Preterism – What is it?Preterism – What is it?Session 1Session 1

IFCA Northern California Regional, Fall 2008IFCA Northern California Regional, Fall 2008Galt Bible ChurchGalt Bible ChurchPastor Eric PetermanPastor Eric Peterman

Eric@ValleyBibleFellowship.org - Eric@ValleyBibleFellowship.org - www.ValleyBibleFellowship.orgwww.ValleyBibleFellowship.org

The Preter-Prater of Little The Preter-Prater of Little Feats PastFeats Past

Preterism – a definitionPreterism, from the Latin Preterism, from the Latin praeter – praeter – “past” or “past” or

“gone beyond”.“gone beyond”.

Holds that most (in one view, all) of the Holds that most (in one view, all) of the prophetic events of the Old and New prophetic events of the Old and New Testaments have already been fulfilled Testaments have already been fulfilled (thus – (thus – praeterpraeter – past). – past).

Is a system of interpretation that sees the Is a system of interpretation that sees the Olivet Discourse events as having been Olivet Discourse events as having been fulfilled in 70AD and John’s Revelation as fulfilled in 70AD and John’s Revelation as having been completely or mostly fulfilled having been completely or mostly fulfilled in those events.in those events.

Preterism – a definition“Matthew 24:1-34 (and parallels) in the

Olivet Discourse was fulfilled in the events surrounding the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. In Revelation, most of the prophecies before Revelation 20 find fulfillment in the fall of Jerusalem (A.D. 70).”

Moderate preteristKenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

What’s the big deal anyway?The crux of the issue between Preterism and Futurism is The crux of the issue between Preterism and Futurism is

neither trivialneither trivial nor nor inconsequentialinconsequential to the faith once and to the faith once and for all delivered to the saints.for all delivered to the saints.

At issue is whether the prophetic events in the Scriptures, At issue is whether the prophetic events in the Scriptures, and more specifically the Olivet Discourse and the bulk and more specifically the Olivet Discourse and the bulk or all of the Revelation of John are…or all of the Revelation of John are…• All or almost all PastAll or almost all Past

• Not about any Second ComingNot about any Second Coming• Christ coming Christ coming spirituallyspiritually by means by means

of the Roman Armies to destroy of the Roman Armies to destroy his Jewish enemies (Providential), his Jewish enemies (Providential), ushering in a triumphal (present) ushering in a triumphal (present) ageage

• Spiritual/Providential (invisible)Spiritual/Providential (invisible)• The end of God’s dealing with The end of God’s dealing with

IsraelIsrael• Issuing in the Kingdom in church Issuing in the Kingdom in church

ageage

What’s the big deal anyway?Or…Or… the Olivet Discourse and the bulk or all the Olivet Discourse and the bulk or all

of the Revelation of John are…of the Revelation of John are…

• Mostly FutureMostly Future• About the Second Coming of ChristAbout the Second Coming of Christ• Christ coming substantially, really & Christ coming substantially, really &

Personally to purge Israel and preserve Personally to purge Israel and preserve His remnant, destroying both unbelieving His remnant, destroying both unbelieving Jews and the present Gentile world systemJews and the present Gentile world system

• Physical/Immanent (visible) direct Physical/Immanent (visible) direct interventionintervention

• The resumption of God’s dealing with The resumption of God’s dealing with Israel, according to covenantIsrael, according to covenant

• Issuing in the glorious Kingdom in Issuing in the glorious Kingdom in MillenniumMillennium

Or, as one Church of Christ preterist declared…

Biblical Biblical prophesy?prophesy?

Stick a fork in Stick a fork in it!it!

It’s done!It’s done!

Preterism – A reason for, um...hope

Futurism – by contrastFuturism, by contrast, sees in Scripture that Futurism, by contrast, sees in Scripture that

the literal fulfillment of OT prophesies in the literal fulfillment of OT prophesies in Christ’s first advent are sufficient reason Christ’s first advent are sufficient reason to prove both his claims to be who He to prove both his claims to be who He claimed to be, and to take His prophetic claimed to be, and to take His prophetic teaching likewise, in the normal, literal teaching likewise, in the normal, literal sense.sense.

Thus, both most all of the Olivet Discourse Thus, both most all of the Olivet Discourse and the Revelation will find their and the Revelation will find their fulfillment in the future from us, with fulfillment in the future from us, with particular focus on the Tribulation, in the particular focus on the Tribulation, in the regal Kingdom of Christ in the Millennium, regal Kingdom of Christ in the Millennium, with a final transfer into the eternal state.with a final transfer into the eternal state.

Preterist contentionPreterists contend that Jesus’ use of the Preterists contend that Jesus’ use of the

term, “term, “this generationthis generation” in Matthew 24:34 ” in Matthew 24:34 requiresrequires fulfillment in the first century. fulfillment in the first century.

RC Sproul argues that it is RC Sproul argues that it is impossible to refute the impossible to refute the charge of skeptics like Bertrand Russell that charge of skeptics like Bertrand Russell that Christ’s prophesy in Matt 24:34 failed, unless a Christ’s prophesy in Matt 24:34 failed, unless a preteristic fulfillment occurredpreteristic fulfillment occurred(in that immediate (in that immediate generation that was alive when Jesus spoke).generation that was alive when Jesus spoke).

Thus, preterists see their interpretation as Thus, preterists see their interpretation as necessary necessary to defend Christto defend Christ as being able to prophesy future as being able to prophesy future events.events.

Preterist contention

In fact, much is made of the fact In fact, much is made of the fact that Christian apologist C.S. that Christian apologist C.S. Lewis called Matt 24:34, Lewis called Matt 24:34,

“…“…certainly the most embarrassing certainly the most embarrassing verse in the Bible.”verse in the Bible.”

I might point out that this quote is taken out of Lewis’ overall

discussion context, nor is Lewis allowed to explain himself.

Two varieties of Preterism

Two varieties of preterism exist today:Two varieties of preterism exist today:• Partial or Moderate preterismPartial or Moderate preterism• Often calls itself, “orthodox preterism”Often calls itself, “orthodox preterism”• Also can accurately be called “inconsistent Also can accurately be called “inconsistent

preterism” for reasons that will become preterism” for reasons that will become obvious laterobvious later

Moderate/Partial PreterismHolds that Holds that mostmost prophesy, including the Tribulation, was prophesy, including the Tribulation, was

fulfilled in 70AD or thereabouts by the coming of General fulfilled in 70AD or thereabouts by the coming of General Titus to destroy Jerusalem, etc.Titus to destroy Jerusalem, etc.

Still hold that some texts teach a future Second Coming of Still hold that some texts teach a future Second Coming of Christ and that there will be a future bodily resurrectionChrist and that there will be a future bodily resurrection

Moderate Preterism thus teaches essentially two “second Moderate Preterism thus teaches essentially two “second comings”:comings”:

1.1. The first occurred in 70AD as a The first occurred in 70AD as a parousiaparousia and as and as aa “Day of “Day of the Lord” for the purpose of judging the Jewish nation and the Lord” for the purpose of judging the Jewish nation and ending God’s program with Israel utterly.ending God’s program with Israel utterly.

2.2. The second will occur at the climax of human history as The second will occur at the climax of human history as thethe final and ultimate “Day of the Lord”. (Classical final and ultimate “Day of the Lord”. (Classical Second Coming).Second Coming).

Also, the elements have already melted with fervent heat (2 Also, the elements have already melted with fervent heat (2 Peter 3 has already happened)Peter 3 has already happened)

This view is propounded by such popular teachers as RC This view is propounded by such popular teachers as RC Sproul, Ken Gentry, Gary DeMar, and now Hank Sproul, Ken Gentry, Gary DeMar, and now Hank HanegraaffHanegraaff

About Hanegraaf, Norm Geisler About Hanegraaf, Norm Geisler writes, writes, It is sad that a man who has It is sad that a man who has

fought so hard for so long against cults fought so hard for so long against cults and aberrant teachings has himself and aberrant teachings has himself

succumbed to a method of interpreting succumbed to a method of interpreting the Bible that is not significantly the Bible that is not significantly

different from those used by the cults different from those used by the cults which he so vigorously opposes.which he so vigorously opposes.

Extreme/Full Preterism

Holds that Holds that allall prophesy, including not only the prophesy, including not only the Tribulation, was fulfilled in 70AD or thereabouts Tribulation, was fulfilled in 70AD or thereabouts by the coming of General Titus to destroy by the coming of General Titus to destroy Jerusalem, etc, and shortly thereafter.Jerusalem, etc, and shortly thereafter.

Hold that the Bible does not comprehend any Hold that the Bible does not comprehend any climax of human events such as a Second climax of human events such as a Second Coming or end of the present Earth system.Coming or end of the present Earth system.

Full Preterism thus teaches essentially no “second Full Preterism thus teaches essentially no “second coming”:coming”:

1.1. The only coming of Christ after he ascended The only coming of Christ after he ascended occurred in 70AD as a occurred in 70AD as a parousiaparousia and as and as thethe “Day “Day of the Lord” for the purpose of judging the of the Lord” for the purpose of judging the Jewish nation and ending God’s program with Jewish nation and ending God’s program with Israel utterly.Israel utterly.

Extreme/Full Preterism

Other things you didn’t realize:Other things you didn’t realize:• The bodily resurrection occurred in the pastThe bodily resurrection occurred in the past• You’ve been resurrected alreadyYou’ve been resurrected already• We’re in the New Heavens and the New EarthWe’re in the New Heavens and the New Earth• The church exists in the eternal state nowThe church exists in the eternal state now• The creation has been restored spirituallyThe creation has been restored spiritually• There is no physical resurrection of the bodyThere is no physical resurrection of the body• Many would say it is wrong to ask for forgiveness Many would say it is wrong to ask for forgiveness

from God because that was a Jewish thingfrom God because that was a Jewish thingOf course the denial of the Second Coming and of Of course the denial of the Second Coming and of

the resurrection of the body are specifically the resurrection of the body are specifically heterodox. Thus according to historical & Biblical heterodox. Thus according to historical & Biblical orthodoxy, Full Preterists are in fact heretics.orthodoxy, Full Preterists are in fact heretics.

More fun and exciting ideas of FP

Other things you didn’t realize:• The Law is totally destroyed by Christ (for all

men)• Romans 5:13 for before the law was given,

sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law.

• Therefore, since the law is destroyed, sin is not taken into account, thus there is no sin. -> Universalism

• 1 Corinthians 15 is about mankind having a New Covenant, spiritual body -> Universalism

Rejection of Creeds

Characteristic of Full Preterists:Characteristic of Full Preterists: Distain for creedsDistain for creeds Distain for confessionsDistain for confessions Distain for traditional anythingDistain for traditional anything Appeal for their listeners to “have an open Appeal for their listeners to “have an open

mind” about what they’re proposingmind” about what they’re proposing

The questions to be asked are, The questions to be asked are, “Is this what the “Is this what the apostles and prophets taught?”apostles and prophets taught?” and secondly and secondly “Is this what was transmitted to and by the “Is this what was transmitted to and by the early church?”early church?”

Therefore, brethren, stand fast and Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our taught, whether by word or our epistle.epistle.

2 Thessalonians 2:152 Thessalonians 2:15

Just a word of caution about being Just a word of caution about being made to feel you’re “close-made to feel you’re “close-

minded”:minded”:

Don’t be so open-minded that Don’t be so open-minded that your brains fall out!your brains fall out!

Extreme/Full Preterism & Sola Scriptura

Accordingly, my experience and that of many Accordingly, my experience and that of many brothers, is that Full Preterists (aka, Consistent brothers, is that Full Preterists (aka, Consistent Preterists) are Preterists) are extremelyextremely, , adamantlyadamantly, and , and vehementlyvehemently aggressiveaggressive in attacking any in attacking any appeal to the creeds of the early church. The appeal to the creeds of the early church. The reason for this is that the creeds are specific reason for this is that the creeds are specific about the resurrection of the dead and the future about the resurrection of the dead and the future return of Christ, and so are fatal to their view.return of Christ, and so are fatal to their view.

Any appeal to the creeds or beliefs of the early Any appeal to the creeds or beliefs of the early church to contradict their view will be met with a church to contradict their view will be met with a well rehearsed, acidic, and deliberate attack on well rehearsed, acidic, and deliberate attack on you for not relying on “Sola Scriptura”. You’ll be you for not relying on “Sola Scriptura”. You’ll be accused of relying on “the traditions of men” accused of relying on “the traditions of men” over and against the Scriptures.over and against the Scriptures.

Did I neglect to mention that they’ll get aggressive?

Important thoughts about Sola Scriptura If you’ve not already done so, you really do need to spend some

time studying and thinking about this concept of Sola Scriptura.

If one has the wrong concept, they become vulnerable to attack, not only from Full Preterists, but also Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox apologists (for different reasons).

Bible believing Christians often make the mistake of thinking that Sola Scriptura means that an individual needs only the Scriptures in hand to apprehend/understand God’s self-revelation, without reference to the history of the church, history of interpretation, without reference to history/culture/geography, and without reference to conclusions reached by brothers and sisters in past generations.

“The Holy Spirit and the Bible is all I need”, as if it were the Holy Spirit’s duty to build anew and afresh a systematic theology for each individual.

This is not Sola Scriptura, this is Solo Scriptura!… and it is the at the root of many novel, weird doctrines and cults.

If this is a true proposition, then:•why do you disciple believers?•why do we have pastors?•why do we have seminaries and Bible institutes?•why do we have conferences such as this?“Unless I am

convinced from the Holy Scriptures and evident reason…”

- Martin Luther -Diet of Worms

Extreme/Full Preterists

The The modernmodern rise of Full/Consistent/Extreme rise of Full/Consistent/Extreme Preterism is very recent and is associated with Preterism is very recent and is associated with the push of the the push of the Churches of ChristChurches of Christ..

One of their pastors, Max King developed and One of their pastors, Max King developed and popularized the teaching in the ’70’s-’90’s, popularized the teaching in the ’70’s-’90’s, followed by such disciples as Don K. Preston, followed by such disciples as Don K. Preston, John L. Bray and John Noe.John L. Bray and John Noe.

Contemporary Extreme/Full Preterism

Full Preterism has a Full Preterism has a veryvery active and active and assertiveassertive presence presence online at online at www.PlanetPreterist.com (Virgil Vaduva – (Virgil Vaduva – editor)editor)In addition to the Churches of Christ, Preterism is In addition to the Churches of Christ, Preterism is

naturally attractive to the naturally attractive to the Emergent church movementEmergent church movement..The reasons for this areThe reasons for this are

–The present, or realized eschatology, with its emphasis on The present, or realized eschatology, with its emphasis on spirituality being a right-here, right-now thing including politics spirituality being a right-here, right-now thing including politics and social aspectsand social aspects–The de-emphasis of future things and the associated need to The de-emphasis of future things and the associated need to carefully articulate prophetic doctrine, and living in active carefully articulate prophetic doctrine, and living in active anticipation of “our blessed hope”. (The slippery slope of, anticipation of “our blessed hope”. (The slippery slope of, “Prophesy doesn’t matter, what matters is walking with Christ “Prophesy doesn’t matter, what matters is walking with Christ today.”)today.”)–The emphasis of Jesus’ Kingdom existing in the heart, rather The emphasis of Jesus’ Kingdom existing in the heart, rather than as a future actual reign with a scepter of iron. Natural than as a future actual reign with a scepter of iron. Natural emphasis on Kingdom behavior now in church and society. (I emphasis on Kingdom behavior now in church and society. (I might add that Emergent ideas would allow individuals to might add that Emergent ideas would allow individuals to internalize and personalize what this means to them)internalize and personalize what this means to them)–The right-now existential ideal, its emphasis on social justice, The right-now existential ideal, its emphasis on social justice, perfecting political and environmental and social systems as the perfecting political and environmental and social systems as the logical extensions of the present New Heavens and New Earth logical extensions of the present New Heavens and New Earth (postmillennial triumphalism)(postmillennial triumphalism)

Vaduva is a Romanian immigrant who married the daughter of Terry Hall. Terry

Hall was the associate pastor of Max King, pastor of Parkman Road Church of Christ

in Warren Ohio.Despite all claims to the contrary, the “face” of full Preterism is substantially shaped and under the hand of Emergent, Virgil Vaduva

Virgil Vaduva

Here’s Vaduva clearing land for his straw-bale Here’s Vaduva clearing land for his straw-bale homestead, 9/2008. He is trying to do so as a homestead, 9/2008. He is trying to do so as a deliberate outcome of his “realized Kingdom living” deliberate outcome of his “realized Kingdom living” principles (I’m not kidding).principles (I’m not kidding).

Here’s Eric Peterman felling a Here’s Eric Peterman felling a redwood, living out his premillennial, redwood, living out his premillennial,

“trying to pay the bills” principles.“trying to pay the bills” principles.

The fact that Vaduva is using a The fact that Vaduva is using a Stihl FarmBoss 290Stihl FarmBoss 290 and Peterman and Peterman

is using a is using a HusqvarnaHusqvarna 372xp is 372xp is proof-positiveproof-positive that futurism is the that futurism is the

correct viewcorrect view

The future of The future of PreterismPreterism

The Trend of Extreme/Full Preterism

Because of these tendencies, FP is Because of these tendencies, FP is theologically theologically unstableunstable in the direction of in the direction of universalismuniversalism and and socially unstablesocially unstable in the direction of a in the direction of a social gospelsocial gospel and/or and/or DominionismDominionism

And Partial/Moderate Preterism is hermeneutically unstable in the direction of Full/Extreme

Preterism! There is no hermeneutical control to keep it from gravitating to Full Preterism. The only control putting the brakes on is historical

orthodoxy… the desire to remain orthodox

A significant number of extreme/full Preterists come A significant number of extreme/full Preterists come from the ranks of, and grew up in Premil from the ranks of, and grew up in Premil Dispensational churchesDispensational churches

Many of these were taught premillennialism, but not Many of these were taught premillennialism, but not properly grounded in normal, literal, historical-properly grounded in normal, literal, historical-grammatical hermeneuticsgrammatical hermeneutics

They are bright, intense people that wanted answers, They are bright, intense people that wanted answers, and didn’t get them from the people and and didn’t get them from the people and resources around them, including from pastorsresources around them, including from pastors

Their journey to FP was usually long, painful and at Their journey to FP was usually long, painful and at the cost of relationships and fellowship. They are the cost of relationships and fellowship. They are finally driven into the welcoming arms of fellow FP finally driven into the welcoming arms of fellow FP desperadosdesperados

In order to maintain a sense of belonging, they In order to maintain a sense of belonging, they become obsessed with study of, and promulgation become obsessed with study of, and promulgation of their new beliefsof their new beliefs

Some very sad facts

It is an hermeneutical, systematic and worldview It is an hermeneutical, systematic and worldview system that is at once highly rationalistic system that is at once highly rationalistic (“you (“you don’t don’t reallyreally believe that water will flow in a river under the believe that water will flow in a river under the threshold of some millennial temple where animal sacrifices are threshold of some millennial temple where animal sacrifices are

performed, do you”?)performed, do you”?) yet mystical yet mystical (Christ’s coming was (Christ’s coming was spiritual, we’re in the New Heavens and New Earth, etc).spiritual, we’re in the New Heavens and New Earth, etc).

It is attractive to certain “Brights” in our churchesIt is attractive to certain “Brights” in our churchesIt is in some ways an inevitable synergistic It is in some ways an inevitable synergistic

confluence of the spirit of our times, and confluence of the spirit of our times, and miserable failure on the part of our churches to miserable failure on the part of our churches to promulgate Dispensationalism as a promulgate Dispensationalism as a comprehensive, consistent systematic theology comprehensive, consistent systematic theology rather than as an eschatology consisting rather than as an eschatology consisting primarily of interest in future eventsprimarily of interest in future events

It is both subtly seductive and deadly poisonous to It is both subtly seductive and deadly poisonous to Christian faithChristian faith

My own view of Consistent/Full Preterism

A Delicious…

Full Preterism’s Sociological RootsFull Preterism grew out of roots in the Churches of Christ Full Preterism grew out of roots in the Churches of Christ

movement whose waters flow out of the movement whose waters flow out of the theological/social stream of theological/social stream of RestorationismRestorationism

RestorationismRestorationism is the concept that the true Church is the concept that the true Church and the true Gospel were lost and only recently and the true Gospel were lost and only recently recovered. recovered. So FP sees itself as a restoration of So FP sees itself as a restoration of true Christianity and everything else as a total true Christianity and everything else as a total apostasyapostasy

The Restorationist main river channel produced The Restorationist main river channel produced Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Pentecostalism Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Pentecostalism and SDA, and a bevy of cultsand SDA, and a bevy of cults

Yet Christ promised in Matt 16:18 that, Yet Christ promised in Matt 16:18 that, “I will build my “I will build my church, and the Gates of Hades will not church, and the Gates of Hades will not prevail…”prevail…”

How can it be that Christ’s words utterly failed for How can it be that Christ’s words utterly failed for 2,000 years and now pops up the true church 2,000 years and now pops up the true church in the past 25?in the past 25?

Preterism & Reconstructionism

Preterism is strongly associated with Christian Preterism is strongly associated with Christian ReconstructionismReconstructionism

Proponents include(d) R J Rushdoony, Gary North, Proponents include(d) R J Rushdoony, Gary North, David Chilton, Gary DeMar, Andrew Sandlin, David Chilton, Gary DeMar, Andrew Sandlin, Greg Bahnsen and many more.Greg Bahnsen and many more.

You can get a taste of Reconstructionism in it’s You can get a taste of Reconstructionism in it’s pretty form at pretty form at www.AmericanVision.org and and www.Chalcedon.edu

Mild Preterism

It should be noted that there has been a form of It should be noted that there has been a form of Preterism called “mild Preterism” (Preterism called “mild Preterism” (is that like is that like a mild fever, or is it more like being just a little a mild fever, or is it more like being just a little bit pregnant?).bit pregnant?). It viewed the events of It viewed the events of prophesy as having been fulfilled in the first prophesy as having been fulfilled in the first few centuries of church history until few centuries of church history until Constantine.Constantine.

I know of no modern adherents to the mild form I know of no modern adherents to the mild form so will not mention it again.so will not mention it again.

Preterism and Israel

Preterism teaches that Jesus came in 70AD, and the Preterism teaches that Jesus came in 70AD, and the purpose of Jesus’ purpose of Jesus’ parousiaparousia (coming) was to judge (coming) was to judge the apostate nation of Israel and to make an end the apostate nation of Israel and to make an end to their age.to their age.

Israel is the enemy of Christ and their overthrow by Israel is the enemy of Christ and their overthrow by the Roman army, sent by Christ, is the triumph in the Roman army, sent by Christ, is the triumph in establishing the New Covenant temple.establishing the New Covenant temple.

Preterists reject any aspect of a future for ethnic Preterists reject any aspect of a future for ethnic Israel and its temple and further hold that any Israel and its temple and further hold that any eschatological system that does hold such a eschatological system that does hold such a future is heretical (both historic as well as future is heretical (both historic as well as dispensational premillennialism). They would say dispensational premillennialism). They would say that belief in these would be equal to rejecting that belief in these would be equal to rejecting Christ and restoring blasphemyChrist and restoring blasphemy

Preterism and Israel

Preterists along with many amillennialists Preterists along with many amillennialists therefore generally distain the present nation therefore generally distain the present nation of Israel, Zionism, and also utterly reject any of Israel, Zionism, and also utterly reject any future in a coming earthly millennial reign of future in a coming earthly millennial reign of Christ from Zion.Christ from Zion.

While not a necessary or logical extension of While not a necessary or logical extension of Preterism (and certainly disavowed by most, Preterism (and certainly disavowed by most, Preterism is part of the worldview of many Preterism is part of the worldview of many “Christian” white supremacist groups.“Christian” white supremacist groups.

The Development of Preterism in History

Preterists attempt to show that Preterism was Preterists attempt to show that Preterism was present in the writings of the early church present in the writings of the early church fathersfathers

However, Dr. Tommy Ice indicates the lack of However, Dr. Tommy Ice indicates the lack of evidence of Preteristic interpretation of any evidence of Preteristic interpretation of any significance until after the Reformation significance until after the Reformation 11

1“The History of Preterism”, The End Times Controversy Ice/LaHaye eds. pp42-46

Preteristic proofs to the contrary tend to either Preteristic proofs to the contrary tend to either utterly fall apart on careful investigation (I utterly fall apart on careful investigation (I smell either deception at worst or self-smell either deception at worst or self-deception at best), or demonstrate only the deception at best), or demonstrate only the mildest form of Preterism in a few passagesmildest form of Preterism in a few passages22

2 “Preterism and Antiquity: Was Preterism a View of the Early Church?”, Journal of Dispensational Theology, March 2008, Vol 12, No. 35, Ron Bigalke Jr.

The Development of Preterism in History

The first appearance of a developed The first appearance of a developed Preteristic interpretation was by Jesuit Preteristic interpretation was by Jesuit Luis Alcazar (1554-1613), who Luis Alcazar (1554-1613), who Preterized Revelation.Preterized Revelation.

It should be noted that this was welcomed It should be noted that this was welcomed by Roman Catholics who suffered by Roman Catholics who suffered under the historicist interpretation of under the historicist interpretation of Protestants/Reformers that saw the Protestants/Reformers that saw the Popes as “very Anti-Christ” throughout Popes as “very Anti-Christ” throughout the church age!the church age!

Cornelius Lapide (Roman Catholic Cornelius Lapide (Roman Catholic exegete) (1567-1637) ripped Alcazar’s exegete) (1567-1637) ripped Alcazar’s interpretation as, “interpretation as, “new and against new and against the usual interpretationsthe usual interpretations”, “”, “mystical mystical rather than literalrather than literal”, “”, “allegoricalallegorical” and it ” and it ““makes assertions without proofsmakes assertions without proofs””

Post-Reformation PreterismHugo Grotius (1538-1645) was the first Protestant Preterist. Hugo Grotius (1538-1645) was the first Protestant Preterist.

A Dutch Arminian, Grotius also was the originator of the A Dutch Arminian, Grotius also was the originator of the heretical heretical Governmental View of the Atonement Governmental View of the Atonement (echoed (echoed later by evangelist Charles Finney).later by evangelist Charles Finney).

Henry Hammond (1605-1660) introduced Grotius’ ideas to Henry Hammond (1605-1660) introduced Grotius’ ideas to Great BritainGreat Britain

However, both these were actually more Historicist rather However, both these were actually more Historicist rather than Preteristic and their ideas largely ignored during than Preteristic and their ideas largely ignored during their timetheir time

The Huguenots attacked and denounced the The Huguenots attacked and denounced the teaching of Grotius and Hammond stating that, teaching of Grotius and Hammond stating that, Preterism “Preterism “dishonors its authorsdishonors its authors” and ” and constitutes “constitutes “a shame and disgrace not only for a shame and disgrace not only for the Reformation, but also to the name the Reformation, but also to the name ChristianChristian.”.”

Post-Reformation Preterism

Even so, the Preterism up to this time was of the Even so, the Preterism up to this time was of the Mild sort.Mild sort.

British scholar John Lightfoot (1602-1675) taught British scholar John Lightfoot (1602-1675) taught a mild Preterisma mild Preterism

Modern Era PreterismPreteristic interpretation was not present in any great significance in Protestant scholarship until the 1800’s when it Preteristic interpretation was not present in any great significance in Protestant scholarship until the 1800’s when it

blossomed as a fruit of German Rationalism (Preterists like to claim Charles Spurgeon, but that is a blossomed as a fruit of German Rationalism (Preterists like to claim Charles Spurgeon, but that is a questionable claim)questionable claim)

German Rationalism rejected supernatural revelation and spawned Higher Criticism of the Bible (Schliermacher, et German Rationalism rejected supernatural revelation and spawned Higher Criticism of the Bible (Schliermacher, et al)al)

It adopted Preterism as a means to It adopted Preterism as a means to avoid the concept of predictive prophesyavoid the concept of predictive prophesy (no supernaturalism), and to give (no supernaturalism), and to give a a naturalistic, retrospective interpretation of the Book of Revelationnaturalistic, retrospective interpretation of the Book of Revelation

It applied higher criticism to Revelation by a comparison with the Apocrypha and PseudepigraphaIt applied higher criticism to Revelation by a comparison with the Apocrypha and PseudepigraphaGerman Rationalistic Preteristic interpretation then took root in Protestantism in the British Isles and the United German Rationalistic Preteristic interpretation then took root in Protestantism in the British Isles and the United

States and greatly influenced later evangelical academics such as Preterist icons, States and greatly influenced later evangelical academics such as Preterist icons, J. Stuart RussellJ. Stuart Russell (1816- (1816-1895) and 1895) and Moses StuartMoses Stuart (1780-1852), and exegetical scholar (1780-1852), and exegetical scholar Milton S. Terry (Milton S. Terry (Biblical Hermeneutics,Biblical Hermeneutics, 1883, 1890,1911)1883, 1890,1911)

Modern Era PreterismThe popular rise of partial Preterism among American The popular rise of partial Preterism among American

Protestants of the Reformed variety is traced to the ’70’s Protestants of the Reformed variety is traced to the ’70’s and the Christian Reconstruction movement, Greg and the Christian Reconstruction movement, Greg Bahnsen, and then Chilton, Gentry, DeMar and SproulBahnsen, and then Chilton, Gentry, DeMar and Sproul

The advance of full Preterism is credited to the Churches of The advance of full Preterism is credited to the Churches of Christ, Max King, Preston, Bray, Noe and now Virgil VaduvaChrist, Max King, Preston, Bray, Noe and now Virgil Vaduva

Robert L. Thomas has this to say about the persistent Robert L. Thomas has this to say about the persistent attitude of Preterists:attitude of Preterists:

““This recently revived postmillennial This recently revived postmillennial outlook is very aggressive and will outlook is very aggressive and will continue its efforts to win converts from continue its efforts to win converts from among both premillennialists and among both premillennialists and amillennialists.”amillennialists.”Eric’s thoughts: I would even use the word Eric’s thoughts: I would even use the word “obsessive” in addition to Thomas’ “very “obsessive” in addition to Thomas’ “very aggressive”.aggressive”.

Trademarks of Preteristic Apologetics

There are some trademark approaches that There are some trademark approaches that Preterist apologists take, and that they use to Preterist apologists take, and that they use to deflect counter-apology from futuristsdeflect counter-apology from futurists

Each of these approaches reveal both their own Each of these approaches reveal both their own apparent strength and actual weaknessapparent strength and actual weakness

Preterism:Preterism:Everything that matters has Everything that matters has

already happenedalready happened

Or:Or:

See the Coming of Christ on the See the Coming of Christ on the Roman re-runsRoman re-runs

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