Premillennialism, Postmillennialism, and the Second Great Awakening

http://www.johnreilly.info/arg.htm ^ | John J. Reilly

[Alex Murphy]

It's earlier phase, however, was predominantly postmillennial in theology. This Awakening was associated with a variety of reform movements, from the abolition of slavery to the prohibition of alcohol. These movements were attended by acute religious fervor. When some of the reform movements made little or no progress even after years of mass rallies and evangelism, however, some members of the generation of the Awakening began to doubt whether real reform was possible in the current world. The result was a turn toward premillennialism, manifested most spectacularly in the Millerite Movement and the Great Disappointment of 1844....

... After the end of the Civil War, the historical pessimism associated with premillennialism was one of the factors that induced evangelicals to recuse themselves as much as possible from public life and practical politics.

This except of a larger book review makes for a good introduction to the fall of postmillennialism, and the rise of premillennialism in American religious history.

Have at it, folks!

[Alex Murphy]

Topcat54, would you do the honors of pinging the REPL?

[GSlob]

"when the evil would be amended was very near"
An amended evil is even more malignant. If you have any doubts, witness hillary's attempts to amend/reinvent itself.

[irishtenor]

I am Amillennial, myself.

[Alex Murphy]

I am Amillennial, myself.

I would love to read a good primer/defense of the amillennial position (I'm woefully unread in that area). Can you suggest/post anything along those lines?

[blue-duncan]

It's a bit long and involved for this late at night, so if you don't mind I will save it for the morning.

[Maigret]

That makes two of us! :)

[labette]

later/ping

[irishtenor]

There is a book, but I can't remember who did it, that take the three views and has debate between the three positions. The debaters are proponents of their position and they debate the other sides as well. Great book to help you figure things out. I think one of the debaters was a man named Strimple.

[Biblical Calvinist]

Dr. Kim Riddlebarger (of the White Horse Inn Radio program) has written an excellent book titled "A Case For Amillenialism". It's quite good. You can find it at Amazon.com.

You may also wish to look at Anthony Hoekema's "The Bible and The Future"; and, if you can find it, there's a book that was written by a Baptist named William Cox, maybe 30 years ago; that contains a fairly good defense of Amillenialism. (It may no longer be in print.)

[norge]

Irish, this is probably not the book you are referring to, but a great book that gives a pretty good history of millennialism is Three Views on the Rapture.

While it does not particularly deal with Amillennialism, it gives a pretty good history of Millennialism itself and dissects Pre-, Mid- and Post-Tribulation arguments.

The authors, Gleason Archer, Paul Feinberg and Douglas Moo, are all professors (or were) at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School outside Chicago (Chuck Swindoll's alma mater).

[Talking_Mouse]

I do not know when the Lord will return (before, during or after the Millennium). I only know that He will return in glory. I expect it to be explained to me in heaven while I am part of the cloud of witnesses to the events happening on earth.

I am looking to you, learned ladies and gentlemen, to explain to me, so I do not look foolish before the other saints in heaven, what and why the different schools of thought believe what they do.

[topcat54]

Reformed Eschatology Ping List (REPL)

[ReformedBeckite]

I am Amillennial, myself.

Technically you are also a postmillennialist to, you just didn't know it. I got this from FR, just can't remember the reasoning behind it. Probably has something to do with the now and not yet mentality.

Another thing I picked up was that the term amillennial didn't exist until the 19th or 20th century as a way for one brand of postmillenistist to different themselves from other postmillenistist, I'm not sure where I got that information but it's just one of those picky technicality things. Hope I got all those terms spelled right to, not to good on spelling.

[ReformedBeckite]

I would love to read a good primer/defense of the amillennial position (I'm woefully unread in that area). Can you suggest/post anything along those lines?

Three books that were recommended to me where:
"The Returning King: A guide to the book of Revelation", by Vern S. Poythress
"More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation", by William Hendriksen
"Triumph of the Lamb", by Dennis E. Johnson

They were each helpful in their each unique way in understanding Amill, but I really can't remember which one was my favorite, it's been awhile. I've also read a little bit of the book already mentioned, "The Bible and the Future" by Anthony A. Hoekema and am looking forwarded to also reading the book mentioned "A case for Amillennialism.

Amillennialism is a little bit harder to grasp then postmill but once you start to grasp it you'll probably become one. Been slowly grasping the theology and am slowly becomeing one myself.

[irishtenor]

Close. I think it was "Three Views on the Millenium" or something like that.

[irishtenor]

You are right. No one knows when the Lord will return. Worrying and arguing about it does no good. Men will believe what the want as they delve into the Bible. In my own study, I have come to the belief that we are in the midst of the tribulation right now, and will be until the Lord returns. Our task... perseverance.

[irishtenor]

I cannot be a postmillenialist, because I think that we are in the midst of the tribulation right now. No, I am perfectly comfortable being an Amill.

[Gamecock]

For starters try the The Riddleblog.

Riddlebarger also has a very good book on the subject:

Publisher's Description: What does the Bible really teach about the end times?

Will there be a rapture with some people left behind?

How has the church traditionally understood the millennial age?

In a clear and accessible manner, Kim Riddlebarger presents and defends amillennialism as the historic Protestant understanding of the millennial age. Amillennarians believe that the millennium is a present reality centered in Christ's heavenly reign, not a future hope of Christ's rule on earth after his return.

Recognizing that eschatology-the study of future things-is a complicated and controversial subject, Riddlebarger begins with definitions of key terminology and an overview of various viewpoints and related biblical themes. He then discusses key passages of Scripture that bear upon the millennial age, including Daniel 9, Matthew 24, Romans 11, and Revelation 20. Finally, he evaluates the main problems facing each of the major millennial positions (dispensational premillennialism, historic premillennialism, postmillennialism, and preterism) and cautions readers to be aware of the consequences of each view.

Author Information: Dr. Kim Riddlebarger is pastor of Christ Reformed Church in Anaheim, California, and a visiting professor of systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary. He is cohost of the popular White Horse Inn weekly radio program sponsored by the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. He has a Ph.D. from Fuller Seminary.

Endorsements: "For combining thorough exegesis, readability, and lucid argumentation on this important subject, this volume has no peers." Michael Horton, author of A Better Way

"By careful examination of the key biblical passages, Dr. Riddlebarger will help and encourage Christians both to understand the real teaching of the Bible and to appropriate the blessing of this truth."--W. Robert Godfrey, president and professor of church history, Westminster Theological Seminary in California

"Carefully argued, clearly and charitably written, Riddlebarger brings needed balance and sense to the debate over the subject of the millennium."--Cornelis P. Venema, author of The Promise of the Future

[Quix]

SIGH.