Anthony A. Hoekema
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15
Average rating: 4.5 of 5
Accessible, Well-Written Introduction 4 out of 5 stars.
7 of 8 people found this review helpful.
This is an accessible, well-written introduction to four views relating to the millennium of Revelation 20. The book is written in a debate-like format, with each contributor giving a defense of his millennial view followed by a response from the each of the other contributors. All four contributors agree that one's millennial view follows from one's philosophy of biblical interpretation and each contributor defends their respective hermeneutic approach. In his defense of postmillennialism, Boettner succeeds primarily in showing that he does not even understand the interpretive principle at stake - no serious reader of the bible (even dispensational readers) question that the bible contains symbolic and figurative language. The hermeneutic debate is not a debate between a literal and a figurative interpretation of the Scriptures. Instead, the debate centers on whether Old Testament prophecies were and will be fulfilled literally, through national Israel, or rather, were and will be fulfilled spiritually, through the Church.
In his defense of dispensational premillennialism, Hoyt argues that biblical interpretation should operate on the expectation that Old Testament prophecies will be literally fulfilled with national Israel as their object. His primary justification for this hermeneutic principle is his belief that a literal interpretation is the simplest to understand and that God would certainly proceed in the way that is most accessible and understandable to the common folk. Hoyt's argument is weak considering that the New Testament interprets and applies key Old Testament prophecies in understandable and clear language.
In fact, the interpretive principles of Hoekema (Amillennialism) and Ladd (Historic Premillennialsm) follow along this line of argument: The New Testament provides the authoritative interpretation of Old Testament prophecies, largely arguing for a spiritual fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through the Church. Hoekema and Ladd find much to agree upon and little to disagree upon. Their only difference relates to interpretation of Revelation 20:1-6. Both presentations are well written and convincing.
It is unclear why Boettner even cares what interpretive principle is adopted. His defense of Postmillennialism is almost completely free of biblical exegesis. In fact, in response to Boettner's essay, Ladd comments, "There is so little appeal to Scripture that I have little to criticize." Boettner does pose a worthwhile question: Wouldn't it be great if the vast majority of humanity were saved? This is the evangelical version of the equally appropriate question: Wouldn't it be great if everyone were saved? Evangelicals, of which I am one, would do good to remember that God "is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9).
Editorial Review:
Christ is coming again.Since the first century, Christians have agreed that Christ will return. But since that time there have also been many disagreements. How will Christ return? When will he return? What sort of kingdom will he establish? What is the meaning of the millennium? These questions persist today.Four major views on the millennium have had both a long history and a host of Christian adherents. In this book Robert G. Clouse brings together proponents of each view: George Eldon Ladd on historic premillenniallism, Herman A. Hoyt on dispensational premillennialism, Loraine Boettner on post-millennialism and Anthony A. Hoekema on amillennialism.After each view is presented, proponents of the three competing views respond from their own perspectives. Here you'll encounter a lively and productive debate among respected Christian scholars that will help you gain clearer and deeper understanding of the different ways the church approaches the meaning of the millennium.
