Catholic Answers Live

“Does God Punish Us By Afflicting Family? ” This episode explores the complex relationship between divine justice and human suffering, addressing questions like whether continuous sin can lead to a loved one’s illness and how the Church can effectively evangelize to those with disabilities. Additionally, we delve into the implications of the death penalty and the miraculous nature of St. Paul’s recoveries. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here 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.

“Can excommunicated Catholics be saved?” This episode explores the complexities of salvation and excommunication, while also addressing the morality of IVF and the Church’s perspective on good deeds in different faiths. Additionally, we delve into the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives and clarify the role of sacramentals versus talismans. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on these important topics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:30 – I understand IVF is immoral even if there is only one child created and implanted, but should it also be illegal? Where is that line? 13:41 – How would the church differentiate between a work a saved person does versus a non-saved one. (context: good deeds in Islam vs works in Catholicism.) 28:40 – How does the Holy Spirit work in our daily lives? After confirmation, why do so many youths lose the guidance of the Holy Spirit? 33:25 – Can a baptismal candle be used for everyday purposes (like when the power goes out)? 36:28 – James IV of Scotland was excommunicated by Pope Julius II for breaking the Treaty of Perpetual Peace with England in favor of the much older “Auld Alliance” with France when Henry VIII of England participated in the “Holy League” against France via a military invasion. James IV of Scotland later perished in the Battle of Flodden field against England and his excommunication had never been rescinded. Did James (or any excommunicate for that matter) have any hope for salvation after dying while formally excommunicated? Are there distinctions between spiritual vs. politically motivated excommunications? I understand this requires context provided by James’ private conscience, which we can only speculate on. 45:00 – How do we think about the Trinity when directing our prayers? Should I be developing a prayer rapport with each person of the Trinity or am I overthinking this? 51:31 – How do you explain sacramentals to someone when they say it’s basically like having a magic talisman? I’ve understood it as God’s grace working through the sacramental, but how can we make a better distinction between sacramentals and talismans?

“Is NFP just Catholic Birth Control?” In this episode, we explore the nuances of Natural Family Planning and its distinction from contraception. Additionally, we tackle questions about the salvation of non-Catholics who have committed mortal sins and the criteria for canonizing laypeople like Carlo Acutis. Tune in for a thoughtful examination of these important topics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 10:05 – Is NFP ‘Catholic Contraception? 22:23 – Can someone who is not Catholic and committed mortal sin at some point in their life still be saved? 45:07 – What would be the grounds for canonizing a person who is not a priest, bishop, religious or martyr like Carlo Acutis?

“How did people travel in the time of Jesus?” This episode explores the transportation methods of the era, including the quality of Roman roads around Jerusalem. Additionally, we delve into intriguing topics such as the existence of two tombs of Jesus and the significance of Mount Tabor, offering a rich perspective on life in biblical times. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 2:00 – How did people travel in the time of Jesus? 10:38 – Were there high quality Roman roads around Jerusalem? 14:50 – Jesus followed Mary twice a day for 1/4 mile to get water every day — imagine little Jesus “Wait up for me, Mom!” 19:30 – Are there 2 tombs of Jesus? Which one is the real one? 29:19 – Have you done the full walk of Mount Tabor? 32:43 – What are your thoughts on the flight to Egypt? 40:20 – What place in the Holy Land inspires you the most? 46:42 – I’ve heard there is a lot of demonic activity there. The holier the place the more demonic activity. Is this true? And what can one do to protect themselves when visiting? 48:42 – Is the Eye of the Needle a real gate into the city of Jerusalem? 50:00 – What’s the Sea of Galilee like? What would fishermen’s life be like? 52:26 – How large was the temple where Jesus was lost?

“What are the earliest writings about the Mass?” Discover the historical roots of this central Catholic practice, along with discussions on the early Church’s interpretation of 1 John 5:13 and the significance of healing in the Bible. Join us as we explore these foundational topics and more in this enlightening episode. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:00 – What are the earliest writings about the mass that we have? 04:30 – Would you consider writing a book on justification? 12:26 – What are the earliest Catholic Church buildings and where was the altar located in those churches? 16:25 – Jesus promises to heal in the bible but people deflect and say that healing happens in the next life. What are your thoughts on that? Does God want you to suffer here to get more reward in heaven? 22:34 – What was the early Church’s interpretation of 1 John 5:13? 28:30 – Continued – Jesus promises to heal in the bible but people deflect and say that healing happens in the next life. What are your thoughts on that? Does God want you to suffer here to get more reward in heaven? 44:26 – What are the earliest writings about the mass that we have? 50:38 – Did the writing of the same Shepard Hermas hold the same weight as the Didiache, writing of St. Clemente of Rome and others?

“Do Non-Catholics Go to Heaven?” This episode explores the complexities of salvation and the teachings of the Early Church. Tune in as we address questions about the necessity of listening to the Early Church Fathers, the implications of a nun’s claim regarding non-Catholics and heaven, and the early Church’s views on the Immaculate Conception and Assumption. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:00 – Charlie Kirk 15:00 – Do we have to listen to the Early Church Fathers? Are their statements doctrine because they tell us what the early Church believed? 28:30 – My son was told in school by a nun that non-Catholics don’t go to heaven. I’m shocked, is this true? 37:43 – How did the early Church view the immaculate Conception and Assumption? 48:00 – What resources can you point to to help put the Didache in its appropriate cultural context? 04:30 – Would you consider writing a book on justification? 12:26 – What are the earliest Catholic Church buildings and where was the altar located in those churches? 16:25 – Jesus promises to heal in the bible but people deflect and say that healing happens in the next life. What are your thoughts on that? Does God want you to suffer here to get more reward in heaven? 22:34 – What was the early Church’s interpretation of 1 John 5:13? 28:30 – Continued – Jesus promises to heal in the bible but people deflect and say that healing happens in the next life. What are your thoughts on that? Does God want you to suffer here to get more reward in heaven? 44:26 – What are the earliest writings about the mass that we have? 50:38 – Did the writing of the same Shepard Hermas hold the same weight as the Didiache, writing of St. Clemente of Rome and others?

“Are catechumens who died before receiving baptism saved?” This episode explores the nuances of baptism and salvation, addressing questions such as the implications of a parent’s desire for their children’s baptism, the validity of baptisms outside traditional norms, and the differences between baptism and christening. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:27 – Are catechumens who died before receiving baptism saved? If my wife doesn’t want our children baptized but I do, does my desire for their baptism save them? 12:00 – How do you answer Baptism and protestants pointing to Acts 10:47 as evidence for receiving the Holy Spirit before baptism? 19:00 – How would you determine whether a baptism is valid outside form, matter and intention? Would the priest contact that particular protestant church? 24:45 – What’s the difference between baptism and christening? 30:00 – If baptism is valid even if it’s illicit, why would that not apply to marriage? 41:07 – Is immersion baptism the correct way of doing it and not sprinkling? 45:55 – Council of Florence Session 11 did pronounce that the only remedy for the salvation of children is baptism. 50:20 – What’s the difference in receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit in baptism and confirmation?

“Is infant baptism necessary and what does the Bible say?” This episode explores the significance of baptism, addressing questions like where infant baptism is found in Scripture and what it means for babies in terms of salvation. Additionally, we delve into the Protestant perspective on baptism as a saving sacrament and the role of emergency baptisms. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:50 – What made you think we needed a book on baptism? 06:30 – Where is infant baptism in the bible? 18:02 – If babies need to be baptized, what are they being saved from? 24:26 – Do Protestants agree baptism is a saving sacrament? 32:10 – Can any person baptize in an emergency situation? 36:42 – Can you clarify the presbyterian position on baptismal regeneration? 44:40 – Does the book of Revelation say anything about baptism? 50:45 – My wife and I are fostering a child. Can we baptize this child in the Church? The biological father is Catholic, and we are not sure if we are going to adopt them or if reunification will happen.

“Did Vatican II ruin the Church?” This episode tackles this pivotal question while also addressing the concerns of non-practicing Catholics about salvation, the implications of using Latin in worship, and the rules surrounding cremation and the scattering of ashes. Join us for a thoughtful exploration of these important topics in Catholicism. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:25 – Did Vatican II ruin the Church? 12:02 – I’m a non-practicing Catholic. Am I saved? 31:11 – Why isn’t it a good thing to continue using Latin in the Church? 41:49 – What are the rules on cremation and scattering ashes? How do you tell someone to not spread ashes? 46:03 – Were the prayers changed when they translated to the vernacular? If so, how? 52:24 – Is it okay to donate blood to an organization that would use the blood for stem cell research?

“What Biblical Texts Support the Mass and Transubstantiation?” In this episode, we explore key scriptural references that underpin the Mass, while also addressing questions about the differences between transubstantiation and consubstantiation, the changes made during Vatican II, and how the early Christians might perceive today’s Catholic Mass. Tune in for a thoughtful examination of these important topics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:00 – What biblical texts support the practice of the Mass? 18:02 – What’s the difference between transubstantiation and consubstantiation? 30:53 – Why during Vatican 2 did they decide to take out so much to form this new liturgy? 36:50 – How do you respond to the claim that if the Early Christians were to see the Catholic mass, they wouldn’t recognize it as their form of worship? 44:45 – Where do you even see the Mass in the Bible?

“Can demons present themselves as ghosts?” This episode explores the intriguing connections between demons, exorcism, and the Nephilim. Join us as we delve into questions about the exorcist qualities of the medal of St. Benedict, the nature of pagan gods, and the impact of past involvement in satanic cults. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:30 – Are you familiar with Dr. Michael S Heiser’s work on the Nephilim and their demonic nature and how that connects to Mount Hermon and the Transfiguration? 09:16 – How does the medal of St. Benedict have exorcist qualities? 13:22 – What would be a good way to determine whether the pagan gods of a foreign country are demons or are simply not real? 20:50 – Can the devil use the world and the flesh to tempt us or are they separate with no overlap? 23:15 – My son’s father got involved in a satanic cult when he was in high school. Could he still be affected by the demonic to this day? 37:00 – Why was Padre Pio oppressed by demons if he had such closeness to God? 41:19 – Does the evidence that Timothy Alberino provides for the literal existence of the Nephilim hold any ground? 46:15 – Elon Musk is currently working on uploading human consciousness onto a computer, if this were to be successful could this person still be subjected to demonic activity even without a body? 50:19 – Does the Church have a position on the existence of ghosts? Can demons present themselves as ghosts?

“What can demons do in our daily lives?” This episode explores the influence of demons, addressing questions like whether they can be seen as mere metaphors for human evil and what powers they truly possess. We also delve into the nature of demons and angels, their fall from grace, and practical advice on avoiding their negative impact. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:13 – Is it permitted to think of demons merely as metaphors for human evil? 08:38 – What is a demon? 19:42 – What do they actually have the power to do in our daily lives? 28:45 – Are demons and angels equal in power? 40:35 – Why did the demons fall? Meaning, what could possibly have tempted an angel away from God? 47:55 – How do I avoid demons and stay out of their evil clutches? 51:25 – What’s the difference between demonic possession, oppression, and obsession?

“How can we prove the Holy Trinity?” In this episode, we tackle common objections, including whether the Trinity is mentioned in the New Testament and how God can be both one and three persons. We also explore the relationship between the Trinity and the Christian understanding of God as Love, addressing logical concerns along the way. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:47 – The Trinity isn’t in the New Testament 28:45 – If God is one, how can He be three persons? 19:30 – Doesn’t the Trinity contradict basic logic (3 ≠ 1)? 44:47 – Is there a connection with the Trinity and the fact that only Christians say “God is Love”?

“How do you evangelize to non-Catholics and Protestants?” In this episode, we explore effective strategies for sharing the faith, including the top tips for evangelization and the reasons behind focusing on Protestants. We also discuss how to communicate without appearing superior and the challenges of evangelizing to culturally diverse family members. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 32:40 – Why do we evangelize more to Protestants over atheists? 36:54 – How do you communicate with someone without coming across with a superiority complex? 43:21 – How do you balance having Catholic and non-Catholic friends? 48:10 – My family is culturally Oriental Orthodox Christian and I’m a recent convert. How do I evangelize them?

“What is the significance of the 24 elders in Revelation?” In this episode, we explore this intriguing question along with discussions on why the Protestant perspective often downplays Revelation, the authorship of the book, and the Catholic understanding of being lukewarm in faith. Join us for a deep dive into these essential topics of Catholic apologetics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 13:34 – What is the significance of the 24 elders in Rev. 4? 16:30 – Why does the protestant perspective downplay Revelation? 24:05 – Warren Cage said that the book of Revelation is a copy and paste version of the fall of Jericho, is this true? 30:37 – Who exactly wrote Revelation, who is John the Evangelist in relation to John the apostle? 35:10 – Regarding Rev 3:16, what is the Catholic understanding of being lukewarm? 45:07 – What do we make of the woman in Rev. 12 and the crown of 12 stars? 50:44 – I’ve heard it said that the second coming isn’t going to happen until the gospel is preached to the ends of the world. Is that from Revelation?

“What is the Book of Revelation really about?” In this episode, Fr. Sebastian Carnazzo tackles this question and explores the significance of the Seven Churches, the identity of the author, and the meaning behind the number 666. Tune in for a deep dive into these intriguing topics and more! Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:25 – If you had to explain the Book of Revelation in just one sentence, what would you say it’s really about? 13:10 – What is the significance of the Seven Churches mentioned in Revelation? 29:45 – Who was the author 36:47 – What is the significance of the number 666 in Revelation? 50:56 – What is the meaning of the term “the Mark of the Beast”?

“Can Mary perform miracles?” This episode explores this question alongside a variety of topics, including the morality of adult content, the validity of apostolic succession amidst multiple patriarchs, and the reasons behind the Assumption of Mary. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:28 – Why is adult content immoral? 17:48 – Why don’t Catholics believe that Mary can do miracles on her own power since she probably had more faith than the rest of us; more than a mustard seed? 22:03 – How do we know that apostolic succession is valid considering there are places where there are multiple patriarchs and others where governments have to approve of successors? 28:45 – Why is the Assumption of Mary held to be if I think the evidence leads to an opposing conclusion? 40:49 – Why were there innovations of papal supremacy at the First Vatican Council?

“Do Catholics change their beliefs over time?” This episode explores the evolution of Catholic doctrine, addressing why the Church accepts changes and how these shifts have occurred. Additionally, we delve into why not everyone embraces the truth of God’s covenant, the significance of transubstantiation, and the celibacy requirements for priests. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:18 – Why does the Church accept that doctrine changes over time? How has the Catholic Church’s doctrine changed over time? 20:39 – Why isn’t everybody assenting to the truth especially since there is one God who has been public about his covenant? 28:45 – Why does it matter that we believe in transubstantiation rather than consubstantiation? 36:59 – Why are Catholic priests required to be celibate but Anglican priests who convert and are married don’t have to be? 49:55 – Where did the Catholic Church arrive at the idea of a soul?

“How do we defend papal primacy and infant baptism?” In this episode, we explore the scriptural basis for papal authority and the early Church’s connection to Rome, while also addressing concerns about infant baptism and the implications of belief for salvation. Joe Heschmeyer explores this question and more from the audience at SEEK 2025, including Sheol’s transformation after Christ, infant baptism, and the Real Presence in Anglican and Orthodox churches. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:46 – What did it actually mean to go to Sheol and how did that change with Christ? 07:42 – How do I defend papal primacy using scripture? How do we defend how the early Church was based out of Rome? 17:08 – I’m Protestant and struggle with infant baptism. How can A child be saved if they have no belief? 23:44 – Hypothetical from an atheist? If I tell my wife: love me or i will set you on fire?” Does she have a choice, and do I actually love my wife? 29:29 – What’s wrong with the following argument: Protestants are more catholic than Catholics because they have fewer factors that need to unify them? 32:30 – How does one discern who has the fullness of the faith between Catholics and Orthodox? 37:50 – Is it ok to refer to Scripture as Jesus since he is he is the word of God? 41:30 – How do we encounter the world, take criticism, and spread the gospel without being obnoxious? 42:12 – If Mary is the Mother of God and she is not the source of his divinity, why does she need to be sinless? 51:13 – Do the Anglican Church and Orthodox have the Real presence? Am I supposed to bow if they do?

Join Catholic Answers Live as Cy Kellett interviews Fr. David Michael Moses on reaching young people through social media and evangelization in today’s digital age!