Dispensationalists and Premillennialists and Preterists, OH MY!
So, Through a series of discussions here, here, and via email, the question seems to be “what are Jamie’s eschatological beliefs?” Well, well, wouldn’t we ALL like to know the answers to this question.
I have taken to reading blogs that are written by well trained theologians. A theologian I am not. Theology has only recently grabbed my interest and boy, I’m hooked. I am fascinated. Why have I not been taught this before? Why is that the average Jane (or Joe) in the pew isn’t encouraged to explore the width and breadth and beauty of the different interpretations of Scripture? Why have I always been taught that people who hold different interpretations of Scripture are just wrong, (and probably going straight to hell) instead of being taught the scriptural basis for WHY they believe the way they believe.
Thanks to Virgil, I am exploring preterism. (And Virgil, I think I’m leaning towards a partial preteristic view….but that remains to be seen). Thanks to TA for enlightening me to the beauty of reformed theology (even when I pushed back hard). Thanks to Scot McKnight for putting brilliant, sensitive and thoughtful words to my current frustrations with the evangelical church. Thanks to Rob Bell to helping me understand the Gospel in a more holistic sense. Thanks to NT Wright for helping me understand that “Heaven’s nice, but it’s not the end of the world.” Thanks to people like Phil, John and Molly for showing me what it looks like to come out of one set of theological beliefs, into another. Perhaps not unscathed, but stronger and loving Jesus more. To Brian McLaren for showing me what a generous orthodoxy might look like.
There is so much to learn about why people believe these different views. The Church Universal is exciting and intriguing. All this to say, that I’m still not sure what my eschatological beliefs are, BUT I’m questioning people, I’m searching the Scriptures, and I’m seeking God for the answers. While I’ve been frustrated and hurt by the local church, I’m discovering that the Church (both visible and invisible) is beautiful.
>
Wow! Out of all these really important people you put me first on the list!! I am flattered…hehe
On a serious note, all Preterists I know have taken this same journey you are on too Jamie. I was hardcore Dispy->could not care less->partial preterist->full preterist->unfinished christian
Eschatology is crucial to one’s faith in my opinion. What you believe about eschatology matters…big time…and it affects the way you think, live, interact with others, the environment, sinners….etc.
Before pastoring I never attended a church which wasnm’t pretrib rapture happy. I always assumed there would be a time with a real anti-Christ and he’d be persecuting the saints for a season. It was not a popular opinion. Early glimmers of heresy I suppose.
I think I’ve landed at the place where I figure we know the end of the story about as well as they figured out His first coming before it happened. I imagine each of the variant theological perspectives have grains of truth - and mountians of false assumptions. In the end it’ll happen as it happens, I just hope to “be in that number, when the saints come marching in.”
Wow- Virgil and Phil. I somehow resonate with both comments. I think that our eschatology does have huge impact on our faith, and yet, at the same time, I agree with Phil, that at the end of the day, we’re all just guessing. How can both of those statements be true? Who knows. At the end of the day, maybe we’re all just heretics
J
Thanks Jamie. You’ve been a blessing to me!
Phil spoke for me, and I’m off to check out Virgil’s blog……
John. Thanks. You’ll enjoy Virgil’s blog. I have
as REM sang, it’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine…
Virgil is right. Eschatology matters big time. I am not a Preterist but Jamie should perhaps read The Last Days According to Jesus by Sproul. Ask Virgil if he recommends.