A Biblical and Theological Critique of the Latter-Day Saints' Replacement Theology
General Material Designation
[Thesis]
First Statement of Responsibility
Epperson, Matthew
Subsequent Statement of Responsibility
Tyler, Larry
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
Carolina University, Piedmont Divinity School
Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.
2020
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Specific Material Designation and Extent of Item
398
DISSERTATION (THESIS) NOTE
Dissertation or thesis details and type of degree
Ph.D.
Body granting the degree
Carolina University, Piedmont Divinity School
Text preceding or following the note
2020
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
The voluminous literature on replacement theology and the church's relationship with Israel typically considers the replacement views established by various Christian covenant theological systems. Often these studies have rebutted the replacement view in favor of a dispensational approach. Few if any studies have acknowledged the unique solution to the dilemma offered by the Latter-day Saints. This study examines the way different theologies handle the New Testament's portrayal of the church's relation to Israel, temple, and priesthood. The study begins by examining the ways that traditional Christian replacement theologies (such as postmillennialism and progressive covenantalism) and non-replacement theologies (traditional and progressive dispensationalism) approach these subjects. Next comes an analysis of Mormon views of Israel, temple, and priesthood which reveals areas of similarity with traditional Christian theologies despite the unique conclusions that Latter-day Saints reach through their acceptance of extra-biblical special revelation. These three theological systems are compared for the purpose of evaluating the compatibility of Latter-day Saints' views of Israel, priesthood, and temple with traditional Christian views. As a part of this evaluation, the consistency of the Latter-day Saints' hermeneutical approach with the grammatical-historical method advocated in the Chicago Statement on Biblical Hermeneutics is assessed. A concluding appendix summarizes the usage of every verse of the extra-biblical LDS Standard Works which makes explicit reference to Israel, priest/priesthood, and temple.