DVD. Formal, public debate between Dr. Richard Gaffin (Westminster Theological Seminary) and Kenneth Gentry at the Van Til Conference in Maryland. Each debater opens with a 40 minute positive presentation and then engage in cross-examination. (Over 2 1/2 hours)
Dr. Gaffin argued that the Christian is called to suffer in this world and should not expect the amelioration of sinful conditions. Gentry countered that though the Christian should expect and endure suffering in history, ultimately these conditions will be lessened as the gospel expands its influence.
If interested in the Amill/Postmill debate, we also recommend the book edited by Gentry: Thine Is the Kingdom. The two chapters by Dr. Gentry focus on and rebut arguments by Amillennialists against Postmillennialism. This book is also available on our website.
Posted by Austin on 16th Oct 2021
This debate is one of the few resources I could find handling specifically and in detail the main contentions between amil and postmil proponents. I do think Dr. Gaffin raised several objections which need to be handled more thoroughly than they were in this debate, but, overall, I do not think Dr. Gaffin disrupted or dispelled the main contention of Dr. Gentry in this debate--we await a time of glorious Gospel prosperity (historically) wherein the majority of men will be converted to Jesus Christ (historically). The main objection that needs further handling by postmillennialists is the prospects of future persecution for the church. Perhaps this is done in Dr. Gentry's two chapters in "Thine is the Kingdom," so this will be my next read. I wish there was more debate, both live and in writing, between amillennialists and postmillennialists.
Posted by Greg Norris on 4th Nov 2020
While I really appreciate Gentry's scholarship, and his help with understanding prophecy through an amillenial/postmillenial perspective, I think Gentry really got destroyed in this debate. Postmillenialism is delusional.
Posted by Gary Stevens on 28th Nov 2017
I will address three things in this review. The first is the quality in the DVDs. The second was ok though Dr. Gentry was cut off at the end. My particular copy of the debate was not copied well, having skips and jumps.
Second, the argument for Amillenialism was one of the poorest I have come across. Dr. Gaffin focused on one issue, the suffering of the church, and he had to work hard to make it sound like it is different from the view of the Postmillenialist. In the end, Dr. Gaffin was barely able to demonstrate that his theology was significantly different from Postmillenialism and I conclude, as I often have, that the Amillenialist is really a closet Postmillenialist.
Third, Dr. Gentry was able to present a precise argument which Dr. Gaffin was not able to do. Thus the debate was really one sided as one of the participants failed to specifically address any of Dr. Gentry's arguments. He appeared more prepared to preach a sermon rather than academically address a position.
Thus, the debate was a disappointment. However, Dr. Gentry did do a good job concisely presenting Postmillenialist theology.
Posted by Emerson on 20th Dec 2013
Gaffin makes a good opening, but as Proverbs 18:17 puts it "The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him". Gentry's opening is far superior in presentation, style and content; he shows from a broad spectrum of Scripture what is the basis for the Postmill frame. On cross-examinaxion Gaffin gets fairly lost and unable to contradict Gentry.
I'm very thankful for Dr. Gentry's ministry as he's unafraid to take the conclusions of sounds hermeneutics to wherever the Bible takes us.
PS: the 4 stars (in lieu of 5) were for some parts of the DVD 1 that skipped.
Posted by John B. on 5th Dec 2012
Your explanation of Postmillennialism was one of the best I heard because I could listen to it explained which benefited me more than reading about it. God Bless your ministry.