Providence Points: A Short Review 4

[shawn...@gmail.com]

Providence Points:
Biblical, Devotional & Informational
February, 18 2008 Vol. 3, No. 5
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From the editor:
I am recovering from some weekend illness (which included a mini-
relapse last night). So, you will have to wait for the new Providence
Points format...oh, that's right, I didn't warn you ahead a time! Now
you can anticipate formatting, color and even pictures! (For those
without html capable email, a text version is always attached.

Although we hard-core Calvinist always seem to be about "content,
content, content," we do try not to forget about form and beauty. I
hope it is as attractive as the content. Pass the word.

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Dispensationalism: Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow, Crenshaw and Gunn

This helpful book is a must for those interested in understanding or
evaluating Dispensationalism. The authors were raised within this
system and trained at its leading seminary, Dallas Theological
Seminary. Not only is it a straightforward and accurate presentation
and critique of this approach to the Bible, it accomplishes these
goals without being arrogant and boastful. As the preface contends, it
is not the purpose of the book to attack or ridicule
Dispensationalism, "I ask my dispensational brethren to receive this
books in love, for it was prompted in a desire to be true to God's
Word..." (iii).

This book is divided into two sections, each written by one of the
authors. Part one focuses on the principles of interpretation that
arise from the Bible and that differ from the "literal" hermeneutic of
Dispensationalism. It also highlights the theological and practical
tendencies of this system. Part two is an in-depth critique of the
major components, interacting with actual references of leading
proponents of this approach. Covering many issues, including the
relationship of Israel and the Church as well as Christian Zionism,
this part of the book is saturated with a multitude of verses, some of
which I did not know existed! There are also three useful appendices.

Crenshaw and Gunn's book is important, not simply for its incisive
analysis but because it is an accessible read for laymen and ministers
alike. It is not technical, yet its insight into the weakness of this
uniquely American system is profound. For those on the edge of leaving
Dispensationalism it will benefit greatly.

SDG