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Bridging the Divide: The Continuing Conversation between a Mormon and an Evangelical
Inspired by the groundbreaking publication of How Wide the Divide? A Mormon and an Evangelical in Conversation, (InterVarsity, 1997) Robert L. Millet, a life long Mormon, former dean of religious education, and currently a Professor of Religious Education at Brigham Young University, and Gregory C.V. Johnson, a ordained Baptist pastor from Utah and a former Mormon, meet and begin their own conversation. Eventually they take their dialogues public, appearing in Mormon, Evangelical and academic venues. The first part of the book is a Q&A between the two authors; the second part is a Q&A with Mormon and Evangelical audiences. Throughout the work, the authors provide guiding principles of constructive conversation and promote the concept of "convicted civility."
- GenresReligionLdsNonfiction
224 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2007
2 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Robert L. Millet
141 books70 followersRobert L. Millet, professor of ancient scripture and former dean of Religious Education at Brigham Young University, holds a master s degree in psychology from BYU and a Ph.D. in religious studies from Florida State University. He is a popular speaker and prolific writer whose other books include Lost and Found: Reflections on the Prodigal Son; Grace Works; and More Holiness Give Me. He and his wife, Shauna, have six children and live in Provo, Utah.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 16, 2009
This was very much worth the read. It may not be deep in doctrines of either religion, however, it is deep in civil discourse between differing religions. There is no reason to cut each others throats over our beliefs, but there is all the reason in the world to embrace each other over our beliefs. I feel that they convey that quite well in this book. Find the common ground instead of harping on about the uncommon. If you are looking more for doctrine, read How Wide the Divide.
January 29, 2018
Both Robert Millet and co-author Rev. Gregory Johnson demonstrate how to have a mutually-beneficial conversation about each other's faiths, without animosity or an overt conversion agenda. Apparently, Dr. Millet and Rev. Johnson have continued this dialogue in public for 25 years, since it started with the book, "Are Mormons Christian." Later this year, I understand Rev. Johnson is writing the third book in the series and celebrating 25 years in The Bridge: 25 Years Crossing the Mormon / Evangelical Divide...I look forward to Johnson's historical perspective.
June 8, 2018
This book is a book I will suggest to all who want to engage their Mormon friends or have any desire to share their beliefs with Mormons. 1. It helps you understand what they mean by certain things they say. 2. It helps you gain a better understanding of their confusion towards what evangelical says and makes you more aware of christianese. 3. It reminds you of the importance of having love and respect in every response you give to anyone about your faith. If something is not said in love it is like a clanging cymbal that profits no one, even if spoken with silver tongues.
March 22, 2018
Bob Millet and Greg Johnson provide an outstanding model for how to engage in interfaith dialogue without being confrontational.
June 24, 2008
This volume is touted as a continuation, at least to the extent that is it represents to some extent the dialogue between an Evangelical and an LDS Christian, of the conversation which was initiated by Evangelical scholar Craig Blomberg and LDS scholar Stephen E. Robinson. Unfortunately, I believe it to have been a step backward rather than a step forward.
Although both authors maintain the civil rapport (at times bordering on what seems to be to be an overeager desire to appear cordial and conciliatory) that I believe was one of the hallmarks of “How Wide the Divide?” (HWTD) the manner in which the volume was written is problematic. HWTD addressed four subjects and the authors’ positions on those subjects. Each author took in turn to address the four topics but was allowed to read the response of the other previous to publication and alter their presentation/response accordingly. Neither author chose to ignore issues of concern or contention. They then authored a joint-conclusion outlining that which they felt they could agree on.
Conversely, “Bridging the Divide” is more of a question and answer session with a hypothetical audience (although many of the questions addressed were composed through reference to actual questions received from audiences involved in the live presentations offered by the authors throughout the country). The questions it addresses are in my opinion “asked and answered.” Is does not pursue the course laid out by HWTD but rather tacks away from that heading. It is a tangent, a red herring. Although its intent may be similar to HWTD (to pursue cordial interfaith discussion) it is not a continuation of HWTD.
This is not to say that the volume is not useful or its content a positive contribution to Evangelical/LDS dialogue. Rather, it is that the volume has been marketed improperly. It is not “The Continuing Conversation Between a Mormon and an Evangelical” but would have been bettered titled “Skirting the Divide: An Attempt to Reproduce ‘How Wide the Divide?’ On a Congregational Scale” If this book has been written previous to HWTD I would of course be much less critical of it as it addresses many of the concerns and criticisms which have been leveled by proponents of both of both of these faith traditions by the other. However, it was written after, and rather than adding to the original, tends to draw attention away from HWTD and its content. Perhaps that was the intent as Blomberg and Robinson’s dialogue was very controversial.
In any case, unless you are looking for a rather simplistic exploration of issues which concern Evangelicals or Latter-day Saints and the responses thereto provided by the authors, I would look elsewhere for a good book on Evangelical/LDS dialogue, especially if you are already conversant with the basic issues which divide Evangelicals and Latter-day Saints.
Further, I found the conversation between Blomberg and Robinson much more intellectually stimulating and informative.
Although both authors maintain the civil rapport (at times bordering on what seems to be to be an overeager desire to appear cordial and conciliatory) that I believe was one of the hallmarks of “How Wide the Divide?” (HWTD) the manner in which the volume was written is problematic. HWTD addressed four subjects and the authors’ positions on those subjects. Each author took in turn to address the four topics but was allowed to read the response of the other previous to publication and alter their presentation/response accordingly. Neither author chose to ignore issues of concern or contention. They then authored a joint-conclusion outlining that which they felt they could agree on.
Conversely, “Bridging the Divide” is more of a question and answer session with a hypothetical audience (although many of the questions addressed were composed through reference to actual questions received from audiences involved in the live presentations offered by the authors throughout the country). The questions it addresses are in my opinion “asked and answered.” Is does not pursue the course laid out by HWTD but rather tacks away from that heading. It is a tangent, a red herring. Although its intent may be similar to HWTD (to pursue cordial interfaith discussion) it is not a continuation of HWTD.
This is not to say that the volume is not useful or its content a positive contribution to Evangelical/LDS dialogue. Rather, it is that the volume has been marketed improperly. It is not “The Continuing Conversation Between a Mormon and an Evangelical” but would have been bettered titled “Skirting the Divide: An Attempt to Reproduce ‘How Wide the Divide?’ On a Congregational Scale” If this book has been written previous to HWTD I would of course be much less critical of it as it addresses many of the concerns and criticisms which have been leveled by proponents of both of both of these faith traditions by the other. However, it was written after, and rather than adding to the original, tends to draw attention away from HWTD and its content. Perhaps that was the intent as Blomberg and Robinson’s dialogue was very controversial.
In any case, unless you are looking for a rather simplistic exploration of issues which concern Evangelicals or Latter-day Saints and the responses thereto provided by the authors, I would look elsewhere for a good book on Evangelical/LDS dialogue, especially if you are already conversant with the basic issues which divide Evangelicals and Latter-day Saints.
Further, I found the conversation between Blomberg and Robinson much more intellectually stimulating and informative.
August 15, 2008
BYU Professor Bob Millet and Reverend Greg Johnson have jointly addressed many dozens of groups concerning the similarities and differences between Mormonism and Evangelical Christianity. This book presents questions and answers drawn from those forums. Millet and Johnson affirm and demonstrate that they have a strong friendship and a rapport that is most exemplary of true Christian charity, even while they tenaciously hold to their divergent religious convictions. They have each shown an ability to learn from the literature and expressions of faith outside their own tradition. They demonstrate respect for each other and even on occasion come to the defense of one another against zealous members of their own faith. And all this they do while still strongly (but kindly) disagreeing with many of the fundamental doctrines held by the other’s faith.
I admire their enterprise and wish there could be more reproachment between Mormons and Evangelical churches who both find themselves at increasing odds with the deepening wickedness in our culture. These two scholars demonstrate that mutual understanding is fostered more in friendship and temperate language than in debate and polemics. While there is nothing truly ecumenical in their efforts - they make no attempt to minimize our divergent doctrines, or compromise our distinctive practices - they have done a substantial service by showing us how best to understand our true differences, our superficial or linguistic distinctives, and our common roots. I have no doubt that this is what Jesus would have us do: Love and cooperate with those who may never convert. Have faith that God is in charge, if we use His means, we can be assured that the results will in the long run be according to his will.
This book was a quick and enjoyable read, but I don’t see much reason to keep it on my shelf for future reference. For a reference book on this kind of dialogue, you can’t beat Robinson and Blomberg’s: How Wide the Divide?
I admire their enterprise and wish there could be more reproachment between Mormons and Evangelical churches who both find themselves at increasing odds with the deepening wickedness in our culture. These two scholars demonstrate that mutual understanding is fostered more in friendship and temperate language than in debate and polemics. While there is nothing truly ecumenical in their efforts - they make no attempt to minimize our divergent doctrines, or compromise our distinctive practices - they have done a substantial service by showing us how best to understand our true differences, our superficial or linguistic distinctives, and our common roots. I have no doubt that this is what Jesus would have us do: Love and cooperate with those who may never convert. Have faith that God is in charge, if we use His means, we can be assured that the results will in the long run be according to his will.
This book was a quick and enjoyable read, but I don’t see much reason to keep it on my shelf for future reference. For a reference book on this kind of dialogue, you can’t beat Robinson and Blomberg’s: How Wide the Divide?
June 2, 2015
This is the kind of title that tells you exactly what to expect from the book, so you will already know whether you're interested in reading it. This book is exactly a dialogue between a Mormon professor of religion from BYU and an Evangelical pastor who formed a friendship over the last decade or so. The book is somewhat about identifying the real differences in doctrine between the LDS church and evangelical Protestantism, but mostly about how it's much more productive to form real friendships and explore differences in a trusting environment of love than to argue or deliberately exaggerate what others believe to differentiate it from your own beliefs. The authors make two very good points about this:
1) Conversion may be one goal of this kind of activity (discussing doctrine with people who believe differently than you), but it's certainly not the only goal. It's not even particularly the goal you should focus on; leave that up to God and focus instead on forming a genuine friendship.
2) Discussions about differences in belief cannot occur productively unless both sides are willing to trust each other; that is, when one person says "This is what I believe," the other side should take them at their word. Many Mormons have differences in belief among them and I'm pretty sure that holds for every other religion as well, and you can't tell someone "you don't really believe that" without getting into a confrontational mood.
My own experiences in discussing beliefs with others have born out that genuine discussion in a spirit of friendship and openness generally provides the best opportunity to learn and understand, but I would have emphasized one additional thing in writing a book about building relationships around discussions of belief:
3) These kinds of discussions are probably most helpful when you seek to understand each other's beliefs. A lot of times differences aren't even in belief, they're about emphasis, but even (especially) when there are true differences in belief there's something to be learned about why that difference exists.
1) Conversion may be one goal of this kind of activity (discussing doctrine with people who believe differently than you), but it's certainly not the only goal. It's not even particularly the goal you should focus on; leave that up to God and focus instead on forming a genuine friendship.
2) Discussions about differences in belief cannot occur productively unless both sides are willing to trust each other; that is, when one person says "This is what I believe," the other side should take them at their word. Many Mormons have differences in belief among them and I'm pretty sure that holds for every other religion as well, and you can't tell someone "you don't really believe that" without getting into a confrontational mood.
My own experiences in discussing beliefs with others have born out that genuine discussion in a spirit of friendship and openness generally provides the best opportunity to learn and understand, but I would have emphasized one additional thing in writing a book about building relationships around discussions of belief:
3) These kinds of discussions are probably most helpful when you seek to understand each other's beliefs. A lot of times differences aren't even in belief, they're about emphasis, but even (especially) when there are true differences in belief there's something to be learned about why that difference exists.
March 1, 2012
This book is very different from How Wide the Divide. The entire book is a transcript taken from one of their public speaking engagements on the subject of Mormonism and Evangelical beliefs. The first half is a dialogue between the two authors and the second half is the authors answering questions from a Mormon and Evangelical audience.
I like how the two authors really encourage respect and love between the two groups and open dialog without criticism or judgment. I liked how easy the book was to read and that anyone could follow along. However, if you are looking for more theological hardcore comparison of the two faiths then I would recommend How Wide the Divide as well. Both books encourage open dialog between the faiths and both point out that where so many think these faiths are divided that in fact they are actually much more closely aligned (much of it comes down to semantics).
I like how the two authors really encourage respect and love between the two groups and open dialog without criticism or judgment. I liked how easy the book was to read and that anyone could follow along. However, if you are looking for more theological hardcore comparison of the two faiths then I would recommend How Wide the Divide as well. Both books encourage open dialog between the faiths and both point out that where so many think these faiths are divided that in fact they are actually much more closely aligned (much of it comes down to semantics).
July 12, 2011
(3.5 stars) I didn't really want to come away saying "Yes! My guy showed him!", but at the same time I did fancy a theological and intellectual twister like I've had in other interfaith dialogues that I just didn't experience in this one.
Apart from the lack of theological depth, the brief skimming of issues, the sometimes over-sympatheticness of it all, on the whole it was a good, quick read by two scholars that seem to have genuinely opened up to each other and became friends in the process. I'd recommend this as a beginners read or a foundational dialogue, not something that will be re-read or referred to later on. 'How Wide the Divide?' and also 'Claiming Christ' are definitely the mummy and daddy of this book.
Apart from the lack of theological depth, the brief skimming of issues, the sometimes over-sympatheticness of it all, on the whole it was a good, quick read by two scholars that seem to have genuinely opened up to each other and became friends in the process. I'd recommend this as a beginners read or a foundational dialogue, not something that will be re-read or referred to later on. 'How Wide the Divide?' and also 'Claiming Christ' are definitely the mummy and daddy of this book.
May 5, 2012
I thought this was a very informative book. Bridging the Divide is a Q&A from a religious professor, Robert Millet from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS/Mormon) and Reverend Greg Johnson, from the Evangelical church. I liked that there wasn't any negativity from either side, but I felt like the book and conversion lacked spirit. Maybe it's because both sides need to be careful and aware of the other side? Very appropriate, very engaging, I learned something new about both faiths. I would recommend this book to anyone, Mormon, Evangelical, or neither, and then after you read it talk to someone of either faith to know what they believe.
May 17, 2012
Thoughtful book, but it skirts some of the tough questions about why people need to or should work across different churches. There is a lot about how two professionals in religion can learn to get past divisive issues, but far less that gets to the heart of how everyday people can work together. A good start at something they should continue to publish on for the average person--or maybe the average person should write it instead.
Some of the answers in the Q/A section are the standard 'party line' answers that people use to make tough questions just go away instead of really discussing them.
Some of the answers in the Q/A section are the standard 'party line' answers that people use to make tough questions just go away instead of really discussing them.
July 30, 2012
10 years later, Millet and Johnson did a follow up to How Wide the Divide, attempting to show how open and respectful dialogue can take place even with immense differences in belief. I had the opportunity to meet with Millet and Johnson on a regular basis when I returned from my mission and talk with them in person about these subjects and other questions that troubled me.
April 15, 2012
It was an interesting dialogue but I was waiting for the meat which is evidently in the first book. I had Heather purchase this book for Rich's birthday and send it. She couldn't get "How Wide the Divide". When we get home we will perhaps pursue the topic further.
July 10, 2014
This was a great book, good, simple insights and conversation between a Mormon and an Evangelical pastor. I liked it more until I read a little bit about the pastor online afterward. Based on his website, he's not quite as altruistic as this book would lead you to believe. :(
February 12, 2012
This helped me to better understand Evangelical theology and how those of my faith are perceived by those who hold to more traditional Christian traditions. I recommend the book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews