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"An honest, frank, and penetrating dialogue between two gifted leaders
in the Evangelical/Mormon discussions about biblical truth. Bob and Greg
model how to have profitable conversations even when holding to
distinctly differing faith commitments. This honest dialogue between
Mormons and Evangelicals seeks to deepen understandings while clarifying
the distinctive faith statements of both. In this penetrating book, Bob
and Greg model how two dramatically different religious leaders can
dialogue frankly while maintaining respect for each other and their
belief systems."
Dr. G. Craig Williford
President, Denver Seminary
"It sometimes happens when two people have become so alienated from each
other that they can't even discuss their differences anymore, that
suddenly one of the parties takes a deep breath and says pleadingly to the
other, "Can we talk about it?" This is what has been happening in recent
years between some Mormons and some evangelicals. And Bob Millet and Greg
Johnson have led the way in showing us how to do it-how to talk about
differences that are of eternal importance without shouting at each other.
May this marvelous book encourage many others to join that
important conversation!"
Dr. Richard Mouw
President, Fuller Seminary
"What Bob Millet and Greg Johnson have learned to do-become friends,
socialize together, ask and answer questions, and have long and
productive conversations-provides a model for how to create greater
peace in this troubled world. How needed for people of various faith
traditions to synergistically address many of life's serious issues.
Enormously enlightening."
*Dr. Stephen R. Covey
Author, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 8th Habit:
From
Effectiveness to Greatness
"The engaging dialogue between Greg Johnson and Bob Millet over the
relationship between the Evangelical and Latter-day Saint positions on
key topics is enormously helpful. Although I don't think a divide has
yet been bridged, I feel like I now know where the bridge should be
built and through this conversation may have even had a glimpse at the
blue print. A must read for thoughtful people in both communities."
Dr. Craig J. Hazen
Professor of Comparative Religion and Apologetics
Director, Graduate Program in Christian Apologetics, Biola University
"The authors are to be commended for attempting to build a bridge over
sometimes troubled waters. This is important reading for all who care
about issues of interfaith dialogue. The authors demonstrate heartfelt
comprehension of their respective positions on matters of eternal
significance. They convey those views with clarity and understanding.
There are those who may not like or accept the message of this book.
Many others, hopefully, will conclude: the world needs more such books."
Dr. Ronald Enroth
Professor of Sociology, Westmont College
"At once challenging and reconfirming, these interfaith dialogues both
celebrate the majesty of Jesus Christ and push for deeper personal
acceptance of doctrines and practices often only culturally understood.
Where distrust and animosity have frequently deafened Mormons and
evangelicals from hearing the testimonies of faith in each other, this
book invites all who claim devotion to Christ to consider anew His call
to, 'Love one another as I have loved you.'"
Dr. Camille Fronk Olson
Associate Professor of Ancient Scripture, Brigham Young University
"Some say we should not acknowledge truth in other religions or churches
lest we compromise our Christian faith; others say that there cannot be
truth and falsehood at the same time in a religion; still others say we
have no obligation to be courteous or friendly toward those with whom we
differ theologically. Millet and Johnson are wise enough to demonstrate
that none of these things are so. Instead, they show respect for one
another and each other's communities by exploring the points of deepest
difference, without retreating from their own different commitments.
This is a fine introduction to Mormon-evangelical differences."
Dr. Gerald R. McDermott
Roanoke College
"Divides between peoples are bridged best by friendships in which
thoughts and feelings are freely expressed For the remarkable model Bob
and Greg give us, I am grateful."
Dr. Bill Heersink
Professor of Theology and Intercultural Studies, Salt Lake Theological
Seminary
"In a day and age when Christian faith and morals are being sorely tested
and often discarded, now more than ever before professing Christians of
all faiths need to reach out and understand one another. In their
continuing dialogue in which they explore the profound theological
differences between Mormons and Evangelicals while noting their
commonalities and similarities, Professor Robert Millet of Brigham Young
University and Rev. Gregory Johnson have contributed much over the past
few years to fostering a spirit of improved understanding and mutual
cooperation. Surrendering nothing of their own unique beliefs while
acquiring much in the way of true Christian understanding and
friendship, Bob and Greg have traveled North America speaking dozens of
times to large audiences of Latter-day Saints and Evangelicals. They
continue to demonstrate that respectful dialogue leads not only to
better understanding and appreciation, but also to a mutual resolve to
stem the tide against a growing secularism in modern Western society.
This book, /Bridging the Divide/, is a model of how fruitful discussion
can take place which neither Latter-day Saints nor Evangelicals need fear."
Dr. Richard Bennett
Professor, Church History and Doctrine, Brigham Young University
"There is an excitement building in Utah regarding the state of affairs
between evangelical Christians and our Latter Day Saint friends and
neighbors. For years the apologetic grenades have been lobbed between
both camps-often causing deep wounds and bitter, distasteful
divisiveness. Pastor Greg Johnson and Dr. Robert Millet demonstrate that
there is another approach. I have heard it called "convicted civility"
and it offers a refreshing model for building bridges of understanding
that will inevitably become a highway for Truth."
Pastor Bill Youn
Lead Pastor, The Rock Churches, Salt Lake City, Utah
"Greg and Bob do an excellent job at dialoguing about the similarities
and differences between evangelical Christians and Mormons and serve as
a model of how to communicate more effectively with persons who have
theological differences. They approach doctrinal discussions with love
and civility, while at the same time maintaining a deep commitment to
their own faith."
Pastor Chris Lagerlof
Evangelism and Care Pastor, Mariners Church, Newport Beach, CA
"Civility, generosity, and real understanding are typically the first
casualties in our sound-bite religious world. Johnson and Millet take
the less-traveled path and show, again, that genuine progress in
inter-religious dialogue remains elusive until relationships of trust
and love buttress the conversation."
Dr. Spencer Fluhman
Department of Church History & Doctrine, Brigham Young University
"We are at a time in history where the open assault on Christianity
suggests or even perhaps demands that Christians, whatever our
particular denomination or personal expression of the faith, will do
well to focus on what we have in common and not on what divides us. The
Robert Millet /Greg Johnson dialogues are heroic in their candor,
integrity and courage to broach old barriers of misinformation and
misunderstanding."
Keith Merrill
President of Audience Alliance Motion Picture Studios
Filmmaker
"The on-going dialogue between Greg Johnson and Bob Millett has been a
groundbreaking approach to Mormon and Evangelical interaction. I have
found this approach to be both informative and refreshing. In an age
where rhetoric is often confrontational and demeaning, this dialogue
demonstrates well the Christian principles of love and respect given as
our guide in the Scriptures, Let your conversation be gracious and
effective. Col. 4:6 (NLT) Knowing both Greg and Bob, I highly recommend
this book as a bridge to
understanding how to develop Christ-honoring relationships between
Mormons and Evangelicals."
Pastor Jim Ayers
Senior Pastor, Valley Assembly of God, Salt Lake City, Utah
"Four years running, we have hosted the Millet-Johnson Conversation in
the Boise area, two nights each time. It's unique and bar-raising for
both Mormons and Evangelicals. Greg and Bob have modeled how to move to
higher ground in our relationships with those we have significant
disagreement with. They have exhibited grace to one another while they
move toward a shared understanding of truth, or at least understanding
where the other stands and why. They're honest about their challenges,
suspicions, surprise discoveries, and have discovered the place of
proper expectations. What they are on the platform is what they are in
private: Curious, caring, good-humored, not defensive, and genuinely
enjoying the journey. I've spent many hours with them behind the scenes
and there is no doubt that there is a genuine brotherly love, one for
the other. We learn from Bob and Greg that when we are 'dialed-in'
relationally, we remove static and increase the possibility for clarity
of truth while conversing on complex truth issues. It's my observation
that they have distinctively represented their faith perspectives, but
this is still difficult for some accept. That aside, the way they have
represented their views-the tone, the avoidance of angry and fearful
flight and fight patterns, by itself is worthy of our attention and
reflection. It's a healthy and liberating model to build on as Mormons
and Evangelicals continue in the hard work of dialogue and persuasion. I
highly recommend this book as 1) a model of convicted civility for
anyone, and 2) a conversation prompt for Mormons and traditional
Christians."
Jon Strain, Search Ministry
Boise, Idaho
Bridging the Divide
The Continuing Conversation Between an Evangelical and a Mormon
Dr. Robert L.
Millet & Rev. Gregory C.V. Johnson
Foreword by
Craig Blomberg
& Stephen Robinson
978-0-9766843-6-7 | Trade
Paper
6x9 / 224 pp / $14.95
November 2007
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