Understanding the Divide: A Presbyterian Elder, a Roman Catholic Theologian, and Basic Questions of the Christian Faith

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.

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 (PCA), licensed to preach in the Chesapeake Presbytery.