A continuation of the Evangelical/Mormon dialogue started with the book “How Wide The Divide” by Craig Blomberg and Stephen Robinson and continued in “Bridging The Divide” by Robert L Millet and Gregory C.V. Johnson.

Dr. Robert L. Millet is professor of religious education at BYU and Dr. Gerald R. McDemott is professor of religion and philosophy at Roanoke College and teaching pastor at St/ John Lutheran Church.

This book is a detailed and well documented theological discussion of the major issues which have traditionally divided LDS from Evangelical Christians. Particular attention is paid to the theology of God, Jesus, and the Trinity. Also to Salvation, eternal destiny and the role of the church.

Each subject is introduced by one author followed by a response from the other then with a rebuttal and some concluding thoughts by the first. This format allows for in-depth discussion of issues that could not be addressed in “How Wide..” or in “Bridging…”. It is a gold mine of references and details that theologians will find useful.

Once more, traditional ‘apologists’ will find the book to be controversial and far too positive and friendly. However, scholars on both sides of the divide will use the book as a reference and as a jumping off point for continuing and honing the ongoing discussion.

Unlike the two previous dialogue books, this one is not as accessible for a popular audience but requires some understanding of Christian history, theology, and philosophy.

There are a number of great articles and an on-going discussion of the book on Summa Theologica.            *Top

By Dr. Robert L Millet and Rev. Gregory C.V. Johnson (Rhinebeck, New York: Monkfish Book Pub. Co., 2007, 185 pages)

In many ways, this is a continuation of “How Wide The Divide”, it even has a forward by Craig Blomberg and Stephen Robinson the authors of the aforementioned work.

In this book, Robert Millet, a professor at BYU gives us a current view of Mormonism; while Gregory Johnson an evangelical pastor in Utah, who is a former LDS and a graduate of Denver Seminary, stands in for the Evangelical viewpoint.

Another very helpful book for understanding the differences that continue to separate Evangelicals and Mormons. But also helpful in defining areas of agreement, terms and perspectives that continue to cause confusion, and possible areas of cooperation. It is a valuable attempt at bridging the tensions that still persist when evangelicals and LDS converse about their faiths.

In one section, the two writers pose major questions to one another about their faiths with in-depth expositions. In the next, they answer questions from an audience, some are quite controversial. At the end are valuable conclusions from both writers and an appendix which includes: “Some Guiding Principles of Constructive Conversation”.

A valuable book for both evangelicals and Mormons who really wish to understand each other better.            *Top

By Craig L. Blomberg & Stephen E. Robinson (Downers Grove,Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1997, 228 pages)

This book is really a first–an actual dialogue between an Evangelical scholar, Dr. Craig Blomberg of Denver Seminary, and Dr. Stephen E. Robinson of BYU.  Both are recognized scriptural scholars in their own respective religious communities.

In the past, mainline Christians, particularly evangelicals and fundamentalists, have spent their time writing expose’s against Mormonism, usually using 19th century sources and quotes from early Mormon leaders to demonstrate how clearly cultic and crazy this movement is.  Meanwhile, LDS Scholars have written in house and preached to the LDS choir, so-to-speak, about how all the regular Christian Churches went into apostasy and how the Mormon Church represents a return to 1st century Christianity.

Basically both communities have made a habit of talking past each other and really not fairly representing each other’s current practice and theology.

The two scholars confined their dialogue to 4 important subjects areas:

1. Scripture

2. God & Deification

3. Christ & the Trinity

4. Salvation

Dr. Blomberg did an excellent job presenting the evangelical views on these subjects and the concerns that most Christians have about the LDS positions. Dr. Robinson presented his views and countered Blomberg’s and the typical orthodox Christian objections to Mormon beliefs and practices.

This is really an interesting conversation and the book really does help to identify the issues that continue to separate the LDS from orthodox Christianity. Some of the more sensational quotes of early Mormon leaders that are the staple diet in most books about the Mormons, have been shown in this work to be passe and no longer part of the ‘official’ teaching of the LDS Church.

The greatest weakness in this work is the limited area of consideration. Though most of the important issues that divide the faiths, do get addressed within the four categories, there is still some things which do not. Also, one is left to wonder how typical and mainstream Dr. Robinson’s views are within the LDS context. The church leaders however, obviously have confidence in him or he wouldn’t be teaching at BYU.