Faculty on ABC radio

Robyn Whitaker, Associate Professor of New Testament, was recently on ABC Radio’s God Forbid talking about the 19th century theological ideas that shape Christian nationalism and continue to influence American politics.

Cyrus Scofield, editor of the Scofield Bible

Robyn’s research focusses on the Book of Revelation and its reception and impact. Most recently, this has led her to look into the way Revelation is interpreted in dispensationalist forms of Christianity. Dispensationalism – the idea that the world’s history can be divided into seven dispensations or eras – is associated with ideas of rapture, tribulation, a final battle, the Antichrist, judgement, and the return of Christ. While some parts of this timeline are also found in mainstream Christianity (e.g. the return of Christ in glory), others are relatively new ideas emerging in 19th century Plymouth Brethren circles before making their way to the USA via Canada.

Their impact and popularisation can be traced to a particular edition of the Bible (the Scofield Reference Bible) and, in turn, popular fiction like Hal Lindsay’s The Late Great Planet Earth and the Left Behind series of books.

You can listen to the full episode here or wherever you find your podcasts.