Book Review: “The Millennium,” Loraine Boettner
My first exposure to Loraine Boettner (1901-1990) was in reading his book, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination, which was a watershed event for me, because it was the first time I had considered the doctrines of Calvinism. The book was immensely convincing because of Boettner’s persuasive reasoning and abundant use of Scriptural support. Recently I have come across this other Boettner work, this one on the subject of eschatology, or the doctrine of last things.
Boettner did receive a degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, but he did not serve as a pastor or seminary professor. Perhaps some would find this to be a strike against him, but he is a formidable theologian, and his clear-thinking and fluid writing style make it a joy to read his work.
The Millennium was originally released in 1957, at a time when dispensationalism was much more popular and ubiquitous than it is today, so Boettner spends the majority of the book (272 of 410 pages) simply offering a withering critique of its major tenets. Boettner was a postmillennialist, and he certainly offers a strong defense for that view in this book, but his chief concern seems to be to dismantle the dispensational system. This involves extensive arguments against the ideas of a secret rapture; the imminent return of Christ; a final rebellion/apostasy; the habit of persistently setting dates for the expected Second Coming; and the idea that God has two separate plans for the Jews and for the church.
Boettner is gracious in acknowledging the sincerity of his dispensational brethren, and admits that many Christians live faithful lives without holding to any definite view on this subject, but he also quotes strong words about the influence of the Scofield Bible (an early study Bible with textual notes advancing the dispensational perspective): “For as good as the intentions of the author were, and good as the faith and zeal of his followers are, this book must be pronounced . . . (as) one of the most dangerous books on the market.” (p.372).
If you’re not sure what dispensationalism is, read Part 3 of this book and you will gain considerable understanding. If you have been steeped in dispensationalism over the years, this book could be a challenging read.
While Boettner does offer a much more mild critique of amillennialism in the middle of the book, he spends the first 100 pages advancing the postmillennial view, but again, often only in contrast with the dispensational view. But it’s the optimism of the postmil view that Boettner stresses, and that is refreshing to consider: “What a tremendous difference there would be in this world if the rank and file of the people were Christians, and if Christian standards were the generally accepted rule in our social, economic, educational and political life! . . . The Millennium is, in fact, simply the full development of the kingdom of grace as it comes to fruition in this world. This kingdom begins very small, but it grows and eventually it dominates the whole earth.” (p.55).
