The Millennial Kingdom: A Basic Text in Premillennial Theology

Rating:
Summary: A stodgy, combative discussion of premillenialism
Review: This book is a collection of essays on the kingdom of God that got published in the Dallas Theological Seminary academic journal back in the 1940's and 1950's. The writer attempts to prove that when Jesus returns, there will be a literal 1000 year kingdom of peace on earth. I felt that the author proved his case from Scripture fairly well. But he spends a lot of time trading barbs with Christians of other eschatological perspectives. So the book comes across as somewhat snooty and contemptuous . Which is too bad, really. But if you can wade through the stodgy prose, then I think you will learn quite a bit about 20th century millennialism.

Rating:
Summary: solid and thorough
Review: This is one of the earlier books by the late John Walvoord. During the early years of his tenure at Dallas Theological Seminary, arguments within the conservative theological community were fierce and serious. It is important to bear in mind that Walvoord is writing with a two-fold purpose. One was to explain the premillennial view of scripture, based on a literal hermeneutic. The other was to answer the arguments put forth by amillennial theologians of the day against the view. One of the chief combatants in that fight was the Presbyterian theologian Oswald T. Allis, and his book 'Prophecy and the Church'. Thus it is good to keep in mind that throughout church history, doctrinal disputes have been waged between theologians in this fashion. Thus whether is is Luther and Eck, or Walvoord and Allis, this is not unusual or strange. Moreover, Walvoord carries out his arguments with the utmost charity - he never attacks ad hominum, or in any way impugns the character of his opponents. Walvoord is a careful exegete, and presents his case in an orderly and dispassionate manner. This book I have found to be one of the best expositions of dispensational theology that is available today. Finally, for those who think questions of premillennial/amillennial are simply prophetic disputes, this book illustrates well how this is a package deal; it affects the entire Christian life. For this reason alone, the book should be read.