Case for Historic Premillennialism, A: An Alternative to "Left Behind" Eschatology

Twentieth- and twenty-first-century American evangelicalism, particularly at the popular level, has been virtually saturated with the eschatology of dispensational premillennialism. The distinctive teachings of that system, in particular its affirmation of the pretribulation rapture of the church, have become so pervasive that many evangelicals would be hard pressed to identify an alternative approach. Popular novels that disseminate dispensationalism to a wider readership have only furthered that trend.

The contributors to this volume provide a thoughtful alternative. They present compelling arguments for historic or classic premillennialism--a position widely held throughout church history (and popularly advanced in the writings of George Eldon Ladd). An introductory chapter examines the differences within premillennial eschatology and considers reasons for the widespread popularity of dispensationalism in the twentieth century. This is followed by biblical, theological, historical, and missiological studies that reexamine classic premillennialism, particularly with regard to its understanding of the return of Christ.

The authors, all respected scholars in their fields, present arguments for a return to an eschatological theology that was widely held for many centuries. Their engaging studies should be of great interest to evangelical readers--both in the academy and in the church.

Contributors

• Craig L. Blomberg
• Oscar A. Campos
• Sung Wook Chung
• Helene Dallaire
• Donald Fairbairn
• Richard S. Hess
• Don J. Payne
• Timothy P. Weber

About the Editors

Craig L. Blomberg (PhD, Aberdeen University) is distinguished professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. He is the author of numerous books, including The Historical Reliability of the Gospels and Interpreting the Parables.

Sung Wook Chung (DPhil, Oxford University) is associate professor of Christian theology at Denver Seminary. He is the author of Admiration and Challenge: Karl Barth's Theological Relationship with John Calvin and editor of Christ the One and Only: A Global Affirmation of the Uniqueness of Jesus Christ.