Discontinuity to Continuity: A Survey of Dispensational and Covenantal Theologies

This book explores the debates between dispensational and covenantal theological systems. The author identifies how Christians have attempted to relate the Testaments, placing viewpoints along a spectrum of discontinuity to continuity, and sympathetically summarizes and critically evaluates each system's concerns. In Discontinuity to Continuity, Benjamin Merkle sheds light on the debates between dispensational and covenantal theological systems. Merkle identifies how Christians have attempted to relate the Testaments, placing viewpoints along a spectrum of discontinuity to continuity. Through his careful exposition of these frameworks, Merkle helps readers understand the key issues in the debate. Providing more light than heat, Merkle's book will help all its readers better appreciate other perspectives and articulate their own. "We all know that we understand specific verses better if we have a good understanding of the larger landscape and context of the Bible. But what larger perspective is correct? Ben Merkle takes us on a wonderfully instructive tour of six different theological systems. He describes objectively each view and then provides an assessment of each position. I believe this is one of the most useful books on the market today. Students, pastors, and professors will have a better grasp of various theological options that have proven convincing to evangelicals. A most important contribution!" -- Thomas Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and professor of biblical theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary "Those interested in evangelical theology are usually aware of dispensationalism and covenant theology and, in more recent years, progressive covenantalism and Christian reconstructionism. But understanding the nuances of these systems and how they relate to each other often has been elusive. Fortunately, Benjamin Merkle has offered a helpful and concise explanation and comparison of each of these views. While admitting he has his own perspective, Merkle fairly presents each of the systems and uses many primary sources in doing so. This contributes to scholarly discussion by allowing a fair side-by-side look at each of the various positions." -- Mike Vlach, associate professor of theology, The Master's Seminary What is the best framework for reading the Bible? The question of how to relate the Old and New Testaments is as old as the Bible itself. While most Protestants are unified on the foundations, there are major disagreements on particular issues. Who should be baptized? Is the Christian obligated to obey the Law of Moses? Does the church supplant Israel? Who are the proper recipients of God's promises to Israel? In Discontinuity to Continuity, Benjamin Merkle sheds light on the debates between dispensational and covenantal theological systems. Merkle identifies how Christians have attempted to relate the Testaments, placing viewpoints along a spectrum of discontinuity to continuity. Each system's concerns are sympathetically summarized and critically evaluated. Through his careful exposition of these frameworks, Merkle helps the reader understand the key issues in the debate. Providing more light than heat, Merkle's book will help all its readers better appreciate other perspectives and articulate their own.

Pagina's: 248, Paperback, Faithlife Corporation