Students aim to bridge theological gap

As Mitt Romney tells people that his religion won't dictate his political policy decisions and an occasional Christian pastor warns publicly that Romney's religion is a "cult," some are looking to bridge the cultural gap that divides evangelical Christians and Latter-day Saints.

More than 300 scholars and students on both sides of the gulf recently spent two days in Salt Lake City talking about the meaning of Christianity — including the definition of grace and injunction by Jesus to "love one another" despite the differences in theology.

The National Student Dialogue Conference at the Salt Lake Christian Center drew university students from Biola, Azusa Pacific, Colorado Christian, Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary, Brigham Young University and BYU-Idaho, as well as a few LDS Institute students from local campuses. Topics included whether the two groups should even be talking to each other at all.

The answer, said acting Salt Lake Theological Seminary President William Heersink, depended on one's perspective. "I heard many students say 'this is helpful' or 'this is stimulating.' In part they learned more about the contents of (each others') beliefs, but more important was the sense of being able to interact and relate in a wholesome way."

Five plenary sessions explored the history and current practice of interfaith dialogue between evangelicals and Latter-day Saints, with two scholars from opposite sides of the table exploring the topics in paired presentations and in open dialogue. That modeling of how to practice "convicted civility" was probably the most important part of the event, said Heersink, who was among the presenters.

Scholars who participated would likely have "a mixed reaction" to the conference, he said. "There were some who feel there are too many problems with this kind of thing and that misinterpretations that can result, so you really shouldn't be doing it in a public way. Others feel it's a real breakthrough and didn't realize we could talk at this level."

In fact, several scholars made mention of the fact that their professional colleagues and peers have openly questioned their involvement in such dialogue. Yet students engaged in spirited discussion at informal roundtable events that paired them with peers not of their faith.

Jerry Root, adjunct professor of Christian formation and theology at Wheaton College, told participants that one benefit of the pursuit of truth should be "spiritual maturity," that considers the beliefs of others and is not afraid to ask deep questions about one's own or another's faith.