Book: Claiming Christ

[natickgirl]

I am currently reading the book Claiming Christ: A Mormon--Evangelical Debate by Robert L. Millet (Mormon) and Gerlad R. McDermott (Evangelical). It is exactly what is says it is...a friendly "debate" between two scholars of religion. Each explains his position on certain aspects of scripture and Jesus Christ (open vs. closed canon [scriptures], Christ's mortality & divinity, godhead vs. trinity, atonement, etc.). They are not trying to convince the other to change his beliefs; rather, they are explaining why they believe as they do, and including scriptural & scholarly data to support their claims.

I have several friends who are Evangelical, or other forms of protestant Christian. In fact, I meet with 2 or 3 of them weekly for Bible study. We have had some great discussions, and I have been inspired by their faith and knowledge of the Bible. However, there have been times when we simply have to agree to disagree. This book is helping me understand why they believe as they do, even though I do not agree with their logic.

The book is fairly technical reading, as is it in debate form & written by scholars. However, in the spirit of brotherhood and finding common ground, as emphasized by Pres. Hinckley, I think any Christian--whether Mormon, Catholic, Evangelical or other protestant religion--would greatly benefit from reading the authors' "arguments." I have gained a deeper respect & understanding of my non-Mormon friends' beliefs. (Though, I still wish they'd read the Book of Mormon and decide for themselves, rather than rely on what they've been told by their pastors.) I told them about the book, and I hope they'll read it, too--again, rather than the anti-Mormon literature they have been "fed"--to gain a deeper understanding of Mormon doctrine.

[5ft Diva]

This sounds like a fascinating book! Thanks for writing the review. I also think that is so cool you meet to do Bible study. I bet you have gained a lot of understanding from that experience.

[Meticulous madness]

That book DOES sound interesting! I'll have to put it on my "to-do" list.

I agree with Diva, about you attending bible study there. I think that's wonderful. My mom does (or used to) with her "non-denominational" in-laws and friends in Ohio. She has learned a TON, too! And 'slowly' in the process, I think people are more willing to hear her point of view (rather than hear it from ignorant sources), because she has been open to their point of view.