Catholic Answers Live

“Are we less ourselves before final judgment?” This question leads to a discussion on the nature of our body-soul composite and what it means for our identity after death. The conversation also touches on overcoming lust and the societal repentance required for Mary’s request at Fatima, along with the inclusion of the book of Tobit in the Bible. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:52 – If we are supposed to see ourselves as a body soul composite, then are we less of ourselves before the final judgment when we die? 20:24 – How do you overcome lust? 42:50 – What would have been the level of societal repentance needed to satisfy Mary’s request at Fatima before the wars? 49:30 – Why is the book of Tobit included in the bible if it’s a source of fiction?

“Why do we need indulgences if Christ died for us?” This question opens a discussion on the role of the Church in distributing Christ’s merits, especially during November when we remember the dead. Other topics include the Vatican’s record-keeping of bishops and priests, the implications of false oaths on salvation, and the moral responsibilities of voting in elections. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:35 – November is the month when Catholics especially remember the dead, and one of the things we can do for them is gain an indulgence by visiting a cemetery and praying for them. But here’s something I’ve wondered: If Christ’s merits are infinite and freely available to us, why do we need the Church to distribute them through indulgences? 20:24 – Does the Vatican keep records of which bishop ordained which priest and which apostolic lineage they come from? 28:45 – I have ocd and during my recent ocd attacks below bizzare thoughts were bothering me. I just want to know if below things are possible so that i dont have to fight these thoughts and I’ll be relieved. 1)What if one tells God , i keep my salvation as a collateral, instead help me with something, for example, a job. Post that I’ll donate something to the church and you can give back my salvation, else im ok to go to hell 2) If one takes a false oath on ones soul saying he’s ok with the consequences or promises on the soul, to not do something and still does it, can he still be saved or is this binding. 42:34 – Where did the 3 days of darkness come from and who promotes it? 50:09 – I did not vote in the most recent election because I believe both sides promote intrinsic evil. The Catechism says it is our duty to vote. What should I have done?

“Should we stop evangelizing to other religions?” This question arises amid discussions on secularism and the Gospel. The episode also addresses Bishop Barron’s critique of cardinals on conversion, strategies for engaging with Jehovah’s Witnesses, and how to connect with Catholics who may not fully embrace their faith. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 00:34 – Bishop Barron criticized two cardinals who say the Church isn’t there to convert people. What do you make of it? 16:11 – In prosperous societies like Australia, New Zealand and Europe, how do we answer the rampant secularism? 21:30 – Two Jehovah’s Witnesses came to my house and want to come back. Do you have any tips on how to share the Gospel with them? 28:28 – My Muslim Uber driver tried to do dawah on me on my way to Mass. I told him conversion to Christianity is a spiritual, heart conversion, but I felt I was too abrupt. 45:19 – I’m Catholic, but not all the way Catholic. How can I reach Catholics who aren’t really into the Bible and live like the world the rest of the week?

“What are the five solas of Protestantism, and how does a Catholic respond to them?” This question opens a discussion on key theological differences, while also addressing the rich young ruler’s inquiry about eternal life and the role of baptism in salvation. Additionally, the conversation touches on Marian dogmas and the implications of unconditional election in Catholic teaching. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:39 – What are the five solas of Protestantism, and how does a Catholic respond to them? 15:24 – When the rich young ruler asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” was that a salvation question? 18:43 – When someone asks me, “Brother, are you saved?” I say yes — baptism saves us, I was baptized as an infant, so I’m saved unless I lose it. What would you say? 21:07 – How would you answer the Protestant theology of unconditional election from Church teaching? 34:21 – I’m going through OCIA. I don’t disagree with the Marian dogmas, I just don’t understand them. Can I still have assurance of salvation if I accept the Church’s teaching and authority? 46:09 – Why does the opportunity for salvation end at death?

“How would you convince Joyce Carol Oates that we truly believe in the real presence?” This question opens a discussion on the significance of the Eucharist in Catholic faith. Other topics include the proper approach for those considering conversion, the reasons behind the different Eucharistic prayers, and the role of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:17 – How would you convince Joyce Carol Oates that we truly believe in the real presence? 15:02 – I’m not Catholic yet. I want to convert but I’m a leader of my church community. When I go to mass to I go up to receive a blessing, or should I stay in the pew? If I go through OCIA, why would I get pulled from mass to go to a class during the consecration? 28:47 – Why are 4 different eucharistic prayers and who chooses which prayer to pray? It’s hard to follow. 34:08 – Who is supposed to lead the Entrance Antiphon and Communion Antiphon. Is it the priest of the congregation? 41:21 – What is the Church’s stance of receiving communion from Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion? Is there a difference in receiving communion from them and a priest or deacon? 45:53 – When offering prayers before mass, how many offerings can you offer up? 49:41 – No question, but something about language. What don’t you understand about metaphor? All language has some form of it. That includes Hebrew, Greek and English. Get real

“What’s the earliest evidence for transubstantiation?” This question opens a discussion on the historical foundations of the Eucharist, including insights into the evidence for the Eucharist itself and the theological implications of whether Catholics are re-sacrificing Jesus. The conversation also touches on why certain individuals are denied communion and the protective nature of the Mass for those who may not attend regularly. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:30 – What’s the earliest evidence outside the Bible for transubstantiation? 14:29 – What’s the evidence for the Eucharist? 19:17 – Are Catholics re-sacrificing Jesus? 22:02 – Why do people get denied communion like politicians or gay couples when Jesus didn’t even deny communion to Judas? 36:25 – How much protection does the mass provide to a person who doesn’t always attend but feels like their childhood Catholicism holds them safe? 45:26 – Catholics claim that the Road to Emmaus is about eucharist but Jesus told the followers to touch him knowing he is real. If you take this same logic to the eucharist, the host feels nothing like Jesus therefore the story cannot be about the eucharist. Thoughts?

“How do Protestants justify the 5 Solas?” This question opens a discussion on the foundational beliefs that shape Protestant theology, while also addressing the implications of adding other elements to these principles. The conversation further explores the differences between nominalism and realism, recommendations for Lutherans considering Catholicism, and the need for a modern reformation among Protestants. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:00 – How do protestants justify the 5 solas? if you use other things it does away with the sola part, doesn’t it? 13:48 – Are the differences in nominalism and realism a way to explain the theological differences between Catholics and Protestants? 23:57 – I’m Lutheran looking to come into the Catholic faith. What reading material do you recommend? 40:40 – Do you think today’s modern-day protestants are in need of a reformation? 48:29 – I don’t think the issue of the reformation is black and white. Is it possible the Church admitted its own shortcomings during the conflict?

“Did the Protestant Reformation fail?” This question opens a discussion on the Reformation’s goals and outcomes, including insights on whether it succeeded. The conversation also touches on Penal substitutionary atonement versus St. Anselm’s model, and reflections on Luther’s trial and the implications of his teachings. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:14 – Did the Protestant Reformation succeed in its goal? 19:43 – I’m in OCIA from a reformed background. Can you explain Penal substitutionary atonement compared to St. Anselm’s model? 29:39 – I think it’s a shame that the conversation wasn’t had with Luther but instead he was put on trial. What are your thoughts on this? 42:01 – I grew up MO synod Lutheran and believe that the reformation was not successful at all. I think that all teaching was completely undermined and led to disaster. What are your thoughts on that? 48:11 – What prompted Luther’s journey in the wrong direction?

“How did the Church Fathers teach about the Eucharist?” The early Church Fathers provided profound insights into Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist, even during His earthly ministry, as seen at the Last Supper. Additionally, the discussion touches on the diversity among the Fathers and their perceived radicalism compared to modern interpretations, as well as the relationship between the Fathers and the Protestant Reformers. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 12:30 – How did the Church Fathers explain Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist when Jesus was still alive (like at the Last Supper)? 24:00 – In the early centuries of Christianity there seems to be a great diversity of persons among the Church fathers, and that got lost somewhere along the line in the West. It seems like the Fathers were a bit more radical, then they became a bit more “clean cut.” I feel like the modern Church could use a bit more of that original radicalism. What do you think? 33:18 – It seems like the Church Fathers were so obviously Catholic. Did the Protestant Reformers just ignore them? 44:15 – What is your opinion on why the Church Fathers are so ignored by modern Protestants? 49:45 – The Church Fathers can be surprisingly easy to read, and they are great teachers.

“Does Jesus allow divorce for adultery?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of marriage and fidelity in the light of faith. Other topics include the implications of same-sex attraction in cases of infidelity, personal stories of healing after infidelity, and the challenges faced by those in long-term marriages affected by past divorces. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:40 – Does Jesus permit divorce in cases of adultery? 29:03 – What if the adultery was happening with a person of the same sex? Would the fact that the person is gay make it an illicit marriage? 33:15 – I have experienced infidelity. My husband and I have been getting help in saving our marriage. I just want to give hope and encouragement to others who might be struggling. 44:31 – I’ve been married for 31 years. My husband had been married before and was divorced (adultery played a part on both sides). They thought they were divorced, but there was a clerical error, so we just found out they are still married. We have been living as roommates for 15 years. Can I leave him? 49:50 – My husband was unfaithful in the beginning of our marriage but God turned it around and our marriage is so much stronger because of it now.

“What do Oriental Orthodox believe?” This episode delves into their views on Christ’s nature and the significance of saints, while also addressing the misunderstandings surrounding terms like “monophysitism.” Additionally, the discussion touches on Marian dogmas and the beliefs regarding post-death purgation, providing a comprehensive look at these rich theological perspectives. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:20 – All these beliefs that end in “-physitism” – what’s that all about? 10:19 – What do Oriental Orthodox believe about the nature of Christ? 16:00 – How do we understand the saints and condemnations on each side? 18:00 – Do Catholics and Oriental Orthodox agree on Marian dogmas? 23:00 – What do young Oriental Orthodox men argue about with Catholics online? 29:30 – Why would it be wrong to call an Oriental Orthodox a monophysite? 33:17 – What do they believe about post-death purgation? 44:00 – Do they have a valid Eucharist? 50:30 – Do they baptize and confirm at the same time? 53:30 – How about communion in an emergency? 54:13 – How do we get the band back together?

“Who are the Oriental Orthodox?” This question opens a discussion on the distinct churches within this family and their differences from Eastern Orthodox churches. The conversation also touches on their shared history with Rome, the significance of the Council of Chalcedon in 451, and the theological distinctions between “miaphysitism” and “monophysitism.” Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:30 – Who are the Oriental Orthodox? Which churches belong to this family, and how do they differ from the Eastern Orthodox churches most Catholics are more familiar with? 04:45 – What is our shared history? Before the separation, how were these churches connected to Rome, and what contributions did they make to early Christianity? 06:23 – What happened at Chalcedon in 451? 12:00 – What role did the pope play in the controversy? Why was Pope Leo the Great’s Tome accepted at Chalcedon but rejected by its opponents? 16:00 – What is the difference between “miaphysitism” and “monophysitism”? Why do Oriental Orthodox Christians object to being called monophysites, and do they affirm that Jesus is fully God and fully man? 21:50 – Having a little grace with each other. 29:45 – Areas of agreement. 31:35 – How central is the papacy to the remaining disagreement? What authority do Oriental Orthodox Christians recognize in the bishop of Rome, and where do they reject Catholic claims about primacy and infallibility? 35:30 – Rejection of universal jurisdiction 37:40 – How did it become a permanent division? 43:19 – How did the spread of Islam affect the division? 52:35 – Do you think we’re getting closer on the ground level? Or is it just on the Vatican commission level?

“Is there salvation outside the Church?” This question leads to a discussion on the Church’s teachings, including why the understanding shifted after Vatican II. Other topics include the implications of divorce and remarriage for becoming Catholic, the Protestant perspective on Mary, and how to engage with a new Mormon neighbor about the faith. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:48 – I’m a traditional Catholic who goes to an FSSP Mass. Why did the Church always teach there’s no salvation outside the Church until they changed in at Vatican II? 16:23 – Doesn’t divorce and remarriage preclude a person from becoming Catholic? Someone could just go to the Orthodox Church and get the Eucharist there. 29:00 – Why are Protestants so against Mary? 40:30 – I have a new Mormon neighbor. Any tips on how I can engage him about the faith? And what topics might I be prepared to discuss with him?

“How should Catholics respond to non-Catholics?” This episode addresses the essential question every Catholic should be prepared to answer, while also tackling how to engage with friends from different faith backgrounds, the role of faith in salvation, and the Church’s teaching on indulgences. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:18 – What’s the one question every Catholic should be ready to answer? 16:33 – My grandparents are JWs. A friend is a Oneness Pentecostal. What would be the best way to convince them to become Catholic? 29:30 – I am a member of a baptist Church, but I am also in OCIA. How should I respond to friends to ask why be Catholic — isn’t faith in Jesus enough? 39:40 – I am moving to the deep south. How can I be prepared to defend the faith there where there are not a lot of Catholics? 44:41 – Why does the Church offer plenary indulgences when one of the conditions is complete detachment from venial sin, and nobody can really know if they have attained that? Doesn’t the Church have a responsibility to equip people to know when they have attained the indulgence?

“Can salvation be conditional?” This question opens a discussion on the Catholic understanding of salvation in relation to mortal sin and good works, contrasting it with Protestant views. Other topics include the perceived contradictions in church teachings from the council of Ephesus, and the implications of church discipline regarding family members with same-sex attraction. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:56 – Struggling with the view of Salvation. How does the protestant view of salvation contradict and make sense with the view of a Catholic that there is mortal sin and venial sin and salvation is conditional and how does it tie in good works? 12:49 – Believes the Catholic church contradicted the council of Ephesus…( his sources: Isaiah 19, and counsel of Ephesus and council of Chalcedon. Does not understand the connection between Christology regarding Isaiah 19 and prophecy on the church.) 31:09 – Is in OCIA- What does church teaching have to do with cutting family members off due to sexual orientation. Can people enact church discipline? Her understanding that only a church body can do that not people individually. 44:28 – John 6 is used in favor of the Catholic view of the Eucharist. However he is unsure of this. And would contend that John 6 is an argument against the Catholic view of the Eucharist.

“Is Catholicism just extra steps?” This question opens a discussion on the unique aspects of Catholic faith, grace, and morality. Other topics include the interpretation of the Queen of Heaven in Jeremiah, the nature of the Church as the Biblical community, and concerns about Catholic moral teachings regarding consent and natural law. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:00 – I think Catholicism is just Christianity with extra steps. 14:36 – Is the Catholic Church the Biblical church or are the people the Biblical church? 1 Cor 3: 16-17 31:53 – Has a problem with the Catholic Moral teaching. Caths remove consent from Moral theology and use the excuse of natural order as a way to excuse bigotry and the things the church supports. 43:32 – We are saved by faith through grace. He does not know anything that contradicts that. He does know that being saved is conditional in Catholicism and this is why he is not a Catholic.

Catholic Answers Live continues its ranking of Marian apparitions by examining some of the most significant and widely discussed cases, including Kibeho, Akita, Fatima, and Zeitoun. The episode explains how the Church evaluates each apparition, what level of approval they have received, and what spiritual lessons Catholics can legitimately draw from them while remaining rooted in Church authority and doctrine. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 18:15 – Kibeho 29:00 – Akita 40:43 – Fatima 44:29 – Zeitoun

This Catholic Answers Live episode explores how the Church evaluates and ranks Marian apparitions, explaining the official categories used to judge reported visions and whether Catholics are required to believe them. The discussion also examines specific and controversial cases, including Fr. Michel Rodrigue, La Salette, and Medjugorje, helping listeners understand how the Church discerns authenticity, safeguards the faithful, and distinguishes approved devotion from private revelation. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:50 – What categories does the Church classify apparitions into? 11:25 – Are we required to believe them? 16:19 – Fr. Michel Rodrigue 38:31 – La Salette 49:05 – Mejugorje

“Every Objection to The Papacy Answered” This episode dives into the role of Peter and the significance of Rome in the context of papal authority. Explore questions like whether the Bible indicates Peter’s presence in Rome and how 1 Peter 5:13 supports this claim, along with discussions on the implications of Paul rebuking Peter and the nature of papal fallibility. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:00 – Is the papacy unbiblical or a temporary office? 07:30 – Does the Bible ever say Peter went to Rome? 11:30 – How does 1 Peter 5:13 support Peter’s presence in Rome? 14:30 – Did Peter and Paul really found the church in Rome together? 16:30 – Does Paul rebuking Peter disprove papal authority? 19:30 – Can a pope be fallible or rebuked for his actions? 23:00 – Is the real Protestant objection that we don’t need structure, sacraments, or hierarchy? 25:30 – What does the temple veil really mean for Christian worship? 29:00 – If Jesus is the only mediator, why do we have priests or popes? 32:30 – Does the Eucharist show that Christian priesthood is still valid? 36:00 – What’s the real difference between Catholicism and Orthodoxy on the papacy? 39:30 – Is the Pope really just “first among equals”? 42:00 – What does Irenaeus say about Rome’s authority and apostolic succession? 45:00 – Did Pope John Paul II suggest the papacy could look different in the future? 47:30 – Is the complexity of the modern papacy a sign of corruption or growth? 50:00 – Does celibacy contradict Peter’s example? 53:00 – Was Peter actually married during his apostleship? 55:00 – Is the Pope the Antichrist and the Church the Whore of Babylon?

“Every Objection to The Papacy Answered” This episode explores the complexities of papal authority, addressing questions like whether the papacy is unbiblical and if Peter was ever in Rome. Tune in as we also delve into the implications of Paul’s relationship with Peter and the significance of “Babylon” in 1 Peter 5:13. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:22 – Why do people object to the Pope’s role in the Church? 06:40 – Isn’t the papacy unbiblical and not meant to persist beyond Peter? 10:35 – Does the Bible ever say Peter was in Rome? 14:20 – What does “Babylon” mean in 1 Peter 5:13, and how is that connected to Rome? 17:15 – Didn’t Paul co-found the Church in Rome with Peter? 20:05 – Paul rebuked Peter—doesn’t that undermine papal authority? 25:18 – Was Peter’s behavior in Antioch heretical or just scandalous? 30:40 – Doesn’t Galatians 2 show Peter as just another apostle, not a leader? 34:25 – Why do Protestants say we don’t need a Pope if Jesus tore the temple veil? 39:12 – Does Jesus as sole mediator mean there’s no place for the Pope or priests? 43:50 – Why is Hebrews 10 crucial to properly understanding the torn temple veil? 47:00 – Is priesthood abolished in the New Testament? 50:10 – What does 1 Corinthians 10 tell us about sacrifice, the Eucharist, and priests? 54:45 – Why is there a structural Protestant objection to the papacy?