From Deseret News archives:
Students aim to bridge theological gap
Conference in S.L. explores the meaning of Christianity
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."
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.
Recent comments
I'm all "dialogued" out. Can we start using a new word with the same...
Dialogue | Oct. 30, 2007 at 11:03 p.m.
What a weekend we had a week ago! Our National Student Dialogue...
Pastor Greg Johnson | Oct. 27, 2007 at 4:18 p.m.
- Avalanche suffer 1st home loss 10:34 p.m.
- Thunder rout short-handed Magic 10:32 p.m.
- Evans helps Kings top Warriors 10:29 p.m.
- Lakers win 5th straight 10:27 p.m.
- Bystanders framed for child porn 10:27 p.m.
- WAC: Nevada drubs the Spartans 10:25 p.m.
- Yule essay contest is seeking entries 10:20 p.m.
- Species on endangered list 10:20 p.m.
- Scientist: Dinos trampled in SE Utah 10:19 p.m.
- NBA roundup: Bryant leads Lakers 10:17 p.m.
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
216 - House passes health care bill
197 - Lobo suspended
173 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
150 - Speed has never been BYU's game
136 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
126 - RSL rallies to advance
103 - Thousands protest health bill
102 - Provo company innovating engines
100 - Utes pound winless Lobos
89
A comprehensive listing of missionary reunions being held this week.
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
Today's blog is brought to you by the letter S. That's right, it's...
LOL You completely justify my statement: you are being childish and...
i agree. we should adapt the european model in sports...CLUB teams. we should...
TCU’s defense is 3rd in the country (#1 in the MWC), giving up an...
He promised us only two terms and now is running for a 4th. To be fair, he...
let's hope TCU can roll on this one so they can play for the national...
Alot of notable performances! Kuresa is also worthy, he threw for 407 yards 4...
I hope so!
Oh the foolishness and short-sightedness of libs. Don't they understand that...
Last year just prior to the passage of the colossal waste of tax payer money...
The reality is that "they" are here. The U.S. either did not enforce the...

