A Protestant theological system that divides history into distinct periods or 'dispensations' during which God relates to humanity in different ways. It emphasizes the literal interpretation of biblical prophecy and the future restoration of Israel.
From Latin 'dispensatio' meaning 'administration' or 'stewardship,' referring to different periods of God's management of human affairs. The system was systematized by John Nelson Darby in the 19th century and popularized through the Scofield Reference Bible.
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