The Orthodox Church And “Supersessionism” -- By: Hal Smith

Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 19:56 (Spring 2015)
Article: The Orthodox Church And “Supersessionism”
Author: Hal Smith


The Orthodox Church And “Supersessionism”

Hal Smith

* Harold A. Smith, J.D., member, Orthodox Peace Fellowship

A boy tells his uncle “I brought my guinea pig to show you.” His uncle thinks: “There will be no African livestock in my house!” Nevertheless, he waits, looks, and sees a fluffy pet. The nephew tells his uncle: “I can move the water in your large pond all by myself.” His uncle asks, “Where? How?” The nephew responds: “Where it is now; I will just stir it.”

Like the uncle with his nephew, to understand the Orthodox Church’s view concerning supersessionism, the reader must abandon expectations regarding the doctrine. The English language has many words like “move” and “guinea pig” that can be defined with more than one meaning. “Supersessionism” is one of those terms. A straightforward review of its meanings suggests that the Orthodox Church is “supersessionist,” but not in every sense of the word.

Supersessionism: A Simple Definition

Discussions of supersessionism describe the term in vastly different ways or even conflicting ones. The definitions generally share the idea that the New Testament “supersedes” the Old Testament. In considering whether that is the case, one must ask whether any meanings of “supersede” apply.

The term comes from the Latin expressions “super” (above) and “sedere” (sit). Therefore, “supersedere” in Latin means: (1) to sit above, preside over; or, (2) pass, omit.1 The word in English comes from 17th century Scottish law, whereby a judicial order protected a debtor.2 Along these lines, one law dictionary explains that “supersede” means: “to set above; to make void or inoperative by a superior authority; to stay,

suspend or supplant.”3 The dictionary indicates that “supersedeas” is a court order to forbid another order or stay proceedings.4 The ideas of protecting a debtor, and staying one law with another, bring to mind similar expressions by the Apostle Paul concerning redemption in Christianity (Rom 8:2; 1 Cor 6:20).

In common speech, “supersede” can mean to “replace in power, authority, effectiveness . . . by another person or thing.”5 Synonyms include “overrule” and “override.” ...

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