Most Improbable Dialogue

[prisonchaplain]

After the recent string about deceased Walter Martin, and his successor, Hank Hannagraff, I thought some good news was in order. LDS - Evangelical dialogue appears to be progressing more substantially than I realized. See: Most Improbable Dialogue | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

Highlights from the article:

1. Ex-Mormon Baptist minister Greg Johnson and BYU professor Robert Millet have had 58 public debates/dialogues.

2. President Monson permitted an evangelical group, Standing Together (led by Johnson), to hold a revival meeting at the Mormon Tabernacle this year.

3. Jefferey Holland, of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles, is also involved in the evangelical dialogues.

4. A surprising set of poll numbers. We hate this question...but I find the answers to be surprisingly positive, given the level of dialogue we usually here.

a. 52% of Americans consider LDS to be Christians.
b. 40% of Evangelicals do.
c. 62% of mainline Protestants do.
d. 43% of Black Protestants do.
e. 52% of Catholics do.

The article goes on to describe LDS theological history, and some areas of contention. However, I found the overall tone, and many of the facts, surprisingly hopeful.

[pam]

2. President Monson permitted an evangelical group, Standing Together (led by Johnson), to hold a revival meeting at the Mormon Tabernacle this year.

I believe this was the one that they had Nick Vujicic as the guest speaker. I really wanted to go to that.

[prisonchaplain]

That's correct, Pam. The article mentioned him, and the very emotional and positive response he received.

[Justice]

Originally Posted by prisonchaplain

1. Ex-Mormon Baptist minister Greg Johnson and BYU professor Robert Millet have had 58 public debates/dialogues.

I have watched some of these on-line.

Also, they have these type of debates at colleges and universities around the world. One I particularly enjoyed was at Harvard, where an ordinary, normal LDS girl made the best impression of the audience, over a priest, rabii, and many other "professionals."

I'm trying to find a link on Youtube... I'll post when I find it.

[RipplecutBuddha]

It just goes to show that truth really is more powerful than lies. As long as we continue to live our lives as best we can, our example will show what we are really about.

The anti-LDS stuff will always be there, but this is a great indicator that they are remaining as a marginalized minority. God knows what he's doing, and he's always been right.

[pam]

Originally Posted by Justice

I have watched some of these on-line.

Also, they have these type of debates at colleges and universities around the world. One I particularly enjoyed was at Harvard, where an ordinary, normal LDS girl made the best impression of the audience, over a priest, rabii, and many other "professionals."

I'm trying to find a link on Youtube... I'll post when I find it.

I remember that. I watched it on YouTube. I believe she was from Idaho and she was awesome.

[Moksha]

Originally Posted by prisonchaplain

b. 40% of Evangelicals consider LDS to be Christians.
c. 62% of Mainline Protestants consider LDS to be Christians.

Looks like Millet did not choose wisely in groups to make his first overtures of dialog. It is always desirable to start any project off with a success so that good ideas will not be abandoned by feelings of failure. Mainstream Christians then Evangelicals.

[prisonchaplain]

Moksha, Millet actually says that near the beginning of the article. He would not have started with evangelicals. My guess is that the professor responded to an opportunity, and though more difficult, it has born good fruit.

[pam]

Originally Posted by Justice

I have watched some of these on-line.

Also, they have these type of debates at colleges and universities around the world. One I particularly enjoyed was at Harvard, where an ordinary, normal LDS girl made the best impression of the audience, over a priest, rabii, and many other "professionals."

I'm trying to find a link on Youtube... I'll post when I find it.

Is this it?

Day of Faith: Personal Quests for a Purpose - 3. Rachel Esplin on Vimeo

[Snow]

Originally Posted by prisonchaplain

After the recent string about deceased Walter Martin, and his successor, Hank Hannagraff, I thought some good news was in order. LDS - Evangelical dialogue appears to be progressing more substantially than I realized. See: Most Improbable Dialogue | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

Highlights from the article:

1. Ex-Mormon Baptist minister Greg Johnson and BYU professor Robert Millet have had 58 public debates/dialogues.

I've been to one held at our local Mariner's Church. Over a thousand in attendance. Well done. I have a couple DVDs of their debates.