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1325-1005-4478-9977-4453-8812
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6c175e6cb7d7/BAGodChrist_SalvationEssayTitles.BvdT.Nov12.pdf
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0to%20Theology.pdf
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http://coursematerials.vision.edu/textbooks/
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Contemporary Theology What is it?
Contemporary Theology is the study of God focused on the ideas within the most recent time period.
In academic research, Contemporary Theology is generally defined by its focus on trends and
changes within theological research since World War I.Major areas of emphasis during this time have
included fundamentalism, the Charismatic movement, neo-orthodoxy, neo-liberalism, Post-Vatican II Roman
Catholicism, renewed interest in Eastern Orthodoxy, postmodernism, and modern evangelicalism.

In addition to these global trends,Contemporary Theology has often included areas of focus in certain
gender and ethnic areas. Some of these include liberation theology, feminist theology, and various ethnic
theologies (African American, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American, Native American).

A further area of focus inContemporary Theology is the issue of Interfaith or Interreligious Dialogue.In this
type of study, attention is given to similarities and differences that compare historic Christianity with
other faiths. In particular, much attention in recent years has been on interreligious study between
the Abrahamic Faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam).

Philosophical trends are also often a point of research in Contemporary Theology. Over the past
generation, for example, much attention has centered on postmodernismand its relationship to
theology. More recently, issues related to bioethics, human rights, faith in the public square, and the
environment have received much attention.

Of important note is that Contemporary Theology is primarily a pursuit among those working in
academic research. Often confronting intellectual issues related to theology, the field attracts both
Christians and non-Christians in pursuit of information related to topics. As such, the goals of some
will be much different than those seeking biblical information in order to live a more godly life as a
Christian.

Those who wish to live according to God's Word would rightly focus most of their attention on
understanding Scripture itself. The Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and does not
change (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Christians are called to show themselves diligent learners (2 Timothy
2:15), seeking to know God's Word, live it out, and to help share it with others.Ezra 7:10notes, "For
Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in
Israel." His life shares an example applicable to every believer that can help in growing to live a life
worthy of our calling today (Colossians 1:10).

Read more:http://www.compellingtruth.org/contemporary-theology.html#ixzz383PJSAcM
1. Question: "What is contemporary theology?"

Answer:Contemporary theology is generally defined as a study of
theology and theological trends from post-World War I to the present.
Roughly covering the twentieth century to today,the major categories
typically addressed by contemporary theology include fundamentalism, neo-
orthodoxy, Pentecostalism, evangelicalism, neo-liberalism, Post-Vatican II
Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox theology of the twentieth century, and the
Charismatic Movement.

In addition to these larger categories, contemporary theology also deals with
specialized areas such as liberation theology, feminist theology, and various
ethnic theologies. With the wide variety of credos involved, few scholars would
claim to serve as experts in contemporary theology. Rather, the trend is to
specialize in one or more areas of contemporary theological research.

A more recent branch of contemporary theology is the study of interfaith
dialogue. Historic Christian theology is compared with the worldviews of non-
Christian belief systems as the basis for dialogue between different faiths.
Recent pursuits have focused on the shared values between two or
more faiths, such as the Abrahamic Faiths (Judaism, Christianity, and
Islam) or Eastern Religions (including Hinduism, Buddhism, and
Christian movements such as the underground Chinese Church).

Contemporary theology is primarily a field of academic scholarship. As such, it
addresses intellectual challenges facing theology, including science, social
issues, and religious practices. While many contemporary theologians share a
Christian heritage, not all do. In fact, many agnostic or even atheist scholars
have entered the field and are teaching their views regarding faith and belief in
contemporary society.

For the Bible-believing Christian, contemporary theology is important, as
it traces the development of beliefs in recent history. However, it is
critical to realize that contemporary theology often departs from
traditional Christian theology when it evaluates faith in the context of
various social movements or in comparison with other belief systems.
Adhering to a biblical worldview is not usually the goal.

Those who want to understand what Gods Word teaches on todays
important topics can find helpful information in a wide variety of
contemporary theological materials. However, the Bible itself does not
change. It is the standard of truth for the believer, both now and forever
(1 Timothy 3:16-17).


"What is a Christian worldview?"

Answer:A worldview refers to a comprehensive conception of the
world from a specific standpoint.A Christian worldview, then, is a
comprehensive conception of the world from a Christian standpoint.An
individuals worldview is his big picture, a harmony of all his beliefs
about the world. It is his way of understanding reality. Ones worldview
is the basis for making daily decisions and is therefore extremely
important.

An apple sitting on a table is seen by several people. A botanist looking
at the apple classifies it. An artist sees a still-life and draws it. A grocer
sees an asset and inventories it. A child sees lunch and eats it. How we
look at any situation is influenced by how we look at the world at
large.Every worldview, Christian and non-Christian, deals with at least
these three questions:

1) Where did we come from? (and why are we here?)
2) What is wrong with the world?
3) How can we fix it?

A prevalent worldview today is naturalism, which answers the three
questions like this: 1) We are the product of random acts of nature with
no real purpose. 2) We do not respect nature as we should. 3) We can
save the world through ecology and conservation.A naturalistic
worldview generates many related philosophies such as moral
relativism, existentialism, pragmatism, and utopianism.

A Christian worldview, on the other hand, answers the three questions
biblically: 1) We are Gods creation, designed to govern the world and
fellowship with Him (Genesis 1:27-28;2:15). 2) We sinned against God
and subjected the whole world to a curse (Genesis 3). 3) God Himself
has redeemed the world through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ
(Genesis 3:15;Luke 19:10), and will one day restore creation to its former
perfect state (Isaiah 65:17-25).A Christian worldview leads us to believe
in moral absolutes, miracles, human dignity, and the possibility of
redemption.

It is important to remember that a worldview is comprehensive. It affects
every area of life, from money to morality, from politics to art. True
Christianity is more than a set of ideas to use at church. Christianity as
taught in the Bible is itself a worldview. The Bible never distinguishes
between a religious and a secular life; the Christian life is the only life
there is. Jesus proclaimed Himself the way, the truth, and the life
(John 14:6) and, in doing so, became our worldview.

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-
worldview.html#ixzz383Yfnq96


What are some Christian Worldview Essentials?
by Matt Slick
A worldview is a set of beliefs used to understand the world. Everyone has a worldview. Everyone has a set
of principles by which to judge right and wrong, and which guides them in everyday living. You stop
at a red light, go at a green. You leave a tip with a waiter or a waitress. You try and color coordinate
your clothes. You voice your order for food to a speaker box while sitting in your car. You cast a
vote for a political leader. Why do these things? Because you are accustomed to doing them in a
manner that is consistent with what you believe. In other words, you behave according to your
worldview.
Your worldview forms the basis of how you interpret reality. Your world view is a lens through which you look
at the world. Your worldview shapes your moral opinions. It affects what you believe about God,
marriage, politics, social structures, environmental concerns, educational requirements, economics,
the raising of children, what kind of foods to eat, etc. It affects everything, because all of that which
is around you and all of that with which you interact must be interpreted and must be understood in
light of your worldview.
According to Barna Research,1 "About half of all adults (54%) claim that they make their moral
choices on the basis of specific principles or standards in which they believe. Other common means
of making moral choices include doing what feels right or comfortable (24%), doing whatever makes
the most people happy or causes the least conflict (9%), and pursuing whatever produces the most
positive outcomes for the person (7%)."
Why the difference in results? People have different worldviews, different opinions about God, man,
purpose, life, right and wrong.
Philosophical and Social Questions
There are some basic philosophical questions that most everyone in the world wonders
about. Generally speaking, it is the answers to the following set of questions that guide how the next
set of questions are answered. First, let's look at the philosophical worldview questions.
Where did we come from?
Why are we here?
Is there a God?
If there is a God, what does he want?
What happens to us after we die?
Did we evolve or were we created?
Is morality absolute or subjective?
Answering these questions forms the most basic elements of our worldview. Once these are
answered, you are better able to form answers to the next set of questions, those related to society.
Do you think homosexuality is a sin or an alternative life style?
Is abortion wrong or is it a woman's right?
Should capital punishment be allowed or abolished?
Where should more energy be directed, protecting the seals and whales or cutting down trees to build homes?
Should people be drafted for the military?
Would you vote Republican, Democrat, non-partisan, something else nor not at all?
Do you think democracy is better than communism or socialism?
Should prostitution be a legitimate business practice?
Should we legalize marijuana and other such drugs?
Should marriage be defined as occurring between one man and one woman?
A world view affects behavior and beliefs
You behave according to what you believe, not what you don't believe. I can recall having conversations
with atheists who said they "lack belief in God". They don't believe or disbelieve in God. Yet, when I
defend the Bible as being true or the Christian God as the only God, they are quick to attack my
arguments in order to disprove God's existence. So, I tell them that they are behaving according to
what they believe, not what they don't believe. It is inconsistent to say that you lack belief in
something and then behave as though you deny the existence of that something. Without admitting
it, their worldview didn't "lack belief about God"; it denied God. There's no getting around
it. Different worldviews affect behavior -- whether or not someone is aware of it.
Since I've already mentioned atheism, let's take a look at that perspective for a moment. How would
an atheist answer the philosophical questions such as "How did we get here?" An atheist would
probably say we evolved from lower primates. Of course he would deny that God exists and he
would probably say that after we die, we cease to exist. Since there is no absolute God, morals
would not be absolute. Instead, they would be based upon personal preference and whatever works
in society.
A Christian, on the other hand, would answer the questions differently. A Christian would say that
God created us and put us in the world with a purpose. The purpose is to bring glory to God and to
exercise proper and responsible dominion over creation. A Christian would say that when we die,
we either end up in heaven or hell. Of course, a Christian would deny we arrived via evolution and
would also deny that morals are subjective.
What are the elements of a Christian worldview?
Christianity teaches a set of beliefs that form the basics of our worldview. Following is a list of some
of the elements that make up the Christian worldview.
An absolute God exists
If an absolute God exists, then it means that God is self-sufficient and lacks nothing. If God is self-
sufficient, then he needs no external cause for his existence. This would mean he is eternal. If he is
eternal then he does not change.
God created the universe
If God created the universe, then he is all powerful -- since it obviously takes a great deal of power to
create the universe. This would also mean that God is separate from creation and not a part of the
created order. From the previous point where we see that God is absolute and unchanging, we
could see that God's nature would be reflected in the created order. As a painter leaves a part of
himself on the canvas, so God reveals himself in creation. Creation is, therefore, ordered,
predictable, and dependable. This would mean that when Christians look into creation, they would
expect to find a predictable, regular, and testable world.
Man is created in God's image
This means that God, who is rational and intelligent, has impressed his image upon the hearts and
soul of human beings. Therefore, people can be rational and turn their attention towards the world
and since they believe that the universe reflects God's creative nature, they can have confidence to
look into creation and expect order. They can also expect that since they are made in the image of
God, they have the ability to unlock the secrets of the universe.
Also, if man is created in God's image, then all people are worthy of respect and honor.
This would also mean that when a new life formed in the womb, it is human from the time of
conception. Therefore, abortion would be wrong.
Furthermore, if we are created in God's image, then we did not evolve from lower primates. This
would mean that we have purpose and are not merely the result of random development through
evolution that is, supposedly, guided by natural selection. Natural selection works on the theory of
survival of the fittest and this could have a very harmful effect on society if "survival of the fittest" is
transferred into a moral principle. It would justify oppressing the weak and helpless.
Man was given dominion over creation by God.
This means that all aspects of the created order on earth are to be governed by man according to
how God has revealed himself and his will for us in the Bible. Therefore, politics, medicine, art,
ecology, society, economics, exploration, philosophy, mathematics, education, etc. all fall under the
domain of human responsibility and should be considered realms for man to control -- under the
wisdom and direction of God's revelation, the Bible (more on that below).
Mankind is fallen
The Fall of mankind through our ancient father Adam, tells us that at the heart of every one of us is a
predisposition toward sin. Sin is rebellion against God and, therefore, it is a rebellion against what is
good. Sin has not only affected man's soul and body, but it has also affected his mind. Therefore,
the Christian worldview would say that even man's best reasoning is touched by sin and cannot be
perfect. Furthermore, since man is sinful and his heart's intentions are predisposed towards
wickedness, we conclude that those in power are highly susceptible to corruption. Therefore,
governmental systems should be developed with Christian principles in mind to help guard against
that.
In fact, Christianity influenced the development of the Constitution and American government. Our
founding fathers developed the judicial, executive, and legislative branches of government which are
there to exercise a system of checks and balances over each other. Why? Because of The Fall,
man has a tendency to gravitate towards corruption.
Jesus is mankind's only hope for redemption
Because man is fallen, he is in need of rescue from God's righteous condemnation -- which is
eternal damnation. Also, since he is fallen, there is no way he can redeem himself. Therefore,
Jesus, who is God in flesh, died for us and rose from the dead. We receive his righteousness and
forgivness by faith. This basic theological truth means that Christians should then preach that good
news of redemption in Christ to all the world. Therefore, one of the most basic Christian principles is
promoting Jesus as the means by which we are made right with God.
The Bible is the Word of God
Of course I have already mentioned the Bible, but the Bible is the inspired and inerrant word of God.
From the Bible we derive the truths by which we govern our lives. It is from the Bible that we learn
about God himself, his created order, the Trinity, redemption, about sin, salvation, hope, and what is
morally correct. The Bible reveals the will of God for mankind, for the family, for raising children, for
proper behavior in society, etc. It is from the Bible that we can learn the direct will of God.
God Provides for his creation
It is from the Bible that we learn of God's loving provision for us. We know that God lets the sun and
rain fall down upon both the good and the bad. We know that God causes the crops to grow and
cattle to multiply. We know that though we live in a fallen world, God has promised that he will never
leave us or forsake us. Therefore, we can rely on God's provision for us and should have
confidence that he will continue to provide for our needs.
So, you can see that there are basic principles which form the Christian worldview. There are more,
but the above eight items are representative of Christianity's perspective and truth and how it
influences belief and action.


"What is dispensationalism and is it biblical?"

Answer:Dispensationalism is a system of theology that has two primary
distinctives.1) A consistently literal interpretation of Scripture, especially
Bible prophecy. 2) A distinction between Israel and the church in God's
program.

Dispensationalists claim that their principle of hermeneutics is that of
literal interpretation, which means giving each word the meaning it
would commonly have in everyday usage. Symbols, figures of speech
and types are all interpreted plainly in this method, and this is in no way
contrary to literal interpretation. Even symbols and figurative sayings
have literal meanings behind them.

There are at leastthree reasons why this is the best way to view
Scripture. First, philosophically, the purpose of language itself seems to
require that we interpret it literally. Language was given by God for the
purpose of being able to communicate with man.The second reason is
biblical. Every prophecy about Jesus Christ in the Old Testament was
fulfilled literally. Jesus' birth, Jesus' ministry, Jesus' death, and Jesus'
resurrection all occurred exactly and literally as the Old Testament
predicted. There is no non-literal fulfillment of these prophecies in the
New Testament.This argues strongly for the literal method. If literal
interpretation is not used in studying the Scriptures, there is no objective
standard by which to understand the Bible. Each and every person
would be able to interpret the Bible as he saw fit. Biblical interpretation
would devolve into what this passage says to me... instead of the
Bible says... Sadly, this is already the case in much of what is called
biblical interpretation today.

Dispensational theology teaches that there are two distinct peoples of
God: Israel and the church.Dispensationalists believe that salvation has
always been by faithin God in the Old Testament and specifically in
God the Son in the New Testament. Dispensationalists hold that the
church has not replaced Israel in Gods program and the Old Testament
promises to Israel have not been transferred to the church. They believe
that the promises God made to Israel (for land, many descendants, and
blessings) in the Old Testament will be ultimately fulfilled in the 1000-
year period spoken of in Revelation chapter 20. Dispensationalists
believe that just as God is in this age focusing His attention on the
church, He will again in the future focus His attention on Israel (Romans
9-11).

Using this system as a basis, dispensationalists understand the Bible to
be organized into seven dispensations: Innocence (Genesis 1:13:7),
conscience (Genesis 3:88:22), human government (Genesis 9:111:32),
promise (Genesis 12:1Exodus 19:25), law (Exodus 20:1Acts 2:4), grace
(Acts 2:4Revelation 20:3), and the millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:4-
6).Again, these dispensations are not paths to salvation, but manners in
which God relates to man. Dispensationalism, as a system, results in a
premillennial interpretation of Christs second coming and usually a
pretribulational interpretation of the rapture.To summarize,
dispensationalism is a theological system that emphasizes the literal
interpretation of Bible prophecy, recognizes a clear distinction between
Israel and the church, and organizes the Bible into the different
dispensations it presents.


1. the dispensation of innocence (Gen 1:13:7), prior to Adam's fall,
2. of conscience (Gen 3:88:22), Adam to Noah,
3. of government (Gen 9:111:32), Noah to Abraham,
4. of patriarchal rule (Gen 12:1Exod 19:25), Abraham to Moses,
5. of the Mosaic Law (Exod 20:1Acts 2:4), Moses to Christ,
6. of grace (Acts 2:4Rev 20:3except
for Hyperdispensationalists and Ultradispensationalists), the current church age, and
7. of a literal, earthly 1,000-year Millennial Kingdom that has yet to come but soon will (Rev
20:420:6).

Question: "What is the dispensation of Innocence?"

Answer:Dispensationalismis the system of theology that provides the best,
most literalhermeneutic(method of Bible interpretation). Also,
dispensationalism makes a clear distinction between Israel and the Church.
The classicseven dispensationsare
Innocence,Conscience,Government,Promise,Law,Grace, andMillennial
Kingdom. In each of these, there is a recognizable, six-fold pattern of how
God worked with those living in the dispensation. God gives a responsibility to
people, they fail to meet Gods requirements, their failure is judged, and God
extends grace and hope for the future.

The first dispensationis that of InnocenceGenesis 1:28to 3:19.

Stewards: Adam and Eve
The Period: From the creation of man to his temptation and fall
Responsibility: To obey God (Genesis 1:26-28;2:15-17)
Failure: Disobedience (Genesis 3:1-6)
Judgment: Curse and death (Genesis 3:7-19)
Grace: A new chance and the promise of a Redeemer (Genesis 3:15)

Innocence is the shortest of the dispensations. God created man to live in
perfect harmony with Himself, and there was nothing known of imperfection or
evil. Adam and Eve were created in the image of God, and they were innocent
of sin (Genesis 1:27). They had an eternal soul, a free will, and the ability to
procreate. They walked and worked with God, who interacted with His
creation (Genesis 2:15).

Adam and Eve were innocent until they disobeyed God, bringing sin and
death into the world (Romans 5:12). This death affected their bodies and
souls and those of all of their descendants. At the moment of Adam and Eves
sin, they lost their innocence, as they were immediately aware, and they hid in
shame from God (Genesis 3:7-8). The couple tried to cover their sin, which
they somehow associated with their sex organs, but their attempt was futile.

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/dispensation-of-
Innocence.html#ixzz383WvfCqZ


Question: "What is Fundamentalism?"

Answer:The wordfundamentalcan describe any religious impulse that
adheres to its basic tenets. Fundamentalism, for the purpose of this article, is
a movement within the church that holds to the essentials of the Christian faith.
In modern times the wordfundamentalistis often used in a derogatorysense.

The Fundamentalist movement has its roots in Princeton Theological
Seminary because of its association with graduates from that institution. Two
wealthy church laymen commissioned ninety-seven conservative church
leaders from all over the Western world to write 12 volumes on the basic
tenets of the Christian faith. They then published these writings and
distributed over 300,000 copies free of charge to ministers and others
involved in church leadership. The books were entitled The Fundamentals,
and they are still in print today as a two-volume set.

Fundamentalism was formalized in the late 19th century and early 20th
century by conservative ChristiansJohn Nelson Darby, Dwight L. Moody, B.
B. Warfield, Billy Sunday, and otherswho were concerned that moral values
were being eroded by modernisma belief that human beings (rather than
God) create, improve, and reshape their environment with the aid of scientific
knowledge, technology and practical experimentation. In addition to fighting
the influence of modernism, the church was struggling with the German higher
criticism movement, which sought to deny the inerrancy of Scripture.

Fundamentalism is built on five tenets of the Christian faith, although there is
much more to the movement than adherence to these tenets:

1) The Bible is literally true. Associated with this tenet is the belief that the
Bible is inerrant, that is, without error and free from all contradictions.

2) The virgin birth and deity of Christ. Fundamentalists believe that Jesus was
born of the virgin Mary and conceived by the Holy Spirit and that He was and
is the Son of God, fully human and fully divine.

3) The substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Fundamentalism teaches that salvation is obtained only through Gods grace
and human faith in Christs crucifixion for the sins of mankind.

4) The bodily resurrection of Jesus. On the third day after His crucifixion,
Jesus rose from the grave and now sits at the right hand of God the Father.

5) The authenticity of Jesus miracles as recorded in Scripture and the literal,
pre-millennial second coming of Christ to earth.

Other points of doctrine held by Fundamentalists are that Moses wrote the
first five books of the Bible and that the church will be raptured prior to the
tribulation of the end times. Most Fundamentalists are also dispensationalists.

The Fundamentalist movement has often embraced a certain militancy for
truth, and this led to some infighting. Many new denominations and
fellowships appeared, as people left their churches in the name of doctrinal
purity. One of the defining characteristics of Fundamentalism has been to see
itself as the guardian of the truth, usually to the exclusion of others biblical
interpretation.At that time of the rise of Fundamentalism, the world was
embracing liberalism, modernism, and Darwinism, and the church itself was
being invaded by false teachers. Fundamentalism was a reaction against the
loss of biblical teaching.

The movement took a severe hit in 1925 by liberal press coverage of the
legendary Scopes trial. Although Fundamentalists won the case, they were
mocked publicly. Afterwards, Fundamentalism began to splinter and refocus.
The most prominent and vocal group in the USA has been the Christian
Right.This group of self-described Fundamentalists has been more involved in
political movements than most other religious groups.By the 1990s, groups
such as the Christian Coalition and Family Research Council have influenced
politics and cultural issues. Today, Fundamentalism lives on in various
evangelical groups such as the Southern Baptist Convention. Together, these
groups claim to have more than 30 million followers.

Like all movements, Fundamentalism has enjoyed both successes and
failures.The greatest failure may be in allowing Fundamentalisms detractors
define what it means to be a Fundamentalist. As a result, many people today
see Fundamentalists as radical, snake-handling extremists who want to
establish a state religion and force their beliefs on everyone else. This is far
from the truth. Fundamentalists seek to guard the truth of Scripture and
defend the Christian faith, which was once for all entrusted to the saints
(Jude 1:3).

The church today is struggling in the postmodern, secular culture and needs
people who are not ashamed to proclaim the gospel of Christ. Truth does not
change, and adherence to the fundamental principles of doctrine is needful.
These principles are the bedrock upon which Christianity stands, and, as
Jesus taught, the house built upon the Rock will weather any storm (Matthew
7:24-25).

Read
more:http://www.gotquestions.org/fundamentalism.html#ixzz383YNZ3pg
Virtual Special Issue: Trends and Directions in
Contemporary Theology
Edited and introduced by Alison Jack

Introduction

In this special issue, contributors have been asked to consider a variety of contemporary theologies, and
to answer the question: what is happening in the field of theological debate and reflection today? Given
the multiplicity of developments in theology, it is difficult for both the busy academic specialist and the
practitioner in seminary, college or parish, to keep up with current theological thinking. These articles
seek to offer such readers a serious but concise introduction to the richness of the field, written by
acknowledged experts. The first of these articles review some of the key theological responses to the
Enlightenment: liberalism, post-liberal theologies and radical orthodoxy. This is followed by a further four
articles on different areas of theological reflection defined more specifically by their particular areas of
study: political theology, pluralist theology, feminist theology and analytic theology. Finally, we look at the
attempts of a number of theologians from different denominations to reflect on their own traditions, to
produce a normative self-description of their faith positions. The issue is introduced by John Riches and
concluded with a review article by David Fergusson.

Alison Jack


Virtual Issue Table of Contents
To view an article, click on the title or the Full Text link below it.

Trends and Directions in Contemporary Theology: An Introduction.
Riches, J. October 2010. Volume 122, Issue 1.
| Abstract | Full Text (PDF) |

Liberal Theology.
Hodgson, P. C. October 2010. Volume 122, Issue 1.
| Abstract | Full Text (PDF) |

Postliberal Hermeneutics: Narrative, Community, and the Meaning if Scripture.
Hector, K. W. December 2010. Volume 122, Issue 3.
| Abstract | Full Text (PDF) |

Radical Orthodoxy.
Grumett, D. March 2011. Volume 122, Issue 6.
| Abstract | Full Text (PDF) | References

Political Theology.
Gorringe, T. June 2011. Volume 122, Issue 9.
| Abstract | Full Text (PDF) |

Pluralist Theologies.
Schmidt-Leukel, P. Volume 122, Issue 2.
| Abstract | Full Text (PDF) |

Dancing Theology on Earthquakes: Trends and Directions in Feminist Theologies.
Isherwood, L. January 2011 Volume 122, Issue 4.
| Abstract | Full Text (PDF) |

Analytic Theology.
Crisp, O. D. July 2011 Volume 122, Issue 10.
| Abstract | Full Text (PDF) |

Trends and Directions in Reformed Theology.
Grumett, D. March 2011. Volume 122, Issue 6.
| Abstract | Full Text (PDF) |

Catholic Theology.
Kerr, F. May 2011. Volume 122, Issue 8.
| Abstract | Full Text (PDF) |

Orthodox Theology of Personhood: A Critical Overview: Part 1.
Lubardi, B. August 2011. Volume 122, Issue 11.
| Abstract | Full Text (PDF) |

Orthodox Theology of Personhood: A Critical Overview: Part 2.
Lubardi, B. September 2011. Volume 122, Issue 12.
| Abstract | Full Text (PDF) |

Theology Today - Currents and Directions.
Fergusson, D. December 2011 Volume 123, Issue 3.
| Abstract | Full Text (PDF) |

http://acad.erskine.edu/facultyweb/gore/DN980.pdf
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/sdg/contemporary.html
http://clark.wscal.edu/pelagianism.php
http://www.gordonconwell.edu/semlink/documents/semlink_th603_syllabus.pdf








Prophecy and the End-Times
What is Premillennial Dispensationalism?
Beliefs about the end of the world come out of a complex system of biblical interpretation known as
dispensationalism, which is a version of premillennialism (the belief that Christ will return before setting up his
millennial kingdom). Dispensationalism divides up the Bible and human history into various eras or dispensations,
based on how God deals with humanity. The system detected two distinct divine plans, one for an "earthly" people
(Israel) and the other for a "heavenly" people (the church). The key to this entire prophetic plan is the refounding of
Israel as a nation state in Palestine.


There is no consensus in the Evangelical community on eschatology, the theology of the "last things." There are many
Evangelicals, however, that do not accept Premillennial Dispensationalism.
Books like Daniel and Revelation were written in times of persecution and were purposely opaque to those outside of the
communities that generated them. Much of their imagery and theology is connected more to ancient texts left outside the
biblical canon than the books contained in the Bible. Second, followers of PD seem never to be satisfied with Christ's own
warning that "No one knows the day or hour." Hal Lindsey has been embarrassed by the need to "adjust" his Last Day
predictions made in The Late Great Planet Earth. In his book, he predicted that the end would come within a generation (usually
40 years) of the founding of Israel: 1948. Now prophecy proponents begin the timetable at the Israeli capture of east Jerusalem
in 1967.
For a hundred and fifty years, some Christian dispensationalists have been predicting the following:
After the the Jews are regathered in the Holy Land, human civilization will begin to unravel. Morals will decline, families will
break apart, crime and anarchy will increase. Wars, political and economic unrest, natural disasters, unstoppable epidemics,
shifts in weather patterns, and other calamities will increase suffering and despair. Organized Christianity will experience
apostasy; religious leaders will abandon historic beliefs and behavioral standards and openly embrace heresy and immorality.
Despite massive efforts to stop civilization's demise, nothing can stop its downward slide.
After the rapture of the church, a charismatic leader will gain a following by promising peace and security. This Antichrist heads
up a ten-nation confederacy in western Europe. Unaware of Antichrist's true identity, Israel will sign a treaty with him to
guarantee its security, then rebuild its temple in Jerusalem. After three and a half years, Antichrist will break the treaty, declare
himself to be God, and persecute all who refuse to worship him and receive his mark on their foreheads. Antichrist will be
helped by a False Prophet, a seductive religious leader, who will use miraculous powers and repressive measures to force
compliance. For three and a half years, a remnant of God's people who were converted after the Rapture (Rev. 7:4) will suffer
horrible persecution in the Great Tribulation.
Despite Antichrist's power, other nations will rise in opposition. Some time after Antichrist betrays Israel, a northern
confederation of nations under Russian control will join with a southern confederacy to launch a devastating double attack
against Israel. This move will prompt the intervention of Antichrist's armies from the west and a 200-million-man army under the
"kings of the east." As armies from east and west converge on Israel, the Russian confederates will try to destroy Israel; but
God will intervene to destroy them.
With the northern confederacy annihilated, the forces of Antichrist and the "kings of the east" will do battle at Armageddon, a
valley northwest of Jerusalem. While the battle rages, Jesus will return, wipe out the surviving armies, subdue Antichrist, and
set up his millennial kingdom. Finally, the surviving Jews will accept Jesus as their Messiah. For a thousand years, King Jesus
will rule the world from Jerusalem, while Jewish priests perform sacrifices in the restored temple. In the end, God will fulfill all
the promises to Israel. The redemptive plan will be complete.

Contemporary theology generally refers to the theological views of Christianity that first arose at the
beginning of the 20th century. There is no one theological viewpoint that fulfills the definition of
contemporary theology, as there are many variations in beliefs. With the advent of rapidly increasing
technological advancements in the early to mid-20th century, sacred texts such as the Bible were
viewed with a critical eye. Some theologians questioned whether events depicted in these texts
actually occurred, or were intended to be viewed as symbolic. Even though contemporary theology
is frequently associated with the Christian religion, it also a term used to describe other modern
theologies.
In the early 20th century, several religious movements, which arose both spontaneously and
separately among various adherents in the U.S., called for a return to conservative theology.
According to the views of these adherents, the Christian Bible was often seen as a literal account of
man's history and his future destination. This theological development, generally, is viewed as
having been a response to neo-orthodox theology that had spread earlier through the teachings of
European Christian theologians. They were religious leaders who spread the belief that the Christian
Bible was allegorical in nature. In response, conservative theologians called a return to orthodoxy.
Contemporary theologians attempt to understand accounts in sacred texts in light of knowledge
acquired over the course of the past century. Faced with the difficulty of reconciling scientific
information with the creation story and other miraculous events recounted in the Bible, many
theologians began to reject a literal interpretation. In the early 20th century, rapid technological
advances had led to scientific discoveries appearing to be in conflict with the Bible's accounts of
creation and other natural events.
These advances led to many Christians rejecting the Bible as a factual record of the history of
mankind. To many theologians, it was subsequently viewed as a collection of spiritual allegories
written by an ancient people that was to be interpreted within the context of those ancient societal
mores. Such a change in beliefs set the stage for the development and acceptance of contemporary
theology.
Variations of contemporary theology are many, but virtually all contemporary theologians have
rejected ancient stories recorded in the Bible, such as the creation of Adam and Eve, as literal
events that occurred in a miraculous fashion. Some have also rejected beliefs long held sacred by
many religions, such as the existence of a literal heaven and hell. Contemporary theology, as a term,
may also be used to describe the many variations of modern-day religious beliefs, such as
contemporary Judaism, or contemporary religious beliefs among adherents to Islam.