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How Wide the Divide?: A Mormon & an Evangelical in Conversation

Craig L. Blomberg and Stephen E. Robinson, Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1997, 6x9" softbound, 228 pages.

Craig Blomberg, a committed Evangelical scholar, and Stephen Robinson, a committed Mormon scholar, set out to listen to one another and to ferret out the genuine agreements between them. In the conversation that develops, you will read what each believes about key theological issues- (1) the nature and bounds of Scripture, (2) the nature of God and deification, (3) the person of Christ and the Trinity, and (4) the essential of salvation- and see how they interact with one another. What they agree on may surprise you. In the end, however, you can judge for yourself just how wide the divide between them is.

Review Excerpts:

"This book is essentially an exercise in intellectual honesty. Both authors (a) realize that there has been virtually zero healthy books written by Evangelicals and little more written by Mormons on the subject and (b) decide to do something about it. Less than a year before I read this book (subsequent to my having read The New Mormon Challenge, which had inspired me to read this) I remember making the comment, based on my only having read Evangelical Christian(?) critiques of Mormonism, "the term Mormon scholar is an oxymoron." Gosh, I felt [stupid]when I read these 2 books. I'm reading Craig Blomberg, who I have been familiar with for some time as an excellent New Testament scholar, actually losing some points to Stephen Robinson. Needless to say, I was shocked! Those guys weren't kidding in The New Mormon Challenge when they said there actually were good Mormon scholars winning the debate for Mormonism over evangelicalism (this was in a paper presented by Mosser and Owen entitled "losing the battle and not knowing it"). I by no means think we (evangelicals) have lost. I don't even think that Blomberg's points were totally defeated, but the book makes you sure of one thing - Nearly all Mormon-evangelical material in the past has been sub-par. This is the 1st step in making it a healthy relationship. I'll never forget how many times I've heard the phrase, "Mormon's just don't know what they believe." Stephen Robinson deals with this statement well. If nothing else, this book should bring some balance to the discussion, whether you're a Mormon who's never heard strong arguments from the Evangelical side, or an Evangelical who's never heard strong arguments from the Mormon side. It is my hope that this book will be the stepping stone to a plethora of scholarly and fair books on the subjects involved with Mormon-Evangelical relations." --Scott Wheeler from Libby, MT

"This truly a landmark book. Where a Mormon and Evangelical can speak clearly to each other and not being able to succor punch the other. They discuss four areas of belief: Scripture, God and deification, Christ and the Trinity, and Salvation. Both represent there version of what their beliefs on these items are very well. They then talk about what the differences and common grounds are. Both show a very great respect for the other. I certainly recommend this book to anyone wanting to know about some of the differences between Evangelicals and Mormons. This book has recieved some negative reviews. Some have attacked Stephen Robinson for not knowing his own faith. I want to mention that Robinson is a life time Mormon, has spent many more hours studying his churchs beliefs than those who think they know more then he does about Mormons. Some have attcked Craig Blomberg for not knowing how big the differneces between Mormons and Evangelicals and for allowing Robinson to give a sugar coated view of Mormonism. Trust me, Blomberg being a Evangelical scholar knows of all the little attacks Evangelicals have used against Mormons far better then those who say he does not. Blomberg was just very respectable and used commen sense in knowing that Robinson knows his Mormon beliefs better then he does. These two criticisms of the authors is done by extreme ignorance. I don't really have any criticisms of the book. I will say that I do believe the divide between Mormons and Evangelicals are not as wide as some think but that they are wider than the conclusion of this book. I would recommend also reading FARMS (Foundation of Ancient Research and Mormon Studies) Review of Books, Volume 11, Number 2, 1999. Which reviews this book. I know this a Mormon publication but the first review in it is done by Evangelicals Paul Owen and Carl Mosser. So you do get both sides of the coin in that Review. Also the reviews in this Farms Review of books does give more views and does give the book How Wide the Divide some more balance." --Ryan Wimmer

"For too long, relations between Evangelicals and Mormons have been marred by mistrust, misunderstanding and misrepresentation. . . . This book is a truly remarkable breakthrough. . . . This is must reading for Evangelicals, Mormons and all who seek a worthy model for understanding and loving their religious other." --David Paulsen, Richard L. Evans Chair for Religious Understanding, Brigham Young University

"No evasions here. No euphemisms. No petulance. This volume is an incisive person-to-person dialogue on critical religious issues that pulls no punches and makes no concessions. It is enjoyable, very informative and historic. It is the first time two well-informed and articulate Evangelical and Mormon scholars have publicly joined together to overcome mistrust, acrimony and differences while unselfconsciously reaffirming their individual convictions. The result is marvelously revealing." --Spencer J. Palmer, professor emeritus of comparative religion, Brigham Young University

"In interfaith discussion, as in life, understanding begins with listening, which at its best includes restating what the other is saying to his complete satisfaction. It has happened too rarely on either side of the separate Evangelical and Mormon traditions. In this volume, Professors Blomberg and Robinson demonstrate determined goodwill to listen and accurately restate the insights and idioms of each tradition. Their characterizations are careful and rigorous. Their comparisons and contrasts are to the heart of issues and not glancing hit-and-run stereotypes. The book stirs hope that the Evangelical and Mormon communities may together follow this example, this first step toward mutual perception, and that willful misunderstandings will be replaced by what each tradition advocates in the name of Jesus: love." --Truman G. Madsen, Professor Emeritus, Philosophy and Religion, Brigham Young University

"Although it is sure to spark controversy on both sides of the divide, this significant book respectfully addresses many of the crucial points of contention between Mormons and Evangelical Christians in a way that avoids both hasty polemics and superficial agreement." --Douglas Groothuis, assistant professor of philosophy of religion and ethics, Denver Seminary

"Some of us have argued, against the relativizers of religious truth, that dialogue with other perspectives should never preclude efforts at evangelism. But neither should a commitment to evangelism rule out genuine engagement in dialogue. This book is a model of a frank exchange conducted with deep integrity. The dialogue between Evangelicals and Mormons is long overdue. I hope this much-needed, fascinating and important book gets widely read in both communities." --Richard J. Mouw, president, Fuller Theological Seminary

"This book is very good for understanding the similarities and differences between the faiths and is a good one for member or non member to read." --S. Gordon, California, 2004.

More reviews for this book may be found in BYU Studies and the FARMS Review of Books below.

Brother Robinson is the author of several books and has taught in the Religious Education Department at BYU since 1986. He has a B.A. from Brigham Young University in English Literature and a Ph.D. from Duke University in Biblical Studies.

Craig L. Blomberg (Ph.D., University of Aberdeen) is distinguished professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. He is the author or editor of more than ten books.

Title: How Wide the Divide?: A Mormon & an Evangelical in Conversation

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