Journal: Conservative Theological Journal
Volume: CTJ 04:11 (Apr 2000)
Article: Progressive Dispensationalism
Author: Robert P. Lightner

CTJ 4:11 (April 2000) p. 46

Progressive Dispensationalism

Robert Lightner

Visiting Professor of Theology
Tyndale Theological Seminary

An Address Given Before the:
Conservative Theological Society
2nd Annual Meeting, August 3, 1999
Tyndale Seminary, Ft. Worth, Texas

Introduction

Again, it is my privilege to have an opportunity to talk to you about this matter of Progressive Dispensationalism. As I begin I want to sound a few words of warning. I wouldn’t want anyone to leave this conference, and I feel sure Dr. Couch shares my sentiments here, thinking that, let alone saying, Dallas Theological Seminary is liberal. That is not true. It’s bad enough to have to say some of the things that have already been said and that will again be said in this presentation, but I certainly want to make it clear that I don’t think anybody at Dallas seminary has an evil agenda.. I don’t believe anyone is trying to undermine and destroy the seminary. Neither, has anybody there, as far as I know, in his own public statements and proclamations, denied any of the essentials of the faith.

What concerns me, and a host of others, are some of the things that have been tolerated, are being tolerated and, in fact, promoted by some faculty members. We are fearful of the future. We are afraid of the long, slippery slope and of what will happen. We have that fear, not just out of emotionalism, but out of a reflection on history. This is exactly what has happened in other organizations and institutions. There are no sudden landslides in the Christian community, even in a Christian’s life. Instead, there is always a gradual trickling and slipping away of the foundation, picking at the foundation until eventually there is nothing worthwhile left. That is our concern. I certainly do not mind facts being circulated, but I hope that when you convey what you are about to learn that you stick to the facts, not add to them, enlarge them, or jump to conclusions that are not be warranted. I wouldn’t be at DTS, even as an adjunct faculty member, if the school had departed from the historical, orthodox Christian faith. I am deeply concerned about what has happened in the last 10 or 15 years, and I honestly fear for the future in some areas. As of now, that departure has not taken place. I just want to make sure and

CTJ 4:11 (April 2000) p. 47

hope you understand my concern about this. I am not defending anyone at DTS with whom I disagree, but I just want to be sure we are fair and honest in our statements.

Notice I call this presentation “Progressive versus Normative Dispensationalism,” so you can expect a comparison. I have an emotional conflict concerning this presentation. I am honored ...