Comments on: Book Review: A Different Jesus? By Robert Millet

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 14:55:20 +0000

So if I read the Book of Mormon, I'll no longer make typos? Apparently that didn't work for me…

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 14:22:07 +0000

” I’m afraid I can’t recommend it accept to those who have a firm understanding ”
Not to whine about your thoughtless comments, but your less than “accept”ing review is shallow and meaningless “except” to those having an ax to grind because 1) they can't see the kingdom of heaven (John 3:3), 2) they've never read the Book of Mormon (so how could they possibly know) 3) nor Professor Millet's book (so un-enlightened).

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Jul 2005 03:06:24 +0000

I must respectfully disagree, Mr. Schl

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Jul 2005 01:32:53 +0000

“I am disappointed that a Christian publisher would print this book, thereby making it accessible to unsuspecting readers in Christian bookstores, as it is an outright defense of a Jesus contrary to the Bible.”
The particular publisher, William B. Eerdmans, is known for publishing books for critical thinkers. In this case, they felt that there was so much DISTORTION in the Mormon books written by Evangelicals that it was high time we “heard it from the horses mouth.” As a 20+ year veteran of the Christian Book world, I heartily agree. What we need are more of these books, so that we might understand our _______ neighbor (fill in the blank.) Sadly, too many books just perpetuate our ignorance.
rob schl

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Jun 2005 17:30:00 +0000

The problem is that if you take what Dr. Millet says here to the average Mormon you're not going to get very far. The way the LDS Church is structured is that they get their official doctrine from the General Authorities. So even if what Dr. Millet says accurately reflects contemporary Mormonism (and it pretty much does), a Mormon could simply dismiss it as not being from the Church (I've had this done with a copy of the original Book of Mormon- they dismissed it because it didn't have the Church's name on the binding).
Even Dr. Millet is careful with how he poses it. “This book is a private endeavor and is thus without imprimatur or authorization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or Brigham Young University.” (xiii) “I cannot, however, assure the reader that every Latter-day Saint in the world would answer questions or explain principles in exactly the same way I do.” (166)
The overall tone is more of dialogue, though it gets more apologetic in the final chapter where he answers questions. It's not so much that “our Jesus is better,” it's more like “we worship the Jesus of the Bible and are therefore Christians.”
So, can I recommend it for understanding Mormonism? Yes and no. Yes- it will help you to some degree understand how generally an intellectually inclined Mormon views their religion. No-there's some stuff not in there, and I'm not sure the average Mormon who isn't intellectually inclined thinks of things the same way. I think the best way to learn about Mormonism from their perspective is to go to http://www.lds.org and read away. Dig in especially to the archives of their publications like Ensign and their conference reports.
The thought's crossed my mind to email Dr. Mouw, but I haven't gotten to it.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Jun 2005 17:02:13 +0000

Roger, I appreciate your thoughtful words, restraint and respectful tone.
If I were interested in better understanding Mormon Theology and what they do and do not share in common with us, would this book be helpful? I am not familiar with the tone of the book. Could it be received as part of a dialogue, or is the tone more an apologetic for Mormon theology over and against our Christian doctrine?
I agree with you that the substance of our Christology has an impact on a profession of trust in the efficacios work of Jesus on our behalf. The differences you describe do appear to remain substancial. If Dr. Mouw were willing to comment again on this concern, I would greatly appreciate it. I understand he is busy. Perhaps if you email him, he might be willing to make one more brief response.