Biography
James I. Fazio is academic dean and professor of biblical studies at Southern California Seminary, in San Diego, California. He lectures in hermeneutics, New Testament, evangelical theology and ecclesiastical history, with an interest in the development of the dispensational tradition. He co-edited and contributed chapters to Forged From Reformation: How Dispensational Thought Advances the Reformed Legacy (2017), and Discovering Dispensationalism: Tracing the Development of Dispensational Thought From the First to the Twenty-First Centuries (2023). Other research contributions can be found in Studies in Brethren History: The Brethren and the Church (2020), and in theological journals such as The Journal of Ministry and Theology and Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies.
James is dedicated to training Christian leaders in the U.S. and abroad, as demonstrated by his sustained leadership in international organizations such as White Fields, where he currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He and his wife Amy have been married since 1998 and have four children.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in History, Queen's University Belfast, 2024
Dissertation: John Nelson Darby and the Ruin of the Church: Tracing the Development of Darby’s Views Concerning the Present and Future State of the Church (1820-1840)
Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Christian Education, Southern California Seminary, 2017
Dissertation: The Relationship Between Faith and Reason in Developing the Christian Mind Among Post-Secondary Students
Master of Theology (ThM) in New Testament Exegesis, Southern California Seminary, 2013
Thesis: Two Commissions: Theological Implications of Matthew's Gospel
Master of Arts (MA) in Biblical Studies, Southern California Seminary, 2005
Thesis: Tongues are For a Sign: an Exegetical Treatment of Glossolalia in the NT
Discovering Dispensationalism
Tracing the Development of Dispensational Thought from the First to the Twenty-First Century
Refuting the claim that dispensational thought is a nineteenth century innovation, this book offers a much needed corrective on an age-old misconception. In Discovering Dispensationalism, a dozen leading scholars trace the development of dispensational thought from the world of the New Testament through the present day. Throughout the volume distinct milestones that emerged over two millennia are connected, reflecting what would later become known as dispensationalism. The historical significance of this biblical-theological framework demonstrates that dispensationalism, far from being "dead" or "fallen," continues to shape Christian thought in the twenty-first century.
What others are saying...
"This book shows that elements of later dispensational teaching occurred in nearly every period before J. N. Darby... The twelve authors of the chapters, not all of whom are themselves dispensationalists, have done a service to the church and the academy by producing a resource which, though sympathetic, is not polemical."
David W. Bebbington, Emeritus Professor of History, University of Stirling
Author, Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1980s
"The authors contend that many of dispensationalism's so-called 'novelties' actually enjoy earlier antecedents in the patristic, medieval, reformation, and modern eras. Both informative and provocative, this book provides helpful food for thought and vital points for discussion on the history of dispensationalism—a valuable resource for supporters and critics alike."
Michael J. Svigel, Chair and Professor of Theological Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
Co-Author, Urban Legends of Church History
"In this wide-ranging exploration of the historic roots and modern manifestations of dispensational thought, this team of experts charts a course toward the reclamation of dispensationalism (or at least its constituent parts) as a historically ubiquitous biblical-theological paradigm that requires serious consideration from students, pastors, and scholars. This volume is recommended for the system's supporters, challengers, and all those in between."
John K. Goodrich, Professor of Bible, Moody Bible Institute
Author, Paul as an Administrator of God in 1 Corinthians
"The supposed novelty of dispensationalism has seemed to many of its opponents a convenient stick with which to beat its adherents. The carefully assembled essays in Discovering Dispensationalism helpfully address this important issue, painstakingly highlighting the continuities of dispensational thought with the ways in which Christians have read the Bible in every century."
Mark Sweetnam, Assistant Professor in English with Digital Humanities, Trinity College Dublin
Author, Understanding Dispensationalism
"Discovering Dispensationalism cohesively argues that dispensational viewpoints emerged from a commitment to the literal interpretation of Scripture advocated by the apostles, especially regarding the future of national Israel and the Church. I highly recommend this book as a corrective to the baseless claim that dispensational thought is a recent novelty."
H. Wayne House, Distinguished Research Professor of Theology, Law, and Culture
Faith International University
Forged from Reformation: How Dispensational Thought Advances the Reformed Legacy
It has been five-hundred years since Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door at Wittenberg, fanning the flames of the Protestant Reformation. Forged from the fires of the Reformation's heightened attention to the Bible and its details, a more refined and systematic dispensational understanding has developed and continues to be shaped. This book, written by a diverse and accomplished group of dispensational scholars (Christopher Cone, James I. Fazio, Thomas Ice, Glenn Kreider, Andy Woods, Kevin Zuber, and more), articulates in each and every chapter how, five-hundred years later, dispensational thought upholds and advances the legacy of the Reformation unlike any other theological system in the Protestant tradition.
What others are saying...
"With contributions from top scholars among leading Christian universities and seminaries across the country, Forged from Reformation will give you helpful insights into the truths of Scripture which have shaped our past and still impact our lives for Christ."
David Jeremiah, Founder, Turning Point Ministries
Chancellor, Southern California Seminary
"The contributors help us better understand the biblical, historical, and practical implications of the Reformation for dispensationalism today."
Ed Hindson, Founding Dean, Distinguished Professor
Rawling School of Divinity, Liberty University
"I applaud the authors of this volume in demonstrating the importance of normative dispensational thought that furthers the Reformation on its 500th anniversary. It argues well that Reformed Theology does not own the Reformation."
H. Wayne House, Distinguished Research Professor of Theology, Law, and Culture
Faith International University
"I've been waiting a long time for a book like this. I'm especially impressed by its width and depth. It's a theological tour de force... It will quickly become the go-to book for any historical defense or evaluation of dispensationalism, especially as it relates to the legacy of the Reformers."
Mark Hitchcock, Pastor, Faith Bible Church
Associate Professor of Bible Exposition, Dallas Theological Seminary
"I am convinced that both critics and adherents of dispensational theology will need to interact with this important work."
Michael J. Vlach, Professor of Theology
The Master's Seminary
Two Commissions: Two Missionary Mandates in Mathew's Gospel
Matthew’s Gospel contains two discernible missionary mandates, where Christ sent His disciples to two different people groups with two evidently distinct messages. The command of Jesus to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19) is well known and oft repeated by Christians the world over. This missionary mandate has come to be commonly referred to as “the Great Commission.” However, there remains another commission with which the diligent reader of Scripture must come to terms.
What others are saying...
"Fazio raises important questions that every responsible exegete of the Gospels must engage with. This volume challenged me again to think through these critical issues."
Mark Strauss, Professor of New Testament
Bethel Seminary
"James Fazio has produced a brilliantly conceived thesis. While some dispensationalists will not agree with every point in this work, they will acknowledge that Matthew 10 and Matthew 28 are two distinct and different commissions ... A very interesting read."
Stanley D. Toussaint, Senior Professor Emeritus
Dallas Theological Seminary
"James Fazio's book asks important questions and gives reasonable answers to the two commissions given by the Lord. This book will bring clarity to the gospel record as well as the scriptures that follow."
Paul Benware, Author & Speaker
"Both covenant theologians and dispensationalists will profit from this thorough management of the two commissions of Jesus Christ."
Brian Moulton, Professor of Biblical Studies
San Diego Christian College
"James Fazio, has written a book which helpfully highlights some of the key distinctives of Dispensational and Covenant theology. His work is charitable, and even-handed. As a Reformed Pastor, I commend this book as a gracious and open door to theological discussion!"
Adriel Sanchez, Pastor, North Park Presbyterian Church
Co-Host, Core Christianity
ARTICLES
Reevaluating the Influence of John Nelson Darby on Dispensationalism from Past to Present
Since the earliest years of the church the arrangement of history into seven distinct epochs, culminating in a literal 1,000 year rule of Christ upon the earth is evident in the writings of the Apostolic Fathers. Moreover, the early church’s eschatological anticipations of a future rapture of the church preceding the activity of the Antichrist is equally discernable in early Christian writings. On top of this, a parsing out of the three-and-a-half years referenced in Daniel’s prophecy and John’s Apocalypse, is equally traceable to the earliest years of the church. As a diligent student of the Patristic writers J. N. Darby came to see some of these features as they did. However, a careful reading of Darby’s dispensational theology, against his dispensationally-minded seventeenth and eighteenth century predecessors, yields evidence that runs contrary to the popular notion that Darby is the mastermind behind the popular modern theological framework commonly known today as "dispensationalism." Though he played an important role in the historical development of dispensational thought, he should not properly be regarded as the progenitor of the modern theological movement.
John Nelson Darby’s Early Resistance to Pre-Tribulationalism at the 1831 Powerscourt Conference
John Nelson Darby (1800-1882) has been regarded as the father of dispensational premillenialism. Many historians have pointed to his emergence on the scene at the 1831 Powerscourt Conference as the critical moment when he introduced his “novel” pre-tribulational ideas to the broader Christian world. This narrative has gone largely unchallenged for nearly two centuries. However, privately held notebooks that have only recently been released contain detailed information concerning who and what was said over the four-day conference. The manuscripts from these conferences betray the long-held narrative that Darby introduced the pre-tribulational rapture. In fact, to the contrary, he adamantly argued against it at the 1831 Powerscourt Conference, calling the idea “an absurdity” and dismissing those who held to it.
A Sketch of the Elements and Ordinances of Nearly Two Dozen Proto-Brethren Assemblies from 1818-1820
Decades before the initial gathering of John Nelson Darby, John Gifford Bellett, Anthony Norris Groves, Edward Cronin, John Parnell, and the others who assembled with them to break bread in Dublin (c. 1827-28), leading to what would later come to be known as the Plymouth Brethren, independent communities of believers convened in cities across the U.K. and in some northeastern cities of the U.S. and Canada with the intent of replicating those ecclesiastical practices common to the early church. Letters from nearly two dozen proto-brethren assemblies dating between 1818 to 1820 serve to document the elements and ordinances of these primitivist minded groups and offer us a rare window into the values and interests of these ‘conventicles,’ during a unique time in history. This paper will compare and contrast the views of these assemblies as reflected through correspondence exchanged between them, having been collected and afterward printed in New York in 1820, a reprint of which was published in 1889 under a different name: “Letters Concerning Their Principles and Order from Assemblies of Believers in 1818-1820”.
Dispensational Thought as Motivation for Global Outreach and Social Activism among Plymouth Brethren
Over the past two centuries, the community of Christians known as the Plymouth Brethren have been known for several distinguishing features that stem from their strict adherence to a theologically conservative view of the Christian Scriptures as understood through a literalist interpretive framework. The enduring impact of this religious community on global missionary outreach has remained severely underrealized. While some Christians are familiar with the work of John Nelson Darby (1800-1882) in Switzerland, throughout Europe and in North America, fewer have heard of the efforts of his colleagues Anthony Norris Groves (1795-1853) in India and Baghdad, John Parnell (1805-1883) in Mesopotamia, or James Deck (1807-1884) in New Zealand. The pioneering effort of these as well as other Plymouth Brethren, such as Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) in China, or Jim Elliot (1927-1956) and his fellow missionaries who lost their lives while taking the gospel to a remote tribe in Ecuador, may be at least partly attributed to the dispensational thought which compelled them to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. This paper considers how dispensational thought motivated the advance of global missionary outreach among early Plymouth Brethren.
“Dispensation” Biblically Defined: A Consideration of NT Usage of the Greek Term oikonom(-os/-ia)
The purpose of this paper is to observe how the Greek terms oikonomos and oikonomia were understood within their cultural-historical framework at the time when they were employed by Jesus and the Apostles as compared against Second Temple period and early Christian literature. This will be accomplished by looking at Jesus’ usage of these terms as recorded in the Gospel of Luke (12:42; 16:1-8) and comparing it against Paul’s usage throughout the Epistles (1 Cor 4:1-2; 9:17; Eph 1:10; 3:2; Col 1:25; etc.). After looking at the historical and theological usage of this term in the earliest centuries of the Christian Church, a comparison of early Christian and recent evangelical usage will be presented, and a definition will be offered that takes full account of the historical, grammatical, and cultural milieu that surrounded Christ’s and the Apostle’s usage of the Greek term(s) oikonom(os/-ia).
A Critical Examination of Martin Luther's Christocentric Method of Interpretation
This paper is intended to provide a critical evaluation of those principles which defined Martin Luther’s hermeneutical method. Emphasis will be given to the internal consistency of Luther’s literal historical-grammatical hermeneutic with his Christocentric method. The first part of the paper will include a summary of those protestant principles of biblical interpretation upon which the cries of ‘Sola Scriptura’ rest, including: 1) the authority of Scripture; 2) the sufficiency of Scripture; 3) the perspicuity of Scripture; 4) the requirement of faith and spiritual illumination; 5) an affirmation of the literal or grammatical-historical interpretive method; 6) the rejection of allegory as a valid interpretive method; and finally 7) the Christocentric principle which perceived the centrality of Christ in all of Scripture. The latter part of the paper will contain a critique of the compatibility of the seventh point listed above with the six which precede it. In other words, it will assess the consistency of Luther’s appeal to a normal historical-grammatical hermeneutical method with his Christocentric principle of biblical interpretation.
Does Following a Normal Grammatical-Historical Interpretive Method Demand a Gap in Daniel's 70 Weeks
The “seventy weeks” prophecy of Daniel 9:24-27 has provided an eschatological framework for a dispensational-premillennial understanding of God’s timetable for Israel. The basis for this framework stems from a perceived gap between the 69th and 70th prophetic week. The dispensationalist’s claim is that dispensational eschatology stems from a normal grammatical-historical reading of the biblical text. Some non-dispensational scholars have accused dispensationalists of abandoning a normal grammatical-historical interpretive methodology when interpreting Daniel 9:24-27 in order to accommodate certain a priori dispensational conclusions. This paper is intended to answer the question: Does following a normal grammatical-historical interpretive methodology demand a gap between the 69th and 70th week of Daniel’s Seventy Weeks Prophecy, or is the presence of a gap a peculiar presupposition that dispensationalists must bring to the biblical text?
Study: Faith and Reason
The Relationship Between Faith and Reason in Developing the Christian Mind
This study seeks to contribute to the ongoing discussion concerning the interplay of faith and reason, advocating that both faith and reason are requisite to the development of the Christian mind. This dissertation consists of the following six elements: 1) it identifies the enduring tension that exists concerning issues pertaining to faith and reason; 2) it includes a review of the literature surrounding contemporary issues related to the Christian mind; 3) in contains a survey of historical perspectives on faith and reason down through the centuries of the Christian church; 4) it offers an evaluation of the relationship between faith and reason in the Christian life, as it is presented in the biblical text; 5) it provides data analysis from an original quantitative study of 895 participants of various faith persuasions, which evidence significant findings concerning contemporary perspectives on faith and reason; and 6) it concludes that the faith/reason dichotomy, however prevalent today, is unwarranted in the case of biblical Christianity. The main contribution of this study is in the development and deployment of an original quantitative study on the relation between faith and reason which included 895 participants from a variety of faith backgrounds, including over 600 self-identified Christians and over 200 self-identified atheists and/or agnostics.