Submitted by John K. Skousen
Public interest regarding Mormons and their beliefs increased significantly during the recent presidential election when Mitt Romney was nominated as the Republican candidate for the 2012 election for the U.S. Presidency, and during the Republican primaries in 2008.
The Broadway musical, “The Book of Mormon,” which presents a parody of organized religion and traditional musical theatre, has also raised interest regarding Mormon beliefs specifically.
The Newport Beach Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is hosting a special presentation by Dr. Robert L. Millet regarding “What Mormons Really Believe.”
Seeing these continuing developments in politics and drama and the host of articles in the media addressing many facets of Mormon beliefs, culture, and their impact on business and society, local church leaders saw this as a great opportunity to host an event in Orange County.
“Almost everyone is interested in Mormons,” states Joseph Bentley, former Regional Public Relations Director for the LDS Church. Bentley and David Silva, the Stake President for the Newport Beach Stake of the LDS Church, worked with church volunteers to organize the event, and Millet was the top pick for the presentation.
Although Millet is a long-time member of the LDS faith, with bachelors and masters degrees from BYU, he went outside BYU and received his Ph.D from Florida State University in Religious Studies. He is the former Dean of Religious Education at Brigham Young University.
Bentley adds, “Dr. Millet may be the most prolific author in the LDS Church, having authored more than 60 books and 170 articles; yet, many of his books are directed to helping all Christians, both evangelicals and Catholics, understand Mormon beliefs.” Bentley continues, “Most of his last 20 years have been spent building bridges of friendship and understanding with other Christian sects.” Bentley concludes, “Bob’s presentation, with his characteristic sense of humor, will show who we really are.”
The presentation will provide a candid view of what Mormon’s believe. Dr. Millet has been active in promoting discussions regarding the Mormon view of the nature of God, the nature of fallen humanity, the work of the atonement, the role of grace and works, deification, the trinity, the status of scripture, creeds, and the place of religious authority. In the interfaith context, Dr. Millet has expressed that his efforts explaining Mormon beliefs are “undertaken in a spirit of openness (knowing that we really can learn something from the other); sincerity (knowing that only through honesty, transparency, and trust can genuine progress be made); and love (knowing that only as we seek to see and feel toward the other something of what the Master sees and feels are we prepared to minister meaningfully to one another).”
Although this presentation will touch upon common topics in the interfaith dialog, the event is designed to provide insight to attendees merely seeking to broaden their understanding of the foundational beliefs of the Mormons. The presentation will include a period for questions and answers.
After the presentation, attendees will be able to engage in a self-guided tour of the Newport Beach Stake Center, including the variety of artwork illustrating the life of Christ and related themes.
The Orange County event will be held at the Newport Beach Stake Center, located at 2150 Bonita Canyon Road, Newport Beach, next to the Newport Beach Temple.
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Karen Lake
