Three Central Issues in Contemporary Dispensationalism: A Comparison of Traditional & Progressive Views [Paperback]

Darrell L. Bock (Author), Elliott Johnson (Author), J. Lanier Burns (Author), Stanley D. Toussaint (Author), Herbert W. Bateman IV (Editor), Charles R. Swindoll (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 11, 1999

(Foreword by Charles R. Swindoll) This work examines (1) methods of interpretation, (2) the biblical covenants, and (3) the relationship of Israel and the church from the viewpoints of both the traditional and progressive dispensationalists.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Herbert W. Bateman IV has taught beginning and intermediate Greek for more than twenty years. He is the editor of Four Views on the Warning Passages in Hebrews, Three Central Issues in Contemporary Dispensationalism, and Authentic Worship.

Stanley D. Toussaint (Th.D., Dallas Theological Seminary) is the senior professor emeritus of Bible exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary. He has taught at DTS since 1960 and has pastored for more than twenty years. An editor, author, teacher, and conference speaker, he has also taught in Christian schools in the Middle East, Australia, and the Far East.

J. Lanier Burns is chairman and professor of Systematic Theology at Dallas Theological Seminary. He holds a B.A. degree from Davidson College, Th.M. and Th.D. degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. He contributed to Dispensationalsim, Israel, and the Church: The Search for Definition.

Elliott E. Johnson is professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary. He holdsa a B.S. degree from Northwestern University, and Th.M. and Th.D. degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is the author of Expository Hermeneutics: An Introduction and contributed three significant pieces on hermeneutics in Hermeneutics, Inerrancy and the Bible [papers from ICBI Summitt II], Walvoord: A Tribute, and Issues in Dispensationalsim.

Darrell L. Bock is research professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. A former president of the Evangelical Theological Society, he is the author of the best-seller Breaking the Da Vinci Code and numerous works in New Testament studies, including Jesus According to Scripture.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Academic & Professional (November 11, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0825420628
• ISBN-13: 978-0825420627
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #100,610 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Debate Between the "Old" and "New" Dispensationalists, April 19, 2005

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theologicalresearcher "theologicalresearcher" (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Three Central Issues in Contemporary Dispensationalism: A Comparison of Traditional & Progressive Views (Paperback)

This book is a good introduction of the differences between the old (traditional) and new (progressive) dispensationalism. The first essay of the book (by Bateman) deals with the origins and historical developments of dispensationalism. Bateman goes through the revisions that started after the Darby-Scofield-Chafer era, and through the middle of the Century (McClain-Pentecost-Ryrie-Walvoord days). Those wanting a good historical background on the developments of dispensational thought should consult Bateman's essay.

The first section deals with the hermeneutical differences between traditional and progressive dispensationalism. The difference being that progressives use a complementary hermeneutic which takes into account extra-biblical literature during the post-exilic era. Progressives have changed the structure of dispensationalism due to the realization that a wooden literal hermeneutic cannot be taken for granted, and that the practice of exegesis must be understood in the historical and cultural context of the period when the OT prophetic books were written.

The second section deals with the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New Covenants promised in the OT and how they relate to the Church. Both traditional and progressive dispensationalists agree that the Abrahamic and New Covenants have been partially realized in the Church today; the question is how much of these covenants have been realized in the Church. However, both camps agree that the OT covenants cannot be totally relegated to Israel during the Millennial Kingdom.

The third section deals with the differences between Israel and the Church. Both groups share the belief that Israelites were saved by grace through faith alone. That salvation has always been by God's grace and sovereignty. That there is no distinction between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. The only differences between both camps is that progressives believe that there is more continuity between Israel and the Church spiritually, and that the Church is not an interruption in God's soteric purposes. However, both groups tend to have more similarities than differences since both agree that Israel still has a place in God's redemptive plan.

Overall, a good debate between traditional and progressive dispensationalists on key theological issues.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Overview of the Subject, March 8, 2010

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LOTR Librarian - See all my reviews

This review is from: Three Central Issues in Contemporary Dispensationalism: A Comparison of Traditional & Progressive Views (Paperback)

This volume discusses three issues central to dispensationalism and biblical theology as a whole: hermeneutics, the biblical covenants, and the relationship of the church to Israel. Each issue is covered in two chapters. The traditional dispensational view is presented, followed by a response from the progressive dispensational side, and vice versa.

An excellent resource for Bible college students, seminarians, or laypeople who desire to understand traditional dispensationalism and progressive dispensationalism.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid 'debate' and discussion..., July 12, 2010

By 

Ashley Pichea (Warsaw, IN) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Three Central Issues in Contemporary Dispensationalism: A Comparison of Traditional & Progressive Views (Paperback)

I read this book as the last of three books required for a master's level class on premillennial dispensationalism. This book was a perfect "capstone" for this class as it answered many questions brought up through the discussions in the class. I enjoyed reading it and thinking through the varying viewpoints presented in relation to the Scriptures.