119. The History of Christian Optimism (Interview with George Grant) | A Practical Postmillennialism - The Shepherd's Church

119. The History of Christian Optimism (Interview with George Grant) | A Practical Postmillennialism

June 28, 2024 • Kendall Lankford, George Grant

Summary

In this conversation, Kendall Lankford interviews Dr. George Grant, an expert in history and a pastor. They discuss the importance of understanding God's work in history and the role of optimism in eschatology. They explore the different eschatological views throughout church history, including historic premillennialism, optimistic amillennialism, and optimistic postmillennialism. They highlight the predominant view of optimism in the early church and the Middle Ages, and the shift towards pessimism during the medieval period. They also discuss the distinction between optimistic amillennialism and postmillennialism. During the 14th century, Christians faced a time of trial with events like the Black Death and the Hundred Years War. However, amidst the pessimism, there were renewal movements led by figures like Jerome of Prague, Jan Hus, and John Wycliffe that laid the foundation for the Reformation. The reformers, influenced by these movements, were optimistic about the future and believed in the power of the gospel. However, over time, the church turned inward and lost its optimism, leading to the decay of culture. Today, there is a resurgence of the gospel and a recovery of biblical truth, but it requires faithful living and a focus on the next right thing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Understanding God's work in history is important for believers

Optimism is a key aspect of eschatology in the early church and the Middle Ages

Different eschatological views have existed throughout church history

Pessimism became more prevalent during the medieval period

There is a distinction between optimistic amillennialism and postmillennialism Renewal movements in the 14th century laid the foundation for the Reformation

The reformers were optimistic about the future and believed in the power of the gospel

The church turned inward and lost its optimism, leading to the decay of culture

There is a resurgence of the gospel and a recovery of biblical truth happening today

Faithful living and a focus on the next right thing are essential in this cultural moment

CHAPTERS

00:00

Introduction and Background

03:26

Understanding God's Work in History

13:46

Optimism in Eschatology: Early Church and Middle Ages

31:17

Distinguishing Between Optimistic Amillennialism and Postmillennialism

32:57

The Erosion of Optimism in the 14th Century

34:10

Renewal Movements and the Foundation for the Reformation

36:00

The Optimism of the Reformers

37:01

The Decay of Culture and the Loss of Optimism

44:00

The Resurgence of the Gospel and Recovery of Biblical Truth

55:30

Faithful Living in a Cultural Moment

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