’s coming be calculated?’
The author’s style is clear and concise and the writing is kept in a manner just about anyone can understand. The arguments are nicely organized in 25 chapters throughout 242 pages.
I gave it four stars (ISO five) because of editorial and printing-related critiques: on some pages the print is faint and hard to read, the charts are poorly laid out, and a scripture index is missing. Also, would have preferred footnotes over endnotes.
Overall a great book on eschatology from an Amillennial perspective and a book warmly recommended to someone who wants a better understanding of the subject.
More of the End Times Made Simple, by Samuel E. Waldron, Calvary Press, 225 pag.
From the cover:
This book is the second installment to Dr. Waldron’s ground-breaking work, The End Times Made Simple, in which he deftly dismantled the interpretive view that dispensationalists have of prophecy in general.
Now, Dr. Waldron goes one step further, arguing that there are consequences to our eschatological (i.e., End Times) views. Inside you will find powerful and cogent arguments for a strictly biblical hermeneutic, free from forced interpretations and presuppositions that have little to do with the actual Word of God. Topics covered include>
How important is eschatology? How are we to approach biblical interpretation in general and prophetic interpretation in particular? How are we to view the great End Times passages of the Bible? Is there a distinction between Israel and the church…or is the church the “Israel of God”? Is the temple of Ezekiel 40-48 literal of figurative? What are we to make of Romans 11 that states that “all Israel will be saved”? Does this refer to a future mass conversion of ethnic Jews…or something else?
This book will forever change the way you approach the great propecies of the Bible, and give you a renewed appreciation for the Lord Jesus Christ and His plan for His church!
My Goodreads review:
The sequel to “The End Times Made Simple”. Solid teaching of eschatology from an amillennial perspective. The chapters are concise and clear, suitable for the interested layman. Compared to the first book (at least to the edition I hold), printing and graphics have much improved.
Following a brief introduction on hermeneutics, the book has two main parts: 1. ‘The future of the church’ which examines what scripture teaches about the church in the present age, and 2. “The future of Israel”. Two crucial texts are discussed in detail: The author considers the ‘Israel of God’ in Gal 6:16 as referring to the church, composed of believing Jews and Gentiles (new men). In Rom 11:26 Waldron does not think the statement “and so all Israel will saved” does refer to a revival among ethnic Israel, but rather to conversions of Israelites during the church age. The author frequently interacts with the opinions of John MacArthur who holds the opposite view on this matter.
I would highly recommend Waldron’s two books as a solid introduction on the topic of eschatology. Even lifelong students of the Bible will find food for thought.
Personally I would have preferred the two volumes in one book.
The Man of Sin, by Kim Riddlebarger, Baker Books, 236 pag.
From the cover:
Christians have always been fascinated with the Antichrist, but recently the interest seems to have reached an all-time high, with pop culture depictions and speculation leaving many people confused or even frightened. But what does the Bible really say? What have Christians believed throughout history about the Antichrist? Should we fear the Antichrist or such things as the mark of the Beast? Have some end-times prophecies already been fulfilled?
Pastor and professor Kim Riddlebarger carefully untangles the confusion surrounding this biblical doctrine. He considers commons beliefs about the Antichrist and end times, closely examines the relevant scriptural passages, and explains how these passages have been interpreted historically by the church.
Pastors, professors, and concerned Christians seeking trustworthy guidance on the doctrine of the Antichrist will appreciate Riddlebarger’s sound biblica approach.
A Case for Amillennialism, by Kim Riddlebarger, Baker Books and Inter-Varsity Press, 271 pag.
From the cover:
What does the Bible really teach about the end times? Will there be a rapture with some people left behind? How has the church traditionally understood the millennial age?
In a clear and accessible manner, Kim Riddlebarger presents and defends amillennialism as the historic Protestant understanding of the millennial age. Amillenarians believe that the millennium is a present reality centered in Christi’s heavenly reign, not a future hope of Christ’s rule on earth after his return.
Recognizing that eschatology—the study of future things—is a complicated and controversial subject, Riddlebarger begins with definitions of key terminology and an overview of various viewpoints and related biblical themes. He then discusses key passages of Scripture that bear upon the millennial age, including Daniel 9, Matthew 24, Romans 11, and Revelation 20. Finally, he evaluates the main problems facing each of the major millennial positions (dispensational premillennialism, historic premillennialism, postmillennialism, and preterism) and cautions readers to be aware of the consequences of each view.
The Momentous Event, by W. J. Grier, Banner of Truth, 128 pag.
From the cover:
This little volume sets forth in orderly and eminently readable fashion what most Calvinistic teachers believe concerning ‘the Second Advent and questions related thereto’. With orthodox Christians of every age, the author holds that our Lord’s return will be personal, visible, sudden and unexpected, glorious and triumphant. Of three views styled respectively post-millennialism, pre-millennialism and non-millennialism, he advocates the last named as scriptural and shows that it has been maintained by a large majority of the Fathers and Reformers of the Church. In two valuable chapters dealing with the interpretation of prophecy, he points out that the literalist view leads logically to absurdities and is not adopted by the writers of the New Testament, who specifically state that many of the Old Testament predictions have been fulfilled, albeit in a spiritual sense…
A general consideration of N.T. teaching on the subject, is followed by a more detailed review of the doctrine of the Gospels, Epistles and Apocalypse, special attention being devoted to the significance of the “millennium” of Revelation chapter 20. Here is a book that will well repay study by those who seek to understand truth that is basic to Christian faith and hope’.
The Day and the Hour, by Francis X. Gumerlock, American Vision, 354 pag.
From the cover:
A Chronicle of Christianity’s Perennial Fascination with Predicting the End of the World
Throughout Christian history, bizarre fringe groups and well-meaning saints alike have been fully convinced that events in their lifetime were fulfilling Bible prophecy.
In The Day and The Hour, Francis Gumerlock spans two thousand years of conjecture on the last days, disclosing the dreams and delusions of those who believed that their sect was the 144,000 of Revelation 7; that the 1290 days of Daniel 12 had expired in their generation; that the “Man of Sin” of II Thessalonians 2 was reigning in their time; that a Rapture of the saints, a Great Tribulation, a Battle of Armageddon were just around the corner; or that a Millennial Kingdom was about to dawn.
By exposing these erroneous predictions made century after century, Gumerlock encourages an approach of “cautious ignorance” concerning the date of the final coming of Christ and related events, and magnifies the truth of Christ’s words that the day and the hour is indeed unknown.
This fascinating chronicle of predictions will rivet the attention of any student of Bible prophecy, regardless of your eschatological position.
The Beast of Revelation, by Kenneth L. Gentry Jr., American Vision, 246 pag.
From the cover:
Who is this mysterious person behind the number that has frightened, perplexed, and evadede prophecy students for nearly tow millennia? Dr. Ken Gentry leads the reader through a rich historical tour and employs gripping theologial analysis as he solves the case. His skills as a Scriptural sleuth are demonstrated as he follows the trail that leads to “the man”. He also reveals “the clue” that closes the door on this 2,000 year-old-mystery. The Scriptural and historical foundation laid in this break-thru book is remarkable.
The reader will quickly learn that the Bible does interpret itself. Gentry employs this indispensable method throughout the book and exhibits its rational and illuminating effects page after page.
How about you? Are you weary of the modern-day hype over identifying the Beast? Does your skepticism soar as each new Antichrist candidate fails to measure up to the Biblical evidence? If so, then Providence has brought you to the road of decision. The time has come to dispel the murk, build the case, and finally reveal: The Beast of Revelation. Are you ready to meet him?
My Goodreads review:
In the first part the author tries to identity the beast, considering the internal evidence from the book of Revelation as well as analysing external sources, both from christian and pagan sources. Gentry provides compelling arguments to consider the Roman empire the beast generically and its evil sixth emperor, Nero Caesar, the beast specifically.
In the second part the author provides arguments for an early date of the composition of Revelation, i.e. before 68 AD, rather than in the late AD 90s under the emperor Domitian, which is the majority view among commentators nowadays. The early date of composition is indeed an indispensable prerequisite to uphold the author’s (partial) preterist view.
It might well be that Gentry is correct and the visions described in Revelation refer to past events. But christian persecution did not cease in the first century, it has been a reality throughout church history even until our own times.
Are You Ready for the End of Time?, by J. C. Ryle, Christian Focus, 169 pag.
From the cover:
J. C. Ryle, accepted as one of the foremost Bible teachers of the last 200 years, turns his attention to the future. He investigates the nature of Biblical prophecy, signs of the the End Times, the Second Coming of Christ and the future state of the Church.
Ryle is careful not to push his interpretation of the texts beyond what they can bear. He says ‘Much of the discredit which has fallen on prophetic study has arisen from the fact that many students instead of expounding prophecy have turned prophets themselves.’
An continues –
‘I have purposely avoided everything that can be called speculative or conjectural. I have strictly confined myself to a few great prophetic principles, which appear to me written as it were with a sunbeam.’
Ryle analyses 8 prophetic scriptural passages and gives an 11-point summary of his ‘prophetical creed’. He sheds a great deal of light on issues which cause a lot of confusion.
J. C. Ryle was the first Bishop of Liverpool. He was one of the most authoritative churchmen of his time and his writings have been in constant demand throughout the last hundred years. His popularity was due to his clear and simple style, his longevity due to his being a profound thinker and compassionate pastor.
Why Not Full-Preterism? by Steve Gregg, Xulon Press, 392 pag.
From the cover:
Did Jesus already return, as He predicted He would? For 2,000 years, the Church has always said, “Not yet!” Since the 1970’s, some writers have been claiming that Christ returned at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by Romans, in A.D.70. They believe there are no more biblical prophecies to be fulfilled in the future. This is the view called Full-Preterism. It is currently held by a tiny minority of Christians, but it is gaining adherents through the influence of articulate advocates-especially on the Internet.
Why Not Full-Preterism examines the arguments of this camp and demonstrates its errors.
Steve Gregg is a national talk-show host, author of several books and international lecturer on the Bible, theology and discipleship. His radio talk show, The Narrow Path, is heard weekdays on stations across USA and is streamed to the Internet on the website www.thenarrowpath.com. There is a free mobile app by the same name, from which the program can be heard as well. His full-bio can be found at the website.
My Goodreads review
Full-Preterism is a theological innovation from the 1970s according to which all Bible prophecies have already been fulfilled in the past, that is in A.D. 70. The system is mainly based on the so-called time-texts (for instance Matt. 24:34, 1 Cor. 10:11, Rev. 1:1) around which a paradigm is established that forces all prophetic pronouncements into a first-century fulfilment. Although Hyper-Preterism (the preferred term for Full-Preterism by its critics) is a niche movement, it has gained some ground in more recent times and is confusing not a few.
The author, a popular radio talk show host who has been in Bible-teaching ministry for over fifty years, does a marvellous job in examining the claims and espousing the fallacies of this system. Interestingly, Gregg shows that certain passages like the Olivet Discourse, that popularly are often interpreted futuristically, on close examination may indeed better fit a first-century fulfilment. With this approach the author holds a view called Partial-Preterism that does justice to what the Bible actually says in a certain passage, without superimposing the peculiar teachings of one passage on other (unrelated) parts of the scriptures. Although similar in name, Partial-Preterism differs from Full-Preterism in kind rather than degree; the latter being definitively outside Christian orthodoxy, as Gregg successfully proves in this volume.
The book is highly recommended to anyone interested in the subject.
Why I Left Full Preterism, by Samuel M. Frost, American Vision, 100 pag.
From the cover:
This book is written by a former leader in the Full Preterist movement, Samuel M. Frost. He has rejected Full Preterism as being historically unorthodox and biblically unsound. Full Preterism believes that the Second Coming and Resurrection of the Dead occurred in AD 70, and that the resurrection is spiritual rather than physical. It also holds that history continues forever.
Chapters include: 1. What is Full Preterism? 2. My Full Preterist Testimony. 3. History, Creeds. and Sola Scriptura. 4. Infinity. 5. John 6. 6. What are the Last Days? 7. The Shell Game. 8. Where Is Jesus? 9. Sin, Death, and Creation. 10. Progressive Sanctification. 11. The Bodily Death and Resurrection of Jesus. Conclusion. Why I Left Full Preterism