Letters Between a Catholic and an Evangelical: From Debate to Dialogue on the Issues That Separate Us

by John R. Waiss and James G. McCarthy

Book Overview

Thisbook presents a unique collection of correspondence between two friends whohave spent many hours discussing their faithsa'one a Catholic priest, the otheran evangelical minister. Their candid... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0736909893
• ISBN13: 9780736909891
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
• Length: 434 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Excellent Educational Resource

This book is an excellent resource material that deals with Catholicism, Evangelical beliefs, and the differences. It shares a fair view of both beliefs. From reading other reviews, some Catholics would prefer it to show Catholicism superior to Evangelicalism. I believe the purpose is to inform, and if one side is converted to the other, that's fine, but it is better to know what the other side really teaches. One important factor to realize is the friendliness of this book. It is written by two friends, who both would love to win the other to their side, but who would not make that conversion a prerequisite for that friendship. I wish all theological debates (and political for that matter) had this atmosphere. Keep in mind, also, that this is not merely a discussion between a Catholic and an evangelical, but between a Catholic and a former Catholic. McCarthy is not writing about something he hasn't experienced. Some may say it is anti-Catholic, but I hope most realize there were reasons McCarthy converted from Catholicism. I sense one difference is the approach between the two. Waiss is pointing out common ground, hinting that Catholic teaching should not be condemned, but is also superior and more Biblical than views based solely on Scripture. McCarthy points out that the differences are very important, and that there are two different foundations: One is the expanding, growing foundation of human authority, and the other is the unchanging teachings of Scripture.

WOW

WOW! What a book! I love a fair, balanced, charitable debate on doctrine. So many times one reads what "We" have to say about "Them" complete with advice on how to convert them. This book is not like that. Here the Catholic and Evangelical both speak in open dialogue. At times the reader must stretch, as the authors did, to understand other points of view. At times one can feel the tension dripping through the pages of text, but both men stay on target as much as they are able. This book took great discipline to produce and is a gift to both Catholics and Evangelicals. One word of advice needs to be given to Catholic readers. While the Catholic position can be offered with a certain amount of clarity, evangelical theology is not as easy to articulate. Some evangelical denominations might lean more toward the Catholic point of view on certain issues (like eternal security). All in all this was one of those books I just could not put down until it was finished. It was better than TV.

Open Dialogue for once

As a formal Roman Catholic who has been Methodist for twelve years, I have refuted many misconceptions from evangelicals over the Roman Catholic Church. This book it fair and balanced because both authors are experts in their branch of the Christian faith, and they are given a chance to express their views on such issues as God's word, Ruling Authority, Salvation, Worship, and praying to Mary, Angels, and Saints. Both men get heated at times but always expressed brothery love during their exchanges. I thought that this book was fair to both branches of the Christial tree. My only complaint is that both men did not have time to answer all the questions between members of the two faiths.

Open and Honest exchange of views

I am a recent convert from Evangelical Christianity to the Catholic Church. I read James McCarthy's previous book, The Gospel According to Rome, in a desperate attempt to find a refutation of Catholic exegesis of Scripture before my entrance into the Church.So when I had a chance to buy this book I read it with interest. James McCarthy still does not refute Catholic interpretation of scripture but he and Fr. John honestly express their differences in a charitable way. This book will definitely help both faith traditions better understand each other.

Author's Take

Has someone close to you converted? Perhaps a son or daughter left the Catholic Church to become Evangelical. Or perhaps a brother or sister married and became Catholic. This book is ideal to help bring peace and understanding: the Catholic will come to understand the biblical basis of Catholic traching and come to appreciate the Evangelical's love for Christ and the Bible; the Evangelical will be able to jettison false stereotypes of Catholics and come to respect them as Bible Christians. This is made possible by a frank yet charitable exchange of views which avoid debate and biting attacks for an honest presentation pf both sides. May this be a step forward toward true Christian unity based on truth and love.