A Morally Fraught Timeline of the Origins of Sin
This "Historic and Prophetic Diagram of the World," created by J. Elwin Woodward in 1912, is a visually striking and theologically dense chart that aims to present the entirety of human history and divine prophecy.
The work spans from "Eternity of the Past" before 4004 B.C., through Biblical history and human events, to "Eternity of the Future," combining past events with eschatological predictions. Rooted in Dispensationalist theology, the chart divides Biblical history into distinct periods or "dispensations," each governed by unique divine principles, culminating in the Second Coming of Christ and the Day of Judgment.
The diagram is organized chronologically along a central timeline, beginning with Creation and extending through key historical epochs, including the Flood, the Babylonian Empire, the Roman Empire, and the Protestant Reformation. The timeline culminates in 1912, with prophetic references to future events such as Christ’s millennial reign and the restoration of Eden. The chart is meticulously divided using a grid system, labeled A-Z and 1-30, allowing users to locate specific events, symbols, or theological concepts and cross-reference them with Woodward’s accompanying book, The Story of the Ages from Creation to Redemption.
At the top of the chart, a series of vivid illustrations depict critical moments in Biblical history, such as the Fall of Man, the Crucifixion of Christ, and the ultimate triumph of the faithful. Beneath the timeline, the chart incorporates complex symbolic imagery, including representations of the tabernacle, prophetic beasts, and apocalyptic visions, emphasizing themes of divine law, human sin, and salvation. The interplay of vibrant colors, dense text, and symbolic motifs creates a visually immersive narrative, designed to engage and educate viewers.
The chart reflects Dispensationalist theology, a framework popularized by 19th-century theologian John Darby. This system views history as a progression of divine revelations and judgments, with an emphasis on Christ’s Second Coming, the Millennium (a 1000-year reign of Christ on Earth), and the final Day of Judgment. Woodward’s work places these prophetic elements alongside historical events, portraying them as part of an interconnected divine plan.
Woodward intended this diagram as a pedagogical tool, believing that "great truths and important lessons are quickly and easily grasped by the mind, through the aid of illustrative diagrams." By visually unifying historical and prophetic symbols, he sought to make complex theological ideas accessible to both laypeople and scholars. The chart emphasizes God’s overarching plan for humanity, underscoring the interplay of law and gospel, time and eternity, and sin and redemption.
This chart is not only a theological statement but also a cultural artifact, reflecting the religious and apocalyptic fervor of early 20th-century American Protestantism. It serves as a vivid example of how theology, art, and education were intertwined to convey profound religious truths. The "Historic and Prophetic Diagram of the World" remains a unique and compelling expression of Dispensationalist thought, blending historical interpretation with prophetic anticipation in a remarkable work of religious imagination.
Rarity
The work is very rare on the market.
No examples are listed as having appeared at auction or in dealer catalogs by RBH or AMPR.