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.
That pursuit recognizes that "truth is not reality, but truth is what I think about reality" and must be distinguished from opinion, which is "based on probability rather than certainty ... I must not be afraid of honest doubt that accompanies debate and discussion."
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.
