Mr. Scofield and how he shaped neopente dominionism

Dominionist publishing is in many ways notable because it predates dominionism itself--among other things, it was largely through religious publishing houses that stuff on premillenial dispensationalism and the "Holiness Movement" were publicised in the 1800s (which directly led to the birth of pentecostalism, then neopentecostals, then neopentecostal dominionism).  And, much as there is a "parallel economy" in most things...the Holy Bible, especially "modern English" translations and reference bibles, is no exception.

In many ways--as we'll see in the next three days (yes, this is extensive enough that it requires a three day post), the neopente dominionists do not use the same Bible as non-dominionist Christians.

Probably one of the earliest books published that was directly influential on neopente dominionist theology was the Scofield Reference Bible, a KJV reference bible; originally published in 1909 and reprinted in 1917, it was the first reference Bible to explicitly promote premillenial dispensationalism and was rapidly embraced by pentecostals due to its explicit friendliness towards concepts of "outpourings" and its biblical inerrancy.

Rather less known is that the Scofield Reference Bible actually originated a number of concepts and popularised other concepts that were little known or embraced in the Christian community of the time:

a) As noted, this was the first Bible to promote premillenial dispensationalism--a theology that had only been invented eighty years before by John Nelson Darby who also founded the Plymouth Brethren (possibly the first post-Reformation breakaway movement from mainstream Protestantism, and essentially one of the great-grandaddies of neopentecostalism; one particular branch (the Exclusive Brethren) may well have in part invented some of the tactics of "shunning" and separation now used to promote the dominionist parallel economy, is known for dominionist political activity in Oz and many other countries including the US, and has been described as a coercive religious group).

b) The Scofield Reference Bible was the first bible to explicitly promote the concept of "young-earth creationism"--including using the "creation of the world in 4004 BC" dating of Archbishop Ussher:
(from Intro to Genesis, as published by studylight.org's archive of the notes from the 1917 reprint which is now in the public domain)

Genesis is in five chief divisions:

   1. Creation (1:1-2:25)
   2. The fall and redemption (3:1-4,7).
   3. The Diverse Seeds, Cain and Seth, to the Flood (4:8-7:24).
   4. The Flood to Babel (8:1-11:9).
   5. From the call of Abram to the death of Joseph (11:10-50:26).

The events recorded in Genesis cover a period of 2,315 years (Ussher).

To this day, practically all dominionist churches promote young-earth creationism; almost none promote "day-age creationism" (the concept that each "day" in Genesis is meant to be a geological eon) or "directed evolution" (where God steered the descent of species which evolved naturally, not unlike a rose grower tending a garden), both of which are much closer to mainstream Christian beliefs on the origin of man and of species.

c) The Scofield Reference Bible promoted a concept that would become a staple of Assemblies and "Joel's Army" concepts of the Rapture and Tribulation--namely, that Russia would be home to the Antichrist:
(from the studylight.org archive of Scofield Reference Bible notes, Ezekiel chp. 38)

38:2  Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,

    Gog

    That the primary reference is to the northern (European) powers, headed up by Russia, all agree. The whole passage should be read in connection with Zechariah 12:1-4; 14:1-9; Matthew 24:14-30; Revelation 14:14-20; 19:17-21, "gog" is the prince, "Magog," his land. The reference to Meshech and Tubal (Moscow and Tobolsk) is a clear mark of identification. Russia and the northern powers have been the latest persecutors of dispersed Israel, and it is congruous both with divine justice and with the covenants (e.g. (See Scofield "Genesis 15:18") See Scofield "Deuteronomy 30:3" that destruction should fall at the climax of the last mad attempt to exterminate the remnant of Israel in Jerusalem. The whole prophecy belongs to the yet future "day of Jehovah" ; Isaiah 2:10-22; Revelation 19:11-21 and to the battle of Armageddon Revelation 16:14 See Scofield "Revelation 19:19" but includes also the final revolt of the nations at the close of the kingdom-age. Revelation 20:7-9.

(from Scofield, Genesis ch. 10 in regards to Genesis 10:2)

10:2  The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.

    1 Gomer 2 Magog 3 Madai 4 Javan 5 Tubal 6 Meshech 7 Tiras

    1 Progenitor of the ancient Cimerians and Cimbri, from whom are descended the Celtic family.

    2 From Magog are descended the ancient Scythians, or Tartars, whose descendants predominate in the modern Russia. Ezekiel 38:2; 39:6; Revelation 20:8.

    3 Progenitor of the ancient Medes.

    4 Progenitor of those who peopled Greece, Syria, etc.

    5 Tubal's descendants peopled the region south of the black Sea, from whence they spread north and south. It is probable that Tobolsk perpetuates the tribal name. A branch of this race peopled Spain.

    6 Progenitor of a race mentioned in connection with Tubal, Magog, and other northern nations. Broadly speaking, Russia, excluding the conquests of Peter the Great and his successors, is the modern land of Magog, Tubal, and Meshech.

    7 Progenitor of the Thracians.

    From these seven sons of Japheth are descended the goyim, or Gentile, nations, trans. "heathen" 148 times in the A.V. The name implies nothing concerning religion, meaning simply, non-Israelite, or "foreigner."

(In fact, not only is this used as yet another basis for equating Russia and its leaders with Gog and Magog, but (in conjunction with some pretty creative interpretations of Ezekiel 30:6) is also used to promote the idea that Russia is perpetually engaged in conspiracies to take over the world; in fact, Ezekiel 38 in general has been pretty extensively misused by neopentes.  The actual book, in context, describes a smiting of Israel's enemies; Ezekiel 38:5 has been historically used both during the early 80's and, more recently, during the present Iranian nuke crisis to claim that Iran is in league with Russia as "nations of the devil".  As we'll see in later segments, Hal Lindsey in particular made a major industry on promoting Russia as Country Of De Debbil.)

d) The Scofield Reference Bible also promoted a great deal of what would be the basis of much of dominion theology.  The crossreferences from the claims that Russia would be home of the Antichrist are of note here:
(from Scofield, Genesis ch. 15)

15:18  In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

    covenant

    The Abrahamic Covenant as formed Genesis 12:1-4 and confirmed ; Genesis 13:14-17; 15:1-7 17:1-8 is in seven distinct parts:

    (1) "I will make of thee a great nation." Fulfilled in a threefold way:

    (a) In a natural posterity--"as the dust of the earth Genesis 13:16; John 8:37, viz. the Hebrew people.

    (b) In a spiritual posterity--"look now toward heaven . . . so shall thy seed be" John 8:39; Romans 4:16,17; 9:7,8; Galatians 3:6,7,29 viz. all men of faith, whether Jew or Gentile.

    (c) fulfilled also through Ishmael Genesis 17:18-20

    (2) "I will bless thee." Fulfilled in two ways:

    (a) temporally Genesis 13:14,15,17; 15:18; 24:34,35 (b) spiritually ; Genesis 15:6; John 8:56

    (3) "And make thy name great." Abraham's is one of the universal names.

    (4) "And thou shalt be a blessing" Galatians 3:13,14

    (5) "I will bless them that bless thee." In fulfilment closely related to the next clause.

    (6) "And curse him that curseth thee." Wonderfully fulfilled in the history of the dispersion. It has invariably fared ill with the people who have persecuted the Jew--well with those who have protected him. The future will still more remarkably prove this principle Deuteronomy 30:7; Isaiah 14:1,; Joel 3:1-8; Micah 5:7-9; Haggai 2:22; Zechariah 14:1-3; Matthew 25:40,45.

    (7) "In thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed." This is the great evangelic promise fulfilled in Abraham's Seed, Christ Galatians 3:16; John 8:56-58.

    It brings into greater definiteness the promise of the Adamic Covenant concerning the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:15

    NOTE.--The gift of the land is modified by prophecies of three dispossessions and restorations Genesis 15:13,14,16; Jeremiah 25:11,12; Deuteronomy 28:62-65; 30:1-3. Two dispossessions and restorations have been accomplished. Israel is now in the third dispersion, from which she will be restored at the return of the Lord as King under the Davidic Covenant ; Deuteronomy 30:3; Jeremiah 23:5-8; Ezekiel 37:21-25; Luke 1:30-33; Acts 15:14-17

    See, for the other seven covenants:

    EDENIC (See Scofield "Genesis 1:28") ADAMIC See Scofield "Genesis 3:15" NOAHIC See Scofield "Genesis 9:1" MOSAIC See Scofield "Exodus 19:25" PALESTINIAN See Scofield "Deuteronomy 30:3" DAVIDIC See Scofield "2 Samuel 7:16" NEW See Scofield "Hebrews 8:8"

(This is the origin of some interesting concepts in the neopentecostal dominionist community: the connection of Israel's re-establishment in 1948 with the Rapture (which in fact caused a religious panic in Assemblies circles in 1988 based on a book using Scofield's claims as reference--specifically with Edgar Whisenant's "88 Reasons Why The Rapture Will Be In 1988" (which claimed that the 40-year anniversary of Israel's founding would be the point where Jesus would return)) as well as the concept of neopentecostals and Jews being God's two "chosen people" and the US being a specifically "chosen nation" due to the birth of the pentecostal movement in this country.  Of particular note, Hebrews 8:8 is quoted out of context (it in fact is referring to Christianity as a "new covenant"; ironically, Scofield himself acknowledges the original intent and the Scofield interpretation in particular has been used as justification for "Messianic Jew" conversion attempts by Assemblies churches.)

(from Scofield, Deuteronomy cp. 30 section)

30:3  That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee.

    turn thy captivity

    The Palestinian Covenant gives the conditions under which Israel entered the land of promise. It is important to see that the nation has never as yet taken the land under the unconditional Abrahamic Covenant, nor has it ever possessed the whole land (cf. Genesis 15:18; Numbers 34:1-12. The Palestinian Covenant is in seven parts.

    (1) Dispersion for disobedience, Deuteronomy 30:1; 28:63-68 (See Scofield "Genesis 15:18")

    (2) The future repentance of Israel while in the dispersion, Deuteronomy 30:2.

    (3) The return of the Lord, Deuteronomy 30:3; Amos 9:9-14; Acts 15:14-17.

    (4) Restoration to the land, Deuteronomy 30:5; Isaiah 11:11,12; Jeremiah 23:3-8; Ezekiel 37:21-25

    (5) National conversion, Deuteronomy 30:6; Romans 11:26,27; Hosea 2:14-16

    (6) The judgment of Israel's oppressors, Deuteronomy 30:7; Isaiah 14:1,2; Joel 3:1-8; Matthew 25:31-46

    (7) National prosperity, Deuteronomy 30:9; Amos 9:11-14

    For Another Point of View: See Topic 301242

    See, for the other seven covenants:

    EDENIC (See Scofield "Genesis 1:28") ADAMIC See Scofield "Genesis 3:15" ABRAHAMIC See Scofield "Genesis 15:18" NOAHIC See Scofield "Genesis 9:1" MOSAIC See Scofield "Exodus 19:25" DAVIDIC See Scofield "2 Samuel 7:16" NEW See Scofield "Hebrews 8:8"

(This has been used to justify dating for the Rapture, is an integral part of "Christian Zionist" dominionism (in many versions of neopente theology, all of the Jewish people must be returned to Israel or at least a critical mass thereof before Jesus can come back), is a major reason for conversion of Jews to "Messianic Judaism", and is the basis of the concept of the "Remnant" convertees during the Tribulation in neopente "end-times" eschatology.  Furthermore, this section has also been used as a justification for political dominionism (in regards to national conversion) and is used to squelch all criticism of Israeli political policy in dominionist churches (unless, of course, Israeli political policy disagrees with dominionist goals, like Israel's government occasionally blocking missionaries).)

(from Scofield, Revelation ch. 19 section; of note, pretty much the entire interpretation of this little bit of coded "this too shall pass" literature is a favourite of neopente dominionists)

19:19  And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

    make war

    The day of Jehovah (called, also, "that day," and "the great day") is that lengthened period of time beginning with the return of the Lord in glory, and ending with the purgation of the heavens and the earth by fire preparatory to the new heavens and the new earth Isaiah 65:17-19; Isaiah 66:22; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1. The order of events appears to be:

    (1) The return of the Lord in glory Matthew 24:29,30

    (2) the destruction of the Beast and his host, "the kings of the earth and their armies," and the false prophet, which is the "great and terrible" aspect of the day Revelation 19:11-21.

    (3) the judgment of the nations Zechariah 14:1-9; Matthew 25:31-46.

    (4) the thousand years, i.e, the kingdom-age Revelation 20:4-6.

    (5) the Satanic revolt and its end Revelation 20:7-10.

    (6) the second resurrection and final judgment Revelation 20:11-15 and

    (7) the "day of God," earth purged by fire 2 Peter 3:10-13.

    The day of the Lord is preceded by seven signs:

    (1) The sending of Elijah Malachi 4:5; Revelation 11:3-6

    (2) cosmical disturbances Joel 2:1-12; Matthew 24:29; Acts 2:19,20; Revelation 6:12-17

    (3) the insensibility of the professing church 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

    (4) the apostasy of the professing church, then become "Laodicea" 2 Thessalonians 2:3

    (5) the rapture of the true church 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

    (6) the manifestation of the "man of sin," the Beast 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8

    (7) the apocalyptic judgments (Rev. 11.-18.).

    make war Armageddon (battle of). See note, Revelation 16:14; 19:17 (See Scofield "Revelation 19:17")

(Pretty much, this is the basis for the entire concept of neopente "rapture theory"--all manner of Signs of Apocalypse occur, all the churches other than neopente churches become Ebil Incarinate (tm), the neopentes get Raptured Up, the tribulation hits for 7 years, Jesus comes back and kicks the butt of all non-dominionists, dominionists get to have a Pax Dominionista for the next 1000 years, a few discontents get riled up by the devil, and God kicks non-dominionist butt again and burns everything with fire for good measure.  As the "Joel's Army" groups believe they'll get to come back down to earth for the Final Buttkicking Party and do much of the Kicking of Butt, there's a heavy emphasis on militarism.)

Another particular note is Scofield's creative interpretation of Revelation 19:17:

19:17  And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;

    Come

    Armageddon (the ancient hill and valley of Megiddo, west of Jordan in the plain of Jezreel) is the appointed place for the beginning of the great battle in which the Lord, at His coming in glory, will deliver the Jewish remnant besieged by the Gentile world- powers under the Beast and False Prophet Revelation 16:13-16; Zechariah 12:1-9. Apparently the besieging hosts, whose approach to Jerusalem is described in Isaiah 10:28-32 alarmed by the signs which precede the Lord's coming Matthew 24:29,30 have fallen back to Megiddo, after the events of Zechariah 14:2 where their destruction begins; a destruction consummated in Moab and the plains of Idumea Isaiah 63:1-6. This battle is the first event in "the day of Jehovah" Isaiah 2:12 and is the fulfilment of the smiting-stone prophecy of Daniel 2:35.

(And here is the whole reason that neopente dominionists support Israel--so they can have the pleasure of watching the Israeli population go "Oops, we messed up, let's all become kosher Pentecostals!" and have a last Braveheart-esque resistance.  This even gets expressly fictionalised by Tim LaHaye later on.)

Scofield's little study Bible is full of this sorts of stuff.  It cannot be overly emphasized just HOW fundamental the Scofield Reference Bible was to the development of modern dominionism:

These and similar passages were a major source of Hal Lindsey's earlier prophecies. Scofield's extensive notes to the Book of Revelation are a major source of the various timetables, judgments, and plagues predicted by Lindsey's and other fundamentalists' computations of the end times. It was largely a result of the success of the Scofield Reference Bible that dispensationalism has largely displaced the Calvinist understanding of the Book of Revelation and Bible prophecy; it is a result of the success of dispensationalism that conservative Protestantism in the U.S.A. lays such a great stress on end-times speculation.

Scofield's reference bible would be the first Bible version directly influential on dominionism--but it would not be the last by far.

In the next segment on dominionist bibles, we will focus on the first translation attempted by dominionists themselves--namely, the New International Version.  The final bit of this mini-trilogy will focus on a specific reference Bible based on the NIV used in neopente dominionist circles--and one which is incredibly influential in shaping the "biblical worldviews" of the Joel's Army crowd in particular.