Dr. Millet, Author and BYU Professor, came to California to speak on “What Mormons Really Believe.” President Silva presides over the Newport Beach Stake, a group of LDS congregations, and helped organize the event. Dr. Millet and President Silva stayed for an hour after to greet visitors and answer questions.
Photo courtesy of John Skousen
by John K. Skousen
On Friday, March 1, 2013, the Newport Beach Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called “Mormons” or LDS) hosted a special presentation by Dr. Robert L. Millet regarding “What Mormons Really Believe.” The presentation was hosted at the LDS Newport chapel, near the Mormon temple in Newport Beach, California.
Millet explained that he has spent the last 15 years involved in interfaith relations, from which he “developed a deeper reverence for God.” And Millet’s credentials make him well suited for this work. With a master’s degree from BYU, Millet attended Florida State where he received a post doctorate degree in religious studies.
Millet was raised in Louisiana where Mormons were a minority so he learned to respect friends and colleagues from many Christian sects. “Most of my friends were Catholics and Baptists. They knew I was a Mormon, and never challenged my faith, put me down, or questioned whether I, too, was a Christian.”
Building on that theme, Millet explained that the key to building bridges between Christians is to establish grounds for common beliefs. “We, too, believe in the New Testament accounts regarding the virgin birth, life, ministry, the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the universal resurrection of mankind.”
Like most Christians, Mormons believe that no man can be saved except through the grace of the Savior, and therefore, they strive to live by faith in His name, as the only name by which salvation comes.”
Despite many common grounds, Millet admitted that opportunities for dialog should continue regarding differences between Mormon theology and doctrinal creeds of the “Nicene Christians”. Millet made clear that “disagreeing with the Nicenes is different that disagreeing with the New Testament.” And further: “Having a different theology about Jesus in this respect certainly does not merit the accusation that we worship a ‘different Jesus.’”
Mormons believe in being “faithful” through obedience to Jesus’ commandments. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15). Notwithstanding the importance of faithfulness, Mormons maintain that salvation is possible only through the grace of Christ. “I really need His grace,” Millet added. “I didn’t bring my wife tonight; she could tell you how imperfect I am!”
In closing, Millet reminded the audience we should downplay doctrinal differences and focus on interfaith similarities. He concluded, “There are no ills that cannot be healed, even the breach between religious faiths.”
John K. Skousen, is a member of the LDS church, and he lives in Coto de Caza, California
Karen Lake
PR – Rancho Santa Margarita Stake
lds.org
