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THE DIALOGUE GOES ON

The Dispensational Study Group is not the only place these discussions are taking place. The dialogue within the tradition and between groups has been pursued on campuses associated with the Reformed, Baptist, and Wesleyan traditions. Articles have appeared in academic journals such as "The Wesleyan Theological Journal," the "Southwestern Journal of Theology," "The Trinity Journal," and Dallas Seminary's "Bibliotheca Sacra."

Perhaps a remark from Al Mawhinney, dean of Reformed Seminary, best summarizes what has emerged. He noted that progressive dispensationalism is not "your father's Oldsmobile." He goes on to urge that anyone saying "dispensationalists believe … " should be aware of these developments before commenting on the movement.

The change of tone in the debate between dispensationalists and others shows that the frank discussion 24 dispensationalists had some nine years ago may have been of great benefit to the church at large. To be sure, differences still remain, but the way they are being discussed and evaluated is changing.

Perhaps by listening more closely to one another and searching the Scripture together we will see that some of our differences are not as great as we have imagined.

Perhaps we will find that we can be one in more than word only, even in the midst of distinct emphases. That, at least, is what this process has taught me.

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Darrell Bock is professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary and general editor, with Craig Blaising of "Dispensationalism, Israel and the Church" (Zondervan).

Copyright 1994 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

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September 12 1994, Vol. 38, No. 10