Understanding Dispensationalists

Rating:
Summary: A Sane Look at Dispensationalism
Review: If one wants a very scholarly and irenic book on the problems of dispensationalism, then this book is it. Poythress examines the characteristics of dispensationalism, the presuppositions of dispensationalism, the hermeneutics of dispensationalism, the social forces behind dispensationalism, and problems associated with dispensationalism. He also pursuasively argues why dispensationalism is biblically and inherently problematic as he examines the "literalistic/flat" hermeneutical method used by dispensationalists. He also offers alternative ways of reading biblical prophecy that make the biblical message of God's redemptive plan coherent. He also uses passages like 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 (chapter 7) and Hebrews 12:22-24 (chapter 12) as test cases when examining the biblical faithfulness of the dispensational system. His chapters on OT intrepretation (chapter 10) and typology (chapter 11) are very insightful and interesting. These two chapters are a must read if one wants to understand the problems associated with dispensationalism. The only problem I have with Poythress is his insistence that Jesus Christ is the "fulfilled" or "ultimate remnant" Israel (pp. 126-9). Though he makes an interesting case here, I did not find it pursuasive. The Bible makes it clear that the new covenant (cf. Jeremiah 31:31-33) will be brought in by Christ's death. Believers participate in the new covenant through faith in Christ. As a result, they become the true Israel (cf. Galatians 3:9). Another interesting point Poythress brings up is on the matter of conditional/unconditional promises of the Bible. Poythress argues that dispensationalists have always tenaciously held onto the gracious and unconditional nature of God's redemptive purpose, and that this affects their hermeneutics (p. 63). Here, Poythress touches a little bit on the whole "lordship salvation controversy." Poythress is right to maintain that though the salvific promises of God are unconditional, that does not exclude the necessity of obedience and discipleship. God's promises are unconditional in one sense (Christ fulfills all the necessary requirements), but they are also conditional in another sense (these blessings are received by a faith that produces fruits). I would highly recommend this book for those wanting a short, scholarly, and thoughtful critique of dispensationalism. This book does not include the harsh polemics and irresponsible name-calling contained in other works critical of dispensationalism (i.e., Gerstner, Mathison, North, etc.). Poythress acknowledges that dispensationalists are also brothers and sisters in Christ who are striving to understand what the Bible teaches about God's dealings with humankind. This book will enlighten you and make you understand more clearly what dispensationalists believe. Thus, it is not a book you will regret picking up if you're interested in this subject.

Rating:
Summary: Great Introduction to Dispensationalism
Review: Poythress provides a very thoughtful, honest look at dispensationalism from a reformed perspective. It is a short and easy to read book, and should be required for all dispensationalist (or anyone who has fallen in love the Left Behind series). Before I read this book I read Keith Mathison's book Dispensationalism: Rightly Dividing the Word of God? and couldn't help but think that he used huge over-generalizations and was more content to attack dispensationalist that open a dialog with them. Poythress avoids this trap with a fair interpretation. He points out that dispensationalism has a very high degree of internal coherence. While many reformed theologians point out the problems with dispensationalism, they do so from within the reformed mindset. As Poythress points out, dispensationalism makes complete sense when viewed within a dispensationalist theology. He does, however, point out why the dispensational theology is flawed and, ultimately, incorrect. Finally, he is careful to observe the distinction between classic and progressive dispensationalism. Since there are, as Poythress points out, many areas of agreement between reformed and progressive dispensationalists, he directs most of his critique towards to more radical classic dispensationalism.

Rating:
Summary: Speaking the truth in love.
Review: There is no doubt that Dispensationalism is fatally flawed, but Poythress manages to avoid any nasty confontational language and attitudes towards those who hold this belief.

Giving credence to his thesis is the fact that he spent time at Dallas Theological Seminary doing research for the book. In fact, he thanks the staff and students for their help! Given the often dogmatic and unloving attitudes that persist on both sides of the interpretive divide, Poythress is very effective and genuine in his style.

Poythress has a number of arguments against Dispensationalism that can't all be summarised here. He does, however, point out that Dispensationalists often paint themselves into corners - they believe the Bible is the literal word of God (which Poythress believes as well), but are unable to cope with basic exegetical problems that contradict their theology. Rather than allow their theology to be changed by the Bible, they interpret the Bible via their theology - thus removing a central part of their belief system that the Bible determines theology.

I challenge any Dispensationalist to read Poythress' work and still remain committed to their theology. But, like Poythress, I do this in the spirit of love, recognizing their faith and love of Christ.

Rating:
Summary: Great Introduction to Dispensationalism
Review: With dispensationalism being popularized by the Left Behind series, you'll want a handy and peaceable book to give to the duped: Poythress provides such a book. It's short and easy to read. Not all covenant theologians will agree with Poythress on all points, but he does a fine job illuminating the issues--he does not attack, he explains. This is an irenic book.

Rating:
Summary: Give this to friends who are afraid of being "Left Behind"
Review: With dispensationalism being popularized by the Left Behind series, you'll want a handy and peaceable book to give to the duped: Poythress provides such a book. It's short and easy to read. Not all covenant theologians will agree with Poythress on all points, but he does a fine job illuminating the issues--he does not attack, he explains. This is an irenic book.