BOOK REVIEW - FORGED FROM REFORMATION: HOW DISPENSATIONAL THOUGHT ADVANCES THE REFORMATION LEGACY, EDITED BY CHRISTOPHER CONE & JAMES I. FAZIO

 

Is Historic Reformed Theology compatible with Dispensationalism? Could an allegorical hermeneutic be the reason for the Dark Ages, and a literal historical/grammatical hermeneutic likewise been a foundation Luther and Calvin built their theology on? Was it possible that John Nelson Darby, considered the father of Dispensationalism, could be considered a Reformer?

Forged From Reformation: How Dispensational Thought Advances the Reformed Legacy, is a collaboration of fifteen authors, edited by Christopher Cone and James I. Fazio. Published in 2017 with the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in their mind, they look at the accomplishments of Luther and Calvin, and how the contributions of Dispensationalists like Darby, Scofield, and Ryrie have continued down the path the Reformers began.

Following a forward by Michael Vlach and an introduction by the editors - including a chapter by chapter synopsis of this book - is the first major section (chapters 2-7), which looks at the Historical Development, both of the Reformation and of the origins of Dispensationalism. Included in this section:

• A commentary of Luther's 95 Theses by Patrick Belvil, pointing out how Luther uses a more literal method of interpretation than was used during the Medieval times;
• A comparison of Martin Luther and John Nelson Darby by Cory M. Marsh; and 
• A history of how anti-Semitism crept into the church, fueled by an allegorical interpretation of prophecy, poisoning Martin Luther view of Israel, co-written by Marsh and Brian Moulton.

The following ten chapters focuses on how Dispensationalism strengthens the Five Solas. While it would be logical to conclude that each sola is covered in two chapters, it should not be a surprise that due to the focus on hermeneutics, Sola Scriptura (the Bible Alone) is given five of the ten chapters, with Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, and Solus Christus (respectively Grace, Faith, and In Christ Alone) get one chapter each, and the section concluded with a pair of contributions on Soli Deo Gloria (For the Glory of God Alone). Co-editor Christopher Cone concludes this compilation with a reminder that any Reform movement is imperfect and thus incomplete, and we should be always reforming.

This is an excellent book for a pastor or a Bible student. It is intellectual but plain enough for a layman to understand. Not surprisingly with the layout of the book (specifically five chapters on Scripture) and the number of authors that there is a good bit of repetition. While the authors all make a case for dispensationalism, I would say for one to understand dispensationalism better they should read Michael Vlach's Dispensationalism: Essential Beliefs and Common Myths.

Permit me one criticism of this book. I read a book on the Church Fathers where the author points out the two schools of interpretation: Alexandria, which was more allegorical, including Origen; and Antioch, more literal, represented by John Chrysostom. Forged From Dispensationalism as a whole points to Alexandrian allegory to contribute to the Dark Ages and Anti-Semitism, including Clement of Alexandria and Origen, but makes no mention of Chrysostom or any other Antiochene interpreter. The chapter dealing with Anti-Semitism suggests that while not all allegorists are anti-semitic, no literal interpretter of Scripture is. Chrysostom, though, was no less anti-semitic than Origen or Luther. Okay, I've got that off my chest.

This is a good book to have in your private library. I recommend it.