Confronting the Ideology of Inevitability

Protestant dispensationalism holds that the promises made to Israel remain apart from the Church, awaiting fulfillment in a rebuilt Temple, ushering in the Second Coming. Dispensationalism promotes a dangerously detailed interpretation of prophetic Scripture, especially concerning Israel and the end times. The urgency of rebuilding the Temple, devoid of moral guidelines, to usher in the end times becomes a fearful imperative. If military conflict is seen as advancing God’s prophetic plan, prudential judgment, as governed by conscience, is displaced. War ceases to be a tragic last resort measured by moral law and instead appears as cooperation with alleged end-of-times prophecies. The consideration of just-war principles evaporates.