Customer Reviews

Dispensationalism

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

The book Dispensationalism by Charles R. Ryrie is essentially an apologetic for dispensationalism. It is both an exposition and a defense of the dispensational system of Biblical interpretation. The book was written to correct some misconceptions about dispensationalism and to give a positive presentation of normative dispensational teaching. Ryrie's arguments are cogent, consistent and pertinent. The book is very readable and does not require extensive theological training to understand. I especially appreciated the considerate and loving spirit Ryrie had throughout his work. He defended his case and exposed weaknesses he saw in other viewpoints without a spirit of arrogance or divisiveness. All of my questions about and struggles with dispensationalism were not answered, but the book gave me a clear understanding of the position. It would be an important read for anyone investigating this subject.

I am a layperson who is very interested in theology, so that is the perspective from which I am writing this review.

I really have to recommend the book to everyone, dispensationalist or not, because it really is a very comprehensive look at the subject. Already being a dispensationalist, I have a much greater understanding of the belief, as well as an appreciation for the arguments for and against it. However, I felt that Ryrie left a few questions hanging and didn't really answer them well, for example, on page 85 he talks about how the dispensationalist believes that God has two distinct purposes, one for the Church, one for Israel. However, he never clearly said what those 2 purposes were.

As someone already stated, I, too, feel the book was quite defensive on the whole. It seems as though he was using some of the same fallacies towards the other beliefs (covenent theology, progressive disp.) as he was accusing their proponents of having towards dispensationalism. I realize this was one of the purposes of writing the book, but I just felt the tone didn't have to be quite SO defensive.

I think he did a wonderful job of dispelling some of the incorrect views antidispensationalists have on the belief.

My primary complaint, however, is the author seemed to be exceptionally negative towards progressive dispensationalism. Most of the accusations that he had toward that belief were on what the progressive COULD POTENTIALLY believe. His arguments against what they actually currently claim to be seemed to be quite weak considering even I could easily see the logical (and seemingly valid) response that the progressive would have.

It isn't an overly difficult read, but it's not your light reading, either. I found myself re-reading several passages to make sure that I clearly understood the authors point of view.

Like I said, I highly recommend it just because it seems to be the most comprehensive look on dispensationalism out there. Even for the non-dispensationalist, it really gives you a good overview of the arguments for and against dispensationalism.

This is the revised and updated edition of Dr. Ryrie's influential "Dispensationalism Today" (1965). Ryrie's goal is to prove Dispensationalism is "the most helpful tool of consistent, noncontradictory interpretation of Scripture" (pp. 11-12). In Chapter 2, Ryrie gives us three distinctive characteristics he feels separate Dispensationalists from other Christians. They are: (1) a clear (or total) distinction between Israel and the Church, (2) a consistently literal interpretation of Scripture, and (3) the belief that the basic purpose of God's dealings with mankind is glorifying Himself. While Ryrie is correct in saying a total distinction between Israel and the Church is unique to Dispensationalism, the other alleged distinctives are illusory. After all, many Christians who reject Dispensationalism believe the basic purpose of God's dealing with mankind is glorifying Himself, while no one (Dispensationalists included) interprets the Bible with consistent literalism.

In Chapter 3, Ryrie outlines the various dispensations. While insisting they are not to be equated with a period of time, and admitting they may overlap and Ryrie argues for seven that basically correspond to different historical periods: Innoncency (Creation to the Fall), Conscience (the Fall to the Flood), Civil Government (Noah to Abraham), Patriarchal Rule (Abraham to Moses), Law (Moses to Christ), Grace (Pentecost to the Rapture) and the Millennium (the Second Coming to the Last Judgment). While dividing biblical history into periods is nothing new, many of the details in this chapter would be controversial, and it is useful for those wanting to understand modern Dispensationalism.

The same cannot be said about Chapter 4. Simply put, the book would be much better if this chapter was omitted. In trying to show Dispensationalism's antiquity, Ryrie is driven to make at least two ridiculous assertions. First, he argues that people like Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and Augustine held to early dispensational-like concepts, and then he asserts that people like Isaac Watts and Jonathan Edwards belonged to a period of developing dispensationalism. However, Ryrie fails to mention that each rejected the central Dispensational idea that Israel and the Church are totally separate entities. That Ryrie really knows better can be seen by his later argument (at p. 128) that Justin Martyr was the first person to equate the church with "true Israel". If Ryrie was really interested in being accurate, he would have pointed out that Justin and Irenaeus were historic Premillennialists, that Jonathan Edwards was a Postmillennialist and that Augustine was either an Amillennialist or a Postmillennialist. One wonders why Ryrie bothered with this chapter at all, though, since the fact that no one in church history taught Dispensationalism prior to the 1830s would not stop him from arguing Dispensationalism is true.

The meat of the book is in chapters 5-8 where Dispensationalism's system of interpreting Scripture is outlined. In Chapter 5, Ryrie tries to argue that only Dispensationalists consistently follow the literal method of Scriptural interpretation. Ryrie, however, fails to mention that Dispensationalists are forced to choose between arguing that sacrifices for sin mentioned in Ezekiel 40-48 will be reinstituted in the millennium (thereby contradicting a literal reading of Hebrews 10) and arguing that a literal reading of Hebrews 10 means Ezekiel 40-48 cannot be interpreted literally. Similarly, he fails to note that even though Dispensationalists insist on national Israel's restoration, they rarely insist on the restoration of national Assyria (as would be required by a literal reading of the Old Testament). More seriously, however, Ryrie ought to know the Old Testament is not always interpreted literally by New Testament authors. As Arminius asked long ago, "Who would understand `the sign of Jonah,' to have been instituted to typify the three days in which Christ remained in the bowels of the earth, unless Christ had himself given that explanation?"

Ryrie deserves credit in repudiating some incredibly sloppy statements by older dispensationalists which gave the impression that salvation was by works in the Old Testament. In Chapter 6, he is clear to say any tests under a particular dispensation should not be confused with the way of salvation (p. 116). Instead, he says Dispensationalists simply differ from Covenant Theology in rejecting the latter's insistence that faith was "in Christ" during Old Testament times. This is not new as Arminius said something similar long ago, however: "The faith of Abraham and its object occupy nearly the whole of the fourth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans. Let what is there said be compared together; and let it be demonstrated from this comparison, that Abraham saw Christ in those promises which he apprehended by faith."

Chapter 7 deals with the real distinction between Dispensationalism and all other forms of Christian theology - the insistence on an absolute distinction between Israel and the Church. Here, Ryrie rejects the idea that the church has existed since Genesis 4, and says the reference to the "church in the wilderness" in Acts 7:38 is to a different sense of the word "church" than is usually mentioned in the New Testament. For Ryrie, it is clear that Romans 9, Galatians 3 and Ephesians 3 do not really refer to the Church fulfilling any of the promises to Israel. It is disappointing that he fails to even address the fact that Revelation 21 shows the church to be made up of Old and New Testament believers alike, and that the idea that even if the church began at Pentecost it incorporated Old Testament believers into it is also passed over in silence. Chapter 8 then deals with the doctrine of the Pre-tribulation rapture - which is ultimately based on an absolute distinction between Israel and the Church.

In the remainder of the book, Ryrie critiques of Progressive Dispensationalism, Covenant Theology, and Ultra-Dispensationalism. This is more technical and deals with disputes over the interpretation of particular passages.

In summary, Ryrie's book is a good place to start for an understanding of common Dispensational arguments. While many of its arguments are biblically invalid, the book will give the reader a better understanding of the Dispensational mind.

When I started reading this book I was kind of skeptical because I pretty much knew the arguments for dispensationalism. However, as I kept reading the book I found out that there were lots of things I didn't know about the arguments for dispensationalism. This book should be read by both dispensationalists and non-dispensationalists. For the dispensationalist to understand their system more; for the non-dispensationalist to understand the system period. Ryrie's chapter on Hermenuetics is good. I also thought his chapters on Progressive Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology were helpful. Though he doesn't get too indepth on why Covenant Theology is unbiblical, he does bring up questions and insights about Covenant Theology. This book is a recommended read for those who are trying to understand this movement within the conservative-evangelical circle. Even if you're not a dispensationalist this book is a great help to understand why dispensationalists are dispensationalists.

The purpose of this book is to clarify what `Classical' dispensationalism is. The topic is obviously a controversial one (look at the other reviews), and the author does a good job of explaining the dispensational position. There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding and harsh feelings when it comes to dispensationalism. But the author appeals to the readers to put theological presuppositions aside and try and understand scripture. It is this part of the book that I appreciated. I also appreciate the dispensational system that Ryrie describes, I feel the system is the safest and truest way to understand scripture systematically (if Scripture can be understood that way).

I did not enjoy the parts of the book where Ryrie tries to explain other camps of theology. He has a chapter on progressive dispensationalism, covenant theology, and ultra dispensationalism. I didn't feel like I got a good representation of these theological positions. Ryrie exhorts critics of dispensationalism to not blow down theological straw men, but it seems as if he does exactly that to other theological systems.

At the end of the book, Ryrie makes a plea for unity despite theological differences. Earlier in the book he listed some of the many things dispensationalists hold in common with covenant theologians. There is much more common ground than areas of disagreement. I agree with Ryrie on this point, the differences between the two camps are clear, but they are not major enough to lose fellowship over.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding this particular camp of dispensationalism. I enjoyed reading the book. The book is easy to read, and the thoughts and arguments are outlined well. A must read for any serious theological student (dispensational or not).

I gave it 5 stars because there is nothing out there to compare it too at this moment. The movement that classic dispensationalism has had on theology has truly been illumination from the Holy Spirit. Back in the 1800's no one at an academic/theological level was recognizing the promises to a literal Israel until men like Darby, Scofield, Chafer and Ironside stepped on the seen preparing the way in the early 1900's for the establishment of the literal nation of Israel. Just look back at 1948. Israel is there waiting for the 2nd coming of their messiah which will not occur until they "recognize Him whom they have pierced". Obviously that statement does not apply to the church. Once we're in the Body of Christ the book of life is signed, we are sealed and delivered.

Ryrie touches on the crucial subject regarding salvation through out progressive revelation and he rejects the accusations people make regarding the false claims that dispensationalism teaches various ways of salvation (another helpful book on salvation through out progressive revelation is that of Erich Sauer entitled "From Eternity to Eternity"). Ryrie also sheds light on the extreme views of Ultradispensationalism and the new yet popular view of progressive dispensationalism. This book will give you a greater understanding of the theological system of dispensationalism today. Of course it is not inspired like the Bible. The author never claimed to be infallible, in fact his humility is clearly seen when he states that the "names of the 7 dispensations are not inspired" but they're a good way of understanding bible prophecy. If anyone else has a better system in understanding Bible prophecy please feel free to write a book and share it with us. We really need to know.

This book is worth the $$$.

...This is considered by many to be the Classic Handbook on Dispensationalism, and it is a Revised Version of his original work entitled "Dispensationalism Today".

It serves as a Curriculum Resource for Doctrine courses at Philadelphia Biblical University, and, therefore, it comes highly recommended.

Charles Ryrie served as the President of Philadelphia Biblical University and he continues to serve as a Professor at this Institute and Dallas Theological Seminary.

As for the book itself, it provides the Basic Doctrines of Dispensationalism as understood by C.I. Scofield, and as reinterpreted by Charles Ryrie himself. As such, it is essential to a Proper Understanding of Modern Dispensationalism.

However, it is NOT a proper assessment of the Original Dispensationalism that was taught by J.N. Darby and the Plymouth Brethren. It neglects the Essential Doctrine of the Apostasy, which was the Foundational Doctrine for the Original Dispensationalists.

It also does not consider the excellent and profound insights provided by John Master and Brian Toews, concerning the New Covenant. Nor does it do justice to some of the arguments brought forth by the Progressive Dispensationalists.

Overall, this book serves as an excellent Primer for Dispensationalism....

Shalom - Soror Samhain

This was a great book for research. Also check out the newer book "Classical Dispensationalism and its Eschatological Foundations."
There are not enough good books on this very interesting topic.

I decided that I needed a primer on dispensationalism after reading a commentary on Romans by William Newell. His work was thorough and insightful, but it assumed some background in dispensational thought and history. Having been raised in a covenant-theology church, dispensational thought came to me as a revelation on how to understand the Bible. However, I wanted to understand what was the basis for dispensational beliefs and how it fit together. Charles Ryrie's book seemed like an easy way to get some background.

Much about Ryrie's book was helpful. It defines dispensations (a particular method and revelation by which God interacts with the world), lists the 7 commonly accepted dispensations (Innocence, Conscience, Civil Government, Patriarchy, Mosaic Law, Grace, and Millenium), the hermeneutics (grammatical-historical), the historical development of these beliefs and the justification for approaching Scripture this way. He also discusses eschatology, salvation, and the nature of the Church from a dispensational perspective. These chapters answered most of the questions that I originally had in mind and put into perspective other popular literature based on the same system. If you weren't raised in a dispensational church, this book can help you understand the allusions in modern evangelical culture.

On the other hand, if you weren't raised dispensational, you will still miss allusions in this book. For instance, the author refers to the 144,000 of Revelations in discussing church doctrinal statements. Why? I feel as if the author assumes a minimum level of exposure to dispensationalism which many folks just don't have. Some other downsides: the author sprinkles objections from covenant and amillenialist positions throughout the book. Ryrie tends to take exteme objections and either show that they are based on faulty logic or that the same objections can be made to the objector's own system. Perhaps these are comments that dispensationalists can expect to hear, but I was left wondering if all theologians of other systems sound so shrill. However, while Ryrie can be critical of other belief systems, he seems respectful and not emotional, keeping the tone of the book civil. Also there are chapters on Progressive dispensationalism, Covenant theology, and Ultra-dispensationalism, which provide a background for other beliefs but are presented more as straw men. Again, I imagine that the author meant to be helpful but should have stuck to his strengths.

In short, I'd say this is a good introduction to dispensationalism for someone who knows a little about it already. If you are completely new to the topic, this book is at least short and succint. I'd recommend getting something more in depth as a second source.

This is the textbook on dispensationalism written by one of the strongest dispensationalists: Charles Ryrie. The reading is fairly easy, although if you don't have an understanding of basic Bible theology, the reading can be quite cumbersome. This is a very clear and fair presentation of the dispensational hermeneutic and it also presents the theological problems with dispenstionalism, covenant theology, progressive and hyper dispensationalism.