I was many years a Christian before I ever heard of any eschatological view other than Dispensational Premillennialism. I was taught that all Christians in all times had always believed nothing else concerning the "end times." Imagine my feelings when I first heard that the majority report among evangelicals is actually little more than 100 years old!

And it was a study of eschatology and history that led me out of "Charismania," in fact. A weird form of "Postmillennialism" could be found among some of the Charismatics I knew, but it took a much more literal view of Bible prophecy than the historical / Reformed version.

I also find that most Charismatics have never heard of any eschatology other than the popular "Left Behind" scenario I had always simply accepted unquestioningly until I started reading church history! Now if I ever get back to college I would love to major in church history. But I think everyone should at least have a general "survey" course in church history.

-R