Quote:
Originally posted by Snow@Jan 8 2006, 02:47 PM
Twas one that I noticed that is a constant criticism I hear from "Christians" about Mormons who engage in conversations with Evangelicals, namely that Mormons are not honest about what they believe or are hiding their beliefs or watering them down... in other words, says the critic, "Believe what I tell you that you believe or you are a liar." Fortunately this book is free from that kind of nonsense.
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There are three causes for such accusations. #1. Lack of trust. Many evangelicals and Mormons do not trust each other. We believe the worst of each other. So, when you're nice you're buttering me up. When you're mean you're showing your true stripes.
#2. As Blomberg admits, much evangelical apologetics material is simply out of date, or of poor quality to begin with. Yet, most evangelical laypeople do not have the training or knowledge to discern this reality.
#3. The language barrier is subtle but huge. Mormons and evangelicals share a similar vocabulary, but often attach different meanings to words. Additionally, Mormon and evangelicals have vastly different assumptions about the nature of God, creation, and the plan of salvation. So, when we speak to each other, or read each other's writings there's often a disconnect. We know what it's suppose to mean (using our own theological lenses), but we sense it's not the same. Quite often it isn't. Then we wonder if we're being intentionally deceived, or what is going on. Again, the answer is different meanings for certain theological words, and different assumptions about the grand scheme.
The solution is time and patience. Robinson and Blomberg can write as they do because they've learned each other's languages, theological assumptions, and, to a lesser extent, histories. Yet, even with this knowledge, I sensed the two occasionally struggled to full understand each other. However, if we're to "love one another," then struggle we must.