Episode
316
An Anabaptist Defense of Dispensationalism (You Don’t Have to Be Zionist)
April 23, 2026
An Anabaptist Defense of Dispensationalism (You Don’t Have to Be Zionist)
Does God still have special plans for ethnic Israel? Julian Stoltzfus argues that God made specific promises to Abraham and David that will be fulfilled in a future millennium. This will involve genuine heart revival and faith in Christ on the part of Israel and will happen in God’s time not ours. There is no reason Christians should politically support the current Israeli nation state.
Julian’s Article in The Sword and Trumpet
Another relevant article from Julian’s blog
The Sword and Trumpet position statement
“Revelation, the (Missing) Temple, and Eden”
Julian’s Email: ed****@*************et.org
Episode Guest Info
Episode Host
Marlin Sommers
Marlin lives in Southeast TN. He is married to Meredith and father to Zadok, Katherine, Job, Jude, and Charis. He is a philosopher and carpenter by training and currently serves with Anabaptist Perspectives and Starr Mountain Academy. The tagline for the latter organization expresses what he wants to be and wants to help others be: a worshipful knower and servant king.
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Marlin Sommers
3 days ago
Thank you James, we try to focus on the core while providing some space for discussion on topics that would have more variety of understanding. For example, we have had complementary episodes around the atonement and the use of the Apocrypha. In this case, given the amount of material on the channel with an opposite perspective on this issue it seemed appropriate to recognize the deeply rooted concerns in many Mennonite circles about spiritualizing or allegorizing interpretation. Part of our statement of values and approach (“Our Conversations” on our about page.) says “we welcome productive conversations between differing viewpoints, but not adversarial debates.” I do want to keep thinking about what is the most productive way to discuss topics like this. Blessings, Marlin
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“Using digital media to encourage allegiance to Jesus’ sacrificial kingdom.”
James Gingerich
4 days ago
Brothers, I have often listened to your podcasts and appreciated many of them. Listening to Julian argue for dispensationalism was a challenging exercise as I considered what he said. I want to kindly say that I was disappointed that Marlin didn’t give a lot more push back. Many times Julian would say “I believe…” or quoted someone else to support his theology. There are many points I could make, but the main point is the need to stay with Scripture and allow it to speak. Jesus clearly brought in a new era. “It hath been said…, but I say unto you…” Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world”. I am not sure how it could have much more clarity than Romans 2:28-29 as to who a Jew is. My biggest takeaway is probably disappointment. I am on the board for Mission Interests Committee and we are in the process of developing a website for seekers in Australia. We are considering having a link to Anabaptist Perspectives on our site, but this podcast is giving me pause. Another question I would have you kindly consider is this. What benefit does discussing this topic on this platform achieve? Does it inspire and challenge your listeners to a closer walk with God? Some of us enjoy a good, theological, debate, but I am not sure this should be the place to use donation dollars for debate or promote a questionable doctrine. Thank you for considering my comments. May God bless you with wisdom and faithfulness.