The amalgamation of concepts and ideas that comprise dispensationalism are surely considered in the various contentions with its theological framework, especially in discourse with covenant theology. Dispensationalism is a relatively new theological construct, not gaining legitimate and broad affirmation until the mid-nineteenth century.[1] Thomas Ice contends that dispensationalism is “a cluster of items joined together to form a system of thought.”[2] A variety of theological concepts, therefore, are combined to form the overarching contention of dispensationalism. This paper will provide a survey of dispensationalism’s theological framework as well as offer a discourse from the perspective of covenant theology. The broad arguments of dispensationalism will be examined, and theological dissentions with dispensationalism will be engaged.

With the term dispensationalism coined by Phillip Mauro,[3] the construction of dispensationalism holds a variety of supports, not the least of which is its view on the literal interpretation of Scripture. Here I will provide an analysis of the overarching concepts within dispensationalism including interpretation of Scripture, the distinction between Israel and the church, and typical dispensational divisions. Moreover, this paper will offer a survey of notable dispensationalists in church history. Finally, this paper will give a theological critique of dispensationalism and dissent from the perspective of a covenant theology. Although dispensationalism has seemingly diminished in recent decades,[4] it is still a prominent part of eschatological theology among Western (and primarily American) evangelicals. Thus, the theological arguments offered by dispensationalists must be considered by all (American) Christians, for surely such arguments will be encountered.