Dispensationalism and Learned Helplessness in the Church

In psychology, there is a concept known as "learned helplessness." It refers to people who experience criticism no matter what they do. Therefore, they stop trying to do anything. In the theological realm, I see this concept in Christians influenced by the hermeneutic of dispensationalism. Dispensationalists believe that work to change this world is no better than "polishing brass on a sinking ship." That is, it is a purposeless activity, doomed to failure. And, of course, that supposition sucks the power right out of any efforts to have an impact on this world.

On the other hand, as a postmillennialist, I believe that efforts to change this world are empowered by the ruler of this world, King Jesus, and are, therefore, guaranteed success, not failure.

On what basis do I say so? Because it is the promise of the Trinity, not to me, but to the Son: "Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemy your footstool" (Psalm 110:1, and quoted frequently in the New Testament, such as Hebrews 1:13). Notice that I am not saying that I have the power, or even that the church has the power. Rather, it is the commitment of the triune God to the Son to honor Him with victory. How can such a promise fail of achievement? And how can such a promise not be a spur to success by the people of God?

"Let the church be in earnest after greater holiness in her own members, and in faith and love undertake the conquest of the world, and she will soon settle the question whether her resources are competent to change the face of the earth" (James Henley Thornwell, "Theology as a Life in Individuals and in the Church").