Mormon-Evangelical Dialogue: Changing for the Better

August 09, 2010

Continued from Page 1

2) The death of the terms "anti-Mormon" and "cult." Once upon a time, these words had an actual, technical meaning that could have been useful for the purposes of religious discussion. Now, they've been misapplied and abused by certain parties on either side to the extent that they currently amount to little more than thought-stopping rhetoric, nearly useless for interfaith dialogue. It's time to retire them.

3) Less talk about who is and is not Christian, more talk about theology. I'm not denying the significance of the "Are Mormons Christians?" question. However, I think it too often distracts people on both sides from constructive exploration of other issues. It would be beneficial for both parties to be more willing to shelve this question from time to time in favor of discussing other matters.

Mormon-Evangelical dialogue is changing for the better, and I aim to be a part of that change. In the meantime, removing these stumbling blocks would certainly accelerate the process.

Bridget Jack Jeffries is a student completing her M.A. in American religious history at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church. She holds a B.A. in classics from Brigham Young University and has been interviewed by The Washington Post and Religion & Ethics Newsweekly. She blogs at www.ClobberBlog.com.

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8/9/2010 4:00:00 AM

Future of Mormonism

Interfaith Dialogue

Mormonism

Evangelicalism

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