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Show A4 NEWS Students prep for interfaith dialogue UVU prepares for religious leader's arrival By Nicole Shepard News Editor @NicoleEShepard relationship between the two faiths, the class will dive into the religious dimensions of American politics, specifically involving Mormonism and Evangelical influences. As was seen during the 2012 presidential election, religion played a contested role. One of the course's reading assignments is from an October 2012 Washington Post article. The article "Billy Graham faces backlash over Mormon `cult' removal" reports on the negative response the Evangelical community had to Graham's, another prominent Evangelical figure, removal of all cult references in regard to the LDS Church on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association website. Graham was criticized for choosing politics over his duty to the kingdom of God because this decision was made after meeting with presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Students have enrolled in a class to prepare for the arrival of one of the most prominent religious leaders in the US. One of the Evangelical Church's most notable leaders, Richard Mouw, is scheduled to come to UVU in November. The Religious Studies department and Interfaith Associate have taken preemptive measures to prepare students for Mouw's visit. "Over the years we've noticed that students go to hear these speakers without knowing the significance of who they are listing to," Brian Birch, associate vice-president for Academic Affairs and the director of religious studies, said. The goal of the Interreligious Understanding: Mormon-Evangelical Dialogue 66 class, offered exclusively during the second block of this fall semester, is to pre[If] we play fast pare students to better understand the implication and loose with the of Mouw's visit and to ask meaningful questions. truth by attributing The class is designed to provide students with a to them things they greater understanding of the don't in fact teach, history of the Mormon-Evangelical relationship. then we have become "It seems pretty messy," Matt Tait, junior, said. "I've false teachers: never gotten the vibe that Evangelical's like Mormons teachers of untruths. much. And probably viceversa; there is a lot of distrust RICHARD MOW there." Retired President of Fuller In November 2004 Mouw Theological Seminary visited Salt Lake City and made a public apology to the LDS Church and its memPP bers for how they have been treated by Evangelicals in the An evangelical criticizing past. Graham or Mouw is compa"We've often seriously rable to a Catholic criticizing misrepresented the beliefs the pope or an archbishop. and practices of members of Both Graham and Mouw the LDS faith," Mouw said are considered experts in that night. "It's a terrible their field and are often called thing to bear false witness." upon to voice the Evangelical His seven-minute introducopinion. tion of Evangelical apologist With the Mormon-EvanRavi Zacharias, the keynote gelical scene increasing in speaker at the meeting in controversy, Mouw is upping 2004, caused an immediate his stakes in the fight. and riotous response in the "I argue that understandEvangelical community. His community members ing Mormonism isn't just believed that Mouw was at about being kind or nice," best "selling out" and shirk- Mouw said of his book, "it is ing his responsibility to de- a Christian mandate." Mouw argues that the nounce evil; at worst they Evangelicals' focus on obworried that he had been scure Mormon doctrines and manipulated or tricked by the their teaching others that Mormons he had been activethey are the centerpieces of ly meeting with in interfaith the LDS religion is dishonest dialogues. Mouw, un-phased by and thus sinful. "This is baring false witcriticism, has continued his ness, something we are cominterfaith work with Mormanded not to do," Mouw mons. In 2012 he published wrote in his book. "If in our a book titled, "Talking with attempts to defeat them we Mormons: An Invitation to play fast and loose with the Evangelicals" in which he truth by attributing to them gives his response to the acthings they don't in fact cusations that his work with teach, then we have become Mormons is pointless and false teachers: teachers of unmorally dangerous. "It is time that we move truths." Mouw stands behind his beyond stark denunciation to mandate that interfaith diaopen dialogue," Mouw said. logues are essential to a more The course, instructed by peaceful future. Birch and philosophy ad"The world has enough junct and Orem Institute of needless division," Mouw Religion teacher Blair Van said. "It's time to follow the Dyke, is structured to help path of the Savior toward recstudents navigate the murky onciliation and unity." waters that is the relationship between Evangelicals and In addition to the course Mormons. on Evangelical-Mormon dia"We start with the hislogue on Tuesday evenings tory of Christianity and 4pm to 6pm in BA 207, which where each of those faiths auditing students are welemerged," Birch said. "Then comed, students can prepare we will move on to the diafor Mouw's visit by attendlogues between the two faiths ing the Interfaith Association and the specific issues of doctrine that arise, such as the meetings on campus or the nature of God and the pur- Interfaith Committee meetings at the LDS Institute of pose of grace." Religion room 169 on FriIn addition to discussing days at 2pm. the complicated and dynamic OCTOBER 28, 2013 UVUSA from AI 66 paigns. The previous budget of $200 posed a problem last year when a team of candidates was criticized for spending over $450 at a single campaign event. The upcoming election will feature a month of social media outreach to allow students to ask questions via Twitter, Facebook or Google+. 'Super Saturday' , the Saturday before the final election, will also be extended. Candidates will now be given a week before the election to campaign face-toface with students and answer questions. "Social media is now much more crucial in campaigns. If candidates don't answer questions from students on social media websites, they are guaranteed to lose votes," Student Body My advice to candidates would be to start sooner than later. Develop an organized campaign and become involved with student life because candidates should advocate for the students. WHO ANDREWS Student Body President PP President Jono Andrews said. The positions available for next year are: Student Body President, Executive Vice President, Vice President of Academics, and Vice President of Student Life. Each position offers a broad spectrum of training for students interested in gaining leadership skills and work experience. For instance, the Vice President of Student Life position offers experience executing and promoting a year's worth of events; this could interest a marketing or business major with an emphasis in events. The Student Body President serves as the CEO of student government, manages student fees, and serves on the President's council. The Executive Vice President oversees the day-to-day operations of the 1611111411111WilillIWk.4sAIMINIamoiew student council and coordinates council activities. The Vice President of Academics works closely with the Faculty Senate, Dean's Council, and Academic Deans to consistently improve the university. The VP of Academics is also an active advocate for students with academic issues. "If you're choosing to run this year, my advice would be to start sooner than later. Candidates need to be organized and involved with student life because they need to represent students accurately," said Andrews. UVUSA election packets will become available starting November first and can be picked up at SC 105. Completed applications will be due February third and elections will take place during the first week of March. .. ail dritiel side and a one [includes Eiheeseburager Bacon ANViich one? * Texas alurkey 5alaci Pork • w/Pulled •Grilled Eheese vs called a VW— weird, huh?1 AWI hedd TrY r em 992 SOUTH UNIVERSITY AVE * PROVO * 8013730408 TEXAS BB41 BIEGALSTE XASBBQ.O CN * tip UVU BOOKSTORE 11. 1 Nie ,, N'e, N16# . 174r!? ' THURS DAY OCTOBER /4r NA' 31ST I I PIO V V 111111 1111 II Not all items are discounted. iscount does not apply to electronics, .alculatorl:_. computers, iPads, iPods, Boot • cosmetics, UVU Fight t-shirts, etc. A )plies to in stock and it Store purchases only. • • • era 1100101THE wow .1. LOYALTY ■ CARD wda pro KSTORE 0 1 "^"e cda As. Mr Mass. Your Store. |