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Replacement Theology
(also
referred to as Supersessionism)
In order to understand the
meaning of replacement theology (also referred to as Supersessionism), it is
necessary to contrast it with its rival system called dispensationalism.
Both systems come to different conclusions
regarding a variety of issues such as whether or not the Jews are still God’s
chosen people.
In the replacement theology model of
understanding scripture, supported by early church "fathers" such as
Justin Martyr and Origen, God has changed his chosen people from ancient Israel
to the New Testament Church.
This
model therefore asserts that "the chosen" can include not only
Israelites but also Gentiles (non-Israelites) as well.
This
model also teaches the covenant God made with Israel at Sinai (the Old
Covenant) has been abrogated by the New Covenant delineated in the New
Testament.
In a variation of the replacement
model, the Roman Catholic Church believes that it is the "new Israel"
who has superseded the Old Testament's chosen people.
Dispensationalism, as opposed to
replacement theology, states that God is not yet done with Israel as his chosen
people (as per Romans 11:1).
They
believe the Jews, or even Israelites in general (including what many refer to
as the "Lost" tribes of Israel), are still God's people.
Today,
one of the chief ways this theology (and dispensationalism) becomes politically
controversial is when Christians take sides concerning the legitimacy of the
modern state of Israel in the Middle East.
While replacement theology has and
continues to be widely held by those who consider themselves Christians, a
number of denominations are either moving away from or have rejected this
template for understanding scripture.
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