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LDS, Evangelical Students Unite at National
Conference
By Stella Chu
18 Oct 2007
Latter-day
Saints and Evangelicals are teaming up for the National Student Dialogue
Conference roundtable discussion on Oct. 19 and 20 at the Salt Lake Christian Center.
The Salt
Lake Theological Seminary and Standing Together, a catalyst for uniting the
Utah Christian community, will sponsor this conference.
"Our
purpose is to address the question, how should young people who have
different religious views relate and interact with one another," said
Robert L. Millet, professor of ancient scripture. "But at the same
time hold very carefully your own religious beliefs."
A person
doesn't have to be a theologian or a scriptures scholar in order to be an
effective conservationist, Millet said.
"The
things that are needed most for this case is one, a good dose of
curiosity," Millet said. "And two, a heart that wants to make
friends and wants to reach out."
Paul White,
director of operations for Standing Together, hopes to promote healthy
dialogue between Latter-day Saints and Evangelicals.
"The
ultimate goal is seeking truth together in a healthy and loving
manner," White said.
This
conference is comprised of five keynote plenary sessions, special seminars,
field trips and student roundtable discussions.
Speakers of
the conference are religious scholars from BYU, other colleges and
seminaries.
Jacob
Farnsworth, a senior majoring in psychology, said he had an unforgettable
experience in the hosting program last year.
"I
remember one guy [an Evangelical student] who [was] very skeptical,"
Farnsworth said. "By the end of the day, he left with a change of
heart and now we are friends and have respect for each other."
The
conference and the hosting program will help people of two faiths overcome
their differences, said David Golding, a senior from Murrieta, Calif. majoring in European
studies.
"The
conference provides an opportunity to get pass of that nasty history
between the groups," said Golding said. "There's a genuine goal
for both sides to move forward with our differences."
The
conference begins Friday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and continues Saturday
from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Salt Lake Christian Center is located at 4300
S. 700 E. in Salt Lake City.All BYU students can register for free at
www.standingtogether.org or talk to professor Robert Millet at (801) 422-
7042.
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