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MacArthur's Millennial Manifesto
At the 2007 Shepherds' Conference, Pastor John MacArthur delivered a controversial message entitled, "Why Every Self-Respecting Calvinist is a Premillennialist". In this book, Dr. Sam Waldron addresses the assertions of MacArthur historically, exegetically and theologically. Although his arguments are rigorous, the entire tenor of the book is level-headed and irenic. This "friendly response" grants modern day Amillennialists the opportunity to thoughtfully engage their Dispensational brethren.
188 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2008
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75 people want to read
About the author
Samuel E. Waldron
52 books25 followersDr Sam Waldron is the academic dean of MCTS and professor of Systematic Theology. He is also one of the pastors of Heritage Baptist Church in Owensboro, KY. Dr Waldron received a B.A. from Cornerstone University, an M.Div. from Trinity Ministerial Academy, a Th.M. from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. From 1977 to 2001 he was a pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, MI.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 22, 2008
As one who has not held firmly to a particular eschatolgical view, I found this book very helpful in understanding the amillenial viewpoint. Waldron does a great job in dispelling many of the misconceptions of the amillenial view, (most of which were argued as fact in Dr. MacArthur's sermon).
Especially troubling is the idea that amil guys hold to a 'replacement theology' or 'supercessionism', Waldron clears that up right away and rejects those ideas from the beginning.
This books reads clearly & quickly. The author does not get into repetive arguments, but makes a clear, concise, respectful & even friendly defense & apologetic of the amillenial doctrine.
While I won't say it has solidified my eschatology one way or the other, this book certainly cleared up many questions and helped to fill in the blanks, as it were.
Especially troubling is the idea that amil guys hold to a 'replacement theology' or 'supercessionism', Waldron clears that up right away and rejects those ideas from the beginning.
This books reads clearly & quickly. The author does not get into repetive arguments, but makes a clear, concise, respectful & even friendly defense & apologetic of the amillenial doctrine.
While I won't say it has solidified my eschatology one way or the other, this book certainly cleared up many questions and helped to fill in the blanks, as it were.
March 28, 2020
It's tough to see a respected pastor-theologian make such egregious errors, commit logical fallacies, and demonstrate poor exegesis, yet that's exactly the case with John MacArthur's sermon "Why Every Self-Respecting Calvinist is a Premillennialist."
Sam Waldron takes special care to treat MacArthur with the utmost respect and address the issues specifically raised in MacArthur's 2006 message. Waldron's defense of the Amillennialist position is excellent and easy-to-grasp, making this book the perfect introduction for someone wanting a handle on the distinctions between Dispensational Premillennialism and every other orthodox eschatological position.
Two complaints:
1. MacArthur shouldn't get a pass for bad hermeneutics simply because he's John MacArthur. His message was simply inexcusable for a man of such intelligence, experience, and resources. He can do better, and should be taken to task for saying the things he said. Waldron was perhaps too polite in this regard.
2. This book could have easily been twice as long. It succinctly makes the case against MacArthur, but it left me wanting more. Of course, this is easily rectified by picking up Waldron's "End Times Made Simple".
Sam Waldron takes special care to treat MacArthur with the utmost respect and address the issues specifically raised in MacArthur's 2006 message. Waldron's defense of the Amillennialist position is excellent and easy-to-grasp, making this book the perfect introduction for someone wanting a handle on the distinctions between Dispensational Premillennialism and every other orthodox eschatological position.
Two complaints:
1. MacArthur shouldn't get a pass for bad hermeneutics simply because he's John MacArthur. His message was simply inexcusable for a man of such intelligence, experience, and resources. He can do better, and should be taken to task for saying the things he said. Waldron was perhaps too polite in this regard.
2. This book could have easily been twice as long. It succinctly makes the case against MacArthur, but it left me wanting more. Of course, this is easily rectified by picking up Waldron's "End Times Made Simple".
August 28, 2021
For me, this was kinda like jumping into an argument/discourse that I'm totally unfamiliar with and scrambling to catch up. Also, I wish I had read MacArthur's sermon first, then read the book. Reading the whole book and finishing with his sermon only made me want to start the book over. Read the appendix first, then read the book.
Even with all that in mind, this is a good, straightforward, clear response to the accusations leveled at us amillennialists. I appreciate Waldron's gentle tone, his self-control, and willingness to give MacArthur as much grace as possible. This came across as a kind disagreement, not a pounding, yelling, angry argument, which made it easier to think through Waldron's points.
Good book. But, I do feel like I need to read it a second time to really get more out of it.
Even with all that in mind, this is a good, straightforward, clear response to the accusations leveled at us amillennialists. I appreciate Waldron's gentle tone, his self-control, and willingness to give MacArthur as much grace as possible. This came across as a kind disagreement, not a pounding, yelling, angry argument, which made it easier to think through Waldron's points.
Good book. But, I do feel like I need to read it a second time to really get more out of it.
February 4, 2021
This book was incredibly helpful in sorting through a complex issue. Easy to read, well-written, and concise.
November 23, 2021
John MacArthur's 'Why Every Self-Respecting Calvinist is a Premillennialist' reviewed and refuted.
Dr Waldron writes simply and effectively as usual.
Dr Waldron writes simply and effectively as usual.
February 28, 2023
Addressed all the concerns I had, and some I didn’t know I had.
Probably the best resource to interact with people who come from a “MacArthur-ian” background in order to approach some of the misconceptions about covenant theology and non-premillennial eschatology. Not many books interact with Progressive Dispensationalism, so it is useful in that regard.
Probably will read Waldron’s larger book on the subject of eschatology.
Probably the best resource to interact with people who come from a “MacArthur-ian” background in order to approach some of the misconceptions about covenant theology and non-premillennial eschatology. Not many books interact with Progressive Dispensationalism, so it is useful in that regard.
Probably will read Waldron’s larger book on the subject of eschatology.
July 22, 2011
This is a cogent rebuttal to John MacArthur's comments at the 2007 Shepherd's Conference. John MacArthur deserves a lot of respect, but he was simply wrong when he said that every self-respecting Calvinist should be a premillenialist. The book does a fine job of showing why MacArthur's statement is wrong and provides a solid case for the amillenial position on Israel and the Church.
Waldron deals with MacArthur in a very respectful and honorable way. He writes in an engaging and compelling fashion. If you have any experience reading about theology, I think you will find this a quick read.
I could spend a lot of time getting into the specifics, but I think its best to just get the book and read it yourself. I think if you are open to hearing something new and are interested in eschatology and Israel/The Church, you will not be disappointed regardless of what perspective you come from.
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Waldron deals with MacArthur in a very respectful and honorable way. He writes in an engaging and compelling fashion. If you have any experience reading about theology, I think you will find this a quick read.
I could spend a lot of time getting into the specifics, but I think its best to just get the book and read it yourself. I think if you are open to hearing something new and are interested in eschatology and Israel/The Church, you will not be disappointed regardless of what perspective you come from.
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March 22, 2020
I thought that this book was written in a great spirit. I feel that Dr. Waldron engages the faulty assumptions that Dr. MacArthur, and many other dispensationalist, has about amillennialism. Dr. Waldron does this by dispelling the false accusations of replacement theology that us amillennialist are so accustomed to. He also makes the point, and rightfully so, that what MacArthur isn’t really arguing for premillennialism but for dispensationalism by touching on the fact that historic premillennialism has made such the stark distinction between Israel and the church. A quick study of the early church fathers will highlight this point, something that many dispensationalist aren’t really taught. In the end, I think Dr. Waldron does a good job of dismantling MacArthur’s claims.
A good quick read, could easily be read in an evening if one has the time...which may not be a problem given the current Covid-19 pandemic.
A good quick read, could easily be read in an evening if one has the time...which may not be a problem given the current Covid-19 pandemic.
December 7, 2017
Like so many other books on eschatology, Waldron's concise book doesn't attempt to clear up everything. Like the other books, it left me a bit unsatisfied. I almost think this is how the Lord intends prophecy to remain, not too clear, but mysterious enough that we keep a humble mind. This book did help me get my finger on the problems I have with MacArthur's particular pseudo- (or neo-) dispensationalist eschatology.
March 11, 2020
Sam Waldron wrote this book as a rebuttal to John MacArthur's series of messages entitled, "Why Every Self-Respecting Calvinist Should be a Premillennialist." Actually a more accurate title for MacArthur's series would have been "Why Every Calvinist Should be a Dispensationalist." Though MacArthur seeks to avoid the timelines and the various divisions of history inherent in dispensationalism, his emphasis on the restoration of national Israel and a woodenly literal hermeneutic place him squarely in the dispensationalist camp.
Waldron cordially addresses and corrects the strawmen that MacArthur builds in his sermon series. The first and most frequent is "replacement theology." MacArthur insists that anyone other than a dispensationalist promotes "replacement theology," in which Israel is replaced by the Gentile church. Waldron shows from various non-dispensational theologians that replacement theology has no place among them. Another is MacArthur's woodenly literal hermeneutic. He shows that even MacArthur holds to a figurative interpretation when the passage warrants it. Yet another is MacArthur's conflagration of historic premillennialism and dispensationalism. MacArthur insists on identifying his dispensationalism as the premillennialism of the church fathers. Clearly, it isn't.
I could delve into other aspects of Waldron's book, but suffice it to say that he does an excellent job of countering the provocative arguments that MacArthur makes. He does so very respectfully, considering himself a friend of the man who wrote a forward for one of his books many years ago. I recommend this title highly.
Waldron cordially addresses and corrects the strawmen that MacArthur builds in his sermon series. The first and most frequent is "replacement theology." MacArthur insists that anyone other than a dispensationalist promotes "replacement theology," in which Israel is replaced by the Gentile church. Waldron shows from various non-dispensational theologians that replacement theology has no place among them. Another is MacArthur's woodenly literal hermeneutic. He shows that even MacArthur holds to a figurative interpretation when the passage warrants it. Yet another is MacArthur's conflagration of historic premillennialism and dispensationalism. MacArthur insists on identifying his dispensationalism as the premillennialism of the church fathers. Clearly, it isn't.
I could delve into other aspects of Waldron's book, but suffice it to say that he does an excellent job of countering the provocative arguments that MacArthur makes. He does so very respectfully, considering himself a friend of the man who wrote a forward for one of his books many years ago. I recommend this title highly.
February 19, 2024
Dear christian reader,
I found this book highly stimulating as it is an unusual book. It is a refutation of another Pastor's sermon. Specifically, a John MacArthur sermon. The topic is around an age old debate: the end of times regarding the nation of Israel. It is an argument regarding the question: what version of the end of times is most accurate? Premillennialism, Postmillennialism, Amillennialism, Historic Dispensationalism?
I enjoyed this book not so much for the refutation, but for its handling of the Word of God. The author, Samual E. Waldron, does a fine job of looking at the scriptures and dealing with them in an honest way. He concedes where he needed to, but isn't afraid to speak plainly where he disagrees with Pastor MacArthur. This is no small feat. Pastor MacArthur is one of the cornerstones of current theologians on the planet. History will remember him and his contributions to the Gospel message for the church.
In a nutshell, the author says on page 89: "Here is my counter-argument. First, I have asserted that Amillennialists today do not ...believe in replacement theology.... Second...we do not hold or need to hold a spiritualizing or allegorical hermeneutic." This is the brunt of the books message.
This is an easy read with short chapters for any christian person or pastor wanting another look at this topic. I would encourage you to read it if you have always wondered what replacement theology is or what is Israel's role in the future or how do we interpret correctly the different view points of end time theology.
Sincerely,
Pastor Paul Simpson
I found this book highly stimulating as it is an unusual book. It is a refutation of another Pastor's sermon. Specifically, a John MacArthur sermon. The topic is around an age old debate: the end of times regarding the nation of Israel. It is an argument regarding the question: what version of the end of times is most accurate? Premillennialism, Postmillennialism, Amillennialism, Historic Dispensationalism?
I enjoyed this book not so much for the refutation, but for its handling of the Word of God. The author, Samual E. Waldron, does a fine job of looking at the scriptures and dealing with them in an honest way. He concedes where he needed to, but isn't afraid to speak plainly where he disagrees with Pastor MacArthur. This is no small feat. Pastor MacArthur is one of the cornerstones of current theologians on the planet. History will remember him and his contributions to the Gospel message for the church.
In a nutshell, the author says on page 89: "Here is my counter-argument. First, I have asserted that Amillennialists today do not ...believe in replacement theology.... Second...we do not hold or need to hold a spiritualizing or allegorical hermeneutic." This is the brunt of the books message.
This is an easy read with short chapters for any christian person or pastor wanting another look at this topic. I would encourage you to read it if you have always wondered what replacement theology is or what is Israel's role in the future or how do we interpret correctly the different view points of end time theology.
Sincerely,
Pastor Paul Simpson
December 23, 2020
I was raised a dispensational premillenialist. Over a 10-year struggle, I have wrestled with eschatological issues. Dr. Waldron’s CBTS lectures on eschatology and his 2 books on “End Times Made Simple” were instrumental in helping me to embrace the Amil position.
I was so thoroughly trained in dispensationalism, that it has been very difficult for me to read the Bible apart from a “dispensational lens”. Even after embracing amillenialism, I have still had questions (as sermons like the one from John MacArthur’s 2007 Shepherds conference served to intensify). I am thankful that Dr Waldron has responded. This book puts to rest every argument in MacArthur’s sermon against the Amil position in an irenic fashion.
Regardless of your eschatological views, this book is very helpful contrast between “modern dispensationalism” and “modern amillenialism”. Many other works fail to address the actual positions held by their opponents. Fortunately, Dr Waldron was at one time a dispensationalist - he also recognizes and addresses the development that both his system and dispensationalism have undergone. He is able to actually address the issues between the two systems rather than destroy a straw man.
I was so thoroughly trained in dispensationalism, that it has been very difficult for me to read the Bible apart from a “dispensational lens”. Even after embracing amillenialism, I have still had questions (as sermons like the one from John MacArthur’s 2007 Shepherds conference served to intensify). I am thankful that Dr Waldron has responded. This book puts to rest every argument in MacArthur’s sermon against the Amil position in an irenic fashion.
Regardless of your eschatological views, this book is very helpful contrast between “modern dispensationalism” and “modern amillenialism”. Many other works fail to address the actual positions held by their opponents. Fortunately, Dr Waldron was at one time a dispensationalist - he also recognizes and addresses the development that both his system and dispensationalism have undergone. He is able to actually address the issues between the two systems rather than destroy a straw man.
April 22, 2020
Uh oh, I’m progressively moving away from Premillennial Dispensationalism... I hope I don’t get my Bible minor revoked, or my former GCC membership blotted out, lol, jk, jk. But honestly, Waldron’s points in this book are solid. After reading it, best case: J. Mac.’s Infamous 2007 Shepherd’s Conf. Sermon has some serious problems and unintentionally misrepresents Amillenialism. Worst case, Amillenialism is Biblical. And to think I used to think J. Mac.’s sermon was an excellent message. I blame Jt Richards’ Revelation series from New City Church, listen here: http://newcitychurch.org/messages/sum... and also Raymond Warwick Scholtens for corrupting me. I still need to see a serious Amillennial handling of Ezekiel, and read several more books from multiple perspectives. But, I think I can say that I’m no longer comfortable identifying as a PreMillennial Dispensational. And to think I have a degree from TMU and was even a member of Grace Community Church. ...What went wrong? It wasn’t even my time studying at SBTS that corrupted me. I’ve started down the slippery slope, lol.
January 3, 2021
Doubtless, MacArthur has been one of if not the greatest voice for the Gospel in 20th-21st century America. This makes his confusion over Amillenialism disappointing. Waldron genially and faithfully responds to MacArthur’s accusations from well-written exposition. Most importantly, Waldron clears up the “replacement theology” accusation that too many wrongly try to lump in with a covenantal/Amill/Calvinistic view of Scripture.
November 6, 2021
I'm trying to better understand 1) the theological system that shaped my early Christian life (John MacArthur's reformed version of dispensationalism) and 2) covenantal theology, which seems to better explain what I see in the Bible. This book helped me understand both, although Waldron does not pretend to offer an indifferent comparison. He answers MacArthur’s claim that all reformed evangelicals should be Premillennialist (actually, dispensational) with scriptural evidence for Amillennialism.
January 24, 2024
I do not want to say much except that Macarthur's views are reprehensible. Not only is he mistaken, he is grossly unfair. It becomes clear that he advocates two gospels one for Christians and one for Jews. That is not the gospel and it is damaging to the faith. Duspensationalism is in my view heresy.
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March 26, 2017did not finish this book
December 9, 2018
Waldron's exposition of Romans 11 is with the price of the book even though the original controversy is 11 years old. In addition MacArthur continues to this day to make similar claims and arguments.
March 26, 2019
Gold. Sure answers to big questions regarding Eschatology.
October 15, 2019
This is a must read for the subject of Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism. Sam Waldron dissects Dr. MacArthur's teaching expertly, and genially.
February 19, 2023
Feb 18, 2023 * 4.5 Stars
December 25, 2024
I'm pre-mill like MacArthur but I very much appreciated Dr. Waldron's take and his kind response. It definitely sheds a different light in some things I once thought so concrete.
January 17, 2015
Regardless of your view point on eschatology, this is a primer going over the hermeneutical presuppositions that must be addressed to understand eschatology; if your view of eschatology is built on proof texting passages, then you need to examine your hermeneutical presuppositions since our hermeneutics determine what theological conclusion we will reach when we interpret scripture and our theology is not divorced from our hermeneutics.
October 29, 2008
WOW! No way could Johnny Mac be wrong! Could he???
June 13, 2013
Great book. I will definitely read it again!
April 23, 2015
Read the electronic version.
Great refutation of Dispensationalism.
Great refutation of Dispensationalism.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews