Dispensationalism Through the Anglican Lens

If you have been following the news and the events of the Israel-Iran conflict over the last few weeks, you may have seen some discussion about Dispensationalism, and how it informs some of our political leaders.  The doctrine of Dispensationalism, a 19th-century evangelical interpretive framework of scripture originating with John Nelson Darby divides salvation history into distinct "dispensations" in which God deals differently with humanity. This theology emphasizes the separation of Israel and the Church, a literalist interpretation of prophecy, and an elaborate eschatology (the study of the “last things” or the “end times”) that includes a secret rapture, a tribulation period, and a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth. From the standpoint of traditional Anglicanism—rooted in Scripture, reason, and the catholic creeds—dispensationalism presents both commendable intentions but also theological departures that cannot be reconciled.

On the positive side, Dispensationalism takes seriously the idea that God is active in history and that divine revelation unfolds over time. Anglicans also affirm that salvation history is progressive—culminating in Christ and continuing through the Church. Dispensationalists also tend to have a high regard for scripture, treating it as the inspired Word of God much like Anglicans who interpret Scripture within the Church's tradition and liturgy as not merely historical or symbolic, but divinely authoritative. Dispensational theology emphasizes the second coming of Christ, often with intense focus. While we Anglicans do not endorse speculative timelines or a pre-tribulation rapture, we do affirm Christ’s Second Coming in the words of the Nicene Creed, that “He shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead,” and in our liturgical calendar with special emphasis in Advent teaching a hopeful and sober anticipation for the Last Day.

However, this is where the commonality ceases. Firstly (and this is the crux of the current political debate), Dispensationalism’s insistence on a radical division between national Israel and the Church runs contrary to the Anglican understanding of the Church as the continuation and fulfillment of Israel. As Article VII of the 39 Articles teaches, the promises given in the Old Testament “are not contrary to the Gospel,” and the moral law still stands. St. Paul teaches in Romans 11 and Galatians 3 that Gentile believers are grafted into Israel’s story. Traditional Anglican theology sees one covenant of grace unfolding through the ages, not two parallel peoples of God. 

Secondly, Dispensational theology often minimizes or rejects sacramental efficacy, viewing sacraments such as Baptism and the Eucharist as symbolic ordinances rather than means of grace. This contradicts Anglican sacramental theology, which holds that the sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, instituted by Christ (see Article XXV). Dispensationalism tends to read prophetic passages—especially in Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation—in a narrowly literal or futuristic sense. Anglicanism follows a more restrained and spiritual interpretation of apocalyptic literature, informed by patristic insight, historical context, and doctrinal boundaries. Revelation, for instance, is read as both a pastoral message to the early Church and a vision of the final consummation, not as a timetable for geo-political events. 

Lastly, but most importantly, Dispensationalism is a modern system that often bypasses the creeds, councils, and teaching of the historic Church. This stands in stark contrast to the classical Anglican approach, which seeks to uphold “the faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3), in continuity with the early Church.

The Preface to the Book of Common Prayer (1662) explains that the Church of England seeks “to return to the ancient purity and simplicity of the Gospel,” not to adopt new or divisive doctrines. Dispensationalism, emerging nearly 1,800 years after the apostles, offers a novel framework foreign to the consensus of the early Church Fathers or the Anglican Reformers. So as with any speculative theology, proceed with caution. 

Remember that we, the faithful within the Body of Christ, are Israel.  Is the physical Israel still a holy place?  Yes. It is a place of pilgrimage and a place to walk where Jesus walked.  However, the New Covenant of Christ expressed in the Gospels is for all nations, and God's presence is to be found wherever two or three are gathered, where the Word is preached, and where the Church partakes of the very body of Christ through the administration of the sacraments. While this true definition of Israel has nothing to do with the current conflict in the Middle East, it should serve as an admonishment to our political leaders that Dispensationalism should not be an integral part of their decision making in the matter.

-- Fr. Chris Fish

All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee
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New Summer Bible Study of the Book of Jonah with Father Bragg, Monday July 21, 7:30 PM, church undercroft, bring yourself, your friends and your Bible

September 12-13, DMAS Men's Retreat at Camp Hanover, 3163 Parsleys Mill Road, Mechanicsville, VA.  The cost of the retreat is $85 and covers accommodations and three meals (dinner, breakfast and lunch).  Registration forms and more information were sent in a separate email this week to all men of the parish.  If you didn't see it, please check your spam folder.  Also. you can just respond to this email and another one will be sent to you..

SAVE THE DATE: Sunday September 21, Church Picnic at Fort Hunt Park after combined 10 AM service, invite friends and neighbors too:  Great BBQ, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages and so much more (additional details forthcoming


 JUST UPDATED NEEDS FOR MaRiH CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER

MaRiH Center has made some changes and additions in its critically needed items. The Center provides help to mothers-to-be and mothers in need.  Please provide some of the items that are needed..They are very greatly appreciated. (You can leave the donations where the food for the food bank is collected on the pew in the undercorft.)

Especially Needed

In Bold and with an asterisk are a critical need. Please note changes in diaper needs and additional items.

*Diapers ( newborn, 1, 2, *3, *4, *5, & *6)
*Lovies, Rattles, Teethers
*Baby wipes
Diaper rash ointment
Baby shampoo
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Baby bottles
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Formula: other but not recalled
Diaper rash ointment
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*Grocery gift cards
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Food Bank Needs

The food bank appreciates the generosity of our parish.Please help this month with a food donation if you are able. Those we help feed are very thankful for the food we provide to them each month. Please also buy low sugar cereals (and not the kid's types that have lots of sugar). 

Current needs include the following:
canned meats (chicken, corned beef, spam)
peanut butter
jelly
tuna
canned vegetables (corn, green beans - (regular and low sodium)
individual fruit cups (low sugar)
canned fruit (low sugar)
canola or vegetable oil (48 oz)
boxed cereal (low sugar) and instant or old fashioned oatmeal (18 oz or 42 oz)
pasta (regular and gluten-free):
instant potatoes
single serving fruit juice
macaroni & cheese
soups: Chunky or Progresso,noodle soup; chicken broth, cream of mushroom
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