Bridging the Divide

Dr. Robert L. Millet and Gregory C. V. Johnson

Trade Paper
9780976684367
US $14.95 /CAN $18.00

Inspired by the groundbreaking publication of How Wide the Divide? A Mormon and an Evangelical in Conversation, (InterVarsity, 1997) Robert L. Millet, a life long Mormon, former dean of religious education, and currently a Professor of Religious Education at Brigham Young University, and Gregory C.V. Johnson, a ordained Baptist pastor from Utah and a former Mormon, meet and begin their own conversation. Eventually they take their dialogues public, appearing in Mormon, Evangelical and academic venues. The first part of the book is a Q&A between the two authors; the second part is a Q&A with Mormon and Evangelical audiences. Throughout the work, the authors provide guiding principles of constructive conversation and promote the concept of "convicted civility."

"In this penetrating book, Bob and Greg model how two dramatically different religious leaders can dialogue frankly while maintaining respect for each other and their belief systems." —Dr. G. Craig Williford, President, Denver Seminary

"May this marvelous book encourage many others to join that important conversation!" —Dr. Richard Mouw, President, Fuller Seminary

"Enormously enlightening." —Dr. Stephen R. Covey Author, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness

“A must read for thoughtful people in both communities.” —Dr. Craig J. Hazen Professor of Comparative Religion and Apologetics Director, Graduate Program in Christian Apologetics, Biola University

“…the world needs more such books.” —Dr. Ronald Enroth, Professor of Sociology, Westmont College

"This is a fine introduction to Mormon-evangelical differences." —Dr. Gerald R. McDermott, Roanoke College

"Divides between peoples are bridged best by friendships in which thoughts and feelings are freely expressed. For the remarkable model Bob and Greg give us, I am grateful." —Dr. Bill Heersink Professor of Theology and Intercultural Studies, Salt Lake Theological

“…a model of how fruitful discussion can take place which neither Latter-day Saints nor Evangelicals need fear." —Dr. Richard Bennett, Professor, Church History and Doctrine, Brigham Young University

"…a refreshing model for building bridges of understanding that will inevitably become a highway for Truth." —Pastor Bill Young, Lead Pastor, The Rock Churches, Salt Lake City, Utah

"They approach doctrinal discussions with love and civility, while at the same time maintaining a deep commitment to their own faith." —Pastor Chris Lagerlof, Evangelism and Care Pastor, Mariners Church, Newport Beach, CA

"The Robert Millet/Greg Johnson dialogues are heroic in their candor, integrity and courage to broach old barriers of misinformation and misunderstanding." —Keith Merrill, President of Audience Alliance Motion Picture Studios, Filmmaker

"…a groundbreaking approach to Mormon and Evangelical interaction.” —Pastor Jim Ayers, Senior Pastor, Valley Assembly of God, Salt Lake City, Utah

“It's a healthy and liberating model to build on as Mormons and Evangelicals continue in the hard work of dialogue and persuasion. I highly recommend this book…” —Jon Strain, Search Ministry, Boise, Idaho

Reverend Gregory C.V. Johnson is founder and President of Standing Together, a ministry that exists to advance biblical unity and spiritual transformation in Utah. Though raised in the Mormon Church, Reverend Johnson became an evangelical in his mid teens. After graduating with Honors and a Masters of Divinity from Denver Theological Seminary he has served as a Baptist Pastor in Utah since 1992. He was the founding Pastor of the Ogden Valley Baptist Church. Reverend Johnson's passion for Christian unity led him to create Standing Together in 2001 to foster Evangelical/Mormon dialogue. Greg and his wife Jill Johnson have four children and live in Utah. This is his first book.

Dr. Robert L. Millet is professor of Religious Education, Outreach, and Interfaith Relations and emeritus Dean of Religious Education at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Millet is a distinguished Latter-day Saint author and speaker with more than 50 published books and 140 articles on virtually all aspects of Mormonism. He appears frequently as a commentator on BYUTV and in other visible roles at assorted media outlets as Manager of Outreach and Interfaith Relations for Church Public Affairs. His recent books include A Different Jesus (Eerdmans, 2005) and Grace Works.