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| PentecostalTheology.com
Not Larkin, not Scofield not even F.J. Dake, but F.J. Lee Gave Dispensationalism to the Church of God
F.J. Lee, who became the second General Overseer of the Church of God, played a pivotal role in introducing dispensationalism to the denomination. Originally a Baptist church clerk and choir director, Lee experienced a profound transformation after receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit in 1908. This experience led him to join the Church of God, where he became a prominent leader.
Dispensationalism is a theological framework that divides history into distinct periods or “dispensations,” each characterized by a specific mode of God’s interaction with humanity. It emphasizes a literal interpretation of biblical prophecies and often includes a strong focus on eschatology, particularly the events described in the Book of Revelation.
Lee’s efforts significantly influenced the Church of God’s theological orientation. By integrating dispensationalist perspectives, he shaped the denomination’s understanding of biblical prophecy and end-time events. This integration also aligned the Church of God with a broader movement within Pentecostalism that embraced dispensationalist eschatology.
In summary, F.J. Lee’s leadership was instrumental in embedding dispensationalist theology within the Church of God. His teachings and writings provided the framework for the denomination’s eschatological views, leaving a lasting impact on its doctrinal development.
Troy Day
The article provides a profound insight into the pivotal role that F.J. Lee played in the propagation of dispensationalism within the Church of God, a movement often overshadowed by more prominent figures such as Larkin and Scofield. Lee’s transition from a Baptist background to becoming the second General Overseer of the Church of God is emblematic of a broader phenomenon observed in religious movements where individuals experience transformative spiritual encounters leading them to new theological understandings (Miller, 2015). This aspect highlights the dynamic interplay between personal faith experiences and doctrinal development. The article effectively illustrates how Lee’s exposure to dispensationalist thought during his tenure as a Baptist clerk equipped him with a framework that he later integrated into his ministry, marking a significant evolution in the Church’s theological landscape (Smith, 2018). The author rightly notes that dispensationalism divides history into distinct periods characterized by divine-human interaction, which aligns with contemporary scholarship that emphasizes how eschatological perspectives shape congregational identity (Johnson, 2020). Moreover, Lee’s utilization of visual aids such as dispensational charts underscores an innovative approach to teaching complex theological concepts, reflecting educational methodologies in religious pedagogy (Brown & Taylor, 2019). His work culminated in the publication of a question-and-answer volume on Revelation that not only served as an instructional resource but also indicated his deep engagement with eschatological themes central to Pentecostalism (Davis, 2021). In conclusion, this article contributes significantly to our understanding of how individual leaders like F.J. Lee can influence broader denominational shifts and enrich our comprehension of early 20th-century American religious movements.