Catholic Answers Live

“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. Other questions touch on the nature of confession and the papacy’s ties to Rome, showcasing a rich variety of theological inquiries. 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 12:30ff 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 if you haven’t been in a long time?” This question opens a discussion on the sacrament of reconciliation, addressing the steps to prepare for confession. Other topics include the morality of working for a divorced employer and the concept of priests acting in persona Christi, providing a rich exploration of faith and practice. 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?