Catholic Answers Live

“How can we achieve perfection?” This question leads to a discussion on the steps we can take to avoid Purgatory, alongside insights on responding to Protestant challenges about Catholic doctrine. Other topics include the relationship between science and belief in God, the purpose of praying the Rosary, and the complexities of Church teachings on birth control. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:50 – What can we do to reach a level of perfection where we won’t have to go to Purgatory? 13:45 – How do we respond to Protestants when they challenge our Catholic doctrine? 22:10 – Is there a good book that addresses the scientific basis for God? My intelligent 22 year old grandson says science prohibits him from believing in God. 30:19 – I’ll be starting OCIA soon. Why pray the Rosary when we can go directly to God? And when would I pray the Rosary? It seems like if I just pray the Rosary I’d be giving up the fruitful prayer routine I already have. I wouldn’t want to give that up. 41:45 – The verbiage of CCC 2370 regarding birth control, “rendering procreation impossible” puzzles me. I’m not sure how it would apply because both artificial contraception and NFP have similar success rates. 48:29 – What are some of the sins that a regular priest can’t absolve? And what should a priest do if someone confesses something illegal?

“How is the Mass Christ’s sacrifice?” This question leads to a discussion on how Catholics view the Mass as the re-presentation of Christ’s single sacrifice, despite the experience of imperfection after attending. Other topics include the validity of saying “My Lord and My God” during consecration, and how to address challenges to the authenticity of Scripture. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:35 – Catholics believe that the Mass is the re-presentation of the single sacrifice of Christ, which Hebrews 10:14 says makes us perfect. But Catholics attend Mass and leave not perfected. Therefore, the Mass must not be the single sacrifice of Christ. 16:02 – A couple weeks ago I heard someone on CA say that you shouldn’t say “My Lord and My God” at the consecration. But my priest told me there is actually a partial indulgence for doing this. What’s true? 23:52 – How do you navigate the constant bombardment of people who deny the authenticity of scripture? 33:52 – Was Jesus always there from the beginning with God? 43:46 – The Hail Mary and the Hail Holy Queen seem like idolatry to me. 50:20 – What do Catholics believe about predestination? Is every event meant to be?

“How do I deal with being the only Catholic?” This question resonates with many, especially those navigating family dynamics. The discussion also touches on finding a Catholic community as a young adult, managing heated debates with family members, and approaching the sensitive topic of conversion without causing conflict. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:28 – How do you deal with being the only Catholic in the family? 20:50 – I’m 21 and the only Catholic in my family. How do I find a Catholic community? 29:56 – I’m the only Catholic in my family. How do I keep cool when having a heated debate with my brother? 34:24 – I’m converting and will be the only Catholic in my family. How do I break this news to my family without burning bridges?

“Is addictive personality real?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of addiction, including insights on how to recognize an addictive personality. Other topics include strategies for helping a son struggling with nicotine and vaping, the intersection of faith and recovery in programs like Al Anon, and the role of sacraments in overcoming addiction. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 06:10 – Is there Such a thing as an addictive personality and how do i know i have one? 13:46 – I think my son struggles with nicotine and vaping, possibly some ADD. I think he is self-medicating. Any suggestions on how to help him? 18:50 – I was part of Al Anon and I feel like it brought me back to my Catholic faith. Ultimately I stopped going because they seemed to shun my Catholicism. Yet, it is interesting that they say they are a God-centered program. 29:16 – I have been in a 12 step program for food addiction for almost 20 years. I have recently had the epiphany that I can continue those meetings, but also go to Catholic in Recovery meetings where I can feel more relaxed about being open about my faith. 35:01 – I think the sacraments were the force that pulled me out of addiction. 41:09 – I sobered up in AA. I found that most people there who were against talking about Catholic faith were people who grew up Catholic but were hurt in some way. I found after a meeting was a great time to do apologetics. 47:59 – My dad is elderly and an alcoholic. Now he is sick. If he stopped his drinking his medication would work better. I don’t know how to approach it. Sometimes I feel like I’m giving up on him. 52:38 – I was addicted to pornography and I’m wondering if I’m doing the right thing by staying away from it.

“Can you help me understand the Catholic focus on Mary?” This question opens a discussion on the role of Mary in Catholicism, addressing why Catholics pray to her rather than solely to God. The conversation also touches on the Catholic version of salvation compared to the Protestant Romans Road and explores the nuances of the Catholic view of heaven. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 00:59 – Can you help me understand the Catholic focus on Mary? Why not just pray to God in Jesus’ name? 23:03 – The Protestants have Romans Road. Is there a Catholic version of that — a list of quick bullet points on how to get saved? 29:15 – It seems like many Protestants have a kind of flat view of heaven — you are either in or you are out. Is the Catholic view more nuanced than that? 39:58 – I’m a new Catholic. Can you give me advice on how to hear God’s voice when we pray?

“How do I get to heaven?” This question opens a discussion on the Catholic understanding of salvation, alongside intriguing inquiries about recognizing loved ones in heaven, including those we’ve never met, and the importance of guarding against presumption regarding our eternal destiny. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:20 – How do Catholics get to heaven? 20:35 – In heaven how will we know the people in our lives that we never met (like a miscarried child or an ancestor)? 40:17 – How do we guard against being presumptuous about going to heaven?

“What has Tim learned after 25 years of apologetics?” In this episode, Tim reflects on his extensive experience in Catholic apologetics, addressing questions such as the obligation of Catholics to follow Ember Days and the trustworthiness of the Catholic Church’s authority. He also tackles challenges faced by parents with children who have left the faith and discusses the complexities of interfaith dialogue regarding the nature of God. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:00 – What has Tim Staples Learned after a quarter -century of doing Catholic Apologetics? 14:55 – Are Catholics still obliged to follow Ember Day? 18:20 – Why should we trust the Catholic Church and its authority? My friend is a non-Catholic and is concerned he will be deceived. He is trying to trust the Catholic Church but doesn’t know how. 41:34 – My adult son has left the faith and challenges me about it. He sent me a video of someone saying if Adam and Eve are the parents of humanity, how did we end up with so many races and genetic backgrounds. How would we answer this? 49:15 – Why does the Catechism teach Muslims worship the same God, when the God of the Koran is so vastly different from the God of the Bible? Is there a way to tell if another monotheistic religion worships the same God or not?

“Why did the Church end weekly fasting?” This question opens a discussion on the evolution of Church practices, alongside inquiries about the Church’s stance on jousting, the concept of limbo for infants, and the pastoral duties of priests. These topics reflect the diverse concerns and curiosities within the Catholic faith today. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:50 – Why Did the church kill off weekly fasting? 08:00 – I have heard the Church banned jousting. Does that mean we can’t do that at Medieval Times? 13:27 – Is it acceptable for Catholics to believe in the limbo of the infants? 19:13 – How do I articulate the Catholic position that it is not faith alone that saves, without sounding like our works save us? 28:00 – Modeling Jesus in Dating Before Marriage 34:36 – I’ve been going through some ongoing stalking, hacking, and financial fraud. I thought I could go to the Church for help but they don’t seem to be able to offer me support. What are the pastoral duties of a priest? I’ve been thinking of leaving the Catholic Church because of this. 43:54 – Why is it the norm in the US to receive communion in the hand and standing? Why did it change from what seems to be a more reverent posture? 48:09 – How can the Church hold up Mary and Joseph as an ideal marriage, when they did not consummate and therefore it would not have had a sacramental marriage? 51:23 – When should you leave your parish for another parish based on your priest teaching false things? My priest is very loving and kind, but is not on board with some doctrines and some sexual teaching of the Church?

“Why don’t we see more of the charismatic gifts in the Catholic Church?” This question opens a discussion that also touches on the nature of original sin and God’s relationship with evil, as well as addressing concerns about Pope Vigilius and responses to objections regarding God’s presence. The conversation provides clarity on these diverse theological topics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:18 – Why don’t I see more of the charismatic gifts in the Catholic Church? 11:09 – Discussion with Non-denom Sister. Thinks Jesus was not free from original sin and God created evil. Looking for Bible focused responses for the idea that God is completely incompatible with sin. 19:00 – Did Pope Vigilius go against earlier popes in the 3 chapter controversy. 29:25 – An orthodox objection. What’s a good response to the idea that we only see God in his energies. 34:00 – How do I speak about the Catholic Faith to my friends and family who say Catholicism is too complicated? 46:14 – If I become Catholic, do I need a new name?

“How do I explain that Jesus is God?” This question leads to a discussion on the nature of Christ and the Trinity, while also addressing related topics such as the historical disagreements between Catholics and Orthodox on the canon of scriptures and the evolving emphasis on Mary in the Church. Additional questions touch on interfaith relationships and early church governance. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:35 – When did Catholics and Orthodox begin to disagree on the canon of scriptures? 15:00 – Why don’t we hear anything about Mary? It seems like the Church has much more emphasis on her now than in early church? 24:28 – How do I explain to my family members that Jesus is God? 35:20 – My son is dating a Ukrainian Orthodox girl. Are they in line with the Roman catholic church? Can you give me 3 similarities and differences between the two? 42:46 – I’m Not Trinitarian because Jesus has a proper name, the Father has a proper name. But the Holy Spirit does not have a proper name. 47:47 – Was there more of a democracy of bishops in the early church? I don’t want to jump into a system similar to Mormonism again.

“Can salvation happen outside the Church?” This question opens a discussion on the Catholic understanding of salvation, addressing concerns from Protestants about Church teachings. Other topics include navigating a past as a Protestant while exploring Catholicism and the reasoning behind Paul’s letter to the Romans despite Peter’s presence in the city. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:23 – I have many protestants tell me that they would never become Catholic because the Church teaches salvation outside the Church. 11:38 – I became Protestant in 2021 and am now looking into Catholicism. How do I process my past life? 22:10 – If Peter was in Rome then why did Paul write the letter to the Romans? 34:57 – Do Christian who are hostile to the Catholic Church still have invincible ignorance?

“How Could Mary ascend to heaven?” This question leads to a discussion about the implications of Jesus’ words in John 3:13 regarding who has ascended to heaven. The conversation also touches on the scriptural basis for the communion of saints, the Church’s stance on marriage for the infertile, and the complexities of indulgences. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:00 – Mary’s bodily assumption doesn’t make sense because Jesus says in John 3:13, “No one has ascended up to heaven, but he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.” If no man has ascended into heaven, wouldn’t that include the Blessed Virgin Mary? 07:23 – Where do we find the communion of saints in scripture? 14:22 – Is it true that a person who is infertile cannot get married in the Catholic Church? 19:09 – I cannot wrap my mind around indulgences. 31:17 – How do I defend Jesus and the accusations that he was a fraud? 46:11 – Why do we profess in the Nicene Creed that the power of the Holy Spirit made Jesus incarnate not the power of the Son? 51:36 – Are we called to suffer or do we ask the saints to relieve our suffering?

Questions Covered: 05:13 – Sexual Sins 08:56 – Fornication 16:20 – Adultery 18:30 – Pornography 21:54 – Masturbation 29:52 – Homosexual Acts and Contraception 33:00 – Sins of the Heart

Questions Covered: 06:05 – What is a mortal sin? 07:08 – The three components of mortal sins 20:33 – Sins Against God 21:00 – Idolatry 23:42 – Blasphemy 29:32 – Missing Mass 32:51 – Occult practices 37:42 – Sins Against Others 39:19 – Murder/War 42:00 – Gossip 50:41 – Lying/Slander

Questions Covered: 02:20 – How culpable are people of other religions when it comes to not following Jesus? 09:42 – How did the Church select the popes before conclaves? When did it fall on the shoulders of the college of cardinals? 13:50 – Why do we have the books in the bible that we do? Why did they remove those books in the reformation? 21:57 – Which Church Father writings about Mary would you recommend for a Protestant? 23:47 – Why do Catholics believe that both species contain the body, blood, soul and divinity if the consecration separates them? 29:00 – If the Jews couldn’t kill Jesus, forcing them to send Jesus to be crucified, then why did they stone people? 41:07 – How is it that the Orthodox Church is considered in schism, but the Anglican Church is not? Seems like they have similar issues with unity with the Catholic Church. 48:42 – Do we know when St. Joseph died? Is there anything in the bible? 49:23 – On what level of reality does the eucharist change? 50:32 – What do you think are the weirdest things that Jesus taught?

Questions Covered: 4:00 – If the early church was Catholic, then why doesn’t it look anything like the Catholic Church of today? 11:32 – Can Catholics use the title Christotokos alongside theotokos? 17:31 – Question from Non Catholic Family-Member: How does Mary intercede for us if she’s not alive? 23:43 – If the Eucharist is truly Jesus, body and soul, why isn’t it open to everyone, and why are priests allowed to determine who receives it? How do I answer? 31:03 – What is the best argument for Catholicism to a Protestant who accepts the Nicene creed? 36:59 – If someone who received the gospel of Jesus and believed, should the Church immediately baptize him since we have a similar example in the Ethiopian eunuch? 44:11 – What are the theological differences between the Catholics and the Orthodox? 49:33 – Is there a list of infallible teachings that has been published?

“What is the Catholic Church?” This question opens a discussion about the Church’s identity and mission, while also addressing how to navigate family dynamics when dealing with issues like homosexuality. Additional topics include the challenges of engaging with an evangelical perspective on the Catholic Church and fostering relationships with family members who hold anti-Catholic views. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 06:45 – What is the Catholic Church? 13:48 – How do I deal with family who is fully immersed in homosexuality? 28:57 – I’m evangelical. The premise that the Church that Jesus founded was the Roman Catholic Church is false. 49:07 – My mom is a evangelical, former Catholic and anti-Cathoic. How do I bridge that gap and have a relationship with her?

“What makes music sacred?” This question opens a discussion on the essence of sacred music, touching on its spiritual significance. The conversation also addresses practical concerns like where to find chant sheets for traditional Latin Mass altar serving and whether sacred music must stem from a place of faith. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:00 – What makes music sacred? 30:15 – I altar serve at the TLM and have a hard time chant sheets. Where do you recommend I find them? 36:35 – Would you agree that sacred music has to be a product of faith?

“How do I explain Mary’s sinlessness to my Protestant wife?” This question opens a discussion on the role of Mary in Catholic theology, addressing concerns from recent converts and their families. Other topics include offering comfort after a loved one’s passing, navigating doubts about Sola Scriptura, and understanding the Church’s teachings on end times and marital relations. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 06:21 – I’m a recent convert. How do I address the sinlessness of Mary to my Protestant wife? 17:41 – My non-Catholic father-in-law died suddenly. What words of comfort can I offer to my Catholic family? 24:33 – If I become convinced of certain Church teachings but still have major questions about things regarding Sola Scriptura, would it be a good thing to move towards Catholicism? 34:05 – Regarding the end time, it appears Irenaeus is premillennial and claims he gets it from St. John, but the Church teaches against it. How binding is this? 42:35 – I’m a recent convert. My wife had a procedure to save her life that required the removal of parts of her reproductive system. Is it a sin to have relations since we cannot be open to life? 47:31 – Where does Mary fit in because she’s always popping up everywhere? Why is she so prominently seen?

“Did the Early Church teach that Mary sinned?” This question opens a discussion on Marian doctrine, while also addressing the moral implications of investing in Christian-friendly funds versus secular ones. Other topics include reconciling John 6:35 with the Eucharist and the ethical concerns surrounding IVF, providing a comprehensive look at contemporary Catholic issues. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:50 – Did the Early Church teach that Mary sinned? 14:00 – Regarding the principles of cooperating with evil. Do I have a moral obligation to invest in Christian friendly funds over secular ones? 21:38 – How do I reconcile John 6:35 with the literal understanding of his body and blood? 30:37 – What makes IVF fundamentally wrong? Where does the right to be conceived through natural means come from? 50:35 – How do we respond to the Protestant claim that they also offer a sacrifice, but it’s a sacrifice of praise?

Can suffering or illness in our family be a punishment from God for our sins? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists address this difficult and deeply personal question before exploring a wide range of theological and pastoral topics. The discussion covers whether Catholics may hold the Genesis Gap Theory, how the Church can better evangelize people with disabilities, and why Catholic teaching on the death penalty has developed over time. Additional questions examine the extraordinary endurance of St. Paul, the purpose of offering prayer intentions with the Rosary, why Catholicism claims to be more than just another denomination, and why sacramental confession is necessary before receiving Holy Communion in certain situations. A thoughtful conversation on suffering, grace, Church authority, and the sacraments. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:  01:12 – Is it possible that God punishes my continuous sin through my son’s disease?    04:19 – Can a Catholic hold to the Genesis Gap Theory? Or is it heretical?   12:41 – How can the Church evangelize to those with disabilities? What are good resources that can help me get started?    19:28 – Can we in good conscience support the death penalty? I can’t seem to understand why the church changed this. In theory can’t the church’s teaching on this revert?    28:37 – Is there a miraculous quality to St. Paul recovering from the stoning at Lystra or from all of the other beatings he suffered? It seems any number of the rods, stonings, etc. could have disabled him and made his long-distance travel impossible.    32:49 – How does setting a prayer intention before praying a rosary differ from just praying for that intention directly without praying a rosary, does it have something to do with the merit involved with praying a rosary? Thank you!    36:40 – Why can’t Catholicism be just another denomination among the denominations? I think Protestants see Catholicism as a Christian denomination, thus no need to make the move if they are already happy where they are.   43:02 – If priests have the sacramental power to ordain, why has this actually happened so rarely in Church history?    46:50 – Why is it mandatory to go to a priest for confession before one can go for Holy Communion. Why isn’t going to God directly sufficient for this?  If someone sits on his seat because he hasn’t gone for confession, everyone would see that he hasn’t gone to confession, it would elicit some kind of shame on this person. 

“What’s the best argument for Catholicism?” This episode addresses the top argument to convince an unbeliever, while also tackling questions about submitting to the Church amid concerns of sin, the differences between original sin and ancestral sin, and the significance of Marian prayers. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:55 – What’s the top argument to convince an unbeliever? 10:40 – Am I supposed to submit to the Church even though it might be sinning? 18:20 – How is the Catholic doctrine of original sin better than the Eastern doctrine of ancestral sin? 29:10 – In the earliest known Marian prayer its written, “…do not despise our petitions in time of trouble, but rescue us from danger. Only pure one, only blessed one.“ As a former Protestant, the “rescue us“ Part troubles me a bit to pray. 32:54 – How can I explain to a non-Catholic the difference between a blessed item and a “good luck” charm? 40:03 – What is the explanation for the Celibate priesthood? 46:42 – My friend is not Catholic because other denominations have sacraments and clergy, how do I as a Catholic respond to that argument? 52:03 – Can you clarify the teaching of paragraph 1377 in the Catechism which states that…” Consecration endures as long as the Eucharistic species exists…?

“Where do we see the Marian doctrines in Scripture?” This question opens a discussion on the biblical foundations of Marian beliefs, alongside inquiries about why Catholics refer to Mary as “holy” and “our life, our sweetness, and our hope,” and the differences in veneration of Mary among various Christian traditions. The episode also addresses the Catholic and Orthodox views on the Immaculate Conception and the significance of Mary as the Queen of Heaven. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:00 – Where do we see the Marian Doctrines in scripture? 23:43 – Why do Catholics call Mary “holy” and “our life, our sweetness, and our hope” in the Salve Regina? 28:59 – Is there a difference in veneration of Mary in EO, Assyrian Church Of The East, OO and Catholicism? 32:49 – How does the Catholic view of the Immaculate Conception differ from the Orthodox view (as it relates to Original Sin)? And what is the evidence for the Catholic view? 45:45 – How can we be sure Mary is the Queen of Heaven? 50:40 – Why are there so many apparitions of Mary but not of Jesus?

“What are Near Death Experiences?” This question opens a discussion on near-death experiences and the nature of the soul. The conversation also addresses critiques of NDE content, the concept of purification in the afterlife as described by Father Nathan Castle, and intriguing thoughts on the relationship between soul and brain in hypothetical scenarios. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 00:55 – What do you say to critics of your content on NDEs, who say that it understates the skeptical research in the academic NDE literature? 18:50 – What do you think of the way purification seems to occur in Father Nathan Castle’s afterlife accounts? It would seem that rather than experiencing a “painful” and “fiery” purification as often depicted in pious stories and prayers about purgatory over the centuries, the souls essentially just learn new things and gradually correct their misunderstandings and errors, including needing to come to grips with their past sins and their effects on others. The idea that angels, saints and deceased relatives all get involved at different points along the journey of purification of souls and to help them move to a new level really appeals to me. 36:17 – If two individuals had their brains swapped, would their soul remain in their original bodies? Or if it stayed, how would the mismatched soul/brain experience consciousness? 46:01 – My wife is utterly convinced that all lizards including and especially the dinosaurs used to be dragons and wings were the limbs mentioned in Genesis when God punished the serpent. Note that most modern-day lizards although they do have legs still scurry around on their bellies because of their wide stance.

“Can humans possess one another?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of influence and control, including the implications of brainwashing techniques. Additionally, the episode addresses what happens to souls in purgatory at the end of the world and whether it’s morally acceptable to seek the identity of a ghost that may be trying to communicate. Other intriguing topics include the concept of fallen guardian angels and their replacements. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:40 – can human beings possess one another? For example: would brainwashing techniques done by the CIA and other government agencies with the use of LSD and other mind-altering drugs count as possession? My understanding is that the subject’s personality is changed, and they become very influenceable. Is this a form of possession by humans? 20:07 – My 9-year-old son loves listening to your show. He is wondering if you could shed any light on what might happen to the souls in purgatory when the end of the world comes. Do they get forcibly zapped through the rest of their purification process? 33:21 – If you have good reason to believe a ghost in purgatory is trying to get your attention, is it morally okay to ask them to reveal their identity? Context: a few years ago I was home alone with my newborn daughter on All Souls Day and heard repeated loud rattling sounds coming from the kitchen. The baby began screaming. I calmly walked out and said, “Whoever is bothering my baby, go away.” The rattling stopped and I have never heard it since. I have had Mass said for the soul, and also for one person I suspect it might have been, but I am not sure. Is it forbidden to ask for such knowledge or should I be content to wait? 44:37 – Are there fallen guardian angels, if so do we get a replacement if our intended guardian angel fell?

Does John 6 really teach the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, or are Catholics reading too much into the passage? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists continue responding to major Protestant objections to the Catholic interpretation of Jesus’ Bread of Life discourse. The discussion examines whether Jesus’ failure to clarify misunderstandings proves literal intent, how Catholics answer the Old Testament prohibition against drinking blood, and whether John 6 is truly connected to the Eucharist despite John not including the Last Supper narrative. Additional questions address figurative language about never hungering or thirsting, what Jesus meant by promising eternal life, and where the Gospel of John fits among the four Gospels. A detailed biblical defense of the Eucharist and the Catholic understanding of John 6. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 10:01 – Catholics argue that since Jesus didn’t clarify the literal thoughts of his listeners then he must have intended his words to be taken literally. But Jesus’ lack of clarification for misunderstandings is nothing new under the sun. He did it in John 2:15-17 concerning his teaching about destroying the temple of his body.  16:37 – Jesus can’t intend us to literally drink his blood because the Bible prohibits the partaking of blood in Leviticus 17:10-12.”  21:22 – Catholics appeal to John 6 to prove Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist. But John 6 has nothing to do with the Eucharist at the Last Supper.  30:15 – Where does John Fall among the gospels since John does not contain the last supper?  35:04 – If Catholics take Jesus’ words to eat his flesh literally, then would also have to take his words literally in verse 35 when he speaks of never hungering when we come to him and never thirsting when we believe in him.  45:57 – If Jesus meant his words literally—and intended us to engage in a physical act to eat his flesh, then we’d have to take him literally when he says that we will never die. 

Do Catholics interpret John 6 consistently, or are Jesus’ words about eating His flesh just symbolic like calling Himself the “gate” or the “vine”? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists respond to some of the strongest Protestant objections to the Catholic understanding of the Eucharist. The discussion examines whether John 6 should be interpreted metaphorically, how the surrounding context affects Jesus’ teaching, and what Christ meant when He said “the flesh is of no avail.” The episode also explores why many disciples walked away from Jesus in John 6 and whether their reaction supports or undermines the Catholic doctrine of the Real Presence. A deep and biblical defense of the Eucharist rooted in Scripture, theology, and the words of Christ Himself. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 06:23 – Catholics aren’t consistent in their interpretation of John 6. They interpret Jesus’ words about eating his flesh and drinking his blood literally in John 6, but they don’t do that when it comes to his words about being the “gate” in John 10:9 or the “vine” in John 15.  15:52 – Catholics ignore the preceding context in verse 35 where 3. Jesus uses the metaphors of eating and drinking for coming to and believing in him. If Jesus used those images as metaphors there, then he must have used them as metaphors when he speaks of eating his flesh and drinking his blood.  30:05 – Catholics ignore verse 27 where Jesus moves away from a physical mentality and takes things in a spiritual direction.  Here’s what he says, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.” This distinction between spiritual and physical food serves as the basis for interpreting Jesus’s words about eating his flesh figuratively rather than literally.  35:50 – Catholics argue that Jesus never clarified his audience’s literal thoughts. But that’s not true. He does it in John 6:63, where he says, “It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh is of no avail. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”  50:20 – Catholics argue that because Jesus let his disciples leave based on their literal interpretation of his command to eat his flesh and drink his blood that meant Jesus meant the words literally. But the disciples didn’t leave because of Jesus’ teaching. Rather, they left because of Jesus’ teaching in verse 65 that no one comes to him unless the Father draw him. 

Can human reason alone lead us to the conclusion that God is personal, even without divine revelation? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists tackle deep philosophical and theological questions about God, authority, and the Church. The discussion explores whether Eastern Orthodoxy has a singular teaching authority comparable to the papacy, why Catholics often receive only the host and not the chalice at Communion, and whether extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion are sometimes overused. Additional topics include whether Adam was a single historical person or a group, how to evangelize someone immersed in New Age spirituality, and whether the early Church taught any doctrines no longer held today. A thoughtful conversation on Catholic theology, Church practice, and apologetics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 12:36 – Is there a way to arrive at the conclusion of the personhood of God without resorting to revelation?   21:46 – Does Eastern Orthodoxy have a singular authority like we do?  29:07 – How come everyone takes the host for communion but not everyone gets the chalice?  32:07 – Are extraordinary ministers of holy communion only to be used in emergency situations? My priest doesn’t always give communion at mass. He lets the EMs do it. Is that an abuse?  39:35 – Was Adam one man or a group of men?  43:00 – How do you start a conversation with someone who’s kind of a “new age junkie?” Like they’re always looking for a spiritual high or buying the next big self-help book, but can’t be bothered to open the Gospels?  48:54 – Is there something that the early church believed in terms of doctrine that isn’t taught today? 

Why did the Pharisees and Sadducees fiercely disagree about the resurrection, and why is the resurrection so central to Catholic belief? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists explain the theological importance of bodily resurrection before tackling questions about the Protestant and Jewish biblical canons, including why Maccabees is missing despite its connection to Hanukkah. The discussion also explores common misunderstandings about Catholic teaching on salvation, including accusations of “works-based salvation,” how justification can grow even while Christians still commit venial sins, and the connection between the Bread of Life discourse and Christ’s Passion. The episode concludes with pastoral advice for someone in OCIA facing family conflict about becoming Catholic and attending Mass. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:22 – Why was there a dispute between the Pharisees and Sadducees on resurrection, and why is it so central to Catholic teaching?  11:14 – Is the protestant bible based off of the Jewish translation of the bible? Why doesn’t the Jewish bible have  Maccabees, since those books contain the origin of Hanukkah?  20:10 – How would we respond to someone who pushes back when we say don’t believe in a works-based salvation? They say that we would claim someone loses their salvation if they miss Mass.  30:20 – How do we reconcile a justification that progresses and still commit venial sin?  37:01 – How close in time was the bread of life discourse to the Passion of Christ?  51:30 – I’m in OCIA and my husband doesn’t agree with my decision. If I were to become Catholic and I can’t make it to mass because of issues at home, will I be in mortal sin? 

“How is the Eucharist not cannibalism?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of the Eucharist, addressing misconceptions while also touching on the movement of the Holy Spirit in communities, the need for an infallible interpreter of scripture, and the concept of mortal sin in Catholic teaching. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:24 – How is the Eucharist not cannibalism? 15:30 – I think the Pentecostal belief in the real movement of the Holy Spirit within the community was pretty convincing. What is the best response to this? 22:31 – How do I answer the following: The Catholic argument that we need an infallible interpreter for scripture would not work because then you would need an infallible interpreter of the infallible interpreter and so on. 37:08 – For Catholics almost anything can be a mortal sin but for Jesus there is one mortal sin. 43:00 – What was lacking in Jesus that made the Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah in the early church? 52:15 – How do we interpret the magisterium? How do we know when we are interpreting the magisterium correctly?

“How do we know Mary is a perpetual virgin?” This question leads to a discussion on the implications of Luke 1:34 and the differing views between Catholics and Protestants. Other topics include whether Jesus fulfilled all Mosaic sacrificial offerings and the nature of baptism, specifically if it refers to the baptism of the Holy Spirit rather than water. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 06:40 – In support of the belief that Mary was a Perpetual virgin, Catholics appeal to Luke 1:34 where Mary asks Gabriel how she’s going to conceive a child since she doesn’t “know man,” the implication being she hasn’t had sexual relations with Joseph. But some Protestants counter that Mary asked this because she wasn’t yet married to Joseph. How do we respond? 13:29 – Regarding Jesus’ sacrifice, did he fulfill all Mosaic sacrificial offerings? Or just specific offerings? 21:19 – Is baptism actually the baptism of the holy spirit, not that of water, and is the evidence speaking in tongues? 29:49 – Were Mary and Joseph actually married but just hadn’t consummated it? 41:35 – Mark 9:38-41 is the best argument for Protestantism. 51:15 – What is the connection between the coronation and the bodily assumption?

Did Vatican II introduce harmful changes to the Catholic Church, and does Catholic theology go too far in defining mysteries like the Eucharist? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists respond to major Orthodox objections to Catholicism, covering theology, Church history, and doctrine. The discussion examines Catholic teaching on remarriage and original sin, the necessity of the Immaculate Conception, and the Christological differences between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches. Additional topics include whether transubstantiation “overdefines” the Eucharist, why Orthodox and Catholic biblical canons differ, and whether Catholic theology lacks the Orthodox essence–energies distinction. A thoughtful and charitable look at some of the deepest divisions between East and West. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Objections Covered: 02:12 – Vatican II introduced harmful theological and liturgical changes.  05:51 – Catholic teaching on remarriage is too rigid.  13:36 – Catholic original sin wrongly teaches inherited guilt.  17:14 – The Immaculate Conception is unnecessary and unfounded.  28:52 – What does one say about the Christological differences between the Oriental Orthodox Churches and the Catholic. They claim they hold to the early definitions of Ephesus that we have abandoned.  36:14 – Transubstantiation overdefines the Eucharistic mystery.  39:57 – Why do Orthodox Churches differ with us on the canon of Scriptura?  47:57 – Catholicism lacks the essence–energies distinction. 

Are papal supremacy and papal infallibility later inventions unknown to the early Church? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists respond to some of the most common Orthodox objections to Catholicism. Topics include whether the papacy is biblical, if the Filioque was an illegitimate change to the Nicene Creed, and whether mandatory clerical celibacy reflects apostolic Christianity. The discussion also examines claims that purgatory and indulgences are Western corruptions, whether doctrinal development preserves or distorts the faith, and if Rome’s actions caused the East–West Schism. Finally, the episode addresses whether Vatican I contradicts the structure and authority of the early Church. A deep and charitable exploration of the major theological divisions between Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Objections Covered: 02:34 – Papal supremacy is unbiblical and unknown in the early Church.  12:00 – Papal infallibility is a late doctrinal invention. Papal authority undermines conciliar Church governance.  18:45 – The Filioque is both unauthorized and theologically incorrect. Rome illegitimately altered the Nicene Creed.  24:20 – Mandatory clerical celibacy is non-apostolic.  30:33 – Purgatory is a Western innovation without early consensus.  36:37 – Doctrinal development is corruption, not preservation.  42:07 – Indulgences distort repentance and were historically abused.  45:40 – The East–West Schism was caused by Rome’s overreach.  49:42 – Vatican I contradicts the structure of the early Church. 

Could Jesus have been an alien using advanced technology—and how can Christians know that’s not true? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Jimmy Akin tackles some of the strangest and most fascinating questions listeners have ever asked. He explains whether receiving Communion affects Ash Wednesday fasting rules, what kinds of abilities resurrected bodies may have, and why theories about Jesus as an extraterrestrial don’t hold up historically or theologically. The discussion also explores why Rome is called the Church founded by Christ despite Jerusalem coming first chronologically, whether dinosaur cancer challenges traditional understandings of the Fall, and what Christians should think about pets and the end times. A fun and thoughtful episode blending theology, science, apologetics, and the unusual questions Jimmy Akin is famous for addressing. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:04 – In the case of Ash Wednesday, when fasting and abstinence are required, would receiving communion break one’s fast or count as a smaller meal? In other words, can one receive communion in addition to eating one full meal and two smaller meals? Thanks, Jimmy!  12:24 – Hi Jimmy. You’ve previously mentioned Aquinas and the possibility that humans have low-level psychic ability.. Will our resurrected body have other abilities, such as telekinesis or telepathy? Will I be able to fly like Superman? Jesus ascended, and there are stories about Saints “levitating”, so will the body get any potential flying or levitating abilities, or what other abilities might we get?  23:48 – How can we be sure that Jesus wasn’t actually an alien talking about his “father in heaven” who is actually in outer space and his spaceship is actually his kingdom? And the eternal life that we get from following Jesus to his kingdom is from advanced alien technology that keeps you alive forever? And the immaculate conception was by an alien that performed IVF on Mary, and the “angels” in the Bible are actually all just aliens too? This question has really been the only thing challenging my faith, even though it seems preposterous.  40:59 – How is the Church of Rome considered “the first church” or “the church that Christ founded”, when (chronologically) the first church was in Jerusalem?  44:38 – I watched a video with a young earth creationist who claimed that there are dinosaur fossils that show evidence of cancer, which was, in his opinion, proof that dinosaurs existed after the fall because cancer wouldn’t have existed until after the fall. The question has kind of bothered me ever since. If dinosaurs went extinct before humans existed, why would they have had cancer?  50:22 – What will happen to our pets after the Rapture? 

What is the mysterious “Devil’s Bible,” also known as the Codex Gigas, and should Catholics be concerned about it? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Jimmy Akin explores the strange history and legends surrounding one of the world’s most famous medieval manuscripts. He also examines the mysterious naked young man in Mark’s Gospel, whether Genesis surprisingly parallels aspects of evolution, and why meteorology is considered scientific while astrology is rejected by the Church. The episode concludes with fascinating questions about purgatory, including whether souls in purgatory can pray for others and whether the Church has ever recognized authentic communication from them. A wide-ranging discussion blending Scripture, history, theology, and the strange corners of Catholic thought. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:54 – Hey Jimmy. I really enjoy your show. Not many Catholic podcasts I’ve found address the weirder aspects of our world. My question is in regards to the Codex Gigas, or the devil’s bible. I’ve heard a lot of secular sources talk about it but not really any Catholic ones. What is your opinion on its mysterious origin story?  11:09 – What’s the deal with the naked young man in Mark 14:51-52?  19:26 – Here’s a question for you Jimmy: in Genesis 1:20-23, it discusses how God created life.  It started with water animals, then birds, then land animals.  Does that not in fact mirror how we acknowledge the evolution of life on earth exactly, from life beginning in water, then dinosaurs (birds) and then mammals?  29:48 – I sometimes wonder why it is permissible to use meteorology but not astrology. Why can I observe the movements of air parcels and high and low pressure fronts to decide I shouldn’t plan a picnic for this weekend because it will likely rain, but I cannot turn my eyes a little higher and observe the movements of the heavenly bodies to know that I shouldn’t plan my clarinet recital for August when Mercury will be in retrograde?  44:42 – If the souls in purgatory cannot pray for themselves.  Can they pray for the other souls in purgatory or for us. Has there ever been a communication or action from a soul in purgatory that is recognized by the church as authentic? 

What does the Catholic Church do when someone claims the Virgin Mary is appearing to them? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists explain how the Church investigates reported apparitions and discerns whether they are authentic. The conversation also explores why Jewish Bibles do not include Maccabees despite the importance of Hanukkah, why Catholics believe Jesus has two natures, and how to better understand St. John Henry Newman’s famous quote about history and Catholicism. Additional questions cover biblical support for confession and Communion obligations, who Jesus was referring to when He said “Father, forgive them,” how Catholics recognize ex cathedra teachings, and when the Eucharist becomes the Body and Blood of Christ. The episode concludes with advice for non-Catholics discerning whether the Catholic Church is true. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:58 – If a person claims that Mary is appearing to them, how is that dealt with in the Church?  12:50 – Since Hanukkah is big in the Jewish tradition, why don’t they have Maccabees in their bible?  20:50 – Why do Catholics believe that Jesus has two natures vs. one nature?  22:56 – How do I better understand Newman’s quote, “to be rooted in history is to be Catholic?” I’ve been looking into history, and I’m not convinced.  28:54 – What bible verse could I use to back up the claim that we should go to confession and communion at least once a  33:59 – When Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” who was guilty?  37:44 – How do I know when something is declared ex cathedra? How can I brush up more on papal infallibility?  42:30 – When exactly does the Eucharist become Jesus?  48:35 – I’m not Catholic. How do I know if Catholicism is the right way to go? 

How can Catholics begin studying apologetics and get better at debating Protestants? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists offer practical advice for learning Scripture, Church history, and core Catholic doctrines in a charitable and effective way. The discussion also addresses whether a pope at Vatican I really said “I am tradition,” whether watching Mass online fulfills a Catholic’s obligation after COVID-era habits, and why some Protestants strongly oppose devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The episode concludes with a look at whether any of the apostles were married or had families before following Jesus. A helpful conversation on apologetics, Church teaching, and Christian history. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 15:16 – How do I begin studying to get good at debating protestants?  23:43 – Did the pope at Vatican 1 actually say “I am tradition”?  29:19 – Since COVID-19, my wife has been watching the Mass every Saturday. Is that okay?  40:26 – Why are some Protestants opposed to the Blessed Mother?  47:07 – Were any of the 12 apostles married or have children that they had to leave in order to follow Jesus? 

“Is leaving the Church a mortal sin?” This question opens a discussion on the implications of faith and scandal, particularly regarding a friend’s conversion to Protestantism. Other topics include the distinction between Jesus being Catholic or Christian, the reasons for embracing Catholicism, and concerns about praying to Mary. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:36 – My friend left the Catholic church and became protestant because of scandal. Is he in Jeopardy of mortal sin? 16:35 – Was Jesus Catholic or Christian. What’s the difference? 24:45 – Explain in one minute why someone should be Catholic. 29:17 – I have PTSD, Anxiety, depression, how can I go to OCIA? 37:13 – I don’t think it’s right to pray Mary 47:21 – What in Vatican 2 is infallible? Does a certain word need to be included for a statement to be infallible?

“What do modern people not get about Jesus?” This question opens a discussion on contemporary misunderstandings of Christ’s nature and mission. The conversation also touches on whether Jesus always knew he was divine, the Church’s stance on penances, and the significance of Mary’s betrothal despite her virginity. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:59 – What do modern people not get about Jesus? 16:54 – Did Jesus always know he was divine, or did he only know this after his baptism? 31:39 – Has the Catholic Church Changed its views on the severity of penances? 42:20 – Why was Mary betrothed if she was dedicated as a virgin? 49:23 – I talk to Jesus, God the father, and the Holy Spirit separately. How should I address them as three persons or do I even need to? What do you call on them for?

“Why do Catholics believe in baptism?” This question opens a discussion on the significance of baptism in Catholic faith, addressing how Catholics understand being born again through this sacrament. Other topics include navigating relationships with family in the SSPX, the role of evangelism for new converts, and the interpretation of 1 Peter 3:21 regarding baptismal regeneration. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:45 – Why do Catholics believe we are born again at baptism, and how do we answer Protestants who deny it? 06:50 – I’m a convert and I have family who are SSPX and they say that its wrong for me to go to my church. How do I navigate this and why do they believe this? 13:51 – What do Catholics believe about evangelism? I’m about to be confirmed and am wondering what God will expect of me. 20:53 – 1 Peter 3:21 says baptism now saves you. But it seems like the later part of that verse would contradict the Catholic view of baptismal regeneration. 29:25 – I’m married and considering becoming a permanent deacon. I am too young for the program now, but what can I do to form myself now before I am eligible for the program at age 35? 33:47 – Why is artificial insemination a sin? 41:15 – John 3:5 says nobody can enter the kingdom of heaven unless they are born of water and the spirit. How does this square with Genesis 2:4-7, which seems to describe a baptism of Adam. Adam was already in the kingdom, so why would he need baptism? 46:20 – Why does the Catholic Church practice infant baptism? Shouldn’t it be later like with confirmation?

“Why do Catholics believe in Mary’s virginity?” This question opens a discussion on the biblical basis for Mary’s perpetual virginity, particularly referencing Luke 1:34. The conversation also touches on the complexities of believing in Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions, as well as the challenges of understanding papal comments amidst political perceptions. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:25 – Why do Catholics believe Luke 1:34 supports Mary’s perpetual virginity? 13:02 – Why believe in Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions when some of them can be proven to be false? 20:50 – Why do people constantly refer to our pope as liberal or conservative instead of just a faithful Catholic? Why do popes make comments that cause controversy or cause confusion? 32:08 – I was wondering if I need an annulment since I’m getting divorced? Why would I need it? 35:28 – Why do we pray to the saints and how can I help my wife see this using the bible? 45:15 – Why should we find comfort in the Church being right if it appears to be conforming to political correctness?

“What does it mean to say that marriage is sacred?” This question opens a discussion on the profound nature of marriage within the Catholic faith. Additional topics include how to support adult children during a parent’s annulment and navigating challenges in a marriage with an irreligious spouse. The conversation also touches on fostering virtue and healing after divorce. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:35 – What does it mean to say that marriage is sacred? 14:40 – I’m new to the Catholic faith. I have adult children, have received an annulment, and am getting married. How can I help my non-Catholic adult children deal with the fact that the Church is saying their mom and dad were not really married. 20:25 – I’m struggling with my husband who is mostly irreligious (nominally Lutheran) and very controlling. He doesn’t seem to be very interested in being part of the family. People tell me I shouldn’t stay in the marriage. 33:49 – As a friend of someone who recently went through a divorce, how can I bring my friend into a closer relationship with God, and help in healing from the divorce. He practices the faith but does not have a very close relationship with God. 41:29 – How can a wife approach her husband about growing in virtue. She is nervous about asking him to do something that would require him to sacrifice. 48:42 – I’ve been separated from my husband for 20 years. He is finally going to counseling, but won’t do marriage counseling because he says he needs to work on his own trauma first. Any advice? 53:10 – How does one learn to prepare for marriage? I’ve been married almost 40 years and wondering how to teach this to my kids.

“What is the most beautiful aspect of Catholic faith?” This question opens a discussion on the profound elements of faith that often go uncommunicated in apologetics. The conversation also touches on how to rekindle a personal relationship with God after conversion, finding beauty in the Mass despite familiarity, and responding to evangelical critiques. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 06:20 – What is the most beautiful aspect of the Catholic faith that you didn’t think you were communicating while doing apologetics? 18:50 – I’m in a similar situation. I converted due to a relationship but now I’m all head knowledge. How do I get back to the relationship part? 42:38 – How do you find beauty in the mass when you’ve gone all your life and have almost become desensitized to it? 49:00 – How would you respond to evangelical counters to what you’re saying?

“How can couples decide when they disagree?” This question addresses the complexities of decision-making in marriage, especially when spouses hold opposing views that could lead to sin. Additionally, the discussion touches on whether a Catholic can pray in a Bahai temple, how to counter Jehovah’s Witnesses’ views on the Church, and the connections between ancient Hebrew weddings and the Mass. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:45 – In a marriage, if the consciences of the husband and wife are formed to have an opposite opinion on something, such that if option A is chosen then the wife is sinning, and if option B is chosen the husband is sinning — how can they make a decision? 17:20 – I was invited by a friend to say a prayer in a Bahai temple. Is it okay for a Catholic to do that? 21:47 – I asked some Jehovah’s Witnesses how they justified their restorationist view of the Church. What scripture might they cite for their explanation, and how might I counter that? 29:18 – I have been studying ancient Hebrew weddings. And there are so many connections between that and the Mass. I’m wondering why we don’t see more catechesis based on this — is there some kind of danger in it? 42:25 – What language do you think Adam and Eve spoke?

“If Jesus was Jewish, why are we Christian?” This question opens a discussion on the roots of Christianity and its relationship to Judaism. The episode also addresses the necessity of seeking truth in a diverse worldview, the implications of practicing yoga or transcendental meditation for Catholics, and the annulment process for converts. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:20 – If Jesus was Jewish, why are we Christian? 12:50 – What is a succinct way to argue for the necessity of finding the truest thing? I see some non-Catholic friends happy that I’ve found a cohesive worldview, but they don’t see any reason why they should investigate such a thing. 20:30 – Is it objective grave matter for Catholics to practice yoga or transcendental meditation? 33:30 – Why do converts seeking annulments from marriages before their conversion have to go through that process? It seems like a barrier to evangelization — “Hey, you should be Catholic. But you might never be able to receive communion if you aren’t granted an annulment from a marriage you had before you were even Catholic.” 44:55 – Do you think the story about the woman with seven husbands that the Sadducees questioned Jesus about is the story of Tobit? 50:12 – I am theologically not committed. I see that Christianity seems evidence based, but I don’t feel drawn to it. Any thoughts?

“What would it take for Catholics and Orthodox to reunite?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of Christian unity, while also addressing varied topics such as the validity of a non-Catholic marriage without civil ceremony, the necessity of confession after salvation, and the differences in gospel accounts of the women at the tomb. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:35 – What would it take for the Catholics and Orthodox to reunite? 14:48 – Is my mom’s marriage valid? She and he are non-Catholic but baptized. She didn’t get civilly married, but it was a public ceremony with witnesses. Both were married before, but those previous spouses have died. 18:30 – I was told that once you are saved there is no need for confession. How does a Catholic respond to that? 29:29 – I heard a Protestant say we have the same spirit that raised Lazarus from the dead. Is that true? 35:00 – Why do the four gospels list different women at the tomb? 40:16 – My wife and I are converts. We were non-Catholics when we married. It was a non-Church ceremony at an embassy. There were not vows. But it was a legal marriage. Are we married in the Church? Do we need to have it convalidated? 47:27 – Does the Church infallibly teach that Mary had no actual sin? 51:05 – Could you comment on how the prodigal son narrative relates to the act of confession? Is this parable an example of confession?

“Did Mary and Joseph doubt Jesus?” This question leads to a discussion about their understanding of His identity, especially during the incident at the temple. Other topics include the appropriateness of repeating prayers for healing, navigating faith in the context of divorce, and clarifying the status of the Ethiopian Bible. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:10 – Did Mary and Joseph not trust or know who Jesus was by the time they lost him at the temple? 14:15 – Is it wrong to repeat prayers? For example, to ask many times for a sick friend to be healed? 28:40 – I’m a godparent to a child in a family where the husband and wife are divorcing. 36:50 – What is the status of the Ethiopian Bible? Is it considered inspired? 44:30 – I was born and raised Catholic and am starting to get back into it. My wife was raised non-Catholic and just converted. In OCIA we got a lot of answers that contradicted Church teaching. Different people are giving different answers that contradict. How do I know what is right?

“How do we reconcile the existence of evil with a good God?” This question opens a discussion that also touches on the Catholic understanding of the afterlife, the concept of purgatory, and how Catholics should approach salvation with non-Catholics. Each topic invites a deeper exploration of faith and doctrine within the Catholic tradition. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:00 – How do we reconcile the existence of evil with a good God? 10:25 – What is the Catholic understanding of the afterlife? 15:50 – Can you explain the concept of purgatory? 22:10 – How should Catholics approach the topic of salvation with non-Catholics? 30:45 – What role does faith play in the life of a Catholic? 39:12 – How can we better understand the Trinity? 45:30 – What is the significance of the Eucharist in Catholic worship? 54:00 – How do we respond to the claim that the Catholic Church is not the original church?

“Do Catholics and Mormons worship the same God?” This question opens a discussion on the fundamental differences in how each faith views God. Additional topics include the reasons behind God’s silence for two millennia, the challenges faced by former satanists in addressing Mormon beliefs, and the complexities of LDS doctrines and their changes over time. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:15 – What’s the difference in how Catholics and Mormons view God? 12:51 – My father is not baptized but is open to dialogue. His best friend is Mormon so he is always listening to these perspectives. He asked, Why hasn’t God spoken to his people directly for two-thousand years? 18:17 – I’m a former satanist and a new Catholic. How do I help persuade people from not going down the path of Mormonism? 30:17 – According to the LDS who arranges who gets what planet? How do they justify changing doctrines? 37:06 – I’ve heard that Joseph Smith had performed miracles. Is there any evidence of this? 48:21 – I was born and raised Catholic. I was Mormon for 45 years and am now attending a Catholic church. How can you know that the early church had it right?

“What can angels do for us?” This question opens a discussion on the role of angels in our daily lives, including how they might help us feel more connected to our guardian angels. Other topics include the nature of angelic communication with the deceased, the reasons behind God’s creation of angels, and the intriguing portrayal of angels in art versus scripture. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:10 – What Can Angels Do in our Daily Lives? 12:55 – My grandparents died in 2006. Can my grandparents communicate with me through angels? SENDS Secrets from heaven. 17:59 – How can you feel more connected to your guardian angel? 22:05 – Do we know why God created angels? 29:39 – Do angels give grace, or help in distributing graces? 33:32 – Can you comment on why angels are portrayed in art as little babies with wings, but in the Bible they seem like they would actually be frightening? 36:14 – Can you comment on the angels’ reaction in the book of Job? 44:35 – When we say the prayer to our guardian angel, ever this day be “at my side,” what does that really mean since angels are in heaven? 48:20 – How do our guardian angels protect us? The way the Bible describes them it seems like they would be too big. 50:04 – What do I call my guardian angel? 51:52 – Aquinas says angels don’t know your thoughts. If that is true then how do guardian angels know what you are thinking?

“Can we have absolute assurance of salvation?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of faith and security in salvation. Other topics include responding to Southern Baptist views on the parable of Lazarus, the concerns of a Protestant considering OCIA, and strategies for evangelizing Muslims. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:50 – Can We Have Absolute Assurance of Salvation? 12:38 – How do you respond to a Southern Baptist that denies the story of the Lazarus and rich man establishes the immediate judgement? 20:13 – I’m protestant and considering OCIA but I hesitate on the rules that change in Catholics. How do we know rules won’t change in the future like attending Sunday mass, women veiling, etc.? 32:37 – Is it correct to say the Sadducees and Pharisees had a similar relationship as Catholics and Protestants. Is this true? 43:16 – How do we effectively evangelize Muslims especially when they come across as arrogant and even resort to using foul language? 50:30 – How do I better explain apologetics to a crowd that is not religious at work?

“How is the Mass a sacrifice if nothing seems to be sacrificed?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of the Mass, alongside inquiries about the practice of intinction in the U.S. and the reasons behind the removal of kneelers in some churches. Additional topics include the relationship between the Mass and Hebrews 10:14, and proper etiquette before Mass. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:40 – How is the Mass a Sacrifice if nothing seems to be sacrificed? 12:37 – How common is intinction practiced in the US? 15:11 – I’m not Catholic. Why did the Church take out kneelers? 23:26 – How does the Mass not contradict Hebrews 10:14? 33:03 – Is it licit to say, “my Lord and God” during the consecration? 41:19 – Is there proper etiquette for silence prior to mass? 44:58 – I am a protestant and I would like to understand the order of the mass. Could you help me make it understandable? 50:25 – When did priests start wearing vestments? 52:03 – Why do the priests stay away from telling people what they need to do at home during the homily?

“How do you reach young people online and teach faith?” This question opens a discussion on effective strategies for engaging youth in their faith journey. Additional topics include addressing concerns about pre-marital sex with college students and the challenges faced by religious educators in reaching teens. The conversation also touches on teaching methods for confirmation classes and engaging late teens exploring Catholicism. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:22 – How do you reach young people online to help them encounter Christ offline? 07:56 – How do I explain to my niece who is in college who only sees the problem with pre-marital sex the potential of getting pregnant even though she was raised Catholic? 15:21 – I’m a religious educator for teens and I feel like I don’t have enough resources to reach them. What are your thoughts? 29:11 – I’m a catechist. Is it unrealistic to only teach in a classroom setting for 11–17-year-olds? 39:53 – I’m a confirmation teacher. How do I get them to talk? 47:48 – I’m a catechist and am getting a lot of late teens and early 20’s who want to explore Catholicism but have no background in faith. Where do you recommend I begin with them?

“Are aborted babies doomed to hell?” This question leads to a discussion on the Church’s teachings regarding the fate of aborted infants. Additionally, the conversation touches on whether the magisterium can override scripture and how to engage with a Protestant partner about differing interpretations of faith. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:38 – Does the Church teach that aborted babies are doomed to hell? 19:02 – Can the magisterium override scripture? 30:55 – What are your thoughts on when conversing with a protestant who adheres to sola scriptura about pointing out how they should accept one’s interpretation of scripture since they don’t accept any other authority? 42:13 – I’m protestant dating a Catholic. I found out that her understanding of Catholicism is lacking. How do I talk to her and correct her without sounding condescending? 50:00 – If we were meant for the afterlife, how come we all fight death?

“How can I help my friend consider Catholicism?” This question opens a discussion on various approaches to sharing faith, including how to engage with family members who oppose conversion. Other topics include the Church’s evolving stance on women and birth control, the moral implications of supporting war, and addressing doubts about salvation among non-Catholic friends. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:11 – How do you talk to a parent or sibling who is strongly opposed to one’s desires to become Catholic? 20:28 – There’s evidence that the Church position on women has changed over the years. Doesn’t allow birth control because of natural law, vs the subjugation of women being a part of natural law? The Church’s denial of birth control contradicts the church’s rejection of the subjugation of women. 28:42 – I’m a veteran. Is it a mortal sin to support a war? 32:29 – I’m a convert. My wife has no interest. How can I gently nudge her? 43:14 – My non-Catholic friend said she says a lot of division among Catholic influencers online especially about salvation. This has caused her to doubt and would like clarification on exactly what the Church teaches on salvation? How can I help her consider Catholicism? 50:11 – My friend is considering Catholicism but his big hang up is female altar servers. He says it’s a rupture from tradition. How can I help guide him?

“How Do I Witness to Others?” This question leads to a discussion about the importance of faith in the family when considering baptism. Other topics include effective ways for new Catholics to witness to non-Catholics and a hopeful interpretation of Jesus’ teaching on marriage in heaven. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 06:05 – I always believed baptizing a baby should be immediate. I’ve recently heard that if the family isn’t practicing the faith, they maybe shouldn’t. Is this true? 18:10 – I’m a new Catholic. What is the best way to witness others, especially non-Catholic? 40:00 – We know Jesus said there is no marriage in heaven. How do we look at this passage with optimism?

“Is infant baptism necessary?” This question leads to a concise defense of the practice, addressing its theological significance. Additionally, the discussion covers the morality of eating meat and examines whether Judas’s actions challenge the concept of eternal security. The episode also delves into the fate of souls grappling with the distinction between venial and mortal sins. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:55 – What’s the one minute defense for infant baptism? 09:18 – Why is it morally okay to eat meat? 17:46 – Does Judas disprove once saved always saved? 36:50 – What happens to the soul of a person who thinks they commit a venial sin but is actually a mortal sin?

“What is the gift of tongues?” This question opens a discussion on the Catholic understanding of this spiritual phenomenon. Additionally, the conversation touches on why polygamy may not serve as a strong apologetical argument for Mormons, and clarifies the mention of two Zechariahs in the Old Testament during a debate. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 07:00 – What is the Catholic understanding of the gift of tongues? 19:28 – Why wouldn’t polygamy be a good apologetical argument towards mormons if Jesus himself restored marriage towards its original intention? 36:33 – You mentioned 2 Zechariahs in the OT. Can you explain what you meant in your debate? 48:22 – Who is Jesus referring to when he tells Peter, do you love me more than these?

“What’s the one-minute defense for the papacy?” This question sets the stage for a discussion that also addresses the strongest arguments for infant baptism, the reasons behind the anti-Catholic stance of Seventh Day Adventists, and how to discern the presence of the Holy Spirit in someone’s life. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:44 – What’s the one-minute defense for the papacy? 10:30 – What are the strongest arguments to convince someone to baptize their baby? 18:05 – Why are Seventh Day Adventist so Anti-Catholic? 36:20 – How do we know when someone has the Holy Spirit?

“Are there doctrinal differences on the Septuagint?” This question leads to a discussion on the major distinctions between Protestant and Catholic views, particularly regarding the seven additional books. The conversation also touches on the moral implications of generative AI, the Church’s response to potential ex-cathedra proclamations, and the interpretation of visions experienced during psychedelic ceremonies. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:40 – Are there any major doctrinal differences between Protestants and Catholics in regards to the Septuagint apart from the 7 books? 14:44 – What are the moral implications of using generative AI? Where is the line on when it’s sinful? 36:50 – My protestant friend asked me this: what would happen if the pope tried to proclaim ex-cathedra something contrary to Church teaching? Does the Church have a contingency plan? 47:24 – What do we make of people who have visions on psychedelics who use them as a spiritual ceremony?

“Do dinosaurs create a problem for Catholic beliefs?” This question opens a discussion on the intersection of faith and science, while also addressing the Catholic position on Revelation and the end times. Additionally, the conversation touches on how to respond to those who dismiss the importance of detailed faith discussions and the claims of personal apostolic authority. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 08:40 – Do dinosaurs create a problem for Catholic beliefs? 21:34 – What is the Catholic position on Revelation and the end times? 39:49 – How do I respond to people who think it’s not important to go into the details of the faith? They think it’s irrelevant. 50:33 – How do I respond to my dad who believes he has apostolic authority because he says he follows the bible?

“What verses prove Peter was the Pope?” This question opens a discussion on the biblical foundations of papal authority, including key verses that support this claim. Other topics addressed include the significance of Jesus changing Peter’s name, the perpetual nature of the Petrine office, and how to approach conversations about Catholicism. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:26 – What Bible Verses Best Support that Peter was the Pope? 24:45 – Why did Jesus Change Peter’s name? 29:15 – How do we know the Petrine office is perpetual? 36:27 – Are the apostles also bishops and how does the petrine ministry affect this? 42:46 – I’ve been Christian for a year. How do I tell my protestant girlfriend that I live with that I’m interested in Catholicism and Orthodoxy? 49:45 – Do we see anywhere in the bible where Peter exercises his authority?

“Does anxiety mean I’m a bad Christian?” This question opens a discussion on the true causes of anxiety, challenging common misconceptions. Other topics include the struggle of trusting God amidst worry, the appropriateness of seeking help for anxiety, and effective therapeutic approaches for childhood wounds. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:55 – Most people think that anxiety comes from worrying about problems, but you say that isn’t the case. What IS the real cause of anxiety? 06:14 – Does having anxiety mean that I don’t trust God enough (or am a bad Christian)? 08:30 – I keep giving a particular situation to God, but I still keep thinking/worrying about it. What am I doing wrong? 10:35 – Am I somehow letting God down by seeking help for anxiety? What kind of help works best (counseling? medication?) 15:25 – When it comes to childhood wounds and overcoming them. What do you recommend in terms of therapy that would be effective? 19:17 – I have a lot of anxiety due to issues with my marriage and need guidance on how to overcome it. 21:32 – My husband has cancer and has caused so much anxiety. I went on a Catholic mindfulness retreat and helped so much. And communicating and praying with loved ones has helped. 29:25 – My 10-year-old has anxiety. How can I help him? 34:50 – My adult children are starting to take on leadership in our family business and are basically cutting me out. How do I overcome this anxiety and tension that’s building? 41:05 – I’m dealing with brain damage and anxiety. How do I deal with anxiety about going to confession? 45:41 – What’s the difference between secular counseling and Catholic counseling? 50:06 – How do people learn to deal with anxiety if there is no counselor?

“Did God harden Pharaoh’s heart?” This question opens a discussion on divine sovereignty and free will, alongside inquiries about the ownership of cattle by Israelites during the plagues, the significance of myrrh given to Jesus, and the meaning behind God’s rest on the Sabbath. Each topic invites a deeper understanding of faith and scripture. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:32 – Ex 9. Regarding the 5th plague and the cattle dying. It says that the Israelites had cattle. Were slaves allowed to own cattle? 07:21 – Regarding the Myrrh given to Jesus by the Magi. Do we have any evidence that this was more than just embalming material for death but rather something tied to the priesthood? 15:08 – Regarding the sabbath. Why did God need to rest on the last day if he doesn’t get tired? 22:59 – Did God take away the pharaoh’s free will when he hardened his heart in Exodus 21? 29:44 – Who did God marry at the wedding at Cana? Why are there 14 stations of the cross? 44:25 – The first will be last and last will be first. Does that mean everyone will go to heaven? 49:10 – Jesus told his disciples his Father’s house has many rooms. What does that mean? 51:45 – What was the relationship God had with the Israelites and how did Jesus dying for our sins change that? What exactly changed for humans?

“Why did God call the Hebrews to slaughter the Canaanites?” This question opens a discussion on divine judgment and love, addressing complex themes in Scripture. Other topics include God’s love for all people, the Israelites’ understanding of judgment and purgatory, and the significance of wave offerings in Exodus and Leviticus. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:45 – Why did God call the Hebrews to slaughter the Canaanites? 18:11 – Is there anywhere in the bible that can lead us to believe that God loves all people in hell? 29:21 – Since the Israelites did not have a clear sense of what the afterlife was like, Do they have any written documentation of their understanding of the particular judgement, final judgement and purgatory? 40:51 – In Exodus and Leviticus they talk about doing a wave offering but don’t explain what that is. What is it? 48:16 – How do we show in the OT that the 3 days of Jesus were meant to be figurative not literal 3 days apart from the story of Jonah? 51:24 – Jesus Said I am the way, truth and life. Why do we have to believe that?

“Do Catholics treat Mary like a God?” This question opens a discussion on the role of Mary in Catholicism, addressing misconceptions about worship. The conversation also touches on whether Mary guided the writing of the Gospel of John and clarifies how Catholics view her as the New Eve, alongside the significance of Marian apparitions and the practice of praying to her. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 06:00 – Do Catholics treat Mary like a God? 10:35 – Was Mary the guide for the writing of the Gospel of John? 14:00 – How do I get across that Catholics don’t worship Mary, and that this is not a threat? 18:47 – Can you explain Mary as the new Eve? 36:19 – Why does William believe there has been so many Marian apparitions and not others? 43:13 – There is not one example in the Bible to pray to Mary, so why do we pray to Mary? Abraham is called the father of faith and not even he has an example of people praying to him.

“What convinced Tim to leave Evangelicalism?” Tim shares his personal journey and the theological insights that shaped his faith transition. The discussion also touches on the significance of penance in Catholic practice and addresses the nature of the Eucharist, including how it retains its breadlike form while being the body and blood of Christ. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:30 – What Convinced Tim to Leave Evangelicalism? 12:54 – Why do Catholics practice of penance? 28:50 – How can we call the Eucharist the body and blood when it keeps the breadlike form? 32:42 – How do you approach the question, “what is the church” with scripture? 39:28 – How can I respond to Hebrew 4 verse 16, “We can boldly approach the throne of God” as a refute against intercessory prayers?

“Is being unmarried a call to priesthood?” This question opens a discussion on the relationship between personal vocation and divine calling, while also addressing how to explain the Rosary to Protestants and the nature of purgatory. Other topics include principles for giving to the poor and the implications of Vatican II’s teachings on interfaith worship. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:27 – I’m 32 and unmarried. Is this a sign I’m called to priesthood? Married life is still preferable, but I believe whether I’m a priest or married is up to God, not me. 08:35 – How do I explain and defend the Rosary to Protestants? 18:50 – Why isn’t purgatory instant? Why does it need to exist in general? 23:35 – Should we give money to people living on the streets? What’s a good general principle for giving to the poor? 37:32 – Can you explain Vatican II’s teaching that we worship the same God as Jews and Muslims? It seems anti-trinitarian to me. 49:15 – How do you balance calling out heresy with being kind to your opponent in debate? When are you more direct vs. more charitable? 53:30 – Responding to an atheist dilemma. Is Jesus’ sacrifice really a “Sacrifice” at all if he knew he was coming back? How do I respond to this?

“Are Catholics modern-day Pharisees?” This question opens a discussion on the role of tradition and faith in Catholicism. The conversation also touches on reasonable expectations for children at Mass, responses to LDS beliefs about marriage in heaven, and the significance of the Eucharist in receiving grace. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:55 – Are Catholics modern-day pharisees? 18:13 – What are reasonable expectations for children at Mass? 23:51 – How to respond to LDS members who believe they are still married in heaven? 29:30 – Do Protestants worship God even though they do not have the Eucharist? 34:45 – How exactly does the Eucharist give us Grace? 47:21 – Can Catholics and Mormons pray together? And how do I explain the intercession of Mary and the Saints?

“What are the Parameters for Papal Infallibility?” This question opens a discussion on the true nature of the Eucharist, while also addressing Mary’s age at the Annunciation, the parameters of Papal Infallibility, and the role of saints in intercession. These topics highlight the rich tapestry of Catholic belief and practice. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:56 – What if the Eucharist is just a symbol? 14:12 – What age was Mary at the Annunciation? 18:01 – What are the parameters for Papal Infallibility? 29:08 – How do I navigate the relationship with my daughter to teach my granddaughter the Faith? 37:48 – Why would I have a saint or Mary intercede for me when I can go directly to God with my prayers? 47:42 – Why does the church not label Jews, Muslims, and Protestants heretics?

“Is the Assumption of Mary in Scripture?” This question leads to a discussion on the biblical basis for Mary’s Assumption, alongside other topics such as the differing beliefs about the Eucharist between Catholics and Protestants, and the role of priests in forgiving sins. The conversation also touches on the implications of being baptized Catholic and raised in a different faith. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 20:15 – Is the Assumption of Mary discussed in scripture? 29:13 – If the Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ for Catholics why is it not the same for protestants? 41:04 – I was baptized Catholic as an infant but raised in the Baptist church, am I Catholic? 46:14 – Why do Catholics believe that priests can forgive sins? 51:11 – What is the Dogma of the Assumption?

“Do Catholics really eat God?” This question delves into the belief in the Eucharist and its significance in Catholic faith. The discussion also touches on the changes brought by Vatican II, the appropriateness of addressing minor issues with a visiting priest, and the role of personal expressions during Mass for those from different backgrounds. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 17:31 – Do Catholics really believe that they are eating God literally? 31:33 – Why did we have the change of Vatican II? 44:04 – Should I bring up something minor about a visiting priest that isn’t in the rubric of the Mass? 49:29 – I am coming from a protestant background that included raising our hands often. Would some be inappropriate for the Mass? 53:54 – Why do we say Mary “merited to bear” Jesus in Regina Caeli when it was God’s doing?

“How can I heal a strained relationship?” This episode addresses practical steps for mending relationships, including four tips for healing and insights on reconciling childhood trauma. Additionally, the discussion touches on honoring parents as a Catholic and navigating complex family dynamics after forgiveness. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:18 – What are four tips for healing a strained relationship? 12:03 – How do you reconcile childhood trauma? 15:42 – Listen, Lead, Love, Let go. 18:01 – Resentment 20:42 – How can I honor my parents now that I am a Catholic? 33:59 – I have forgiven my family for various things, but my wife hasn’t. I have let it go, but it is causing strain. 43:18 – I have had a hurt relationship; I was married outside the church in an abusive relationship. I am now married in the church, but I still feel like I need healing. (Guidance) 46:19 – My father passed away, my mom is giving the family house to my brother when it was promised to me. How can I respond to this best? 52:31 – To what degree to talk about something controversial or let it go if we know that it will cause someone to be upset?

Questions Covered: 05:35 – Why are the 10 Commandments different for Catholics and Protestants? 14:46 – Why does the Church take the transubstantiation view over the consubstantiation view? 20:52 – How does the Church balance orthodoxy and heterodoxy with everything going on? 25:26 – Is it possible for a laicized priest to ever be reinstated? 29:00 – Under what circumstances does a priest allow a non-Catholic to participate in the Eucharist? 36:03 – Is there any room in Catholicism for being a millenialist? 42:10 – Who took over after Peter? 51:37 – Do I really need to seek out indulgences?

Questions Covered: 03:18 – What is Ecumenism? 06:38 – Why did Mary have to be immaculately conceived? 14:45 – Does Galatians 1:8 talk about the apostles failing to pass on the gospel? 17:45 – Why is there a separation of church and state? 25:06 – Is sacramental marriage possible without a civil marriage? 29:07 – How do I discern the papacy claims on both the Catholic and Orthodox sides? 44:33 – What are the last two declared infallible doctrines of the Catholic Church? 46:06 – Would Christotokos be more correct than Theotokos? 50:26 – Why do people think the Church was started in the 300s?

“Is the Road to Emmaus the First Mass?” This question opens a discussion on the significance of the Emmaus encounter, while also addressing when the first Mass after the resurrection occurred and the Catholic understanding of the order of Melchizedek. Additional topics include the appropriateness of receiving communion in the hand and the history of the doxology. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:50 – When was the first mass after the resurrection? 07:21 – I know there is one sacrifice but is it one or many offerings? 11:50 – What is the catholic view, if there is a view, on the order of melchizedek? Is there an accepted catholic teaching? 14:50 – Is it appropriate to receive communion on the hand? 17:30 – What’s the history or background of the doxology? 20:10 – What do the Hanc Igitur and communicantes mean in the roman canon and what do they mean during easter? 23:45 – Was the Road to Emmaus the First mass or was the last supper the first mass? 28:49 – How do I approach someone who receives communion who you know shouldn’t? Where in the bible can I show people to encourage them to go to mass every Sunday? 37:40 – My friend loudly says ‘my Lord and my God’ during the consecration. Is this appropriate? 42:10 – Did Cy blow it by saying the sorrowful mysteries during the Easter octave? 46:10 – Is it true to say everything in the Church builds towards the Mass? 49:15 – Does Divine Mercy Sunday count as to fulfill the obligation since it’s later in the day?

“Can God force you to be a priest?” This question opens a discussion on vocation and discernment, addressing the complexities of divine calling. Other topics include how individuals can establish their own religious orders, the challenges of pursuing a diaconate while managing military commitments, and the implications of missing one’s vocation. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:20 – Can God force me to be a priest? 10:48 – If someone has a call to religious life, how do people go about creating their own convents and religious orders? 16:20 – I feel a call to the diaconate. I’m military and the classes conflict with my time. How much effort should I put into doing this? Should I talk to my bishop about it? 20:42 – What if you miss your vocation? 25:12 – What is a vocation? 29:19 – I feel a call to disciple others but am having a hard time figuring out what that looks like. What advice do you have? 35:30 – I’m a revert and am 37. Is it too late for me to discern a vocation? 40:10 – If a person who never marries or becomes a priest can have an equally fulfilling life, aren’t they missing something? 43:35 – Why do seminaries require so much education for people to just be priests and not bishops? 46:40 – What is the ministry of acolyte? Is it just an adult altar boy or is it deeper than that? 49:23 – I am a dedicated single man and find my life very fulfilling. 51:35 – I’m Protestant. Why is celibacy a requisite for the priesthood?

“Iceland Priest Faces Jail Threat for saying LGBT Identifying People Can Be Chaste” This episode presents a discussion on the ongoing celebration of Easter and the implications of a priest in Iceland facing jail for his views on chastity. The episode also touches on the legacy of Paul Ehrlich, author of “The Population Bomb,” and the concept of just war, showcasing a range of important topics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:15 – Keeping up celebration of Easter 08:11 – Iceland Priest faces jail threat for saying LGBT people can be chaste 29:05 – Death of Paul Ehrlich, author of The Population Bomb 47:00 – Just war

The conversation touches on Peter Thiel’s views regarding the Antichrist and examines recent New York Times reports on adult Catholic converts, highlighting the diverse experiences within the Church today. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:22 – Peter Thiel and the anti-Christ 40:48 – New York Times reports on adult Catholic converts

“Were the authors of the Gospels the apostles, specifically Matthew?” This question opens a discussion on the authorship of the Gospels, while also addressing varied topics such as overcoming objections to confession from family, the Church’s stance on the death penalty, and advice for presenting the case for the Eucharist to friends. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:00 – Were the Authors of the gospels the apostles, specifically Matthew? 05:20 – I’m a convert. How do I overcome my parents’ objection to confession? 18:51 – The CCC 2267 goes against the death penalty but the bible says it’s permitted. Why is the Church trying to get rid of it? 23:45 – What advice would you have for my son who is presenting the case for the eucharist to his friends, some of whom are protestant? 33:54 – excluding papal infallibility, what’s the possibility for a pope to lead his people into theological error? 41:20 – How does it work for the accidents of the eucharist still being of bread? 46:03 – Is the use of contraception allowed in certain circumstances?

“What if Paul said no to God?” This question opens a discussion on the implications of free will in faith, while also addressing the respect the laity owes to Church hierarchy and the Church’s stance on private revelations after Jesus. Other topics include the teachings on the road to Emmaus and the sin of presumption, showcasing a variety of theological inquiries. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:50 – What if Paul said no to God? 12:10 – How much respect and reverence does the laity owe to the hierarchy? Do we have to kiss their ring etc.? 20:52 – If the Catechism says there is no further revelation after Jesus, why does the Church still accept private revelation that came later? 32:22 – On the road to Emmaus, was Jesus teaching something new that they didn’t know? 40:11 – What is the sin of presumption? 46:15 – What does the Church say about the medical treatment of ectopic pregnancies? 52:00 – Were the Authors of the gospels the apostles, specifically Matthew?

How many messianic prophecies are found in Scripture, and how do they point to Jesus? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists explore the Old Testament foundations of the Messiah and how Jesus fulfills them. They discuss the most important messianic texts and passages, address whether people in Jesus’ time were sincerely seeking the Messiah, and examine common objections—such as why Jesus didn’t immediately bring universal peace. The conversation also explains why the apostles expected a conquering king, the difference between “Messiah” and “Lord,” and whether Jesus’ miracles would have been recognized as messianic signs. A clear and compelling look at how Scripture reveals Jesus as the promised Messiah. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:29 – How many messianic prophecies are in scripture?   10:20 – Are the people questioning Jesus sincerely trying to figure out if Jesus is the Messiah?   15:30 – What are the main messianic texts?   18:45 – What are some of the main messianic passages?   24:20 – What do you find to be the most compelling messianic prophecy?   31:46 – Objection: Jesus wasn’t the Messiah because he didn’t usher in eternal peace.   37:11 – Why did the apostles keep expecting Jesus to be the conquering king messiah?   46:10 – What’s the difference between messiah and lord?   53:08 – Would people have recognized something messianic about Jesus’ healings? 

How many times did Jesus appear after His Resurrection—and where did these appearances take place? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists walk through the key post-Resurrection appearances of Christ, from the Upper Room to the road to Emmaus and beyond. They explain what happened during the 40 days leading up to the Ascension, the significance of Jesus appearing to the apostles, and how these encounters strengthen the case for the Resurrection. The discussion also covers the Ascension from the Mount of Olives and Christ’s later appearance to St. Paul on the road to Damascus. A clear and compelling look at one of the most important periods in Christian history. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:45 – In the Bible, how many times did Jesus appear between the Resurrection and the Ascension?  16:55 – Where did he physically appear during the 40 days?  29:00 – What happened when he appeared in the Upper Room?  36:12 – Mount of Olives and the Ascension.  44:20 – Appearing to Paul on the Road to Damascus. 

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live Classics, Fr. Hugh Barbour breaks down the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross with a focus on the Precious Blood of Jesus. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live Classics, Fr. Paul Check breaks down the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com

“How can I believe in the Trinity?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of faith, including concerns about conversion from Protestantism and the potential conflict with family beliefs. Other topics include the challenges of Catholic practices versus dogma and the significance of adoration in the conversion process. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 07:28 – I need help believing in the Trinity. 18:44 – I was raised Protestant and my parents are anti-Catholic. Would it be dishonoring my parents to convert? 29:02 – I’m not Catholic because of how Catholicism is practiced and not necessarily about dogma. 35:07 – My one hang up to convert is adoration. 50:07 – Is there any connection between Matthew 7:24-27 and Matthew 16:18?

“Can prayer to saints be justified?” This question opens a discussion on the role of saints in Catholicism, addressing concerns about mediation and the nature of prayer. Other topics include skepticism about the credibility of the Gospels and the application of indulgences, highlighting the diverse perspectives on these theological issues. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 2:00 – I’m not Catholic because I think Joe changes the gospels for his own gain and reduces the credibility of the real gospel. 20:29 – I think prayer to saints violates the idea that Jesus is the one mediator. 42:12 – I don’t believe in indulgences specifically how they can be applied to others.

“How can I respond to Protestant objections about Scripture?” This episode addresses this question while also tackling varied topics such as how to engage with a friend’s doubts about the resurrection, responding to claims about dietary restrictions from non-Catholic Bible studies, and discussing the significance of the Deuterocanonical books. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:50 – I feel like Catholics come across as first century historians about a God that wants nothing to do with you. 12:20 – My friend’s dad doesn’t believe Jesus really rose from the dead. How can I object to his premise? 21:35 – I have a relative who is going to a non-Catholic bible study. They were told that they are not supposed to eat pork or else they will be condemned. How do I respond? 28:49 – What is your response to protestants who reject the seven extra books we have? 39:40 – Do Catholics believe that there is no more procreation in the afterlife? 45:41 – Why are Holy Thursday and Good Friday not considered holy days of obligation? 47:51 – My protestant friend said that they reject the Deuterocanon because they came in at a time where no new prophecies would come. How do I respond to that?

“Why does God call sinners to grace and not the damned?” This question raises important theological discussions about divine mercy and justice. Other topics addressed include how Catholics believe they can attain heaven, the procession of the Holy Spirit, and the significance of choosing a saint’s name for baptism. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:20 – Catholicism doesn’t make sense to me because it says God moves a sinner to repentance by grace and yet he doesn’t do that for the damned. If God were all-loving, then wouldn’t he move the damned to repentance and forgive them? 13:28 – How do Catholics make it to heaven? 16:50 – Why do we say the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and Son and why do the Orthodox disagree? 22:44 – If this is the Church Jesus founded, how is it that the Church has done so much evil in Canada, the crusades? 45:33 – I’m getting baptized this Saturday. What is the meaning of picking a saint’s name for baptism? 52:30 – Why go to general confession and why repeatedly confess the same sins over and over again?

“What is our authority structure?” This question leads to a discussion on the implications of Sola Scriptura and how Catholics understand authority through both Tradition and Scripture. Other topics include how Catholics respond to 2 Timothy’s assertion about Scripture’s profitability and the significance of 1 Timothy 3:15 regarding the Church as the pillar and foundation of truth. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:33 – If Sola Scriptura is Wrong, Then what does our authority structure look like? 13:54 – How do Catholics refute protestant understanding of 2 Tim, All scripture is profitable. 21:00 – 1 Tim 3:15 says the Church is the pillar and foundation. How do protestants get around that scripture? 29:33 – I think another evidence for being against sola scriptura is Satan using scripture to tempt Jesus. What are your thoughts on that? 32:35 – What exactly is Tradition? 42:14 – How do you deal with the objection from protestants about wisdom and not being in their canon but only accept Sola Scriptura?

“How do you talk about chastity to an indifferent generation?” This question opens a discussion on the challenges of conveying the importance of chastity today. Other topics include seeking intimacy without lust in relationships, addressing concerns about the Church’s stance on sexism, and offering guidance to a daughter navigating attraction in dating. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:40 – How do you talk about chastity to an indifferent generation? 13:13 – I have been intimate with my girlfriend in an inappropriate way. How do I seek intimacy with her without lusting over her body? 16:30 – In light of the scriptures of the OT. How would you respond that the Church is not sexist? 29:24 – What words of wisdom could I offer to my 26-year-old daughter who is dating someone she is not physically attracted to because she is afraid, she can’t find any nice guys? 34:15 – At what point is pornography use habitual, making it a venial sin and not a mortal sin? 41:21 – Why doesn’t the Church attack the American sexual revolution? If they are the enemy why not attack them to destroy it?

“Is it a sin to marry outside your faith?” This question opens a discussion on the nuances of faith and relationships, including interpretations of 2 Corinthians and the concept of being unequally yoked. Other topics addressed include the implications of Matthew 7:6 on sharing scripture, the nature of particular judgment, and the meaning of being poor in spirit. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:45 – When discussing 2 Corinthians where Paul mentions not being unequally yoked, my protestant friend argued is it a sin to marry outside your own faith. I argue that Paul was giving his own opinion and not giving a commandment from God. Is this a proper response? 13:33 – Matthew 7:6 says don’t throw pearls to swine. Would giving bibles to the homeless be throwing pearls to swine? 18:30 – How would I prove biblically that there is a particular judgement and not a resting in Christ until the final judgement? Do people go to Hades now or do they go to Gehenna? 37:05 – How do Catholics combat free grace theology using scripture? 45:38 – In John 21:15 Jesus says to Peter, “do you love me more than these?” Who are “these”? 48:30 – At the end of Acts, Paul was told he didn’t do anything wrong. Why then was Paul beheaded? 53:01 – What does it mean to be poor in spirit?

“Did Jesus use a racial slur against the woman in Mt. 15:26?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of scripture interpretation. Other topics include the Catholic understanding of faith and works as discussed by Paul, and how to reconcile 2 Corinthians 5:8 with the doctrine of purgatory, showcasing a range of theological inquiries. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:44 – Did Jesus use a racial slur against the woman in Mt. 15:26? 15:23 – How do Catholics understand when Paul says faith apart from works of the law? 29:30 – Jesus tells when we fast and pray we are to do things a certain way. Do we follow exactly what he says or do we follow how the Church tells us to? If the fasting is in quiet, how do we witness to people? 41:15 – How do we reconcile 2 Cor 5:8, to “be away from the body and at home with the Lord” with the doctrine of purgatory? 47:23 – Did St. Jerome change his mind on the Deuterocanon? 51:59 – I want to study more formally bible studies. What do you recommend one do or which programs to follow?

“Can a bishop ordain married men to the priesthood without the pope’s approval?” This question opens a discussion that also touches on whether Catholics and Muslims worship the same God, the appropriateness of performing marriages outside of church buildings, and the implications of changes in Mass prayers. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:00 – Does a bishop have the authority to ordain married men to the priesthood without the popes approval? 11:20 – What do Catholics say about Muslims and Catholics worshipping the same God? 16:35 – Is a priest allowed to perform a marriage outside of a church building? 20:05 – Why did they drop the word “One” from the closing prayer at Mass? 24:05 – Our parish is adding an extra song after the consecration, and another one during the cleaning of the vessels. Is this proper? 33:15 – I’m an evangelical Protestant and I’m getting curious about Catholicism. How do I go about this without falling into error? 48:20 – What is the difference between the Anglican and Catholic views of the Eucharist? Is it efficacious to receive communion at a non-Catholic Church?  

“Is Catholicism a works-based salvation?” This question leads to a discussion on the nature of salvation in Catholicism, addressing concerns about the apostolic Church’s teachings. Other topics include the journey of someone in OCIA seeking clarity on salvation and guidance for those raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses looking to convert to Catholicism. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 08:15 – I believe in the apostolic Church and don’t think Catholicism holds to the original form. 28:45 – I’m in OCIA. How is Catholicism not a works-based salvation? 45:42 – I was raised JW. How and where do I start if I want to become Catholic?

“How do I introduce Jesus to Muslim and Jewish friends?” This question opens a discussion on effective ways to share faith across different beliefs. Additional topics include techniques for engaging with Muslims, addressing the question of God’s death, and explaining the rejection of the Quran. Each question offers valuable insights into interfaith dialogue and evangelization. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:40 – I’ve felt called to share my faith to non-Christians. How do I introduce Jesus to my Muslims and Jewish friends? 07:58 – What techniques do you employ when sharing the faith with Muslims? 14:25 – How do I answer the question, did God die? 19:41 – How can one lovingly explain why we reject the Quran and don’t accept Mohammed as a prophet? 29:15 – What’s the difference between the deity of Christ and Divinity of Christ? 33:16 – I have a Muslim best friend that I shared a lot with when I converted to Catholicism. What else can I do to evangelize her? 40:13 – Can Muslims who convert to Catholicism become priests, like when Anglican converts become priests? If so, what would you do with their wives? 44:37 – Why doesn’t Islam allow women to answer the call to prayer? Where do women get their religious training? 46:46 – I was told there was no evidence that Mohammed ever existed. Is this true? 47:56 – Why are the bishops quick to come to the defense of Muslims but Muslims are quick to be violent towards Christians?

“Do Catholics Worship the Same God as Muslims?” This question opens a discussion on the relationship between Catholicism and Islam, addressing key points such as the three essential things Catholics should know about Islam and how Muslims perceive salvation. The conversation also touches on whether Catholics and Muslims worship the same God and how interfaith marriages can work, particularly regarding baptism for children. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:00 – Three things Catholics should know about Islam. 12:23 – How does someone know they are saved in Islam? Why does Islam reject the Trinity if they claim to worship the same God as Christians? 16:24 – How do we answer the question from Muslims, if we actually believe Jesus rose from the dead? 21:06 – Do Catholics worship the same God as Muslims? 29:00 – If a Muslim man can marry a Catholic woman, how do they support each other? Can their kids be baptized Catholic? 34:48 – How do we argue for the Trinity to our Muslim son-in-law? He says the Quran is more true to the original than the bible because there are so many versions of the bible. How do I respond? 43:52 – What are your thoughts on Zealot by Reza Aslen? What’s a contrary book that would debunk it? 47:04 – How do we respond when Muslims dismiss Mohammed consummating his marriage with a 9 year old by claiming Mary was only 14 when she was pregnant?

“How do I respond to once saved always saved?” This question opens a discussion on the nuances of salvation, including the belief that being born again and receiving the Holy Spirit occurs only once. Other topics include the appropriateness of receiving the anointing of the sick before baptism, the interpretation of 2 Timothy 3:16, and the implications of Lent practices for recent converts. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:50 – My Baptist friend believes in once saved always saved. He said being born again only happens once, and you only receive the Holy Spirit once. How do I respond? 17:32 – I am going to be baptized in a couple weeks. My parish gives out anointing of the sick once a month, and I was told I could receive that before being baptized. But that seems off to me. 19:59 – 2 Tim 3:16 says all scriptures are Godly. Which scriptures are they talking about? The NIV? 24:00 – On the lying question, was it wrong for Catholic priests to issue baptismal certificates to Jews in WWII? 41:52 – Is it sinful to marry a Catholic man who has not been circumcised? 44:45 – My friend is a recent convert, but still questions a lot of things. He says he’s going to eat meat on Fridays of Lent. How can I help him understand this practice?

“How do we respond to sola scriptura?” This question opens a discussion on the challenges of infallible testimony in the context of biblical canon, particularly in light of Protestant perspectives. Other topics include the sacrament of anointing of the sick in Eastern and Roman Rite practices, the morality of lying, and the doctrine of eternal conscious torment. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 3:00 – Catholics often critique sola scriptura by saying it blocks a Protestant from having an infallible testimony upon which they can base their belief that the Bible consists of 66 books, nothing more and nothing less. But Protestants counter that Jesus often held the Jews accountable to their scriptures even though they didn’t have infallible declarations of their canon. How do we respond to that? 12:46 – I’m an Eastern Rite Catholic. Every year in Holy Week we receive the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. My Roman Rite friends have said if you can only receive it if you are seriously ill. They’ve also said it can wipe away mortal sin. But that is not my understanding. Which is true? 22:00 – How can there never be instances where lying is okay? 34:55 – I’m having trouble with the doctrine of eternal conscious torment. 45:53 – Why do we have to accept the teaching of the magisterium even when it’s not infallible? 52:23 – what do you think of equivocation?

“How can I heal my relationship with my son and forgive?” This episode addresses the complexities of forgiveness in parent-child dynamics, including what true forgiveness looks like and how to navigate growing apart in faith within a marriage. Other questions tackle concerns about rekindling friendships after returning to the Church and the challenges of maintaining relationships with family. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 13:50 – I grew up Catholic and went away from the Church for over a decade and am now coming back. My friend is a devout Catholic and I’m worried I’ll sabotage our relationship by putting him on a pedestal. 18:27 – What exactly is forgiveness, and what does that look like in a parent-child relationship? 31:35 – What if my wife and I are growing apart because I am growing in my faith and she is not? Is that repairable? 40:00 – I call to wish my grandchildren a happy birthday but my son just hangs up on me. How can I heal the relationship with my son? 43:14 – How do I know if I have really forgiven someone?

“Can Catholics Believe in Young Earth Creationism?” This question opens a discussion on the relationship between faith and science, addressing topics such as the role of God in holding atoms together, the balance between atomism and Aristotelianism, and the implications of biblical statements on creation. Other questions touch on the nature of infinity and eternity, as well as the age of the earth from a Catholic perspective. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 12:05 – It seems to me that modern science substituted mathematics for formal cause. Do you have thoughts on that? 21:02 – I was taught that with atoms, it is somewhat inexplicable how they are held together since the protons naturally repel. In bible study I was taught that the only explanation is that God holds it together. Is this correct? 30:05 – If atomism is too bottom-up, is aristotelianism too top down? 36:28 – How do infinity and eternity go together? 40:35 – Have you read Ed Feser’s The Last Superstition and what do you think of it? 42:30 – Who came up with that time could somehow be subject to gravity? Is that for real? That seems so off to me. 45:00 – The bible says “let there be light” and that was the beginning. I think that proves that there was a beginning. 48:33 – I’m a convert and had been taught creationism my whole life. How do Catholics view the age of the earth?

“Where Is Purgatory in the Bible?” This question opens a discussion about the biblical basis for purgatory, addressing concerns from those who struggle with its concept. Other topics include the role of confession and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, as well as guidance for those considering a return to the Catholic faith. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:00 – I’m not Catholic because I don’t understand purgatory. 29:04 – I left Catholicism, I’m Baptist and don’t really go to church anymore but still follow Jesus. I think we should confess directly to God and not have to go through a priest. 43:09 – I work with a dispensationalist. I want to talk to her about the Old Testament prophecies but before I do, I would like to know, were all the prophecies fulfilled? 49:17 – My children are no longer practicing Catholics. They were never confirmed. If they were to return, what would they have to do? 53:08 – I’m on my way to becoming Catholic. How do I answer the Protestant objection that Catholics have no infallible list of infallible dogmas?

“Why aren’t you Catholic?” This episode addresses a range of concerns, including the reasons some converts cite for their Protestant faith, such as dreams and personal experiences. Other topics include the belief that there is no marriage in heaven and questions surrounding Marian devotion and the significance of the Council of Nicaea. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:00 – I’m a recent convert and never had this question answered. I’ve heard of Muslims who convert due to dreams but when they convert, they become protestant. Is there a theory as to why? 16:50 – I’m not Catholic because there is no marriage in heaven and I would feel incomplete without femininity 29:01 – I’m not Catholic because of Marian devotion and the holy days of obligation. 46:37 – I’m an ex-Catholic because of Nicaea and how Catholics break from the Jesus described in the council and your understanding of his divinity.

“Why aren’t you Catholic?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of faith, including the roles of purgatory and indulgences in salvation. Other topics include the significance of the feast of Saint Joseph and the challenges faced by those considering the SSPX. The conversation also touches on perspectives from Anglo-Catholics regarding papal infallibility. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:00 – The feast of Saint Joseph 11:39 – I’m not Catholic because I don’t understand purgatory and indulgences and how they relate to salvation. 29:03 – My father was one of 13 and all the boy’s middle name was Joseph. 33:37 – I am Catholic but 3 women in my life are SSPX and are very convincing. Why should I not join? 45:44 – I’m an Anglo-Catholic. I’m not convinced of Papal Infallibility.

“Why don’t we have Mass on Good Friday?” This question opens a discussion on the significance of this solemn day in the Catholic tradition. Other topics include the obligations of Jewish converts to Christianity, the participation of Protestant converts in Communion, and the appropriateness of saying Hallelujah during Lent. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:00 – Why don’t we have mass on Good Friday? 10:12 – If a Jew converts to Christianity he has to believe Jesus is God but does he also have to follow the commandments of the Torah? 21:46 – If Protestant Converts have already been baptized and believe in Transubstantiation, why aren’t they allowed to fully participate in the fullness by receiving communion? 30:55 – If My husband and I are done having kids, how do we proceed without violating Catholic teaching? 43:58 – Can we say Hallelujah during Lent outside of Mass? 47:36 – I notice my Catholic friends’ religious views become political. What’s with the trend? What’s with things like the Latin Mass? 52:25 – Is it mandatory to say “One God, forever and ever” at the end of the Collect? 54:25 – If major transformations are rooted in God, why would we need to become Catholic? 01:00 – The feast of Saint Joseph 11:39 – I’m not Catholic because I don’t understand purgatory and indulgences and how they relate to salvation. 29:03 – My father was one of 13 and all the boy’s middle name was Joseph. 33:37 – I am Catholic but 3 women in my life are SSPX and are very convincing. Why should I not join? 45:44 – I’m an Anglo-Catholic. I’m not convinced of Papal Infallibility.

“How Does Baptism save us?” This question opens a discussion on the Biblical evidence supporting baptism’s role in salvation. Other topics include the Catholic Church’s stance on full immersion baptisms, the significance of being marked with a seal in Ephesians 1:13, and the validity of baptisms performed in Protestant churches. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:30 – What’s the Biblical Evidence That Baptism Saves Us? 11:42 – Why does the Catholic Church not employ full immersion Baptisms? 15:14 – I’m a recent convert. Ephesians 1:13 having belief in him you were marked with a Seal, how is that different from being baptized? 20:41 – Would the Church accept a baptism that was administered in Protestant Church, if the protestant minister preached that baptism was just a symbol? 29:45 – Orthodox teach full immersion baptism, why doesn’t Roman rite do full immersion? 35:54 – How does baptism assist us in avoiding sin? 47:20 – In an emergency baptism how would the church validate it? 50:00 – People who return want to be re-baptized. Is it a misplaced desire?

“Did Catholics remove the Gospel of Thomas?” This question opens a discussion about the origins and decisions surrounding the biblical canon. The conversation also touches on why the letter of Clement was excluded, the identity of James in the New Testament, and the Catholic perspective on the Jewish scriptures. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 00:40 – Senator Talarico claims that Christian removed the Gospel of Thomas from the Bible. Can you tell us what the Gospel of Thomas is, and did Catholics remove this book, or any book from the Bible? 16:47 – Why was the letter of Clement not included in Canon? 19:49 – Is the Book of James the James who is the bigshot in Acts? 20:58 – Does the presbyterian church that Tarlrico belongs to believe that women must become men to enter Heaven as stated in the Gospel of Thomas? 29:16 – How does the Catholic faith view the books of scripture that Jews adhere hear to and which books of scripture are part of Catholic canon and not protestant? 36:55 – If Hannukah (a high holy day) which is only mentioned in Maccabees, but protestants leave Maccabees out of their canon, how can this be if they base their canon on Jewish canon? 46:04 – Are any of the letters attributed to Paul actually written by anyone else? 53:00 – What do you make of the stories of Jesus as a young boy?

“How should we approach modesty?” This question opens a discussion on the cultural sensitivities surrounding dress and respect. The conversation also touches on how the Church can promote proper attire at Mass and the responsibilities men have regarding custody of the eyes, highlighting the importance of respectful presentation in a faith community. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 33:33 – How do we consider the different geographic and culture sensitivities to dress when it comes to modesty? 40:27 – How can the Church restore a renewed sense of proper and respectful dress at Mass? 44:29 – What responsibility do men have when it comes to custody of the eyes? 51:45 – At her parish the pastor has instilled a presentable dress code for volunteers during Mass which is setting and example for the congregation.

“Why oppose assisted suicide?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of suffering and the value of life, touching on personal experiences of trauma and the lack of resources for healing. The conversation also addresses the role of legislation in protecting the unborn and the implications for fathers in abortion decisions, highlighting the multifaceted nature of these ethical issues. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 12:54 – Why would we be against wanting to end their own life if they are suffering? 21:00 – I was abused growing up and considered assisted suicide and didn’t have the resources necessary to deal with the trauma. 32:22 – Is legislation the most grace filled way to protect the unborn? 41:18 – What is the Church’s stance on passing legislation that would punish abortion providers and people who procure abortions; should they be punished as murderers? 48:32 – What about Father’s who are completely left out of the decision if the child is aborted or not?

“How do we respond to the claim Jesus was just a wise teacher?” This question opens a discussion on the true nature of Christ, while also addressing concerns from new converts about finding a parish in communion with Rome, the historical use of priestly vestments, and the implications of Jesus’ words in John 20:17 regarding the hypostatic union. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:45 – How do we respond to the Claim Jesus was Just a Wise Teacher? 10:56 – I’m new to the faith, getting baptized soon, and I’m going back into the Army. I’ve seen a lot of heretical things in parishes. As I move to a new station, how do I navigate making sure I’m in a parish and diocese that is in communion with Rome? 18:56 – When did Catholic priests start using vestments? 22:07 – I am dogsitting for a family member who is out of town, and they have tarot cards in the house. What should I do with them? 30:49 – In John 20:17 Jesus calls God “my God and your God.” Is Jesus worshipping the Father because of the hypostatic union? Would that have also been the case before the Incarnation? Does the Holy Spirit worship the Father? 36:49 – If Jesus would be born today, would he still have died for our sins, considering how bad things are? 43:58 – When Moses wrote the creation story, what were his sources — where did he get it from? 48:40 – I am in OCIA. I am feeling spiritual attacks and temptation to backslide. Are these attacks to be expected as I enter the final weeks before entering the Church? 50:57 – What are good books to read or something to listen to learn about the faith? I watch you guys and Joe Heschmeyer. I want to dive into some more source material, like the stuff you guys draw from. 53:20 – Why is Joseph not mentioned much in the Bible?

“Did Jesus fulfill the prophecy of the Messiah?” This question opens a discussion that also touches on why Pilate didn’t gather evidence during Jesus’ trial, the nature of Jesus’ last name, and the Church’s infallibility. The conversation navigates through various theological inquiries, providing clarity on these important topics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:00 – Did Jesus Fulfill the Prophecy of the Messiah? 10:43 – When Jesus came before Pilate, why didn’t Pilate try to gather any kind of evidence? 14:27 – What is Jesus’ last name? 18:59 – How would you convince a Buddhist to become Catholic? 22:06 – Was Nestorius wrongly condemned at the counsel of Ephesus? Why were Chalcedonians accused of sounding Nestorian? 29:07 – When is the Church infallible and when is she not? 32:33 – If Jesus was a Jew, why are we not all Jewish? 36:34 – What is the Gospel of Thomas, who wrote it, and why is it considered an apocryphal book? 41:26 – Who was the human author of Genesis? Was it first an oral tradition that was written down later? 45:09 – Last week I thought I heard on this show that when Christ was crucified he set aside his divinity so he could fully experience the pain and suffering of sin. That sounds off to me, is that right? 53:14 – I am converting from a Jewish background. I’d like to share resources to the previous caller about being a Jewish Catholic.

What Made Jews Expect a Messiah? Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:17 – What factors had the Jews expecting the messiah in the 1st century? 07:03 – Where is a good start when reading the Deuterocanonical books? Books Protestant bible doesn’t? 12:29 – Should Isaiah 65:20 be taken literally or symbolically? 19:30 – How do you decide what content to consume when reading or listening to videos? 28:42 – Why do people rip or tear garments so often in the Old Testament? 34:48 – What is the historical tradition behind male altar servers? 46:22 – What does the church know or teach about the life of St. Joseph? 50:51 – Could blasphemy of the Holy Spirit prevent Jeffrey Dahmer Baptism from being valid?

Were the Gospels Written Earlier? Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:27 – Were the Gospels Written Earlier then We Were Taught? 14:44 – Why are pregnant women allowed to receive the Eucharist? 22:18 – When did the terms low, high and solemn high Mass develop for the Latin Mass? 28:45 – At what point should we take the bible stories more literally? 41:00 – Did Jesus descend into the Hell of the just? Is this different from Hell and why did Jesus need to do this? 45:36 – Why isn’t the book of Enoch in the Bible?

“Where do we see the Mass in Acts of the Apostles?” This question opens a discussion on the early Church’s practices, alongside topics like defending infant baptism against claims of its necessity, and the significance of Jesus’ addition of “mind” in Mark 12:30. The conversation also touches on the reasons behind reluctance to go to confession and the implications of the papacy’s location. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:20 – Where do we see the Mass in Acts of the Apostles? 09:38 – How do we defend the baptism of infants? My co-worker says you just need faith and it’s not necessary to baptize babies. 17:52 – In Mark 12:30 Jesus quotes the great shema. In Deuteronomy it says to love God with your whole heart, soul, and strength. Why does Mark add the word “mind” to that? 22:15 – Why do some people feel reluctant to go to confession? 28:39 – Is the papacy so tied to Rome that it could never be somewhere else? If Islam took over Europe could the pope be based somewhere else? 31:58 – Why isn’t the book of Maccabees in the King James Bible? I’m trying to talk about the faith with my Seventh Day Adventist family members. 41:00 – Mt 10:3 calls James son of Alpheus, and Mk 2:14-17 calls Levi the son of Alpheus. Could they be brothers? 44:17 – My grown children think we are living in a simulation. How can I counter this? 50:13 – You said the King James did not translate the deuterocan books. But I have two KJV Bibles that include the deuterocanonical books. 52:01 – I’ve been getting along with my new coworkers because they are Christian. But today Mary came up and they really attacked Catholic teaching on Mary. What can I say to them?

“How do you make a great confession?” This question is essential for anyone returning to the sacrament after a long absence. Additionally, the discussion touches on whether it’s acceptable to work for a divorced employer and explores the concept of priests acting in persona Christi, along with insights into the Synagogue of Satan mentioned in Revelation. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:10 – How do you make a great confession if you haven’t been in a long time? 14:45 – Is it okay to work for an employer who is divorced? I told her not to get divorced because it’s against God but it’s a good job. 31:52 – Where do we get the idea of priests acting in persona christi? 43:30 – Until recently I’ve never never heard of the Synagogue of Satan. But I see it twice in the book of Revelation. What is it all about?

“What does the Bible say about Confession?” This episode addresses the significance of confession in the Catholic faith, alongside questions about whether one should confess venial sins, how priests maintain confidentiality, and the necessity of confession before receiving communion. The discussion also touches on the nature of mortal sins and the concept of perfect contrition. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 08:53 – Should I go to confession if I don’t have any mortal sins, since my venial sins are forgiven at Mass? 11:49 – How can priests keep all these confessions confidential? They see their parishioners all the time, how do they not slip? 17:11 – Do you need to go to confession every time before taking communion? 19:35 – When I confess my sins I don’t say how many times. But I heard I should be saying the number of times. 31:16 – What are the mortal sins? 39:24 – Regarding priests keeping the seal of confession — how would it even benefit a priest to talk about a confession, even if they don’t reveal who the person is? 41:42 – I’m in OCIA and my wife isn’t. I’m trying to help her understand why we don’t just confess to our hearts directly to God. 45:25 – I was baptized presbyterian and became Catholic last year. Sometimes I remember a sin from my pre-Catholic life that I didn’t mention in my first confession. Do I need to confess those? 48:26 – If you have committed a mortal sin and die before going to confession, I understand you’re good if you have perfect confession. But what exactly is perfect contrition? 50:40 – Is the withdrawal method a mortal sin?

“Where does the Church stand on the ethics of Neuralink?” This question opens a discussion on the intersection of technology and morality, while also addressing the ethical considerations surrounding frozen embryos and the implications of pharmaceutical birth control methods. Additionally, the conversation touches on the responsibilities of attorneys in providing ethical healthcare advice in line with Catholic teaching. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:30 – Where does the Church stand on the ethics of Neuralink? 18:32 – We have frozen embryos from before we became Catholic. What is the ethical way to handle them? 33:50 – Do all pharmaceutical birth control methods prevent implantation of the embryo? 42:14 – I’m an attorney. What do I need to know to give good ethical advice about healthcare directives? I have clients that want things that might contradict Catholic teaching. Can I not draft the document for them?

“Who received the first Eucharist?” This question opens a discussion on the significance of the Eucharist and the scriptural evidence for the real presence of Christ. Other topics include how to address Catholics who feel more fulfilled in Protestant services, the morality of the death penalty, and the rationale behind the Hail Mary prayer in the rosary. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:34 – Who received the first eucharist? Which scripture is the best to show as evidence for the real presence? 12:23 – How do we respond when a Catholic says they are getting more out of going to a Protestant church? How do we bring them back? 22:49 – How is the death penalty an immoral thing, and why is it changed for the first time in history? 37:30 – What is the response to the justification that the reformation is valid because the reformers followed the example of the apostles being kicked out of the temple? 42:05 – I see a lot of inconsistencies in the Catholic Church. I have an issue because if Doctrine can change how can I agree with what will change in the future? 51:24 – Why do Catholics pray the hail mary so much during the rosary? Isn’t it against scripture?

“How do I explain James 2 to Protestants?” This question opens a discussion on the Catholic understanding of faith and works, while also addressing how we determine the canon of Scripture and the role of tradition in the Church. Other topics include the significance of traditions like kissing the bishop’s ring and the implications of 2 Timothy 3:16-17 for interpreting Scripture. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 13:13 – How do we figure out the canon? Are the books self attesting. Why does the Holy Spirit give infallibility to the Church but the Holy Spirit does not give infallibility to individuals? 20:31 – I’m entering into the Church and recently met my bishop. Are traditions like kissing the bishop’s ring still necessary? Why or why not? 31:50 – How do I explain the Catholic approach to James 2 to Protestants? 42:11 – What are our areas of disagreement apart from Sola Scriptura? 49:11 – What does it mean when it says all scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16-17?

“How can Catholics hold councils without Orthodox bishops?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of ecclesiastical authority and governance. Additionally, the episode addresses whether one must be Catholic to be saved, the Orthodox perspective on the Immaculate Conception, and the differing views on the Filioque in the Creed. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:45 – How can Catholics still hold councils without the Orthodox bishops? 12:12 – Do you have to be Catholic in order to be saved? 15:15 – What’s the Orthodox view of Immaculate Conception? Is the Orthodox canon different from ours? 20:25 – Leo III wouldn’t add the Filioque to the Creed and gave his reasons?. Did the pope who added it ever give an explanation as to why? 28:43 – Is it ok for Catholics to accept the Ethiopian canon description of Jesus? 30:18 – I’ve heard some Orthodox say they don’t adore Jesus in the Eucharist because they view it as food. Is this uniform thought? 33:33 – How can a non-Christian evaluate the competing claim of the Eastern Orthodox who also claims apostolic authority? 39:21 – Why does the Eastern Orthodox allow contraception and Catholics don’t? 43:55 – Can a person who became Eastern Orthodox from Catholicism just jump back and forth? How can Eastern Orthodox justify 3 sacramental marriages? 48:12 – Do you think the Catholics and all other churches will ever fully reunite?

“What are the top reasons for Gospel reliability?” This question opens a discussion on the foundational aspects that affirm the Gospels’ trustworthiness, including the significance of eyewitness accounts. Other topics include the challenges posed by Bart Ehrman regarding Jesus’ words, the role of St. Luke among the apostles, and the criteria used to determine authentic Gospels versus apocryphal texts. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:10 – What are the top 3 reasons for the reliability of the gospels? 29:07 – Have you considered the work of Bart Ehrman and his problems with what Jesus really said? 35:56 – Is it safe to assume that St. Luke was one of the 72 that was originally sent out? 42:27 – How did they figure out which gospels were the actual eye witnesses and others weren’t like the gospel of Thomas? 46:49 – How would you go about balancing knowing the bible is the word of God and knowing humans had some influence on it? 50:44 – How would you compare the reliability of transmission of the NT compared to the Quran and the Hadiths?

Why does the Catholic Church have both the Traditional Latin Mass and the modern form of the Mass—and how should you explain the difference without getting pulled into “liturgy wars”? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists address this common question before diving into a wide range of topics. They explore whether charging interest is still considered usury, how just war theory applies to rebellions, and how historical cases like the Knights Templar fit with Church law. The episode also explains the role of baptism in justification, offers arguments against naturalism, and gives practical advice for strengthening Catholic marriages. Additional questions include how to understand Peter’s denial of Jesus and what it means for salvation. A rich discussion covering liturgy, moral theology, and everyday Catholic life. Questions Covered: 05:32 – I attend the Tridentine Mass Almost exclusively at my ‘local’ FSSP parish. I have a friend seeking the Catholic Church who asked me ‘why do you have two different masses in the Western Rite? Why don’t you just attend the regular English one?’   I often say that I am drawn to the beauty and simplicity of it. How do we respond to this simply without dragging them into the so-called ‘liturgy wars’? How do we respond given the restrictions placed on the older masses? Basically, how do we address this difference to those outside the church? Do I just keep a response about ‘preferences of the faithful’?  11:46 – The Church has been quite vocal against usury over the centuries. Is it still defined as any lending of money at interest? How does this notion square with the idea of a variable money supply? Would things like bank accounts, bonds, cds or stocks still be considered illicit? Has there been any recent guidance from the magisterium?  19:02 – Does just war theory apply to rebellions? Historically, I’m thinking of Irish wars against the British Empire and slave revolts of African-descended peoples in the Americas, including during the U.S. Civil War. What would be the conditions of jus ad bellum in cases like these or any other group dealing with an oppressor?  28:46 – Canon 7 of Chalcedon forbids clergy and monks from war and holding secular office. How then did the Knights Templar, and bishops such as the bishop of Andorra, who also holds title of Co-Prince of Andorra, not violate this?  34:03 – How does baptism fit with “faith alone working through love?” Can someone with “faith alone working through love” be initially justified apart from baptism?  19:44 – What do you think is the most convincing argument/thought exercise against naturalism/empricism (or at least what the average indifferent secular person thinks they believe).  46:29 – What is your best advice for a married Catholic couple to strengthen their bond in marriage? Your stories about you and Renee are always so beautiful (the blue birds especially). Also thanks for being a Catholic cowboy. I grew up Southern Baptist, and seeing a southern Catholic gentleman do apologetics is really cool.  50:51 –  Peter denied Jesus 3 times. After the c**k crows three times he ran away in shame. What if he falls, hits his head and dies after this? Would his soul be in danger of damnation? 

What if Christians today are misunderstanding what God really meant in Scripture? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists address a thoughtful concern about biblical translation and interpretation, explaining how the Church safeguards authentic teaching across centuries. The discussion also covers how to discern and use your God-given talents responsibly, why there isn’t a simple official Vatican list of all dogmas, and whether belief in Marian dogmas is required for justification. Additional questions explore the nature of election and free will, whether artificial intelligence could ever possess consciousness, and whether uncertainty around ex cathedra statements challenges papal infallibility. A wide-ranging and intellectually engaging conversation on faith, reason, and modern questions. Questions Covered: 01:47 – Knowing that the Bible and other texts have been translated over the centuries… what if how they’re understood now, by any faith, is wrong? What if God is sitting in heaven, looking down and thinking, “that’s not what I meant at all”? If it matters, I’m a convert to Catholicism from the Baptist church (and it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made by the way), I just think about weird stuff like this from time to time watching the debates about who’s right and who’s wrong or the meaning of things we now read in translated texts.  12:00 – When you have more than 1 talent and competing basic life priorities, what’s the most prudent way to act in a pleasing manner to God so as to not be at fault for neglecting a gift from God.  17:33 – Why is there no official Vatican list of Catholic Dogmas? Google has its own searchable list of 255 dogmas. But, you would think….  30:27 – Is justification predicated upon belief on your four Marian dogmas.  35:46 – Would it be fair to say there are two steps to being considered elect? That is to say God elects everyone (calls them to salvation and has a plan for them in place) but that our cooperation with his grace makes that initial unconditional election conditional on our acceptance and continued faithfulness?   43:18 – Can something like AI ever gain consciousness and what should we make of it if it does or doesn’t and on what grounds?  51:20 – Isn’t the fact that we can’t precisely define how many Papal statements have been made “ex cathedra” a problem for Papal Infallibility? 

Why didn’t the Jewish people of Jesus’ time—and many today—accept Him as the Messiah? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists explore this foundational question before diving into others on the core of Christian belief. They explain the evidence for the resurrection, whether Pascal’s Wager could justify belief in the Eucharist, and if our prayers can override God’s will. The episode also unpacks St. Augustine’s famous reflection on the Trinity, clarifies what indulgences really are, and examines difficult biblical passages like 1 Corinthians 15:29. Finally, they address why the Catholic Church accepts Protestant baptisms but not confirmations, and how to respond to claims that infant baptism isn’t found in Scripture. Questions Covered: 04:21 – What is it about Jesus that the Jews of his time and today still don’t accept him as messiah and considered him sacrilegious? 12:14 – What are the reasons to believe in the resurrection? What convinced you?  17:40 – If we did pascals wager with the eucharist, If we’re wrong, is it idolatry? 21:10 – Do our prayers override God’s will? 28:40 – Could you expound on the story of Augustine trying to understand the Trinity? (The story of Augustine seeing a boy trying to fill a hole with the ocean.) 36:15 – I don’t understand indulgences. Can you help clarify what they mean? 43:55 – What is the Catholic position on 1 Cor. 15:29? 49:49 – Why is baptism in a Christian denomination accepted to join the Catholic Faith, but confirmation is not? 51:16 – We have friends that say they can’t find infant Baptism in the bible. How do I respond?

Is IVF ever morally acceptable for Catholics facing infertility? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists tackle challenging questions about Catholic teaching on human life, Scripture, and Mary. The discussion begins with how to respond when someone believes IVF is their only option, followed by questions about consent and pregnancy, whether Ezekiel 18 contradicts original sin, and how the Church responds to the claim of total depravity. The episode also explains what the Magisterium is, whether Revelation 12 refers to Mary or Israel, the evidence for Mary’s sinlessness, why Catholics honor Mary above John the Baptist, and how spiritual beings like angels can engage in battle. A thoughtful exploration of Catholic doctrine and biblical interpretation. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:55 – How can I answer someone who isn’t Catholic and the only solution is IVF? 08:15 – Do Catholics minimize consent? The example: Just because a person consents to sex does not mean they consent to impregnation. 15:14 – What’s the Catholic response to the claim that Ezekiel 18:20-21 argues against original sin? 20:31 – Since the bible describes original sin as impacting the whole person, it seems like it teaches the doctrine of total depravity, which the Catholic Church rejects. 28:51 – Could you explain what the magisterium is? 33:36 – Is Rev 12:1-18 about Mary or Israel 40:40 – I struggle with Mary being perfect? What proof do we have that she led a sinless life? 47:25 – Why do we believe that Mary was greater than John the Baptist when Jesus says he is the greatest? 50:30 – How can spirit creatures do battle, regarding the battle of angels?

“Did Constantine rig the Council of Nicea?” This question opens a discussion on early Church issues, including the specifics of the canon established at the Council of Florence and the complexities surrounding the organization of the early Church. Other topics include the role of Protestant pastors in critiquing Catholicism and the scriptural basis for attending Mass and confession. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:30 – Did Constantine rig the Council of Nicea? 07:51 – What is the specific canon of the council of Florence (1422) whereby the Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Coptics all agreed on the 73 book canon of scripture? 12:40 – How can we help stop this war in the Middle East? What can I do? 16:51 – How do I respond to a Protestant claim citing Eamon Duffy’s book, Saints and Sinners, that Clement never makes the claim to be a bishop, that his letter from the whole Roman community (not just him), and that the church at that time was organized under a group of bishops, not a single bishop. 21:32 – Why do Protestant pastors feel compelled to put down the Catholic faith? If they don’t believe it, why don’t they just leave us alone? 29:12 – Where is it in scripture that we need to attend Mass once a week and go to confession once a year? And are there any exceptions for people who can’t get there (like if they can’t drive). 34:09 – Why do all of the apostolic Churches like the Oriental Orthodox have different canons on scripture and different christologies? 41:08 – If my mother and father are in Purgatory, do they know each other in Purgatory? Can souls in Purgatory pray for each other? 46:28 – In the early church, how did they know how to consecrate the bread and wine at Mass? 49:10 – How does the Catholic Church view the development of the election of a pope changing from Roman clergy to the College of Cardinals? 51:48 – I’ve heard people say that Peter and Paul had different gospel messages, and that since I’m American, I’m a gentile, therefore I should follow Paul instead of Peter.

“Is it appropriate to pray the Rosary during Mass?” This question opens a discussion on the integration of personal devotion within communal worship. Other topics include why many Catholic parishes serve only bread during Communion, the historical context of the Holy Family’s journey to Egypt, and the process of seeking annulments while preparing for the sacraments. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:30 – Is it appropriate to pray the Rosary during Mass? 17:03 – I’m not Catholic. Why do many Catholic churches only give the bread and not the wine? It seems like if we’re following scripture it should be both. 29:15 – I heard that when the Holy Family went to Egypt they were robbed by two thieves, and these same thieves were crucified with Jesus. Is this true? 33:33 – My wife and I are going through OCIA. Both of us are seeking annulments for our previous marriages. The annulments will likely not be done by Easter. Can we still receive the sacrament of reconciliation? 43:11 – Could the new Mass of Paul VI be considered a new rite? Especially considering the new Eucharistic prayers, and the fact that the Roman Canon is not required? 45:21 – What are your thoughts on making noise in the church before Mass begins? Should it be silent preparation, or should we greet and talk to people? Or somewhere in between? 50:07 – Is Aquinas’ belief that Jesus did not have the theological virtue of Faith a doctrine of the Church? Or is it just Aquinas’ opinion?

“Is feminism compatible with Christianity?” This question opens a discussion on the intersection of faith and feminist ideals, addressing concerns about objectification and the complexities of modern feminism. Other topics include how to engage charitably with feminist viewpoints and the misconceptions surrounding women’s equality and the patriarchy. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:30 – Is Feminism compatible with Christianity? 23:28 – My sister claims to be a feminist and says she is in support of legal prostitution. At the same time she says she is against the objectification of women. Any advice on how to talk to her about this stuff? 32:46 – What’s your advice on how to best debate with a feminist in a charitable way? 43:50 – I think people are confused about what feminism is. People think women being equal is women being like men, and that’s wrong. I think the patriarchy still has a hold on us in some ways — women need education so they can escape abusive relationships if needed.

“Should we remove holy water and cover statues in Lent?” This question opens a discussion on the practices of the season, while also addressing the nature of the Mass as a true sacrifice, the challenges of explaining its mystical elements to Protestants, and the historical changes from the Latin Mass to the new order. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:27 – Should We Remove Holy Water and Cover Statues Doing Lent? 12:25 – Is the sacrifice of the Mass symbolic or is it actually Christ continually being sacrificed through time and space in the Eucharist? 17:14 – How do you deal with a Protestant who struggles with the mystical or supernatural aspects of the Mass. I mean, consuming flesh and blood is pretty out there. 37:10 – After the collect, does the congregation need to wait until the priest sits down before we sit down? We did it that way when I was a kid, but not anymore. 42:25 – Why did the Mass change from the Latin Mass to the new order? 47:43 – I’m in OCIA. I wanted to attend a Church that has a Latin Mass. What do I need to know beforehand? I saw on a parish website times for high mass and low mass. What is this all about?

“How Can I Avoid Gossip?” This question opens a discussion on the implications of cursing and the use of God’s name in vain. Other topics include strategies for overcoming cussing, the moral responsibilities of viewers regarding language in films, and whether little lies can be considered sinful. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 15:16 – My worst habit is cussing. Can you recommend how I can stop? 19:31 – Is it ever acceptable for an actor to take the Lord’s name in vain for a movie? And as viewers do we bear any culpability for viewing it? 31:32 – Are little lies sinful? 42:07 – Is it wrong to say “G.D.”? My dad said it all the time. 45:59 – Rahab lied, but she’s this biblical hero. What’s the deal with that? 47:30 – How would you approach someone in your life who regularly uses the Lord’s name in vain? 51:43 – My students just say the most outrageous and nonsensical things. How can I cut this off without completely shutting down the classroom?

“Is there a scriptural basis for St. Joseph’s Assumption?” This question opens a discussion on the biblical foundations of St. Joseph’s bodily assumption into Heaven. Other topics include the differences between the Douay–Rheims versions, the appropriateness of praying for intercession from souls in purgatory, and the practice of clergy praying with covered heads during Mass. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 18:29 – What is the difference between the Douay–Rheims reims and the traditional Douay–Rheims? 21:45 – Is it okay to not just pray for the souls in purgatory, but to ask for their intercession? 29:07 – 1 Cor 11 says to not pray with your head covered. So how do we reconcile that with clergy praying with heads covered (mitres, cardinals hats, berettas, etc) during Mass? 32:49 – Should we offer Masses for the recently deceased leader of Iran and his party? 42:39 – How does one pray to saints? Also, The Bible records Jesus’ words of prayer in the agony in the garden, but how do we know what he said if nobody was there to witness and report it? 45:23 – How often can one make a general confession? 48:22 – Can you help me understand this controversy of interpreting the bible as saying we are either “declared” righteous or “made” righteous? 52:04 – I feel like God’s love and mercy has already washed my sins away even though I haven’t been to confession yet. What’s the deal with that?

When exactly can Catholics fulfill their Easter duty, and why does the Church require it? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Jimmy Akin answers thoughtful questions from listeners on a wide range of topics. He explains how we know the Scriptures are divinely inspired without falling into circular reasoning, discusses theories about the causes of same-sex attraction, and examines whether monastic life conflicts with the Church’s mission to evangelize. Jimmy also explores the relationship between the Eucharist and the resurrection of the body, moral responsibility for actions done in ignorance, whether swallowing something stuck in your teeth breaks the Eucharistic fast, and how Catholic moral theology evaluates difficult scenarios like stopping a hijacked plane. A wide-ranging discussion covering Scripture, moral theology, and practical questions about living the Catholic faith. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:00 – When can you fulfill your Easter duty? 11:07 – How can we know that the Scriptures are divinely inspired? The idea that “the Church says the Scriptures are divinely inspired because the Church has the authority to say so, but the Church has the authority to say so because the Scriptures give them the authority to” feels like a circular argument. I know there’s more to it, but I can’t quite articulate it, so any help would be appreciated! 19:33 – Have you in your learnings come to understand what causes Same-Sex Attraction? Is there a theory you find convincing? Do you have a theory of your own? 29:11 – Is monasticism selfish?  For example, how could have the apostles fulfilled the Great Commission if they were cloistered? And how would that apply today?  Can evangelization be accomplished from inside a monastic cell? 39:54 – It seems to me that God’s ultimate goal is to get us back bodily in heaven with him. Would that be like the garden of Eden again and how does us eating the eucharist help with that? Or does it? It seems we need to eat our savior to be bodily with God like he is. Is this correct or am I going somewhere I shouldn’t with this line of reasoning? 44:17 – If somebody does something evil out of stupidity, how responsible is he for said action? Can he be at least partly excused? 47:58 – This might sound silly, but I’ve wondered it a lot: If you are in mass and you’ve fasted the hour but find something in your teeth, does it break the fast to swallow it?  50:00 – Would it be moral to shoot down a hijacked plane full of civilians over an unpopulated area, if it is believed the hijackers intend to crash it in a populated area? Would this be considered doing evil that good may come of it or double effect?

Are generational curses real, and does the Bible support the idea that sins can pass down through families? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Jimmy Akin tackles a wide range of fascinating questions from listeners. He explains the Church’s teaching on generational curses, whether Christians can eat food offered to other gods, and when it may be morally permissible to disobey unjust laws. Jimmy also explores deeper philosophical and theological questions, including how we can experience happiness in Heaven before the resurrection of the body, whether a pope emeritus remains a cardinal, and whether delaying confession can itself become sinful. A thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion covering moral theology, Church authority, and practical Catholic living. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 00:55 – Is there such a thing as generational curses? 13:21 – Could you please summarize the church’s teaching on food offered to other gods? Is it a sin to eat it if it’s offered to me or is it fine if I just think of it as something to eat? 20:09 – When does illegally acquired power become legal? For example, when can a Chinese person stop obeying the authorities in Taiwan, and henceforth honor the ruling Communists?  23:27 – Yes, can you please explain when, if ever, it is okay to disobey laws and rules? Also, while vigilantism is against Catholic teaching, when, if ever, is it appropriate to try to restore justice as an ordinary citizen if corruption has gone so far? Sorry, I know this is very broad but I appreciate any thoughts. Thank you so much. God bless you always, Jimmy. 34:13 – How can we be happy in Heaven before the general resurrection if happiness is dependent on chemicals in our brains? 44:34 – Is a pope emeritus still a cardinal, or would the next pope need to create his predecessor as a cardinal again so that he could vote in a conclave again?  49:00 – Is it an additional sin to delay confession if you know you need to go? Someone on X argued Aquinas says delaying confession is not a sin. I argued that he says it’s impractical to go “immediately,” but it can still be a sin depending on your access to a priest and why you delay.

“Is ecumenism compromising doctrine?” This question leads to a discussion on the goals of ecumenism and whether it involves compromising with Protestant beliefs. Other topics include the Church’s relationship with modern culture, the historical and biblical basis for apostolic authority, and the theological implications of God’s actions in the stories of David and Bathsheba. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:41 – What is the goal of Ecumenism? Is it us compromising on doctrine with Protestants? 11:00 – Do you think the Church should change with modern culture or stand apart from it? 17:40 – How can we demonstrate historically and biblically that the apostles passed on their authority to bishops? 29:04 – Why did God create man alone when he knew he would create woman after? 40:53 – Why did God take out his anger on David and Bathsheba’s first baby? 49:15 – Why does freemasonry have an appeal that Catholicism doesn’t have, and why is Catholicism better?

“How can couples avoid bitterness?” Respect and patience are essential in nurturing relationships. In this episode, Rose Sweet shares her personal journey and offers insights on seeking understanding, addressing disrespect, and maintaining perspective. She also discusses coping strategies through art and the challenges of navigating annulment processes within marriage. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 29:01 – Through my marital difficulties I coped with it through doing art. 33:03 – After going through all of that, how did you pick up the pieces and move on after your husband passed? 35:21 – I’m civilly married to my wife. We’re both Catholic. She and her first husband have tried to go through the annulment process but one of the witnesses died. Another time another witness would not cooperate. We’d like to try again but a little reluctant given the previous difficulties. Do you have any advice? We do not receive Communion because my wife’s first marriage is not annulled. 43:24 – I can relate to your story and had a similar experience. I had to learn to detach with love when he went from alcohol to crack. 48:02 – I’m having a problem with patience with my spouse. I’m married to a schismatic. I don’t think I’d call myself bitter, but I’m getting tired of it. I’m a former schismatic myself. 50:49 – To get through our difficulties I increased my adoration time.

“Can the Pope become an antipope?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of papal authority and the implications of heretical statements. Additionally, the episode addresses why Pope Leo can’t grant permission regarding a new bishop, the historical context of how bishops became popes, and the origins of conclaves. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:58 – Why can’t Pope Leo grant permission about the new Bishop? 17:07 – I have heard that if the Pope made a heretical statement, he would become an anti-pope. Is this true and could it happen? 21:35 – Do you have an opinion on Pope Leo visiting the US? 29:30 – How did the Bishops of Peter’s time become Pope? Give him the Peter and the Eucharist books 40:50 – How did conclaves come to be? 45:06 – When do you think the Didache was likely written? Any one of Joe’s books… 49:47 – What is the difference between the Papacy and the Orthodox Patriarch? 51:53 – When do we know the Pope is speaking Ex Cathedra and how many times has he? 54:00 – What is the tradition behind the headgear of pope and cardinals?

“How can I help a Protestant friend?” This question opens a discussion on addressing concerns about the papacy and its history, including the boundaries on questioning the Pope’s comments and the implications of Jesus’ statement about the gates of Hades. Other topics include the workings of assent with the Magisterium and the nature of infallible teachings. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 12:45 – Where are the boundaries on questioning the comments of the Pope? 22:26 – What does Jesus mean when he says “the gate of Hades” won’t prevail. Can these be lies? 33:22 – How can I help a Protestant friend whose greatest hurdle is papacy history and scandals? 40:42 – How does assent work with the Magisterium? 49:16 – Is there a list of the Infallible teachings?

“What are the limits of Church authority?” This question opens a discussion on the role and boundaries of ecclesiastical power, while also addressing related topics such as the authority of the Bible versus Church tradition and the implications of using AI in homilies. Other questions touch on the origins of purgatory and the complexities of religious freedom in a diverse society. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:59 – What would be a good response to a Protestant asking why the Bible isn’t the final authority? 12:27 – Pope Leo said priests should not use AI to prepare homilies. Would the pope have authority to limit or govern the Church’s use of AI in the future? 19:17 – A Protestant might say that when the early church first started calling itself Catholic, that was really a “small c” kind of Catholic. It wasn’t really the Church united under a bishop of Rome. How do we respond to that? 23:25 – Where do we get the idea of purgatory? 30:36 – I am autistic. Are we able to use AI to study the scriptures? 36:39 – Why do we believe in religious freedom? It seems like that gives other religions a kind of tactical advantage? Why not just have the government say that everyone should be Christian? 42:01 – A priest told me questioning the authority of the Church is blasphemy. Is that really true? If that’s the case then how would you guys be able to have this discussion right now without blaspheming? 47:51 – Can you explain what’s going on with the SSPX right now? If the pope is the authority I don’t see why these bishops are disobeying him.

“What did daily life look like for the Holy Family?” This question opens a discussion about the domestic life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, touching on their cultural practices, including cleanliness in Jewish tradition. Other topics include the identity of the “brothers of Jesus,” and insights into St. Joseph’s life and burial. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:00 – What Did Daily Life Look Like for the Holy Family? 22:50 – Were the “brothers of Jesus” children from Joseph but not Mary? 29:37 – I think I might disagree with you statement that the Holy Family would have been dirty. That Jewish culture was very concerned with being clean. 33:20 – How does the Bible describe St. Joseph? 37:33 – Where is St. Joseph buried? 41:49 – Was Joseph old or young when He married Mary? 47:43 – What is the earliest attestation of the assumption of St. Joseph ?

“How can we cooperate with the grace of Lent to work on healing our relationships?” This question opens a discussion on the importance of reconciliation during this sacred season. Additional topics include navigating family dynamics with a 22-year-old son who struggles with respect and addressing the challenges of processing grief amid loss. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:30 – How can we cooperate with the grace of Lent to work on healing our relationships? 18:15 – My 22-yr old son lives with us but does not respect the family dynamic? 30:33 – I’ve asked my 22-yr old son who is dealing with alcohol issues to leave our home and he refuses to? 43:21 – How can I process grief; I’m in a season experiencing a lot of death of friends?

“Why Aren’t You Catholic?” addresses the question of infallible authority in the Church, particularly in light of claims from some Christians. The discussion also touches on whether confession is necessary if baptism forgives sins, the marital status of Peter, and the implications of Mary’s immaculate conception. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:48 – “Some Christians say they’re not Catholic because they don’t see any evidence for any sort of infallible authority continuing after the apostles.” 13:10 – In the Nicene Creed when we pray “One Baptism for the forgiveness of sins…” does this mean we do not need confession? 23:34 – Was Peter married? 32:48 – If Mary was immaculately conceived, why did she have to die? 41:32 – The Church does not seem divinely inspired, so how can it claim to teach infallibility? 48:09 – Will sins confessed an absolved by a priest be read in our final judgement?

Who are the “sheep and the goats” in Matthew 25, and are we judged by works or saved by grace? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists unpack this key passage before addressing other challenging questions from Scripture. They explain what Revelation means about reigning with Christ, how Jesus could offer Himself at the Last Supper before the crucifixion, and what the Church teaches about the mysterious Nephilim in Genesis 6. Additional topics include why Jesus allowed Himself to be tempted, what happened to the cross after the crucifixion, and why Catholics are cautious about numerology in biblical interpretation. A thoughtful discussion on salvation, Scripture, and Catholic theology. Questions Covered: 04:00 – What does Revelation mean when it says that those who overcome will be the ones to rule in the new heaven and earth with Christ?  10:06 – How is it possible for Jesus to offer himself up if he offered himself up first at the last supper but did not die till the next day?  16:30 – Mat. 25 talking about the sheep and the goats. How are they saved by grace if it feels like they were separated and judged based on works?  23:40 – Gen.6:1-2 What are the nephilim? What interpretation does the Catholic Church take?  33:38 – Why would Jesus so pure be tempted by the devil?  37:42 – Who are the sheep and the goats?  43:00 – Do we know what happened to the cross immediately after the crucifixion and where it is today?  46:59 – It feels like the Church has moved away from numerology in the bible? Why should Catholics avoid it? 

Did Jonah really get swallowed by a whale, or is the story symbolic? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists tackle this question along with several others about Scripture and theology. They discuss how to prepare for conversations with Muslims using the Bible, why giants appear after the flood, and whether Catholics can accept the Orthodox canon as inspired. The conversation also explores what St. Paul means by being “slaves to sin” and what Christ truly accomplished through redemption. Additional questions address modern concerns about alcohol in light of the wedding at Cana and clarify how the Bible uses terms like mind, heart, soul, and spirit. A wide-ranging discussion on biblical interpretation and Catholic teaching. Questions Covered: 01:22 – Did Jonah actually get swallowed by a whale?  11:27 – Is there some part of the bible I should study to prepare to speak to Muslims?  17:16 – When the Israelites entered the holy land they fought giants. Why are there giants after the flood?  21:03 – Can we as Catholics personally hold the belief that the Orthodox canon is divinely inspired?  23:54 – Romans talk about being a slave to sin. What did Jesus actually accomplish if we are slaves to sin?  34:39 – New research suggests that no human should consume alcohol because of how bad it is for humans. How could God create and make water into wine at the wedding of Cana knowing how harmful it is for humans?  45:50 – Does the bible mean the same thing when it refers to the mind, heart, soul and spirit? 

“Why isn’t fish considered meat?” This question opens a discussion on dietary laws and traditions within the Church. Other topics include the role of extraordinary ministers of holy communion, the appropriateness of taking a female saint’s name for confirmation, and the Church’s stance on organ donation, showcasing a variety of inquiries related to faith and practice. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:55 – There are things I cannot accept about Catholicism. Marriage equality and women priests are the two things that I just cannot get past. 16:25 – Mark 7:31-37 Where did Jesus spit? 20:03 – In the US we see a lot of extraordinary ministers of holy communion being used ordinarily. Is that an abuse? 31:44 – Why isn’t fish considered meat? 41:22 – Is there any issue for a man taking a female saint name for confirmation? 42:45 – In what state in the body of the damned? 44:32 – What is the Church position on organ donation? 48:35 – Could you clarify when it meant when God said he regretted the creation of Man when speaking to Noah?

“Is Lent biblical?” This question opens a discussion on the origins and significance of Lent, addressing whether it is a divine command or a human tradition. Additional topics include the nature of God’s sacrifice, the fate of Protestants, and the practice of refraining from saying Hallelujah during Lent, providing a rich exploration of faith and tradition. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:46 – Is Lent biblical or is it a man made tradition? 12:30 – Did God want to die for us? Why did he put the tree of the knowledge of God and evil in the Garden in the first place? 20:15 – Do all protestants go to hell? 28:30 – Are there any recognized Catholic saints from Scotland? 36:12 – Why do we not say Hallelujah during lent and when did that practice start? 41:00 – Am I sinning by how I think about other people? I’m not judging others but I can’t help but see their sin. How can we be witnesses to others without being forceful? 43:45 – Am I sinning by how I think about other people? I’m not judging others but I can’t help but see their sin. How can we be witnesses to others without being forceful?

“Can you explain papal authority?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of Church leadership, including the reconciliation of Vatican I and the Council of Constance. Other topics include the practice of praying for the dead and the perspectives of Orthodox believers on Roman primacy, highlighting the diverse theological inquiries that arise in Catholic apologetics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:07 – I am no longer Catholic but I don’t really know why it’s taking me long to desire to come back. 20:15 – Even if I were to accept 2 Macc. We could not accept the practice of praying for the dead because it was descriptive, not prescriptive. 23:59 – I’m Orthodox. In the 7th Ecumenical Council it talks about the agreement with the patriarchs. I do see a Roman primacy but it feels like there’s something missing where Rome didn’t do things with the agreement of the other patriarchs. 43:05 – How do you reconcile the contradiction on papal authority in Vatican 1 and Council of Constance? 50:25 – A couple was struck down in Acts of the Apostles after holding back. That feels like it contradicts the message of Jesus and the gospel. Can you explain?

“Is Receiving Ashes Against Scripture? This question opens a discussion on the intersection of faith and politics, addressing concerns about the implications of such support. Other topics include the challenge of serving both God and money, and the complexities of identity in faith, such as navigating historical claims about the papacy and exploring the differences between Catholicism and Orthodoxy. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:12 – Reading not doing public penance, but then we get big ashes on our heads. 09:23 – Jesus said you can’t serve God and money. Is it contrary to being a christian for a Church to support a political party or movement? 18:38 – Isn’t it condescending to ask the question, why aren’t you Catholic? You’re asking, why aren’t you one of us? Wouldn’t it be better to ask who raised you to be the faith you are? 40:56 – 1689 London Baptist confession of faith claims the pope is the Anti-Christ, how do I navigate that as a non-Catholic? 51:52 – I’m looking into Catholicism and Orthodoxy. What’s the Catholic response to the claim that Rome used to be orthodox before the great schism?

“Can non-Catholics receive ashes?” This question opens a discussion on the significance of rituals in the Catholic faith. Other topics include the differences between Catholic Mass and Protestant services, the removal of certain feast days from the calendar, and the meaning behind the priest adding a drop of water to the wine. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:30 – Can Non-Catholics receive ashes? 06:09 – I’m in OCIA. How do I sum up the differences between a Catholic mass and a protestant service and why it’s important? 12:44 – In the new calendar we removed feast days of saints. Why did that happen and did it undermine papal authority? 16:58 – How can the bread turn into the body and the wine turn into the blood? 21:50 – Iowa Catholic Radio. Why does the priest add a drop of water into the wine? 28:47 – Are the SSPX in communion with Rome? What do you say to someone who goes to those masses? 34:28 – Can you emphasize why our Catholic rituals have meaning? 43:49 – Why does the eucharist have to be celebrated at every mass if it’s only required once a year? 51:14 – My priest changes words during the mass. What are your thoughts on that?

“Why is Mary our Mother?” This question opens a discussion on the significance of Mary in Catholicism, touching on her role as a mediator and the importance of the rosary. Other topics include the justification of the saints in Scripture and the nature of Marian apparitions, providing a comprehensive look at these essential aspects of faith. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:30 – What Bible passage do you like as far as justifying the Catholic view of the saints? 09:08 – I want to pray the rosary but I struggle with the amount of prayers meditating on Mary rather than Jesus. Can you help me get over this hurdle? 24:08 – Why is the rosary so repetitive? 34:31 – How does the Church determine whether a Marian apparition is authentic? 40:35 – The Orthodox reject the immaculate conception but believes that Mary had her sin removed at some point in her life. Why isn’t that the Catholic position? 46:13 – Why is it imperative for Mary to have remained a virgin? Does it have anything to do with Mary being the Ark of the covenant? 49:42 – The decades of the rosary meditate on the life of Jesus. What are your thoughts on that?

“Did God will Adam and Eve to sin?” This question opens a discussion that touches on the necessity of the cross and whether God could have chosen another means for salvation. Other topics include the validity of baptism when the recipient lacks full desire, and the Church’s stance on karma, providing a rich exploration of faith and doctrine. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:06 – Did God will Adam and Eve to sin? 14:06 – Regarding the necessity of the cross. I’m bothered by the Catholic idea that God could have used something else other than the cross. 20:18 – For doctrine to change, what mechanically needs to change as a prerequisite? 28:59 – What is the validity of the baptism of a person who does not fully desire it or desires it for the wrong reasons? 34:16 – How does the Church view karma and why does she reject it? 44:40 – I accept the real presence, but I have a hard time adoring the host in adoration? 51:41 – I attended a sede-vacantist church and I admired their unity. Our Catholic churches seem so divided. Will we admit that the experiment of Vatican II failed?

“Does the Church make Scripture pointless?” This question addresses concerns some Protestants have regarding the Church’s role as the infallible interpreter of Scripture and its implications for the authority of the Bible. Other topics include the mechanics of transubstantiation, the Catholic understanding of being born again, and the relationship between faith and works. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:49 – Some Protestants have a problem with the belief that the Church (identified in the magisterium) is the infallible interpreter of Scripture. They argue that if the Church is infallible in this task, then Scripture has no inherent authority. 20:00 – How does transubstantiation work? 29:01 – How do Catholics understand the born-again discourse? 32:50 – Can you clarify why you believe in Faith plus works? 43:50 – Why has the Church changed so much in the last 80 years? 49:16 – Why does the Church exclusively associate the Petrine office with Rome?

“Could the Pope Crown a New Holy Roman Emperor Today?” While the papal authority in this regard has evolved, the discussion touches on the historical significance of such ceremonies. Other intriguing questions include whether zombies could get married and what argument one might use to convince a medieval king of time travel. Additionally, the conversation explores the limits of a priest’s ability to bless water. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:20 – Could zombies get married? 12:04 – What person does Jimmy consider a healer 21:45 – Does the Pope still hypothetically have the power to crown a Holy Roman Emperor? 28:47 – If you were cast back in time, let’s say to medieval Europe. You are captured upon the moment that you materialized in the past and were brought before the King immediately. You have one argument that you can present to the King to prove that you are a time traveler (and not say a witch). What argument could you use to convince the king that you time travelled? If you fail at the argument you’re burned at the stake. Those are high stakes!! 37:12 – Is there any evidence that ancient humans may have reached a level of technological advancement similar to, or even higher than, ours, and that this knowledge was somehow lost after the fall or after the great flood? 51:20 – How much water can a Priest bless in one time? Presumably they cannot bless the whole ocean so how far is their reach in this regard?

“Could vampires be creatures of God?” This question opens a fascinating discussion about the nature of evil and creation, particularly in light of the belief that vampires, as blood-consuming beings, oppose Christ. Other intriguing topics include the theological implications of aliens being viewed as demons and whether fictional narratives can align with real-life moral principles. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:52 – How do we grapple with the Eastern Orthodox theology that aliens would be considered demons? I think the idea is largely from Fr Seraphim Rose (although he’s quite contentious in orthodox circles as I have many friends who dislike him a lot, and others who consider him better than basically every saint) 13:37 – Hello, thank you for taking the time to read my email. I watched your video “Could You Marry An Alien,” and I found it to be quite comprehensive in answering that question. But, now I have a question on whether the exact same principles for real life need to be followed in a fictional story. I have been reading a serialized science fiction story by an Anglican author. In the story, a relationship starts to develop between a human male and a humanoid female alien. I have talked with the author about his plans for the story, and while most of the criteria have been met (being with a rational soul, will be baptized later in the story) the author decided to treat the ability to have children the same as an infertile human couple. Is this an okay approach for a fictional story, or should real-life principles be applied? He has also discussed another potential solution, potentially objectionable idea. Having sci-fi technology be capable of allowing inter-species couples to reproduce. Is this a viable solution, provided that it works like acceptable fertility treatments (instead of IVF, cloning, or any other unnatural intrusion) or is this also bad? Can the same principles be applied to humanoid fantasy creatures as to aliens? 22:54 – I understand vampires to be the antithesis of Christ, consuming blood to give themselves life whereas Christ shed His blood to give us life, and this makes vampires evil. If they were real, how could they be evil since they would be creations of God? It seems a paradox to me that they would be naturally evil (the evil act of consuming blood is in their nature) while being a creature of God. 35:18 – I enjoy listening to much of your content! I am wondering: Does Jesus genetically resemble God in genotype and/or phenotype? How about Mary? Thank you for considering answering my question! 42:51 – Is it ok for one to hold the view that the Tree of Life from Kabbalah is a valid conception of God without straying from the doctrinal belief in the Trinity? Like, if God is so beyond the realm of human comprehension (in the sense of the story of the blind men and the elephant, where we as mortals don’t possess the capacity to conceptualize God in His totality), is it valid to explore other conceptions of the role God plays in the world without straying into heretical territory so long as you still hold onto the traditional categorization of the Trinity as well? 50:58 – If there were no Fall, would philosophy exist?

“Can I pray to my family members who have died” The conversation touches on whether it’s appropriate to pray to deceased family members and explores the order of Marian Dogmas, providing a well-rounded look at these important topics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 20:20 – Can I pray to my family members who have died? 34:01 – Is there an order among Marian Dogmas?

“Did the Exodus really happen?” This question invites a closer look at the historical and theological implications of the Exodus narrative. Additionally, the discussion touches on why Matthew 24:36 states that not even the Son knows the time of God’s return, and how the Rosary played a role in defeating the Cathars, highlighting the rich tapestry of faith and history in Catholicism. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 08:24 – Did the Exodus really happen, or is it symbolic? 37:08 – How exactly did the Rosary defeat the Cathars? 48:35 – Why do the Gospels share the same story with different details?

“How should I sort through everything the Church teaches?” This question opens a discussion on navigating the complexities of Church doctrine. Additionally, the episode addresses intriguing topics such as why St. Michael is recognized as a saint despite being an angel, and whether a Protestant can participate in Confession, providing a well-rounded exploration of faith. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:58 – How should I sort through everything the Church teaches? 13:20 – How come St. Michael is a saint if he is an angel? 20:28 – What’s the response to the claim that Mary and Joseph did not have very much faith because they were afraid and didn’t know where to look when they lost Jesus? 33:10 – Can a Protestant go to Confession? 42:50 – How is the Eucharist a propitiatory sacrifice and how is it applied?

“What’s the best argument against Mormonism?” This question opens a discussion on the key points of contention between Catholicism and Mormon beliefs. Additionally, the conversation touches on the evidence of divine protection for the magisterium and offers guidance for an ex-Mormon navigating discussions about biblical reinterpretations, such as baptism for the dead. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:20 – What’s the best argument against Mormonism? 18:15 – What is evidence of divine protection for the magisterium and the Catholic Church as a whole? 35:41 – I’m an ex-Mormon in OCIA. How do I talk to my family about the bible verses that Joseph Smith and reinterpreted such as baptism for the dead.

“Does prevenient grace give some form of imperfect faith, hope, or love in order to move us to baptism?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of grace and its role in our spiritual journey. Other topics include the unique benefits of Eucharistic adoration compared to communal prayer, the lesser-known significance of St. Joseph, and the reasons why the symbolic view of baptism is not accurate. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 06:36 – Does prevenient grace give some form of imperfect faith, hope or love in order to move us to baptism? 16:21 – What do I get out of adoring the Eucharist that I wouldn’t get from gathering 2 or 3 in Jesus name? 31:54 – Why don’t we hear much about St. Joseph? 43:50 – Why is the view of baptism being symbolic not correct?

“Is Sola Scriptura self-refuting?” This question opens a discussion on the foundations of Scripture’s authority, while also addressing why Catholics believe the Eucharist is essential for salvation. Additional topics include the salvation of Gentiles in Romans 2 and the theological implications of drinking the blood of Jesus despite biblical prohibitions. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 08:03 – Is Sola Scriptura Self Refuting? 14:40 – Why do Catholics believe they need the eucharist to be saved? 35:12 – How are the gentiles in Romans 2 saved? 50:35 – If the bible says drinking blood is a sin, then why is drinking the blood of Jesus not a sin?

“How Can Non-Catholics Be Saved If Jesus is the Only Mediator?” This question opens a discussion on the relationship between faith, works, and salvation, addressing concerns about Ephesians 2:8-9 and its compatibility with Catholic teaching. Other topics include the nature of Marian devotion and its perceived paganism, as well as the implications of Vatican II on salvation for non-Catholics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 09:41 – Seems to me that Marian devotion is paganism, like it’s worship. It’s one of the reasons why I left the Church. How would you respond to that objection? 21:42 – It always bothered me that God gave Bathsheba an abortion — why would God do that? 29:32 – According to Vatican II a non-Catholic can be saved. That seems to contradict Jesus’ teaching that nobody comes to the Father except through him. 37:02 – Why do we have Holy Days of Obligation? 46:46 – After Peter died, would the new bishop or Rome have authority over the still living apostles, such as John? 50:52 – Is it better to think of works in terms of losing our salvation through mortal sins of omission?

“How do you make a good examination of conscience?” This essential practice is explored alongside questions about the significance of Jesus’ second coming, the role of the Trinity in marriage counseling, and the implications of annulments for remarriage. Each topic sheds light on the complexities of faith and relationships within the Catholic tradition. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 07:50 – How do you make a good examination of conscience? 19:25 – What does it mean that Jesus will come again in glory? Was the first time at creation, the incarnation, or the Eucharist? 22:00 – How might one use the image of the Trinity when counseling couples for marriage? 24:33 – What happened to the gold, frankincense, and myrrh that the wise men gave to Mary and Joseph? 29:57 – If my husband divorced and I have an annulment, does he have to die before I can marry someone else? 36:00 – My wife and I are going through OCIA and our annulments are not complete. If the annulments are not finalized by Holy Week would we still be able to enter the Church provided that we intend to remain celibate until the annulments are resolved? 41:00 – Could a widow enter into a marriage that was just through the Catholic Church and not a civil, legal marriage? I’m getting mixed answers about whether or not this should be done. 43:26 – My son is getting married to a muslim woman. He was raised Catholic. Now he says he believes in God but not in Jesus’ divinity. She is Muslim but not very practicing. They told her father a lie, that my son converted to Islam, to appease him. How do I handle this upcoming wedding?

“Will there be a Rapture?” This episode dives into the Catholic perspective on popular rapture theology and explores key topics such as the concept of a literal thousand-year reign, the Catholic understanding of the Three Days of Darkness, and the nature of the Antichrist. Join us for an examination of these important eschatological questions. [Encore episode, original air date July 25, 2025] Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:30 – Will there be a Rapture, and how should Catholics respond to popular “rapture” theology? 20:00 – Will there be a literal thousand-year reign (the “millennium”)? 31:00 – What is the Catholic understanding of the Three Days of Darkness? 33:00 – What is the Illumination of Conscience or Warning, and when might it occur? 43:00 – What is “Antichrist”?

“Why is the Catholic Church the One True Church?” This episode dives into the unique claims of the Catholic faith, while also addressing pressing questions like the existence of Hell and the fate of souls, the significance of John 6, and effective ways to share faith with nonbelievers. [Encore from August 8, 2025] Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:17 – Oneness Pentecostal: Is the Catholic Church the One True Church? 11:11 – Is There a Hell, and Do Most People Go There? 20:54 – Recommended Videos on John 6 24:38 – Why “Bind and Loose” Doesn’t Apply to Everyone 35:41 – Best Way to Bring Faith to Nonbelievers 43:00 – Why Jesus Didn’t Let Mary Magdalene Touch Him 51:20 – Who Was in Heaven When Enoch & Elijah Arrived?

“Which Marian apparition has the best evidence?” In this episode, we explore this intriguing question alongside a variety of topics, including whether Pope Leo might change Church teaching and the implications of obeying dogmas given from the future. We also discuss the nature of sedevacantism and how God protects the Church from error. [Encore from August 8, 2025] Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 06:00 – Best-Evidence Marian Apparition 15:25 – Will Pope Leo Change Church Teaching? 22:48 – Must I Obey “Future” Dogmas? 29:55 – Is Sedevacantism Heresy? 36:30 – Accepting Jesus Without the Sacraments? (Rev 3:20) 41:15 – How Does God Protect the Church From Error? 47:47 – Protestant Mom Received Eucharist—What Should I Do?

“What are Anglican sacraments?” This question opens a discussion on the validity of Anglican sacraments, alongside inquiries about communicating the nature of devotionals to non-Catholics and the historical role of laity in the early Church. The conversation also touches on the impact of politics on the split between Orthodox and Roman rites, providing a rich exploration of faith and history. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:28 – What is “Norming the norm that cannot be normed?” 13:45 – What are some ways to communicate to non-Catholics and fallen away Catholics that devotionals are not obligatory? 21:08 – Why are Anglican sacraments not valid? 28:55 – Why does the New Testament not talk about the fulfillment of the prophecies of the destruction of the Temple? 31:48 – Are there any historical records of the laity in the early church being able to celebrate the Mass? 35:35 – What is Joe’s preferred Bible? 37:41 – If it weren’t for human politics between East and West, would there not have been a split between Orthodox and Roman rites? 46:30 – Does Catholicism have a good answer to modern Biblical scholarship?

“Why do Catholics make religion so complicated?” This question opens a discussion on the intricacies of Catholic beliefs and practices. The episode also addresses the significance of the number 37 in scripture, the relationship between the Gospels of Mark and John, and whether one can wear a scapular without being baptized. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:05 – Why do Catholics Make Religion so Complicated? 09:58 – The number 37 seems to show up a number of times in scripture is there some significance to this? 13:35 – If Mark was written before John, why doesn’t Mark’s Gospel include the “I AM” statements? 22:31 – Can I wear a Scapular if I am not Baptized? 23:16 – If I attended Sunday evening Mass but they did different readings than the Sunday morning Mass, does it still fulfill the Sunday obligation? 29:30 – What is the SSPX and sedevacantist relationship to the Church? 40:12 – How can I defend the Faith when I am not sophisticated in my arguments at the moment? 50:15 – If the Kingdom of David ended when God said it wouldn’t why does God not apply the same standard to the Great Apostasy?

Are practices like the blessing of throats or cars just superstition, or do they have a deeper meaning in the Catholic faith? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Jimmy Akin addresses this question before tackling several others about Scripture and theology. He explains how to understand God’s role in events like the plagues of Egypt, whether the Garden of Eden can be seen as the first tabernacle, and when Satan’s fall occurred in relation to Adam and Eve. The episode also explores the apparent tension between faith and works in the Bible and offers guidance on how to approach questions about the “extra” books in the Catholic canon, including resources for understanding their historical and theological basis. A thoughtful discussion on Scripture, tradition, and Catholic practice. Questions Covered: 01:02 – Opener: Is the blessing of throats and blessing of cars superstitious?  11:25 – How did God allow the plague in Egypt to happen?  17:22 – Was the Garden of Eden the first tabernacle?  20:02 – Did Satan fall before Adam and Eve?  29:23 – It seems like there is a contradiction in the Bible between Faith, and Faith + works. What resources can you offer about the 7 extra books in the bible? Something not from the Vatican to not be biased in favor of Catholics. 

“Is the Angel of the Lord Jesus?” This question opens a discussion on the identity of this figure in Scripture, alongside inquiries about the biblical basis for purgatory and the role of Mary. Other topics include the appropriateness of clapping in church and the actions of a priest during the Agnus Dei, providing a rich exploration of Catholic beliefs and practices. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:37 – Is it appropriate to clap in church? 11:54 – Gen 3:15 says he will crush the head of the serpent but the vulgate translates it to she. This is keeping me from converting. 23:29 – I’m blind. What does the priest do while the congregation sings the agnus dei? 34:53 – Where do we find purgatory in the bible? 37:20 – Is this angel of the Lord in the Old Testament believed to be Jesus? 46:29 – Psalm 51:2 Catholic version is different. The bible version is different from the mass part read. Why is that. The USCCB version moves it down to verse 4. 49:22 – Does scripture teach the sinlessness of Mary?

“Can you interpret the Sower parable?” This question opens a discussion on the meaning of Mark 4’s parable, touching on themes of public teaching and predestination. Other topics include the claim by Islam regarding the corruption of the Bible, the church’s interpretation of Genesis, and whether Mary knew of Jesus’ resurrection after the Crucifixion. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:11 – I’ve heard that a small group of Jews are the real church based on the Acts of the Apostle and the Jews who were called “the way”? 13:07 – Can you explain the Sower parable of Mark 4? Why can I interpret the idea of public teaching and predestination? 13:07 – Can you explain the Sower parable of Mark 4? Why can I interpret the idea of public teaching and predestination? – IF you Like the question 18:35 – Can you explain why Islam claims that our bible is corrupt, but they also use certain books? 29:01 – Can you explain the church’s doctrinal literal interpretation of Genesis? Is there any consideration of young Earth creationism? 38:58 – Can someone interpret Genesis trees as literal trees and places? It seems it could be based on Mose’s miracles? Varied 48:00 – Is there a reliable bible commentary for an average reader not scholar? 52:51 – After Jesus is Crucified did Mary know He was going to rise in 3 days?

“Did the prophecies in Revelation happen?” This question opens a discussion on the interpretation of biblical prophecy, alongside inquiries about the connection between John 6 and the Last Supper, and the complexities surrounding salvation as discussed in Unam Sanctam. Additional topics include the Church’s historical actions regarding heretics and understanding love for God. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:28 – Did the prophecies in the book of Revelation already happen? 20:40 – Is there a way to establish that the John 6 discourse is related to the Last Supper? The Bible is a catholic book 28:50 – Alleged contradiction – Unam Sanctam has contradictory teachings about Salvation outside the church. I am confused about the explanation of martyrs in heaven? 36:24 – Why would the Church burn heretics when the bible says to let the wheat grow among the weeds 44:00 – How do you know if you love God? 49:39 – Can you give the Catholic explanation of these verses from Ephesians 2:8-10?

“Are prayers to Mary problematic?” This question opens a discussion on the significance of prayers like the Hail Holy Queen and the Act of Consecration to Mary, especially in light of concerns about scandal. Other topics include reconciling free will with God’s prophets, the Catholic view of salvation, and the nature of miracles in relation to scientific laws. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:02 – There are two prayers to Mary that we get calls about, and wanted you to talk through them here, and also see if Catholics should stop saying these prayers if they cause too much scandal. Hail Holy Queen and the Act of Consecration to Mary 12:42 – How do you reconcile free will with the prophets sent by God? 21:05 – I’m in RCIA. The Catholic view of salvation seems fragile. Why would missing a holy day of obligation cause me to go to hell? 29:49 – Do miracles need to break the laws of science or can they break only the laws we don’t understand to be considered miracles? 42:00 – Did Mary have children? 51:27 – How do I distinguish between venial and mortal sin to a protestant?

“How do you know you’ve committed the unforgivable sin?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of sin and forgiveness, while also addressing varied topics such as the validity of the Immaculate Conception, the order of the New Testament gospels, and the moral implications of assisted suicide. Each question reflects the complexities of faith and understanding within the Catholic tradition. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 00:56 – How do you know you’ve committed the unforgivable sin against the spirit? 08:13 – I’m in a bit of a crisis. I was set on being Catholic. Then I learned about the Immaculate Conception. How can we verify a tradition if it wasn’t a common teaching in the early church? I’ve heard there were seven popes that denied that teaching. 28:42 – Do any NT manuscripts possess the 4 gospels in a different order? 33:39 – My friend wishes she could have used assistant suicide with her parents. How could I explain to her that this is not a good option? 43:18 – How do I counter my SDA friend’s argument saying since Paul was an acceptable prophet, Ellen White is also a valid argument? 50:19 – My 11 YO wants to know, at what moment did God decide when to create humans or the universe in general?

“How do I prove the Catholic Church was founded by God?” This question opens a discussion on the Church’s divine origins, addressing challenges such as converting from Oneness Pentecostalism to Catholicism and responding to Protestant friends seeking biblical evidence for Catholic claims. Other topics include the removal of books from the Bible and the doctrine of the papacy. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:25 – How would one convert from Oneness Pentecostalism to Catholicism given how far apart they are from each other? 21:30 – My two friends who are protestants. I told them that Catholicism was the only Church founded by God. They asked me to prove it through the bible. How do I respond? 29:35 – Why did the reforms feel like they needed to remove books from the bible? 37:14 – My Protestant friend asked this: Did Raphael lie to Tobit? 49:51 – How do I prove the doctrine of the papacy?

“Is Lent works-based superstition?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of Lent and its significance in Catholic practice. Other topics include guidance for those considering confession, the complexities of excommunication related to abortion, and the relationship between Tradition and Scripture. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:24 – Is Lent works-based Catholic superstition? 04:41 – I’m leaning towards Catholicism. If I decide to go to confession, what’s the best way of going about it? 12:18 – Why if you help someone get an abortion, you’re automatically excommunicated but not if you murder someone? 15:21 – How can I bring the gospel to my family? 29:48 – If Tradition and scripture are of equal authority, then why can tradition change and evolve but scripture can’t? 42:38 – I’m looking into Catholicism, but my Catholic friends won’t talk to me about it. I even went to a Catholic Church and even the priest wouldn’t give me more resources. Can you shed some light on this?

“Can Muslims pray to the same God?” This question opens a discussion on the theological connections and differences between Islam and Christianity. The conversation also touches on the implications of John 14:6 in light of the Quran’s view of the Gospels, the Catholic response to Jesus’ separation from God in Matthew 24:36, and effective approaches to engaging with cradle Muslims and converts. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:47 – Since the Quran gives positive credit to the Gospels, what do they think of John 14:6? 05:33 – Muslims quote Mt 24:36 as Jesus separating himself from God. What’s the Catholic response? 12:21 – Sunan abi dawud 44:52. Is there any evidence for the four-witness claim? 16:35 – What’s the most effective approach to cradle Muslims and Muslim converts? 19:40 – Sure Muslims pray to the same God but He doesn’t hear them since they don’t pray in Jesus’ name. 23:40 – What does the Quran sawilliam alby about God being love? 28:45 – Did Islam come from Hagar and Ishmael 32:01 – What do you think about the theory that a gnostic offshoot of Catholicism prepared Mohammed to start Islam to foil the economic plans by the Jewish authorities that were challenging the growth of Catholicism? 33:23 – Do you ever discuss the Cappadocian fathers to Muslims? 40:23 – My friend is marrying a Muslim woman. She is going to convert to Christianity. Does it make a difference if she goes either Catholic or Orthodox? 45:17 – What was Islam before Mohammed? 48:16 – Where did Muslim veneration for Mary come from?

“What is the Islamic Dilemma?” addresses the complexities surrounding Sharia law and its implications for evangelization. The discussion also touches on the theological differences in naming Jesus, the reasons behind seeking common ground with Islam, and the misconceptions surrounding sharia law as a scare tactic. Additionally, the episode examines whether Muslims believe all Christians must convert or face dire consequences. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:30 – What is the Islamic Dilemma? 16:07 – What are the theological differences in calling Jesus Yeshua and Eisaa apart from the linguistic differences? 23:37 – Why does our leadership try to find so much common ground with Islam instead of highlighting the controversial side of it? 32:41 – My sister converted to Islam. She sent us a video saying that sharia law is actually a scare tactic made up by Christians. What are your thoughts on this? 37:32 – Do Muslims believe all Christians need to convert or be killed? 43:53 – Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God? What about Christians and Jews? 50:44 – What is the best way to evangelize Muslims?

“Why doesn’t the Bible say Mary was a perpetual virgin?” This question opens a discussion on the nuances of biblical interpretation and tradition. Other topics include the nature of perfect contrition and its implications for confession, as well as the concept of the treasury of merit and its origins. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:40 – If the Beatific Vision is a gift that God gives us, then it would seem that God could create us with that gift. But why doesn’t he? Creating us with this gift would ensure that no moral evil exists. How would you answer that question? 12:22 – Can you explain what perfect contrition is? How does it affect confession? Can non-Catholics have perfect contrition? 21:32 – What is the treasury of merit and where do we get it from? 28:59 – Why doesn’t the bible just come out and say that Mary was a perpetual virgin? 35:24 – Where do we find co-remptrix in the Bible? 41:57 – No divine justice for non-human animals does not make sense to me. 51:39 – Is there anything in our faith about exactly how Jesus was born?

“How do we bring young people back to the Church?” This question resonates with many parents concerned about their young adult children drifting away from the Faith. The discussion also touches on how to share Catholic beliefs with classmates at a Protestant school, the importance of not pressuring individuals into faith, and the dynamics of interacting with Protestant friends. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:27 – We hear from a lot of parents about their young adult children leaving the Faith, how do we get them back? 13:30 – I go to a protestant school. How do I bring my classmates the Catholic faith? 18:00 – I suggest that we don’t pressure them into the Faith. 29:27 – How would you interact with protestants you are friends with? 37:25 – Is evangelization safe if it always makes us question our faith and look for other options? 45:14 – Why does the Church take its time on evangelizing and catechizing people even when they fall away and return? 50:32 – Is it appropriate for a Catholic to say ‘I am saved’ when evangelizing protestants?

Questions Covered: 02:51 – What are your thoughts on ancient civilizations like Atlantis and Lemuria existing 10,000 years ago and ending up destroyed sending civilization into the dark ages. The theory is survivors from those civilizations spread out through the world in brought technology to build the great wonders like pyramids and temples. 17:06 – Are there, as some people think, a race of folks who are inherently evil through their DNA because they are descendants of either Cain, the giants, or both? 28:53 – Why do you think Jesus instituted the Eucharist with bread and wine, instead of something like lamb meat (and blood?)? 32:57 – Is it theoretically possible for the saints to save ‘everyone’ through ‘time travel prayer’, so that hell ends up being empty? 39:55 – Do SOME catholic priests perform remote viewing on people during confession? Padre Pio or the Cure of Ars for example 47:24 – How many bison have been sucked into tornados? 48:49 – Is the “Angel of the Lord” in the Old Testament, Jesus? 52:02 – Opinion question: assuming human beings on Earth are the only intelligent life in creation, if a total extinction event were to occur, would you expect time in this reality to continue on (our sun eventually maturing into a Red Giant etc…) or would you expect the general physical resurrection to be triggered by the last human death?

Questions Covered: 02:40 – If a pagan god were to meet Jesus and convert to Christianity, would they go to heaven if they died? 13:11 – As far as I understand it, current physics tells us that information cannot travel faster than the speed of light since, if it did, you would (among other problems) get paradoxes. However, it seems like an angel could convey information faster than light. For example, Aquinas argues that an angel, in moving from place A to place B, can choose whether it traverses the space in between those places or not. Thus, an angel could observe, say, a supernova happening lightyears away from Earth and then travel instantaneously to Earth and tell us about it before the light from the supernova got here. What do you think of this? Should we think that even an angel couldn’t convey information faster than light? Or, should we discard the idea that information can’t be communicated faster than light? Or maybe some third option? Thanks! 23:46 – Your recent episodes on demons and the different beliefs on how people get possessed made me think. Could the dark forces be targeting powerful latent “psychic” individuals? It would fit with your demons being opportunists, and with Amorth’s Curse model. I would like to see a scientific study that would test people who have been validly possessed and exorcised to see if they test higher than a sample group. 35:22 – In the case of Ash Wednesday when fasting and abstinence is required, would receiving communion break one’s fast or count as a smaller meal? In other words, can one receive communion in addition to eating one full meal and two smaller meals? Thanks Jimmy! 39:16 – Let’s say we made contact with an alternate timeline whose divergence point is after the year 100. They have a recognizable continuing Petrine ministry. Does their pope (probably called something else) have immediate and universal jurisdiction in our timeline, and ours in theirs? Are we bound by each other’s infallible declarations of doctrine if we’ve defined something they haven’t, or vice versa? 46:12 – Do stage magicians have actual preternatural gifts?

Questions Covered: 03:09 – I saw a Mass on EWTN that seemed to have married priests or priest from other countries passing out communion? Is this okay? 06:00 – If the TLM is a valid form of worship, why is it being suppressed? 13:33 – Is there any reason to believe that God still punishes nations for being disobedient like he did in the Old Testament? 17:40 – Jack Chick claimed the Church marked Luther for death after he exposed the ‘con job’ of selling indulgences. Is this true 22:40 – Is there a position that we should take when praying the Lord’s Prayer during Mass? 28:58 – Was there ever a covenant made with the absence of blood? 31:51 – How do I help and reach out to my Protestant friend who is losing his faith and in a dark place? 33:37 – Is it possible to say that Jesus could have looked at ALL the apostles when he says “upon this rock I will build my church”? 38:35 – What can I do if my pastor has requested me to not kneel for communion? How do I move forward? 42:51 – Would it be immoral for an unwed woman to adopt an embryo?  45:57 – How can we justify praying to Mary and the Saint to Protestants? 49:26 – What is the Catholic understanding of Armageddon in Revelation? 52:46 – Why doesn’t the pope always speak infallibly?

Questions Covered: 01:55 – Is the unborn child a human being? 14:10 – Pregnant women need support from a committed man. 17:10 – Abortion solves problems for men who want to behave badly. 29:45 – When life begins 46:21 – The Pope Francis pro-life position

“When did the practice of Eucharistic adoration start?” This question opens a discussion on the historical roots of this cherished devotion, alongside inquiries about the nature of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday, the nuances of language in John 6 regarding the act of eating, and the significance of the Eucharist as a sacrifice. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:34 – When did the practice of Eucharistic adoration start? 13:35 – Is the Eucharist given on Holy Thursday the same as what we have at Mass now? Because on Holy Thursday he had not yet died and risen, so how could it be the same? 17:23 – If John 6 uses two different words for eat, on of which indicates chewing or gnawing, why don’t we see that in the English translations? 29:23 – The English word “this” in the words of institution seems vague to me. Why isn’t there a more specific word? Shouldn’t the words indicate exactly what “this” is? 36:29 – Can you explain the importance of the Eucharist as a sacrifice? 45:40 – Wouldn’t Jesus’ body have to be omnipresent to be able to be really present at Masses all around the world? I read this question in the book “Reasoning from the Scriptures with Catholics” and am wondering how to answer. 51:48 – Why do some parishes not distribute the blood of Jesus at Communion?

“How is Jesus present in the Eucharist?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of Christ’s presence in the sacrament, addressing concerns about cannibalism and the essence of communion. Other topics include the implications for Anglicans considering Catholicism and the differing beliefs about the Eucharist among Protestants. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:24 – How is Jesus present in the eucharist? 15:37 – How is the Eucharist not cannibalism? I find that typically the answer is: it’s not cannibalism because it’s not destructive. My problem with that is destructiveness is not inherent in the definition of cannibalism. Cannibalism is eating another person, which is what we are doing. Did we just invent another definition for cannibalism so that we can say we aren’t doing it? 29:59 – I grew up Anglican and am looking into Catholicism. I go to Anglican service with my Grandma. If I believe in the Catholic view of the Eucharist, but I’m not Catholic, should I stop receiving communion in the Anglican church? I’m worried how my grandma would react to that. 35:24 – Do Protestants who believe in some kind of eucharistic presence not really have the Real Presence because they don’t have the Catholic sacramental priesthood? 45:20 – How is it that the Eucharist is really Jesus when most Protestants believe it’s just a symbol? 49:16 – If Christ wanted to ensure belief in the Eucharist he chose an almost maximally ambiguous form, why do you think God allowed that ambiguity instead of clarity?

“How to handle sibling rivalry” is a common concern for many parents. This episode also addresses the complexities of gentle parenting and its varying definitions, along with strategies for teaching discipline to a young child who seems unaffected by it. Additionally, the discussion touches on bedtime routines and navigating disagreements between parents on discipline methods. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 17:36 – How would you respond to gentle parenting and how it has a wide range of definitions? How would you address it? 21:56 – How to handle sibling rivalry 30:51 – We have a 3 year old who isn’t bothered in the long term by discipline. What do you recommend to make her learn? 40:51 – Getting kids to go to bed 44:15 – What should I do if my wife and I disagree on how to discipline?

“Did Vatican 1 go too far on papal authority and tradition?” This question opens a discussion on the balance of authority within the Church, while also addressing related topics such as the 1995 Vatican gathering on the filioque, the Orthodox perspective on the Immaculate Conception, and insights from Eastern Orthodoxy that could benefit Catholics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:00 – Did Vatican 1 go too far on papal authority? 15:43 – Are you aware of a gathering in the Vatican in 1995 that clarified the teaching on the filioque? Why isn’t it mentioned in online debate? 29:40 – Is there anything from EO that Catholics can learn or adopt that would be beneficial? 35:40 – Why to the Orthodox reject the Immaculate Conception? Do you think it is a stumbling block for them to convert? 41:41 – I’m Protestant and hear Catholics claim to be the one true Church but Jerusalem was under the Orthodox and that’s where the Church was founded. What’s your response? 48:30 – What are your thoughts on how the East has handled contraception? 52:30 – Why don’t we see a lot of icons of St. Joseph in the eastern Churches?

“Does God Change If Jesus Changed?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of divine will and the role of prayer, alongside inquiries about the potential for repentance after death and the spiritual roles of women in the Church. Other topics include the implications of civil marriage for Catholics and the necessity of Mary’s immaculate conception in relation to original sin. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:37 – At what point when someone passes away would God allow repentance if someone passes away if they are incapacitated? 15:05 – Why are we supposed to pray if it just comes down to God’s will anyway? 18:32 – What kinds of roles women have as spiritual mothers of the Church just like priests have specific roles as spiritual fathers. 24:16 – How is it possible to believe that God does not change If Jesus changed quite a bit especially during his time on earth? 41:46 – If two Catholics are civilly married, would that be considered adultery or fornication? If they divorce, what does that mean spiritually for those individuals? 49:23 – If Mary could have been immaculately conceived then why could Jesus not be affected by Mary’s original sin? Why was it necessary for Mary to be immaculately conceived?

“Why does God allow evil?” This question challenges many, and Christian philosophers have offered various responses. Additionally, the discussion touches on the nature of the spirit and its consciousness, the concept of apostolic succession and its documentation, and how to articulate the differences in understanding the Eucharist to those unfamiliar with it. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:30 – Atheists often argue that evil is evidence against God. If God were all-good, they argue, then no evil would exist. Christian philosophers have given a plethora of responses to this objection. But I was wondering how would Dr. Karlo respond. 15:21 – What is the spirit? What does the Church teach about this and does it teach whether the spirit is conscious? 21:23 – Apostolic succession. Which document shows this unbroken line of papal succession? How could you prove this to a protestant? 36:32 – I’m in RCIA. How do I explain the differences in understanding of the eucharist to someone who is not familiar with it? 47:20 – Regarding God’s omniscience. Is there ever a point where God knows everything we will do before he creates us?

“What did Jesus know as a child?” This question opens a discussion about the human experience of Jesus, including insights into what he might have understood at a young age. The conversation also touches on the distinctions between preternatural and supernatural phenomena, as well as the nature of original sin and its implications for humanity. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 10:54 – What did the human Jesus know when he was 5 or 10 years old? 18:30 – Could you explain the differences between preternatural and supernatural? 28:46 – Can demons enter or possess rocks if you put them in a glass jar under the moon during some moon phases? 39:04 – If the serpent in the garden tempting Adam and Eve is figurative, then how did original sin enter humanity? 43:35 – Have you become more of a believer in the Fatima apparition or more skeptical? 50:38 – What is the view of God’s love for us? Is it unconditional love?

“How do we prove that we have a soul?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of our existence, alongside insights into how mortal and venial sins impact our souls and the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Additionally, the conversation touches on the creation of angels and the complexities surrounding infant baptism and original sin. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:40 – How do we prove that we have a soul? 19:17 – How do mortal sin and venial sin affect our soul? How does the Holy Spirit help with that? 23:36 – Are there new angels being created all the time or are there a finite amount? Can they at any time become a demon? 45:47 – I’m LDS and we don’t believe in infant baptism. The CC says it respects the dignity of all life, but also claims that all humans have original sins. I see this as a contradiction. How do you reconcile that?

“Is It Suicide If I Stop Taking Meds?” This question raises important considerations about mental health and Church teachings on morality. Additionally, the discussion touches on the implications of the diocese of Duluth allowing ad orientum worship and examines the biblical context of violence, providing a broad perspective on faith and ethics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:45 – The diocese of Duluth began allowing ad orientum. Is it better? What does this mean for the Church? 14:41 – Could you go over the Greek Gen 12:5 and wording of their relationship? 18:52 – My father-in-law, who hasn’t practiced, asked me, If he stopped taking his meds and dies, would this be considered suicide? He is afraid of going to hell. 28:48 – How does the bible justify and not justify violence? 41:47 – How can the CC be the true Church if the bible says to not add or take away from the bible and the CC added the catechism? 47:06 – What is the role of AI in our daily lives?

“Does John 14:13-14 support prosperity gospel claims?” This question leads to a critical examination of how this scripture is interpreted by prosperity gospel preachers. Additionally, the discussion touches on how to read “Behold Your Mother” for deeper understanding, the intensity of Maximilian Kolbe’s prayer to Mary, and the nature of work in heaven according to Genesis 2:15. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:10 – Does John 14:13-14 mean what prosperity gospel preachers say it means? 20:52 – How should I read Behold Your Mother the second time to get even more out of it? 25:10 – Maximilian Kolbes prayer to Mary sounds a bit extreme saying “I would die for you and only you.” Can you help clarify? 40:08 – In light of Gen. 2:15, what kind of work will we be doing in heaven? 49:49 – What kind of blessing can a lay person do compared to a priest?

“Can women be priests?” This question opens a discussion on the roles of gender within the Church, touching on the norms that allow married priests in the Eastern Rite but not in the Latin Rite. Other topics include whether the Pope could teach ex cathedra without consulting the Magisterium and advice for fostering a young boy’s appreciation for the Mass. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:33 – Can you clarify the norms that dictate that men can be married priests in the Eastern right Catholic Church but not latin right? 12:14 – Would the Pope ever teach ex cathedra without consulting with the magisterium? 17:03 – What advice would you give a young father of a boy so he has an appreciation for the Mass? 29:45 – Cy says all kids need is Mr. Rogers 30:33 – Does dispensationalism have a different understanding of what the Gospel is and what a Christian is? 40:38 – Why can’t women be priests? 47:30 – Are there other Apostolic Churches other than the Coptic, Orthodox and Catholic? 51:52 – Why does the conversation turn to whether a Pope is liberal or conservative, shouldn’t the conversation be, is he orthodox?

“Does human fatherhood last in eternity?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of familial relationships in the afterlife, alongside other topics such as the significance of confessing sins to a priest and the Church’s authority on issues like IVF. The conversation also touches on the connection between John the Baptist’s baptism of Jesus and priestly anointing, providing a rich exploration of faith and doctrine. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:23 – In 1 Peter 2:9 Peter says that believers are “…you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people…” 13:01 – Is there a connection between John the Baptist baptising Jesus with the anointing necessary for one to be a priest? 18:10 – How do I explain to a friend the importance of confessing sins to a priest? 28:46 – How does the Church have any clout to teach on IVF when it is ran by men and IVF is a woman’s issue? 34:35 – Does human fatherhood and motherhood last in eternity? 44:22 – I’ve been asked not to attend daily Mass at local parish because complaints have been made about my children being distractive, what can I do?

“What should Catholics know about marrying non-Catholics?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of interfaith relationships, including advice for Catholics in such unions. Additional topics include the relationship between prayer and counseling, and how to navigate conversations when a fiancé expresses a desire to leave the Catholic faith. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:15 – Relationship between prayer and counseling 16:52 – What is your advice to Catholics who marry non-Catholics? 23:57 – Where would you recommend, we go to study psychology that’s faithful and reliable? 29:25 – My fiancé says she wants to become Lutheran because she despises the Catholic Church. What advice can you offer to help navigate the conversation? 36:10 – Is Catholic counseling compatible with neuroplasticity, whether mental illness is also spiritual illness, how does that relate to taking medicine? 44:37 – Could you repeat what you said about when and how to approach people and share that you care about them? 49:54 – How can I help my family come back to the Catholic Church?

“What is the Catholic view of baptism?” This episode addresses the significance of baptism in Catholicism, including the differences between Baptist and Catholic perspectives. Other questions tackled include whether baptism saves, how to approach a family member who has been re-baptized, and concerns about unbaptized infants. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 07:39 – What’s the difference between a Baptist view of baptism and a Catholic view of baptism? 16:40 – Does baptism save? 21:16 – My daughter left the faith when she left home. She is now an adult and got re-baptized at a non-denominational church. How do I handle sharing to her that you can’t be re-baptized without harming her returning to Christianity? 29:20 – What’s the difference between what protestants and Catholics mean by being saved through baptism? 34:51 – How concerned should I be for my 18-month-old grandson who isn’t baptized? 42:48 – Does the Catholic Church consider my baptism valid? I was baptized in the independent Baptist church. 49:15 – How do I square us being told that infants don’t need to understand, but adults need to go through OCIA in order to be baptized?

“Why do Catholics have a Pope?” This question opens a discussion on the role of the papacy in the Catholic Church, alongside inquiries about the participation in receiving the blood of Christ at Mass and the certainty of a saint’s canonization. The episode also touches on the differences between Protestant and Catholic views of original sin, providing a well-rounded exploration of key Catholic beliefs. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:09 – Why do folks not participate in receiving the blood of Christ from the chalice at Mass? 15:30 – Is the Catholic Faith a religion of prayer and faith building? 22:59 – How can the Catholic Church be certain that a saint is in Heaven when they are canonized? 28:55 – How can I explain to my Orthodox friend that the Filoque is an item of separation and why is it that he can receive communion in the Catholic Church? 39:21 – What is the difference between the Protestant and Catholic views of original sin? 46:00 – Why do Catholics have a Pope? 49:34 – How does the liturgical calendar work? 52:09 – What is an appropriate posture for saying the Lord’s prayer during Mass?

“Why Aren’t You Catholic?” addresses common objections to Catholicism, including the belief that Christ did not intend for infallibility to extend beyond the apostles. The discussion also touches on Mary’s perpetual virginity and whether she had other children, as well as the legitimacy of apostolic succession. Additionally, questions about spending time with Christ and the differences between Natural Family Planning and artificial birth control are explored. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:29 – Someone might say, “I’m not Catholic because I don’t believe Christ intended the gift of infallibility to continue beyond the apostles, especially in someone like the pope.” 15:58 – Psalm 69:8 Mary perpetual virginity, Jesus I was an alien to my mothers son, does this indicate that Mary had other children? 22:37 – I’m not Catholic because I don’t believe apostolic succession is legitimate? 33:27 – Is spending time in front of crucifix at my home or working at a soup kitchen an acceptable way of spending time with Christ? 41:40 – What is the purification that is spoken about in 1 John 1:7, and does it have any connection to Purgatory? 49:40 – What is the difference between Natural Family Planning and artificial birth control?

“When we receive the Eucharist, are we receiving the whole of Jesus or just part of his flesh?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of the Eucharist, alongside inquiries about the Catholic perspective on speaking in tongues, the role of Mary in devotional prayer, and the process of canonization in the Church. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 07:44 – When we receive the Eucharist, are we receiving the whole of Jesus or just part of his flesh? 19:59 – What is the proper Catholic view of speaking in tongues, St. Paul and Augustine seem to differ in their teaching? 29:25 – Why in Catholic devotional prayer is Mary petitioned as the one that will crush the head of the serpent? 38:49 – How does the Church determine the time to canonize 47:10 – How does the Thomistic position of the treaties of Faith relate to the Thomistic view of the Magisterium?

“Why Don’t Catholics believe in Sola Scriptura?” This question opens a discussion on the foundations of Scripture and its authority, touching on related topics such as the Catholic understanding of Sola Scriptura and the sacrament of Confirmation in light of biblical spontaneity. Other questions include assessing the correctness of Catholicism versus Protestantism and the implications of indulgences in the context of original sin. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:40 – One Protestant challenge is that the sacrament of Confirmation conflicts with the Bible reveals about the spontaneity of the Spirit. 11:30 – How do I properly assess which Christian belief system is correct, Catholicism or Protestantism? 38:13 – Why don’t Catholics believe in Sola Scriptura? 49:40 – How can one be free of attachment to sin and receive a plenary indulgence when we are born with original sin?