Understanding the Divide

In Understanding the Divide: A Presbyterian Elder, a Roman Catholic Theologian, and Basic Questions of the Christian Faith, a Presbyterian Elder and a Roman Catholic theologian reflect in dialogical fashion on basic but critical dimensions of contemporary Christian faith. How should we interpret the Bible? How do we get to heaven? What are sacraments and what is their function? Who are the saints and what role if any do they continue to play in the life of the Christian community? Tom Tasselmyer, a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, and Lyle K. Weiss, a Roman Catholic theologian, respond to these and other questions offering two distinct contemporary visions of an ancient faith. In alternating chapters, Tom and Lyle engage in dialogue concerning basic questions of Christian faith from Reformed and Roman Catholic perspectives, providing readable, intelligible, and accessible answers to questions believers are asking while simultaneously stimulating ongoing thought and fostering mutual respect between two rich traditions within the broader Christian family. ""This is a remarkable book: an honest conversation about faith and theology between a Catholic theologian and his one-time student, a Presbyterian elder committed to the Westminster Confession of Faith. Born of deep Christian friendship and mutual respect, Understanding the Divide is a lovely, inspiring work that invites all Christians to that same kind of reciprocal respect and companionship on the journey of discipleship."" --Michael J. Gorman, Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology, St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore ""It is not often that one gets to have an inside view of what people really believe, but Understanding the Divide is a rare opportunity to do just that. Overhearing this spiritual conversation highlights and brings clarity to the differences in perspective that exist among Christians. More importantly, however, it breathes a wonderful spirit of friendship that only confirms the deeper reality binding us together. Warmly recommended."" --Frank Boswell, senior pastor, Hunt Valley Church, Hunt Valley, Maryland Lyle K. Weiss earned his Doctorate in Sacred Theology from St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland. He has served on the faculties of St. Mary Seminary's Ecumenical Institute and Notre Dame of Maryland University. He now writes full-time. Thomas M. Tasselmyer has been the Chief Meteorologist at WBAL Television in Baltimore, Maryland. He has a Master of Arts in Theology from St. Mary's Ecumenical Institute and is a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, licensed to preach in the Chesapeake Presbytery.