Reader comments
Tone is key in talks with Evangelicals

Agreed. As a Mormon, I welcome dialogue with Evangelicals, as well as all other faiths. Let's come together in the truths that we already share, and be respectful of those beliefs that mostly just distinguish which religion we are a part. All religions have some truth. Even if one religion has all truth, we still are accountable on a personal level of how much truth we each have, and adhere to, regardless of the religion we are a part, and how much truth that religion contains.

All humanity, being God's children, are entitled to as much truth as we are able to receive. By sharing in these truths, we in no way risk truth being taken away from us. God has all truth, and wants to give it to us. God can work through us. If we also impart freely of the truths that we have, God gives us additional truths. We can either fear learning something from someone else, or we can unite in faith, knowing that others might actually hold even one truth, that we personally do not yet know.

May truth set us all free from what holds us back--from knowing God and being happy.

Mountain Meadow Massacre should have taught us ALL these lessons. Evangelical hate rhetoric and Mormon overreaction and vice versa have a logical conclusion and it isn't Christ-like, but disaster.

I've watched "Brother Johnson" on his ministry program. Heard some of his comments in other venues where he and Brother Milleet have appeared.

You can take the pastor out of his vestments, but you can't take the pastor out of this pastor.

It's truly hard for him to break old habits. His is a missionary Ministry amongst the LDS.

It seems more like he holds a knife behind his back when he speaaks of the LDS, because he can't help but put a subtle mention of anti-mormon vitrol couched in 'mutual respect' into some of his comments.

Oh well if it gets people of other faiths to take a less hostile approach to their views of the LDS faith it won't be too bad I suppose...Just as long as you sleep with one eye open that is!

Brother C(aution) w/love!

I've been to one of their dialogue discussions and found the information both presented to be worth listening to. Members of the LDS church and evangelicals share common beliefs. Open discussion in such a way that allows each to share what they believe without getting defensive because another may have a slightly different view can bring understanding. When each sees the good the other has to offer they can work together to strengthen homes and communities.

As a Christian, I agree that it's better to show patience and kindness to Evangelicals and other semi-Christians than to poke at their deficiencies in accepting all of God's word. Our invitation to join us in the latter-day blessings will be more appealing if we don't shun them or poke them in the eye otherwise!

This matter of building bridges of understanding and mutual tolerance and respect is important, because we share a nation and a world with these, our neighbors. There is too much pride on both sides. On the LDS side, such pride is directly contrary to the doctrines of the Book of Mormon and prophets like Ezra Taft Benson. On the Traditional Christian side, such pride is also contrary to doctrines that should engender humility. On the LDS side, lack of familiarity with what other Christians believe and their vocabulary, which is especially possible in Utah, leads many Mormons to drop into a mode of doctrinal confrontation when discussing religion with any non-Mormon minister. On the non-LDS side, 170 years of anti-Mormon propaganda, financially supported by both local churches and larger groups like the Southern Baptist Convention, and driven by fear of the LDS Church's strength and growth, have nourished a deep prejudice that is as strong as any racial prejudice. We see the prejudice expressed in the unwillingness of people in Iowa to trust Mitt Romney, the Mormon. Breaking down any prejudice is a process of gradually teaching the truth, and making one friend at a time across the religious divide.

I also attended a presentation by Mr. Johnson and Mr. Millet. I found it very interesting and I was glad to see so many people present who were also interested in understanding each other and 'building bridges' so that we can cooperate as true Christians should instead of just suffering together. I have a new respect and feeling of friendship for my neighbors of other faiths!

Where is this bridge going? Ignoring differences doesn't mean they aren't there.

Ignoring differences may not be the goal. Understanding and respecting differences might be more appropriate.

Bottom line! We are all gods children. Jesus is our Savior. God our Father wants all of his children to know his truth and have joy now and in eternity. LDS get the chip off your shoulder and others who are Christian look and see!