Dispensational Essentials. A Book Review

Dispensational Essentials. A Book Review

by | Dec 23, 2010 | Bookreviews, Ecclesiology, General Theology

Dispensationalism-Michael Vlach from Bret Capranica on Vimeo. Dr. Michael J. Vlach has written a helpful, readable, concise, yet thorough book on the subject of Dispensationalism:  Dispensationalism: Essential Belief and Common Myths.  In it, as the subtitle suggests, he seeks to set forth the essential beliefs and dispel some of the most common myths associated with the Dispensational system of theology. Dr. Vlach currently serves as the Assistant Professor of Theology at The Master”™s Seminary in Sun Valley, CA, where I graduated with my Master of Divinity.  Though I finished my studies there before his arrival, I have found his writings helpful.  He wrote his Ph.D. dissertation on the subject of the church as a replacement of Israel (Supercessionism). The book (published in 2008) is briefly (73 pages) arranged into four chapters 1) History of Dispensationalism 2) Essential Beliefs of Dispensationalism 3) Myths about Dispensationalism 4) Questions and Answers about Dispensationalsim.  The aim of Vlach”™s book is straight forward, “. . . my aim is to discuss what dispensationalism is and what it is not” (3)  He seeks to “highlight the foundational beliefs of dispensationalism that are truly at the heart of the system [and discuss] misrepresentations and myths about dispensationalism that have muddied the waters of understanding (3). WHAT”™S MOST HELPFUL 1. It is concise.  It is not a weighty treatment of every nuance that could be discussed about Dispensationalism.  It keeps to the subject at hand and is accessible reading for any interested reader who wants a jet tour of the issues related to Dispensationalism. 2.  It is irenic in the way he handles the subject, especially those...