I am a little torn on how to review this book. If you are expecting this book to be an exhaustive examination of patristic eschatology with some ideas on how to apply that to our modern context, then you will likely be disappointed by this book. It does do some of that but this book is primarily a defense of premillennial eschatology with a helping of the fathers. He does use the fathers, primarily Irenaeus, to argue a version of dispensational premillennialism is the most faithful to the Biblical text and the original interpreters of it. I expected the book to be more of the former, but once I adjusted my expectations I enjoyed it. I do think this is the best and most thorough defense of dispensational premillennial eschatology that I have ever heard.
There is a large amount of material that is online rather than being inside of the book. I don't know if I should consider that material as a part of the book or more as deleted scenes for those who want more. Some of them are full of the patristic material I wished more of the book had been and were deeply worth reading. I might encourage someone to seek those out since they are available for free if that is the primary driver behind interest in this book.
What I appreciated the most about the book is Svigel's humility and nuance. He is clear on which interpretation of the fathers and the scriptures he believes is the correct interpretation. But he admits where there is ambiguity and where there may be better options. In an age of overstatement, I always appreciate charity and humility in academic writing. He did give the best defense of a pretribulation rapture I have ever heard. He did not quite convince me, but he makes a great case.
I am probably biased in my enjoyment of this book. I have taken a class with Dr. Svigel and have a great amount of respect for his patristic scholarship. I am also a begrudging premillennialist so I don't mind the change in focus as others might. I would recommend this one if you want to hear a thorough defense of dispensational premillennialism based on the fathers. I might caution against picking this one up if you are only interested in reading a general engagement of patristic eschatology.
Add Prime
to get Fast, Free delivery
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together
This item: The Fathers on the Future: A 2nd-Century Eschatology for the 21st-Century Church
$21.99
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 9
In Stock
+
$8.95
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 9
In Stock
+
$13.68
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 9
In Stock
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the Publisher
Many today with an interest in eschatology face a problem: They have forgotten the past. Incorporating the basic foundation and structure of the second-century premillennial, futurist eschatology of Irenaeus of Lyons and other church fathers, this book develops and defends their positions through a thorough exegetical, theological analysis. It makes a case for a contemporary Irenaean premillennial eschatology, arguing that it is a reliable framework for a biblically defensible, theologically balanced, and historically informed eschatology.
Rich Perspectives
For those interested in a comprehensive exploration of traditional models such as premillennialism, amillennialism, postmillennialism, futurism, preterism, idealism, historicism, covenantalism, dispensationalism, and new covenant theology—along with various perspectives in between.
Balanced Exploration
Ideal for individuals unsure of their beliefs about eschatology, this offers an opportunity to explore diverse viewpoints and find clarity.
Fresh Insights
Designed for those wanting to deepen their understanding of eschatology through a robust biblical, theological, and historical lens.
A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs: A Reference Guide to More Than 700 T...
|
Christianity in the Roman Empire: Key Figures, Beliefs, and Practices of the ...
|
A Dictionary of Early Christian Biography: A Reference Guide to Over 800 Chri...
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
| Customer Reviews |
258
|
6
|
— |
| Price | — no data | $19.95 | $49.95 |
| ISBN | 979-8-4005-0617-8 | 978-1-68307-182-2 | 978-1-61970-269-1 |
About the author
Amazing must-read on the subject!
Svigel has provided readers with an absolutely incredible resource chock full of exegetical studies, examinations of the Fathers, and interaction with scholars of all ages. I couldn't ask for anything more!This is a scholarly and quite dense look at eschatology, and is supplemented by the free "go deeper excuses" on his website that is very nearly as long as this book!A quick note is in need. While the title promises examination of the Fathers, which is true, there is also a large amount of Svigel's own exegesis and careful analysis. While many of the fathers are consulted, the bulk of the writing grapples with Irenaeus, leaving perhaps a small feeling of over favoring one and not consulting as much with the writings of others by comparison. Still, this is natural since he, of the earliest fathers, dealt most with this subject.Svigel addresses key passages, looks into commonly cited works of the Fathers, and shows an incredible knowledge of the subject matter. While I may disagree with a point or two here or there, this is an invaluable resource.I can't recommend this enough.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2025
- Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2025
- Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2024
- Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2025
Svigel has provided readers with an absolutely incredible resource chock full of exegetical studies, examinations of the Fathers, and interaction with scholars of all ages. I couldn't ask for anything more!
Amazing must-read on the subject!
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2025
This is a scholarly and quite dense look at eschatology, and is supplemented by the free "go deeper excuses" on his website that is very nearly as long as this book!
A quick note is in need. While the title promises examination of the Fathers, which is true, there is also a large amount of Svigel's own exegesis and careful analysis. While many of the fathers are consulted, the bulk of the writing grapples with Irenaeus, leaving perhaps a small feeling of over favoring one and not consulting as much with the writings of others by comparison. Still, this is natural since he, of the earliest fathers, dealt most with this subject.
Svigel addresses key passages, looks into commonly cited works of the Fathers, and shows an incredible knowledge of the subject matter. While I may disagree with a point or two here or there, this is an invaluable resource.
I can't recommend this enough.
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2024
