Catholic Answers Live

Topic Covered: 05:31 – Rainn Wilson and Christian villains in the HBO show Last of Us 16:50 – Baby announcements 29:04 – Chris forgot to mention on important part of show Manifest 34:00 – The Flannel Panel is going to Rome! 41:20 – Why is no one mentioning Blue Bloods! It shows Catholicism in a good light. 43:06 – Spiritual fads. What’s the next mindfulness? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered 01:25 – What role did Paul play in ordination? When he laid hands, was it Confirmation or ordination? 11:38 – What does it mean for Jesus’ human will if he is incapable of sin? 21:49 – Does having same sex attraction forbid one from working in ministries in the Church? 34:47 – I struggle with hearing very little about Jesus from Catholics? Can you give advice to a person considering the Catholic faith? 42:10 – Are thoughts considered sinful, if you don’t consent to the thought and it just pops into your head? 46:48 – Should we pray more than once for a specific request? 51:05 – When is it permissible to bless another person as a lay person? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 03:35 – When comparing John 3 and John 6, If infants are called to be in the faith, why don’t we allow infants to take communion in the west? 12:30 – What reasons do we have to trust the proto-evangelium of James? 19:05 – Why pray for those in purgatory if the point is for them to be there to be purged? Wouldn’t that defeat the purpose? 28:00 – I recently heard that only 20% believe in the real presence. How do we talk to people about this and help them better understand? 39:02 – If there’s multiple layers to heaven and people are on different layers, can they still interact? 44:48 – On a college campus what is the most important thing to share about the Catholic faith to guide them towards God? 50:45 – Can a Catholic receive ashes from a non-Catholic ash service? Can you receive ashes more than once? Can a female give ashes?   …

Questions Covered: 12:29 – Is it ethical to consume animals and animal products? Is this taking us away from the true call of Jesus? 19:36 – Is it true that the shelf life of a frozen embryo is 5 years? 22:11 – What would a couple do with the frozen embryos? Does the Church allow these embryos to go to women who cannot conceive? 29:33 – What is gain-of-function research and is it ethical? 39:54 – What are your thoughts on printing animal DNA for interplanetary colonization? Would it be ethical? 44:55 – Would it be appropriate to have frozen embryos buried with the mother at her death? 47:20 – Is Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer licit? …

Questions Covered: 19:17 – Why did the death of John receive the distinction of being known as the Passion of John the Baptist? 23:02 – Could the sign of the cross be traced back to John the Baptist? 29:44 – Since Jesus and John were cousins, is it possible for both of them to be in the temple when they were 12 years old? 35:43 – Can you tell us about John’s disciples becoming Jesus’ disciples? 42:10 – Steve, you will be coming to my area and I just want you to thank you for talking about Jesus and the Eucharist. 45:08 – Jesus refers to John as blessed among women. Since this line is also evidence for Mary being sinless, can we also say that John was conceived without sin? 47:14 – Jesus said as high as John ranks, he still ranks as low as women. If that’s the case, where does that put me? 50:18 – Would Mary have been baptized by John? Were women baptized in general? …

Questions Covered: 12:10 – I have a problem with hospice use of morphine because it can cause respiratory failure.  What are your thoughts on this?  17:56 – I’ve considered doing sidewalk counseling. Do you have advice on how to be successful in talking to people?  23:18 – I’m a physician. Has anyone who has prescribed the abortion reversal pill been successfully sued? I worry about prescribing it?  29:44 – Why are children born disabled?  32:27 – Are you aware of the drugs that are used in hospice that can put the patients into a medical coma? It seems like there is incentive to euthanize people.  42:26 – What other options are there for Catholics who don’t want any more kids?  48:45 – I’ve seen the abuse in hospice care and ended loved ones’ lives. I want to thank you for talking about it.  …

Questions Covered: 03:30 – I’m not Catholic yet because of the lack of evidence for the papacy in the 2nd century. 15:28 – The conflicting accounts between Genesis and evolution. 22:47 – I’m in RCIA, I’m having a hard time understanding the rosary. 28:56 – I was raised Pentecostal and left because of hypocrisy. Now I’m non-denominational. I won’t be Catholic because I don’t get what I need or feel that closeness of Christ. 42:35 – Everyone I know that has given up on faith was Catholic. There is no love or redemption. It’s all just rules and worshiping dead saints. Hard pass. 46:08 – I became Catholic years ago. I got used to praying the rosary with my church community. 49:46 – I don’t see praise and worship in Catholicism. …

Open Forum  – Questions Covered: 01:36 – When someone goes to hell and we pray for them, what happens to these prayers? 04:01 – Why did John the Baptist send one of his disciples to find out if Jesus was the messiah if he already knew who Jesus was? 07:39 – When Jacob wrestled with an angel, the bible says that God failed to win him over. How could God fail? Am I reading this properly? 14:12 – Do the Jews today still believe in praying for the dead? 16:37 – What makes a good confession during lent? 20:23 – How do we reconcile the historical clues that Judaism and Christianity come from a polytheistic religion? 24:06 – Who was Joseph’s first wife before he married Mary? 28:51 – What is the significance of the centurion proclamation that Jesus is God at the crucifixion? 30:19 – Phil 2:7-9 Why does Paul say that “because of this God greatly exalted him?” The ‘because’ is confusing me. 34:31 – Why is it tradition for a woman to take a man’s last name after they get married? 44:43 – How much of the 9 choirs of angels is speculation vs Church teaching? 49:01 – Why is it a mortal sin to miss Mass on Sundays? 52:30 – In Delaware they’re trying to make a priest record confessions and report illegal activity. What are your thoughts on this? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 03:03 – Are things that are spirits that are not persons? 10:12 – The Chaplet of Divine Mercy seems impertinent. What does it mean to offer up Jesus to the Father? 17:19 – Do we impart importance on the archangels because they are named even when they are lower angels in the hierarchy? 22:40 – When one is visiting a different diocese, do we have to follow the dispensations of that diocese or our home diocese? 28:50 – I attended a mass with a lot of omitted parts. Was the mass valid and was the consecration valid? 34:12 – It’s strange but if holy water is put in a boiling pot or put in a humidifier, are the vapors or droplets still holy? 39:21 – Even if I go to confession how can still go to purgatory? 44:34 – Jesus says that the gates of destruction are wide. What does this mean? It seems very discouraging? 49:00 – If Genesis is allegory, can Mary truly be considered the new Eve? 52:30 – In school, some kids don’t believe in God, how do I respond? …

Questions Covered: 02:00 – I think there’s a difference between regret and repentance 06:43 – I’m Catholic. How should I deepen my faith? Should I still go to RCIA? 11:18 – What are the arguments against the question: why would I follow Christianity if Buddhism teaches similar things but are more accepting LGBT people? 15:43 – Can you add or take away from the bible? 19:35 – I’ve been dealing with shameful behavior and coming to the point of being embarrassed to go to confession. I’ll be receiving Confirmation soon and feel unworthy. Can you give me some advice? 29:43 – I’m in RCIA and am trying to evangelize my 14-year-old daughter. Do you have advice on how to help? 36:53 – What are your thoughts on RCIA directors who don’t have a good understanding of the faith? How would one approach this? 43:20 – My husband and I are considering RCIA. We are a bit uneasy with the things the pastor and teacher say. They seem contrary to the faith. What should we do? 51:04 – I was baptized as a baby but wasn’t raised Catholic. I want to fulfill all of my sacraments. How do I go about doing that? …

Questions Covered: 06:57 – How do I respond to a protestant whose claim against images is saying that the Jews would never have had a statue of Moses in the Temple? 16:49 – If we were baptized as babies, would we be able to go through the RCIA program? 19:38 – I agree with everything the Church teaches except for papal authority. If the pope were to declare something ex cathedra against scripture. What would happen? 24:48 – Do you have to pay to go through RCIA? 30:01 – On the past Sunday readings on the Transfiguration. I’ve heard conflicting evidence on which mountain did this occurred. Can you help clarify? 33:41 – As a single dad, 41 and having busy life, I’ve started RCIA 3 times in the last 10 years. I’ve never finished and am considering trying online. What are your thoughts? 44:09 – If a couple comes into the Church, would their marriage need to be blessed by a priest? 47:52 – I have a hard time believing the words in the Creed “for the forgiveness of sins.” How can I get over this? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 02:06 – Will all the people, including the people around the time of Adam and Eve, also be resurrected? 07:44 – Regarding NFP, what is the nature of this practice directed to? Is it for getting pregnant or avoiding pregnancy? 14:17 – I’m struggling with the teachings of Mary, her Assumption and the painlessness of her childbirth. Can you help bring me some peace? 22:58 – Why do Catholics give up meat on Lent but other Christians don’t? 29:33 – Can godparents bless their godchildren? 31:26 – Is it okay to listen to Catholic mass online more than once a day? Can one receive spiritual communion more than once a day? 33:40 – Why can you not give an indulgence to another living person? 40:14 – Don’t Transubstantiation, Consubstantiation, Transfiguration, Consubstantial all basically mean the same thing? 45:12 – When NFP is undertaken and conception occurs when it will not be implanted, is it justifiable under natural law? 50:26 – My Protestant sister claims that the forgiveness of sins Jn 20:23 is past perfect in the Greek. She implied that this was a commission to all and not an apostolic mandate. Resources Mentioned: https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/finding-sacrament-confession-in-biblical-grammar …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 05:57 – Did Leonardo DaVinci have a vision of an angel in his life? 13:30 – As a Catholic do I have to believe that Adam and Eve were real people? 19:09 – When Jesus comes back, will he be in a special form? 23:31 – On the Glory be prayer. Can you break it down and what it means? 34:13 – I’m protestant and am converting. My pastor passed away. Would the Catholic Church teach that he was a heretic? 39:38 – What is the Church teaching on what happened to Judas Iscariot? 46:16 – How can we say that when the body passes away that we should keep it together, but at the same time we separate relics? 52:31 – If Peter was the first pope, then why was he considered the bishop of Antioch? …

Questions Covered: 09:46 – I’ve been an addict for over 5 years now. Am I missing anything in terms of my faith life? I pray the rosary and go to mass daily.  18:07 – I worked for a Christian non-profit where we helped addicts get on their feet. I would always make it a point to tell them not to look back. What do you think about saying that?  29:11 – When a person is dating or married to an addict, how do they discern who the real person they are is? Is it ok to break things off without giving them the chance first to get help?  35:50 – How can you combat food addiction? You can’t just cut food out completely so I think it’s a different process than being addicted to substances.  41:50 – Is all addiction sinful? Is an addiction to something that’s not “bad” still sinful?   46:55 – I’m noticing a lot of similarities between the step program and Ignatian spirituality. Are you aware of any Ignatian programs or retreats that incorporate the step program?  48:07 – I’m 68 and currently on a methadone program. Is it worth getting off methadone after being on it for 30 years? Is it ok to stay on it?  53:03 – Is Sr. Ignatia Gavin recognized as one of the starters of Alcoholics Anonymous? …

Questions Covered: 17:01 – How can the Eucharist solve the problems we have with the division in culture today? 30:08 – I don’t think the Eucharist can change the world. I think there’s more that goes into it. I think there’s too much money in everything, including the Church, for the Eucharist to change everything. 35:29 – You say the Eucharist awakens our conscience. The bridge to receiving the Eucharist to someone not in the church, however, isn’t a short one. What can we do in the interim to make an argument against Transgenderism? 49:22 – Sometimes when people criticize the Church we get a litany of this and that. I think your talking about the Eucharist in terms of changing the culture will really help. …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 10:54 – I left the Church because I feel like God was giving me a hard time. I’m Protestant now and I feel like the sin I was committing was that I didn’t have enough faith. I’m considering coming back to the Church. What are your thoughts on this? 17:55 – What is the Catholic teaching on salvation? How does it differ from what our protestants believe? 22:36 – Act 8:21 Peter rejecting Simon. Today we hear that we should not judge, then how could Peter have done this? 36:52 – I couldn’t make a confession when I became Catholic and on the Easter vigil Mass the priest absolved me right in the middle of mass since I approached for a blessing. I received communion. Was this valid? 42:53 – Since Ingo Swan was a Scientologist; does it affect the permissibility of remote viewing? 50:41 – I wear a cross that someone told me was a Rosicrucian cross. Who are Rosicrucian’s, Is the cross affiliated with them and is it ok to wear them? …

Questions Covered: 13:42 – What does salvation look like for people that have left the Church due to the sex abuse scandal? Good question 20:31 – Jesus says he is the way, the truth and the life. Catholics say the Catholic Church is the way. Is this contradictory? 24:20 – Paul says those who call in the name of the Lord will be saved. That which you are proclaiming is false. 34:45 – Can you give me 3 of the best reasons to be Catholic and not Orthodox? 38:18 – I’m Anglican and faithful. Is your Church saying that I can’t have salvation? 45:47 – How do we practically communicate this teaching to ecumenical groups? 48:40 – What are your thoughts on the movie Silence and the question on salvation in it? 50:33 – Are there any documents prior to the 60’s that show the caveats regarding salvation that we hear about today? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 10:31 – Is a confession valid if a priest forgets to ask you for your act of contrition? 13:12 – In the Mass, why do we pray for those who have passed away and those who have fallen asleep? Why separate them? 14:36 – If we can pray directly to God why go to a priest for confession? 20:34 – I’m a convert and now my son is going through RCIA. He was baptized in a protestant Church. Was it valid? Should he go to confession before receiving communion? 32:00 – I’m a new Catholic and just went to adoration for the first time. Why is adoration ok? Should the eucharist be consumed? 40:01 – How do we prove polygamy wrong using scripture? 47:25 – I’m a non-practicing Catholic and looking to return. I got married and divorced and never had an annulment. I just discovered that my ex-wife filed and was granted an annulment without my knowledge. Would it be in my best interest to have the case reopened to have my testimony on file? 52:18 – What is the sin against the Holy Spirit? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 04:19 – What do we Catholics believe about protestants receiving communion at their own churches? 07:06 – Where do we get the traditions of Peter being crucified upside down and Veronica wiping the face of Jesus? 11:50 – The bible says God is a trinity and also one. Which is it? 16:04 – I’m failing to understand how the Eucharist is a sacrifice. Can you help clarify? 21:43 – What do we know about the similarities and differences between the Pharisees and Sadducees. What role did they play in the Passion? 28:37 – If Adam and Eve didn’t sin, would there still be a heaven? 30:47 – I stopped practicing my faith because of the sex abuse many years ago. I’m beginning my return but now I see new abuses. Why were the priests shuffled around? 34:31 – How can you tell if a message is coming from God or the devil? 41:05 – What happened to Moses and Elijah after the Transfiguration of Jesus? 42:59 – The GIRM 199 states that the priests cannot celebrate the Easter vigil mass alone but later 204 it contradicts that. Can you help clarify? 44:31 – How do we read the age of people in the Old Testament, especially since some people lived for hundreds of years? 51:36 – Why is Mt. 17:21 missing from some bibles? …

Questions Covered: 01:47 – Why do Catholics believe you can pray to the dead when the bible says the opposite? 12:22 – Why does the Church believe that Mary is sinless? 18:08 – Were the Assumption of Mary and JP2’s declaration on the male only priesthood fall under ex cathedra? 23:00 – Could you help explain why we use relics? 32:32 – Why do we use the phrase “Mother of God” instead of “Mother of God Incarnate” in the Hail Mary prayer? 43:23 – If you’re in a relationship with someone who is going through RCIA, why do you have to be married to them to be their sponsor? 51:52 – Why do we Catholics find it easier to accept scientific discoveries over protestants if we have a lot of the same materials? …

Questions Covered: 08:45 – How did the Church come up with the idea that Mary was conceived without sin? 17:39 – Why does the pope only speak ex cathedra on morals? What exactly is ex cathedra? 29:32 – My friend passed away and left her kids behind. Why would God allow that? 37:29 – Why do we celebrate Easter when we do? Did we replace Passover with Easter to follow a pagan holiday? 44:07 – How many times has ex cathedra been used? And why? 47:48 – Is organ donation licit as a Catholic? Why or Why not? 50:41 – What does the Church teach about creationism and evolution? What are the boundaries and why? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 01:33 – Why are there some Catholic churches that feel like they don’t want people with mental disabilities? 11:13 – Can you explain the presumption of mercy? 18:12 – A lot of non-religious and native Americans use sage for purification. Can we as Catholics use it if we get it blessed? 21:31 – What’s a good response to once saved always saved? 31:56 – Why was the fall of the angels irreparable? Why can’t they repent? 36:15 – If Vatican 2 was successful then why are those who prefer the Latin Mass being attacked? 45:58 – How does one know when you are going to heaven? 51:00 – I’m divorced and have been banned from receiving communion. How am I supposed to be nourished? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 08:55 – Did God know the devil would become a fallen angel? Were there other fallen angels apart from the devil? 14:41 – Is it Catholic to say that God is consistently pouring out his grace and by cooperation we come into a closer relationship with him? 18:18 – What is the official position on eschatology? 23:27 – I’m Lutheran. I see saints say contradictory things about Mary. Some say we should be slaves to her and others say don’t put Mary above God. Can you clarify? 36:40 – What would be a good response to a protestant who rejects private revelation? 42:05 – What is the mechanism by which we have the hope for salvation? …

Questions Covered: 06:02 – How does one respond to an atheist who says every theist version of evolution puts sin before death, that death didn’t exist until sin. How does one respond?  15:04 – Is divorce a sin? Is it okay to date before an annulment has been given?  22:08 – If you kill 3 people do you have to name them in confession? Do you have to name each individual instance?  29:37 – How can the laity make sense of priests and bishops who speak out against the pope?  33:07 – My wife doesn’t feel loved by me, and I don’t know how to show her. How do I approach her and suggest we go to therapy?  40:36 – I’m a medical student and help with surgeries including tying tubes. What is my culpability in those surgeries?  46:08 – If you’re destined for heaven, why are souls tortured in purgatory?  50:22 – We hear a lot about the second coming, but what was the first coming? Who was that?  …

Questions Covered: 14:31 – Does atheism lead to nihilism? 21:13 – Why do so many Christians fall into atheism? 23:02 – Is the intelligent design argument against evolution helpful, unhelpful or irrelevant in the debate about God? 33:41 – Why the Judeo-Christian God instead of any other God? 40:58 – What are good resources for atheists who want to get into philosophy? 48:38 – My belief in God stems from my illness. 52:05 – I just discovered the idea that we are born seeking God. Can you comment on that?   …

Questions Covered: 04:08 – I have been struggling with a lot of anxiety. When I pray, sometimes I get peace and sometimes I don’t. I pray the rosary, I do devotions, etc. Can you help me know if maybe I’m missing something so I can be at peace?  12:54 – One version of Matthew 1:25 says Joseph did not have marital relations until Mary had the firstborn son. But does that mean Mary wasn’t a perpetual virgin?  21:52 – Why did the 12 Apostles end with the apostolic age? Why didn’t they keep reinstituting the 12?  35:00 – My wife is a nutritionist and doesn’t fully understand fasting and that it’s harmful for our hormone balance and metabolism. She wants to know how you could be doing something harmful to your body for the sake of spiritual gain.  42:13 – Tim said he used to be pro-death penalty but now that he’s a Catholic, does not because the Pope says it’s a development of doctrine and supersedes the bible. How can he do that?  50:25 – I’m a new Catholic. How can the Church maintain unity within the setting of having different “branches”, like the SSPX? …

Questions Covered: 17:05 – I’m worried about my upcoming marriage. Is there any way to accommodate my Protestant fiancé in the way he wants to be married? I just don’t want to be in a state of mortal sin. 22:22 – If I’m doing the Lenten devotional and trying to have it help me with worrying about my vocation. Is there any advice for how to deal with when I do start worrying a lot about my vocation? 30:57 – I’m currently an addict and worried about relapsing. How can I worry less about relapsing? 36:30 – I got your book last year and really devoured it. My husband has been recently diagnosed with throat cancer but because of your book I feel at peace with it. 39:30 – I lost my 18 y.o. son two years ago Christmas morning to leukemia. I just don’t know how to get past it. 49:45 – My work involves being on a temporary contract. Can you give me advice on how not to dwell on my work issues so much? …

Questions Covered: 02:29 – I attend a protestant bible study often and in the coming weeks we’re getting to John 20. What are some common Protestant arguments for it and how can I respond to them? 11:52 – Something Jimmy quotes in The Fathers Know Best on St Ignatius’ letter to the Smyrnaeans is that some people abstain from the Eucharist because they don’t believe it’s the flesh. Since this is in the short version and there is a longer version, how do we know which versions of these early Christian writings are reliable or if any of them are? 21:04 – A fellow parishioner said the Devil must have been surprised at the resurrection. Of course, Satan knew Jesus was the son of God but how can I point him in the right direction? 29:47 – Can you explain how you know Jesus and God exist without making any biblical references? I have adult children who were raised Catholic, left the faith, and nothing I say works to convince them of the existence of Jesus and God. 36:16 – Can a Catholic who married in the Baptist church, and got divorced, then get married in the Catholic Church? 41:56 – Is it possible to know the existence of angels through natural reasons alone? Resources Mentioned: https://jimmyakin.com/2013/08/did-jesus-exist-an-alternate-approach.html …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 10:38 – How can we rightly talk about the soul in terms of relational but not physical terms?  20:44 – If we’re not in a state of grace and we’re praying, do the prayers not get through to God because we’re not in a state of grace? Will they then get retroactively answered after confession?  24:13 – Jimmy writes that the verse about cutting sin off is not literal. How are we so confident that if we were to be literal about it that it would not be a grave sin?  33:58 – What’s the difference between Catholic and someone that calls themselves just Christian? Do Catholics believe everything they do but not vice versa?  37:54 – How should we as Catholics respond to the Asbury University revival? Also, can a Catholic receive communion at an Orthodox church and vice versa?  45:54 – In Deuteronomy 21:10-14, is the captive war bride being raped or not?  51:37 – In the gospel of John, why would it be unfitting for Jesus to say, “When you see me, you see the Holy Spirit”? …

Questions Covered: 05:25 – I’m just entering the Catholic Church. A lot of my friends see me as a spiritual father. These friends will follow me if I convert. That makes me very uncomfortable. Can you offer some advice? 14:40 – What happens if you’re going through RCIA and you can’t find a Confirmation sponsor? 16:41 – How is the presence of Christ in the Eucharist different from the way God is always present to us, as Scripture says? 29:27 – I’m not Catholic. How can I better understand the real presence? Where in the Old Testament does God prophecy that he was going to reveal himself as bread and wine? 38:00 – Does the bible lose its impact when it is translated? 45:59 – I’m not Catholic but I would like to be. Why would being divorced preclude me from becoming Catholic? …

Questions Covered: 13:00 – I grew up Catholic. I had an abortion as a young woman and was told it was no big deal. I felt guilt because of this. All my friends go to an evangelical Church. What church do I go to? 31:35 – I work in a prison and some of the guards were playing with consecrated hosts that fell out of the tabernacle. I have the hosts now, what do I do with them? 36:22 – I’m thinking of converting. Where in the Bible does it say that Mary was assumed into heaven? And where does it say that she was born without original sin? Why go to a priest to confess? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 05:54 – Is Redemptionis Sacramentum, especially regarding the role of extraordinary ministers of holy communion? 16:11 – Does the Church recognize the existence of ghosts, and can they cross over from the afterlife to earth? 23:02 – Do Catholics have to believe in the historical existence of Adam and Eve? 31:49 – I’m not Catholic. Can I participate in Ash Wednesday and receive the ashes? 34:02 – What is the difference between being one of the elect and the doctrine of eternal security? 44:16 – Can we have efficacious prayer if we are in the state of venial or mortal sin? 48:55 – My protestant teacher said that Catholics were wrong and bad during the time of Martin Luther. How do I respond? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 05:18 – When we’re in heaven will we focus on our life on earth? Do you have book recommendations? 10:47 – Why do we confess our sins to a priest and not directly to God? 17:11 – If Jesus was all man and all divine. Could he have looked at God and not died? 20:26 – In my parish, in our intentions, we pray for those who don’t believe in Christ. Who are we praying for and why are they separate intentions? 29:10 – What is the bible evidence for purgatory? 34:40 – I have protestants claim that the Council of Rome in 382 AD under Pope Damasus I. Did actually happen because there is no evidence. How do I refute this? 44:51 – Was Mary resurrected at her death? Is this in the bible? 51:30 – How do I reconcile between God being totally sufficient but Jesus thirsting for us and us adding something to him? …

Questions Covered: 04:25 – What is satanic music? Is that even a thing? What are the characteristics? 12:58 – Who are the two witnesses in Revelation 11? 17:20 – If a Hindu friend offers to pray for you, should you ask them not to since they’re praying to demons? 21:13 – In the Gospel of Mark, when the woman touches Jesus’ robe and he asks who touched it, that doesn’t make sense to me because he should know. What’s going on there? 28:56 – Why are things related to the Pope called “papal” but he’s not called the Pape? Or why aren’t they called “popal?” 34:35 – After the flood, how did the one family left multiply the human race again? 43:43 – Why is it that if you go to hell, something bad will happen to you? Why would the devil torture me when I’m doing exactly what he wanted me to do? 49:02 – When Jesus calls the apostles, they all seem to drop everything and follow him even though they don’t know him. Did God the Father actually draw them to him, as Jesus says must happen? 51:27 – When Jesus tells Pilate that he wouldn’t have power over him unless it was given from above, was he referring to God? …

Questions Covered: 05:00 – Where is the Garden of Eden? 06:56 – Why, if Scripture seems to make it clear that some individuals are in hell, doesn’t the Church officially condemn them? 17:11 – Have any of the popes ever had military jurisdiction, and if so, why? 29:24 – Can a Catholic be a sponsor for a Lutheran going through Confirmation? 33:07 – St. John Chrysostom said in a homily on Matthew 16 that Jesus said he’d build his Church on Peter’s confession of faith, which seems to agree with Protestants arguing against the papacy. What do you think of that? 38:29 – Why did Jesus pick Judas if he knew what Judas was going to do? 47:37 – What does the Bible mean when it says God hates certain people like Esau? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 04:11 – Were gospels written to try and make Romans, especially Pilot, look good? I watched a show that made this claim. 10:33 – Does the grace of the Divine Mercy Chaplet that I pray for my relatives reduce if I include others? 15:34 – I’ve heard that scientists that study the universe are finding evidence that the earth might be the center of the universe. What are your thoughts on this? 19:46 – I know my faith pretty well and have been doing bible study with Jehovah’s Witness. I also go to Sabbath with my Jewish friends. Where is the line when it comes to praying with other faiths? 29:31 – I’m Catholic and my wife is agnostic. My priest pressed me about her converting. He got upset with my response and denied me absolution. Can you give me some clarity with this situation? Am I going to hell for this? It felt very judgmental 42:56 – Is there any theology on why Jesus came to earth in the time that he did? 47:14 – What causes Jesus’ different reactions in 4th and 8th stations of the cross? 51:10 – Psalm 110:7 What does this line mean? 52:45 – Was Mary Magdalene the sister of Martha? …

Questions Covered: 23:15 – I’m 59 and have never been married. I just met a man and now I have a desire to get married. Can I get some advice? 30:08 – Thank you for sharing the Catholic view of marriage! Not enough people hear it. 33:15 – I feel like my wife has given the love that belongs to me to our children. What can I do to help correct this? 38:55 – If one has been married multiple times, can God forgive that? 46:15 – Thanks for a great show topic! I requested therapy with my, now deceased wife to show her that I would never stop working for our marriage. 49:26 – How do I best prepare for the work in marriage? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 04:47 – How do I explain to Protestants that when the bible says that Mary did not know Joseph until after Jesus’ birth, it doesn’t mean that they had relations after?  10:47 – I struggle with the theory that if you go to hell, it is because you chose to be there. Can you help clarify?  16:52 – I had a dream where I saw many upside-down crosses. How do I interpret this? Is this demonic?  22:50 – Is it moral for women to be in the military?  32:21 – Do you believe in the book “The Warning” by Christine Watkins?  35:50 – What’s the significance of Christians fasting on Wednesday and Friday?  42:15 – Has Jimmy ever investigated the theory using an engrailed cross to navigate the earth potentially used by the Knights Templar?  46:32 – If you are coming into the church do you need to go to confession if you are receiving a conditional baptism?  50:26 – If Christ could not sin, what was the point of the temptations?  …

Questions Covered: 17:11 – A Christian is someone who you connect with because you have the common foundation of Christ.  43:30 – How do I talk to people of other Christian faiths?  47:50 – Comment: Foundation of faith is trust, how to have a conversation with people that don’t believe what you do.  …

Questions Covered: 01:45 – I’m struggling with worshiping in a Catholic Church. Do you have any advice? 11:13 – I’m struggling to understand why the Pope won’t call out high-profile politicians If they are clearly speaking against the teachings of the Church? 17:18 – I struggle with my priest who doesn’t approve of me receiving communion on the tongue and also allows lay people to expose the Eucharist in the monstrance. What can I do? 23:23 – I’m struggling with my faith. Can Christianity be proven? Are we living in the matrix? Have you heard of the Egg Theory story? What are your thoughts on it? 36:21 – How would a civil divorce be applied to a Sacramental marriage? Why would a civil divorce need to be annulled in order for someone to marry inside the Church? 45:42 – What does the Church teach about salvation for agnostics and those with mental health issues? 52:17 – How do I argue against someone who claims that priests ordained in the Novus Ordo are invalid? …

Questions Covered: 13:43 – I’m divorced, remarried, then widowed and now I’m getting remarried. If we get married, I know my husband will be excommunicated if we marry. Do you have any advice? 21:31 – I fear inviting young women to Church and not knowing if they’ve had an abortion. Would they be able to come into the Church if they had? 24:57 – When did Jesus rise again? Does that mean it was the first or second time that he rose? 29:20 – I want to join the Roman Catholic Church but I’m divorced. I don’t ever plan on being remarried. Do I have to get my marriage annulled? Or can I skip that? 32:30 – I’m Anglican. I struggle with the honor that we are supposed to give to Mary and the saints. 45:13 – How do I discuss Pope Francis with my Evangelical friends who see him as vague and almost wanting to change Church teaching? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 10:16 – Is it ok to attend an SSPX mass?  15:20 – Why did it take so long for the Church to declare the Assumption and the Immaculate Conception as dogmas?  23:13 – How do I deal with people who won’t acknowledge that their actions are sin?  34:41 – Should babies be rebaptized when they get older?  36:28 – How do I contribute history and theology to a bible study when they focus on feelings?  43:36 – What is a good book that gives an overview of heresies in history?  44:32 – How can a good Catholic walk by a homeless person in the cold and feel like a righteous person?  …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 10:52 – How do we respond to the objection that he is not eternal creator because he is not eternal creating? 14:52 – At what point does a struggle with a Church teaching not allow us to receive communion? 19:57 – How do I respond to the claim that we should be baptizing in the name of Jesus over the name of the trinity? 32:34 – If God made everything, how did he come to earth? 35:31 – What is the earliest evidence for the assumption of Mary? 46:45 – I’m engaged and was planning to get married in November. People tell me that we should get married sooner. What is your advice? 51:04 – Is it ok for me to feel uneasy for a non-Catholic to come and speak to our Catholic men’s group at the Church? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 03:26 – I’m returning to the faith and the priest that I’ve started going to confession to is telling me some sins are not sins. I know they are through my research. How do I handle that? 14:09 – What are good resources about where we got the bible? 18:17 – What is the theological significance of a pope retiring or not? 23:55 – How do I explain Jesus’ death in a public-school setting? 39:28 – What’s the Church’s response to bishop Lefebvre’s statement on the changes of the Mass, saying that it was very protestant? 44:55 – Why is it a mortal sin to eat meat on Fridays during Lent? If you’re not convicted, how does that work? 49:51 – My 17 year old daughter is struggling with her faith. How do I help guide her back? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 08:45 – Is there any evidence that Cyprian of Carthage accepted the papacy and ended back into communion with Rome?  22:45 – What’s the true meaning of schism?  34:50 – When did the pre-communion fast change from the night before to only a few hours before communion?  37:37 – Is the pope just the first among equals?  40:25 – I’m getting mixed advice about Catholics being allowed to watch Harry Potter. Is it ok or not?  How does one discern what is right?  49:25 – Why did God give a definitive law to Moses forbidding sexual sin but wasn’t as direct about slavery?  51:25 – Why isn’t there more contribution from Peter and James in the New Testament?  …

In today’s episode, Cy and Joe discuss artificial Intelligence and what that means for the future. …

In today’s episode, Cy and Joe discuss artificial Intelligence and what that means for the future. …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 05:55 – What was the timeline and details around the nativity of the Lord and their movement? 09:51 – If the bible wasn’t put together until the 300’s how can the early church claim that a heresy, such as Marcionism (140 AD), was against scripture? 15:54 – Is Mary the woman in Rev. 12 Mary? If so, she had child pains, so does that mean she was not sinless? 23:54 – Does Vatican II’s decree on ecumenism contradict tradition? 28:15 – How does one deliver the beauty of Catholicism? 44:56 – If Jesus flipped tables in the temple because of the money changers. How then, can we justify raffles, bingo, and casino nights at our churches? 49:43 – Can I receive communion at a Byzantine Catholic Church and is it licit for them to clean the spoons with just water? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 19:45 – Why did Jesus say his parables were intended to hide the truth lest the people hear, their eyes opened and be saved? 30:41 – As a Christian, how can you ask for money? 40:45 – I’m a new Catholic. What would be considered appropriate to include for a personal prayer space? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 12:19 – What did Jesus mean when he said “let the dead bury the dead? 33:22 – Did Jesus know he was going to be crucified when he started his ministry? 42:57 – How is the Holy Spirit a person like the Father and the Son? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 05:24 – When we receive the eucharist, do we become Jesus? 13:28 – Should immoral things be made illegal? 17:46 – Why was the New Testament written in Greek when Jesus and the apostles didn’t speak Greek? 20:43 – If we believe in the real presence of the eucharist, why don’t we all become monks and go to mass daily? 31:22 – Is it ok to take a vacation during lent? 40:28 – In the Old Testament, was the blood on the altars cleaned up after the sacrifices? 49:10 – How do I share the bible with someone who has issues with Old Testament accounts? Is it ok to just say that those are mythical accounts? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 10:24 – What is holy mortification?   18:10 – Why does the bible use the genealogy of Joseph for the lineage of Jesus if they’re not related by blood?  29:56 – My protestant friend is claiming that the KJV bible is superior to Catholic translations. How do I respond?  46:59 – Is the mosaic law prohibited like it said in the Council of Florence?  …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 04:14 – Is Mary present when we have Mass?  15:24 – What’s the evidence for Peter being the first pope?  33:10 – What is the Catholic interpretation of Romans 8:1?  45:50 – What is “The word” That the Lord must say so that we may be healed?  51:03 – Did the prophets of the OT have an indwelling of the Trinity or the Holy Spirit similar to what Catholics have today?  …

Questions Covered: 11:46 – I was told that the 12-step program is based on the beatitudes. Is this true?  13:58 – The beatitudes start with “happy are those” not “blessed”  18:07 – The beatitude regarding righteousness, How does this apply when wanting to help a parent who doesn’t want to be helped because they don’t see you as someone to correct them?  22:30 – Could you expound on the beatitude “blessed are the peacemakers?”  36:35 – Can you clarify the phrase poor in spirit?  39:16 – To what extent is the term blessed synonymous with happy?  44:19 – Are you familiar with how the beatitudes are depicted on the series The Chosen? If you have, what are your thoughts on it?  49:55 – How does one receive the awareness of being poor in spirit if one lives in a society of comfort and abundance?    53:08 – Is your new book in a good format for a bible study? Does it come with the study guide?  …

Questions Covered: 13:55 – I’ve been Catholic all my life but I’m still mystified. A part of me embraces his mercy and another part of me is afraid of him. Can you help give some insight? 20:14 – What is a relationship with Christ? How does one relate that to protestants? 31:53 – How does God use guardian angels to bring us closer to him? 35:07 – Am I focusing too much on the Father rather than Jesus? 40:18 – Has your knowledge of the Church Fathers helped you with your relationship? 43:38 – You mentioned reading the bible to help with a relationship. I struggle with reading the bible because I fear that I’ll misinterpret it. Can you give me some advice? 46:45 – Don’t have a relationship with Jesus and am no longer believing. I’m only remaining Catholic because I fear hell. Is this wrong? 50:17 – How do I help my four children have a relationship with Jesus when I struggle with having one with him? 52:37 – How do you make having a relationship with Jesus sound fun and exciting when talking about it? …

Questions Covered: 00:58 – Does Time Travel exist? 04:39 – Granting that I time travel back to the past to Jesus’ crucifixion, I take videos of Jesus to prove he exists, and I join Mary and John in approaching him. Is there a possibility that I will be recorded in the Bible? And will the videos and photos that I have taken will be erased if I come back from the past? 09:35 – Did Adam and Eve have belly buttons? 17:39 – Where are all the cryptid sightings coming from, especially in national parks? 28:44 – Archeologists have discovered that there was a small Christian community in the city of Pompeii before the Vesuvius eruption. What if, by some miracle, a scroll somehow survived in the city, with the text of something that claimed to be a “Letter of Paul to the Pompeians”? It follows the format of the universally accepted Pauline epistles, it doesn’t contradict anything Paul wrote previously, and it ultimately seems to be genuinely from Paul. How do you think the Church would respond to the situation? 41:48 – What are the top three (or any other arbitrary number) lost books you would love to have? Tell us about them, and tell us why you would love to have them. I’d like to read the Gospel of the Hebrews, for example, in its entirety (instead of the fragments left behind in writings by the early Church Fathers). 50:43 – Does the Highlander have a soul since he is immortal? Would an immortal being need a soul?  52:13 – Does baptism apply to a person’s entire body? For example, if technology were such that my body died but one cell remained alive and I was regrown immediately from that cell, is my baptism still valid or does the regrown body need to be baptized? Similarly, if a baptized person’s heart (or other organ) is transplanted into another non-baptized person does the organ from the baptized body transmit its baptismal graces to the new body? …

Questions Covered: 02:30 – In Genesis, the Lord told the serpent he would have to crawl on his belly and eat dirt. Did the serpent die, or is it still around? Did its descendants have to eat dust too? Are they still around?  06:48 – How would a Catholic time lord know when to go to mass to fulfill the Sunday obligation? Are all the incarnations of the Doctor married to River Song, or just the eleventh doctor? Given that they both time traveled separately and could conceivably encounter each other at any point in time and space, at what point would he be considered a widower?  12:59 – Jimmy Akin, how do you store information in your brain? Do you have a photographic memory? Have you been partially assimilated or turned into a cyber man, allowing you to call to mind detailed information at will? How exactly do you store the plethora of the facts and data that you keep in your head?  28:43 – A news story described a couple that discovered they were not legally married because—after the service was performed—the marriage license was not sent to the proper civil department, so they needed to have a new civil wedding. Question 1 If this happens with a Catholic Wedding would anything need to be done when fixing the civil side? Question 2 What if there is clerical error with a Catholic Wedding and the need notation is NOT made in the church (baptism) records how would it be fixed?  33:08 – If Jesus died once and for all and rose from the dead, if there are other planets that support life created in His image and likeness, how did we get so lucky that it all happened on our planet? Or do we need to spread the good news to all the ends of the universe too?  35:10 – What would have happened if just Eve had eaten the apple and not Adam or vice versa?  38:54 – A woman gets married then transported back in time 400-ish years. Thinking she’ll never make it back to her own time, and because she needs to be married for protection, she gets married, despite the fact she was married in her original time. Is the new marriage valid?  44:58 – Deja Vu. What is it? Why does it happen?  …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 03:44 – What was in the holy of holies during the time of Jesus?  12:20 – Has the Church taught exactly what we can know about God based on human reason?  17:00 – Does God break his promises?  23:03 – What’s the best way to interact socially with clergy?  28:46 – I think there’s a ghost in my home and wanted to get your thoughts.  33:24 – In the Luminous Mysteries, it says that the wedding at Cana was where his disciples started believing in Jesus. Why didn’t they believe in him before?  40:40 – Could you explain what glory is?  47:10 – I’m confused by all the mentions of John in the bible. The Gospel, letters, and revelation and also those Johns mentioned in the bible. Are they all different people?  …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 04:43 – Where did the tradition of taking a papal name come from? 07:17 – RCIA. My protestant friends are rejecting me and are refusing to talk to me. What can I do? 13:50 – 1 Cor. 3:14-15 makes it sound like it’s talking about purgatory. Is this true? 17:53 – Jn 3:16, Is Jesus advocating Sola Fide? 23:05 – What are signal graces? 30:21 – Why do some priests have “Mary” in their name, and some nuns have male saint names in their names? 35:43 – I’ve seen a quote going around social media from Teilhard de Chardin saying there’s no such thing as original sin and it’s a “theology of entrapment.” This seems wrong but I’m not sure how to discuss it with people. 42:13 – When are human souls created? 44:40 – How does Jesus define faith? 48:06 – When were crucifixes first used in Catholic churches? 50:45 – How do I answer my Protestant co-worker who says the Immaculate Conception takes away from Jesus? 52:45 – Romans 2:14-15 and Romans 7 seems to contradict itself. …

Questions Covered: 02:10 – Did God create the earth with oil as a necessity for it to function and rotate the way it does or did he only make oil to be a resource to man?  05:53 – I have my moms ashes and she wasn’t Catholic. Would I be able to get them blessed by a priest?  10:30 – As a Catholic, how can I explain to protestant girlfriend that going to her church doesn’t fulfill my Sunday obligation?  15:55 – I was married civilly in another country and then divorced. Could I remarry in the Church?  19:06 – I want to marry in the Church but my significant other is divorced. The priest did bless that marriage after being bribed. Can we get married and if not, how do we live in the good graces of the Church?  23:07 – What is the Church’s teaching on what happens after death? What does the Church teach about ghosts?  30:36 – If Mary has free will, how can she be kept from sinning?  37:30 – Is baptism necessary for salvation?  46:47 – A Baptist minister claimed that Catholics have the wrong bible translation. He claimed that the real manuscripts are sitting in a safety deposit box in Texas. Have you heard of this? How do I respond?  50:40 – What’s the process to join the Ordinariate?  52:35 – What happens to the souls in purgatory when Christ returns?  …

Questions Covered: 04:41 – My wife is pregnant. When she partakes in communion, does that mean that the baby also partakes in communion?  08:37 – Did Jesus have brothers?  14:14 – Is it appropriate to receive communion twice?  16:03 – What is the morality of a car accident? At what point would you be sinning mortally?  20:49 – How is Genesis 3:15 translated from the Jewish perspective compared to the Catholic perspective?  24:09 – How does one address a bishop or cardinal? What title does one use?  32:50 – Why did Jesus have to die?  42:33 – Where did God come from?  49:09 – I’m returning to the faith. My parish is getting a priest from Ghana, and he will be serving 2 parishes.  I know he will be overwhelmed but how do I approach asking questions without adding to his stress?  51:55 – Why would my 8-year-old grandson have to go through RCIA to get baptized and to receive communion?  …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 04:25 – What are the fasting obligations for the elderly and those in elderly homes?  13:07 – Why does it take so long to enter the Church?  18:50 – Did Mary experience labor pains? If she did, why if she didn’t have sin?  24:36 – What’s the science behind transubstantiation?  40:49 – 1 Tim. 2:11-12 What’s the Church’s stance on women in teaching ministry?  49:25 – I teach RCIA and I have a candidate struggling with Sunday Mass obligations. Can you help explain?  …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 04:26 – Is it possible for babies in the womb to receive grace from their mother receiving communion? 14:49 – The early Church seemed to be pacifist. After Constantine the tone changed, why is that? 21:31 – Am I required to send my kids to religious education after confirmation? 28:36 – Could we Catholics start implementing prayer mats into our services? 30:26 – Why did God allow polygamy in the Old Testament? 38:32 – Are all of the priest’s sins absolved when he washes his hands during mass? 42:19 – Why do Catholics worship Mary and the saints through prayer? 46:42 – How much weight should we give to dreams and try to interpret them? 51:16 – Could you clarify whether Mary and Joseph were married or unmarried. Can you clarify why betrothal? …

Questions Covered: 20:31 – Has the east dogmatized icons? Is that similar in the west?  23:42 – Didn’t Jesus say that we are all gods? Shouldn’t we then venerate ourselves? Are we in competition with God?  36:28 – I am an Orthodox convert to Eastern Catholicism. I would be so let down if I walked into a church without Icons.  38:05 – Prayer to saints seems to be more than just venerating. Can you help clarify?  48:27 – I think Elijah’s condemnation of worshiping demons is a warning to not worship saints. What are your thoughts on this?  …

Questions Covered: 18:03 – Do you think this movement is driven by a lack of fathers and profiting off people’s feelings?  22:24 – Can You clarify your statement on God’s plan to put this confusion into our kids?  29:59 – My godson is transitioning and taking hormones. How do I approach this especially since his mom is approving?  36:05 – Can you help break down what non-binary means?  43:36 – What do you think about the argument that no matter the hormones and surgeries, one’s DNA will always be either male or female?  52:39 – How far will third wave feminism go in its radical ideology?  …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 02:34 – I’m a returning Catholic. Should I confess sins that I have recalled after a confession from my past? 08:39 – I’m a convert and my dad has fallen away. How do I help him return to the faith? 11:57 – Am I allowed to get married in a Catholic Church since my first marriage was not in the Church? Do I need to get an annulment? 16:33 – I’m on a methadone program that allows me to function. Am I sinning for consuming this? 22:00 – What is the agreement that Pope Francis has made with the Chinese Government? 28:41 – Thank you for your answer from last week! 32:20 – I’m blind and I enjoyed the Bible is a Catholic Book on Audible. It was so helpful! Do you have any other books that you’ve read for Audible? 37:57 – Why is the bible structured and punctuated the way it is? There seems to be a lot of run-on sentences. 48:24 – What are our thoughts on deliverance ministry? How should one approach someone who potentially has a demonic oppression? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 03:29 – Can purgatory be experienced on earth?  12:08 – When did Jesus realize he was God?  17:21 – My mother with dementia sometimes goes to mass with us. She’s protestant and sometimes gets confused on receiving communion. How should I approach this?  21:54 – I go to an Institute of Christ the King parish . I heard the pope was going to ban all Latin masses. Is this true?  29:03 – Are Adam and Eve symbolic or real people that existed?  32:12 – The bible says that Jesus could not do miracles in Nazareth. Why does it say that he could not instead choose not to?  35:57 – What is an indulgence?  42:24 – I was challenged by a Catholic that the pope can attempt to bind the faithful to heresy. Is this true?  47:11 – How do we know that Peter was in Rome?  52:11 – Can an absolving priest make a positive endorsement of the penitent saying that there is no impediment to allowing them to move forward?  …

Questions Covered: 02:30 – Why did God create Satan if God knew he would cause so much evil?  07:35 – Why would putting money in front of a statue not be considered idolatry?  14:12 – Why do we insist on saying that the body and blood is in the form of bread and wine? Why not say that it’s both?  19:15 – Why is it not emphasized that we should not receive communion if we are in mortal sin?  24:42 – Why do Catholics justify war theory when Jesus says to turn the other cheek?  36:09 – Why does the Holy Father have free will if it’s not possible to lead the Church into error?  42:55 – Why can’t converts be rebaptized?  47:53 – Why is the point that Romans in speaking to baptized Christians, never mentioned when discussing Romans 10:9?  …

Questions Covered: 05:47 – Why do we connect the Old Testament with the New Testament? Sometimes connecting the themes is a stretch. 13:12 – Do Catholics believe in an unholy trinity? 18:18 – Why do Catholics acknowledge Jesus as God and not just the son of God as the bible says? 24:24 – Why don’t Catholics recognize Jesus’ brothers and sisters? 37:20 – Why do we sometimes say the author of Hebrews as Paul but other times we don’t? 41:54 – Why would a priest allow non-Catholics to receive communion? 45:35 – Why do Catholics believe that the Catholic Church is the one true Church based on the Eucharist instead of the presence of the Trinity at Mass? 52:00 – Why should we abide by the 5 precepts of the Church? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 01:54 – Why did Joseph receive the birthright, but the blessing went to Judah? Weren’t they usually given to the same person? Why were they separated? 08:31 – Is it a sin to look at pictures of women in bikinis? 13:28 – Is the rosary the high form of devotional prayer? Does praying rosary without focusing on the prayers fall under vain repetition? 23:35 – Would asking saints to reveal the future count as necromancy? 28:51 – Why are extraordinary ministers not allowed to do intinction? 31:55 – What Church is the Church mentioned in the book of Revelation? 36:25 – How do you explain grace to kids about to do their first communion? 41:25 – What do the hand placements of the Infant of Prague statue mean? Does it have something to do with Tarot cards? 47:00 – 2 Sam 6-7 mentions someone being struck down after reaching up to touch the Ark. Is it possible that this might have happened to St. Joseph when potentially reaching to touch Mary? 51:12 – Regarding the second commandment, how should one take it into consideration in daily life? For example, in conversations and watching movies. …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 03:40 – I recently went to confession and the priest mumbled and possibly skipped some of the words of absolution. Would this make the confession invalid? 07:00 – What is the origin of Satan? 18:36 – Rev. 11 you refer to the Ark being Mary in your book. But in Rev 12 it introduces Mary. Isn’t that a bit redundant of the ark is Mary? 23:33 – How can the Church say its teaching has never erred when the Council of Constance 2 said that it was forbidden to receive communion in both species? 36:45 – Where is the Trinity in the Mass? 40:32 – If you go to Mass and are in a state of grace but willingly choose not to receive the Eucharist, is that a sin? 44:16 – What would be a good way to start a conversation with non-Catholics to evangelize? 49:49 – Why do you need a gluten free host if it becomes the body and blood of Christ? …

Questions Covered: 17:57 – We should be doing things with young couples to keep them in the Church?  29:24 – We need to be very careful when bringing in the new generation by not pushing out the old community.  40:36 – How do I help my 15-year-old grandson engage in the parish, and should he even be confirmed?  51:28 – My friend and I are trying to start a Catholic skateboarding men’s group. Can you give us some practical tips to get going?  …

Questions Covered: 11:51 – I believe science used to be a study in philosophy.  18:45 – I had a conversation on science and religion and realized that even the most complex equations are still less than God.  22:12 – If the universe operates on quantum mechanics and has no beginning or end, how do we reconcile this with the Christian understanding of creation?  28:41 – Are you familiar with Graham Hancock’s Ancient Apocalypse? What are your thoughts on that?  33:00 – Where do you stand on the idea of God implementing evolution to develop creation?  35:53 – How do we come to the understanding of the incarnation if there was no way he would have been provided with a Y chromosome?  41:08 – How could God be good if he can create us with dangerous things like gamma radiation everywhere that can kill us simply by being in its presence?  48:33 – Wouldn’t the story of the loaves and fishes suspend the laws of physics?  …

Questions Covered: 09:16 – Are Catholics finding it difficult to argue for certain moral issues since the issuance of Vatican II documents that emphasize the primacy of conscience? 17:47 – I think if we followed what the Council said things would be a lot better, and fewer people would receive Communion unworthily. 19:59 – Do you think we can get back to what the documents of the council truly say? 24:15 – If we believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, why did Vatican II change the way of receiving communion to the hand? 32:16 – Why would anyone become Catholic if we teach ecumenism? 35:06 – Why were Protestants involved in Vatican II? 39:10 – How can Lumen Gentium 16 be true since the Muslims deny the Trinity? 45:57 – The faithful never received what the bishops voted on at the Council. So it’s hard to discern the fruits of the council. 49:04 – Why do all the Vatican II popes have all these ecumenical events with other world religions, like the Assisi events, that are explicit violations of the first commandment? …

Questions Covered: 32:28 – I’m post-abortive. I’ve repented and converted to Catholicism. But I still struggle in that I feel on some level that people should have a choice. …

Questions Covered: 03:48 – What is your opinion on who built the megalithic structures in the Azore islands?  08:27 – Can I be a good Catholic and believe in Universalism?  18:46 – What constitutes being in a state of grace? Do you need to be in a state of grace to receive communion?  30:18 – Does the devil still have access to heaven? Also, does the devil have to take permission from God?  42:27 – I’ve been feeling the need recently to pray for a person I’ve never met. How can I be sure to stay away from anything occult and how can I best pray for them? Also, are there any stories of saints having feelings of souls needing prayer?  48:45 – I’m a Lutheran. Is there one thing you would recommend from Catholicism for Lutherans as an extension from the faith?  52:21 – Is it ok to have mass said for a departed loved one who was not Catholic?    …

Questions Covered: 06:07 – My son was received into the Catholic Church at 1 year old. Would he be considered a cradle Catholic?  10:43 – What does it mean to be Jewish? Is it a nationality or purely a religion? If someone were to convert from Judaism to Catholicism, would they still be ethnically Jewish?  14:21 – What’s the difference between the Chinese Lunar New Year and regular New Years? Also, since we’re in AD, shouldn’t the new year be celebrated in relation to when Jesus died?  23:37 – I had a pocket watch blessed a couple weeks ago. Does anything about the blessing change if I remove the chain?  28:53 – I found a website that makes it easy to go between English and Greek with the Septuagint and the New Testament. What do you think of it? Also, could you give me some advice on writing about my RCIA process?  37:33 – If the Catholic Church teaches that by way of baptism salvation is still accessible to Protestants, then how come it also teaches that someone dies outside of friendship with God without confession? How are they still able to be saved since they don’t have confession?  44:32 – I’ve heard multiple competing Catholic comments about Martin Luther’s acceptance of each book of the canon. What is the truth?  48:09 – Can Jesus, and by extension Mary, get sick?  51:49 – If you die a martyr but have a mortal sin on your soul, do you still go straight to heaven? …

Questions Covered: 04:55 – When I was young and attended the mass in Latin, I didn’t understand what was happening at the altar. It seemed nobody had any connection with each other or with God. Why can’t the mass today be a cooperation between Latin and English? 17:19 – In Boston, priests that moved from the Anglican church to the Catholic church can’t advertise that they are using the Anglican rite. Why is that and if there are people that like it, why can’t it be used more? 28:42 – I’ve been sick for 11 years and on bedrest. I’ve had so much joy and it’s been a happy time but recently my brain isn’t working as well so it’s hard to pray. Can I please have some pastoral advice for how to continue to be close to God? 39:28 – It seems that there are more options for ministry in Protestantism than in Catholicism. It seems that if you’re not a priest, there’s not as much you can do in terms of higher study. Is that correct or is this a misconception and there’s more than just being a lay person? 46:03 – What are your thoughts as to why people that are passionate about the Latin mass don’t put that same effort into the Novus Ordo mass? Is it really the guitars and English that are keeping them from the newer mass? 50:05 – I used to be Protestant pastor and I’m now Catholic. I’m fully tattooed from the neck down and married. Is there any way I can become a deacon while being fully tattooed? …

Questions Covered: 09:26 – Can your guardian angel physically touch other people and can we hear our guardian angels? 14:32 – I have a friend that’s confused about the idea that although God permits evil, that does not mean he creates evil. Can you help me with an explanation as to why they’re not the same? 19:53 – I was watching a video that said priests once played a small role in ecumenical councils. To me, it doesn’t seem fitting of the papal authority to play any role. What’s the most convincing reason for me to believe in the papacy? 28:45 – Why can only a bishop or ordained priest perform an exorcism? 36:53 – Has the church ever declared that Lutheran holy orders are valid or invalid? 42:15 – I’m going through an annulment. I can’t go to communion, yet hundreds of people go weekly that haven’t gone to confession in a long time as well as Protestants at a wedding I went to. Why are they able to go even if they have mortal sin on their souls? 52:05 – All of the ordinariate liturgical books have been long out of print. Do you have any sense as to when the ordinariate is going to reprint these books at a reasonable price? …

Questions covered: 02:59 – Before I pray the rosary, do I need to announce my prayer intentions out loud?  14:44 – How do you reconcile the doctrine of hell with Christianity being a religion of “good news”? Does that mean it’s only good news for some people?  22:04 – When I visited a Catholic church recently, I saw a statue of Mary that was higher than all the rest (including the ones of Jesus) with a label that said “Blessed Mary, Mother of God, above all things in heaven and on earth.” How is this not worshiping her?  33:14 – Was St. Athanasius ever excommunicated or anathematized? I was talking to a non-Catholic who claimed that disproved papal infallibility.  42:09 – How can someone evangelize to other Christians?  48:26 – In my Bible study the others were saying that when we get to heaven we’ll immediately have all knowledge. I thought we still grew in knowledge, not that it was immediate. Am I wrong?  …

Questions covered: 04:53 – Is there any connection between the pagan goddess Bridgid and St. Bridgid of Ireland? If so, isn’t that a problem for the Church?  16:51 – I’m having trouble with Deuteronomy 25:11-12 commanding Israelites to cut off peoples’ hands.  22:02 – Why are the Mass readings rarely ever from the apocrypha?  24:39 – What does it mean when Jesus is called “Son of Man”? I thought he was the son of God?  32:17 – Do pets go to heaven?  37:17 – I used to be in the SSPV (splinter group from SSPX), who claimed that Pope John XXIII was a mason. How would you respond to this?  47:19 – What’s the difference between the Sanhedrin, the Sadducees, and the Pharisees in terms of what they do?  51:11 – I’m a new convert. How do I make a good confession and what are the requirements?  …

Questions Covered: 14:55 -What do you think about the science of artificial womb technology? Do you think it might have any relation to the end of abortion?  19:43 – Ethically, how much as Catholics can we trust that scientists are doing the right thing? Is using stem cells for cancer treatment ethical? I’m asking as a parent that has a child dying from cancer.  29:24 – I work as a clinical research coordinator with humans. Is it ok for me as a faithful Catholic to present contraceptive options for women going into a trial?  37:30 – Is insulin a necessity at the end of life?  45:20 – My mother has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She’s also on dialysis for kidney failure. How long, morally, should she continue dialysis as her dementia progresses?  50:17 – I’m 75 y.o. my adult children have all left the faith and don’t care about me anymore. What do I do if I’m hospitalized and have no advocate?  Resources mentioned: https://vimeo.com/bioethicsvideos …

Questions Covered: 10:04 – How would the church feel about a woman that was raped and must share custody with the rapist? Does that make it justified to kill the baby? 17:22 – I’m pro-life but can you explain why IVF is not pro-life? My wife was conceived that way and now that she’s becoming a doctor, I feel that will influence how she deals with IVF and contraception. 24:09 – I think it’s awful but I think women are going to have abortions whether we want them to or not and I want it done in a doctor’s office. 35:20 – I was pro-choice for a long time throughout my 20s and 30s. I then studied Buddhism and they talk in detail about how the soul enters at the time of the union of the sperm and egg. I am now going back to the beginning when I was baptized Catholic and comparing things to find my way 41:22 – I’m pro-life, for babies who survive late term abortions, aren’t they automatically American citizens? 46:52 – When I was younger, I went through two abortions and came to really regret them. 48:30 – I believe that there are times when pregnancies are dangerous for women. …

Questions Covered: 12:41 – How do I get this program started in my parish?  18:39 – How do I get someone into rehab before they hit rock bottom, which would be death?  24:01 – If this program is anonymous, then why give out your name?  34:25 – If this is supplemental to the 12 steps, how come it follows the same format?  43:35 – What was your breakthrough moment?  51:45 – How do we find people to draw them to these groups?  …

Questions Covered: 16:36 – What tips do you have to evangelize those who don’t have the fullness of truth?  21:27 – Thank you for bringing this up. It’s difficult to stay positive.  31:10 – Why is the rosary such a good prayer?  36:22 – It’s good to hear you and your message!  43:00 – How do you give what’s to Caesar and God what’s to God in our world?  47:53 – Am I at fault for others not having salvation if I’ve presented the faith to someone but they reject it?  53:05 – I’m in the process of converting. What can I do to give my kids proper formation?  …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 04:49 – Are there any regulations on a priest cleaning off particles of a consecrated host from his fingers over an unconsecrated chalice?  09:15 – I’m considering doing a pilgrimage. Do you have any resources or advice?     15:10 – Have the Church fathers or theologians said anything about why the apostles didn’t recognize Jesus after the resurrection?  21:48 – Is it ok for me to attend a non-Catholic Christian bible study?  29:30 – I see a double standard in Catholics accepting saint miracles but rejecting other non-Catholic religious miracles. Can you help me sort it out?  35:22 – What is the best case for why the Catholic Church should have authority to insist on all of its doctrine?  46:50 – What is heresy? What is a heretic? Can you be a heretic without knowing it?  51:22 – What are two good reasons why my evangelical friend should be Catholic and not just Christian?  …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 05:32 – I just heard of the passing of Cardinal Pell. Could you unpack a little about him?  11:56 – Is the beatific vision enhanced when those in heaven get their glorified bodies?  14:41 – Was St. Joseph the secret king of Israel?  21:54 – What is the validity of the sacraments of priests from the Old Catholic Church?  28:40 – What does the Church say about attending a wedding of a different faith? Such as a polytheistic religion? Can a Catholic Still attend?  31:48 – My in-laws were hurt by my parish because they don’t allow girl altar servers. Now they’re considering not being Catholic. Can you help explain?  40:08 – Why is it necessary for the body to be resurrected?  45:37 – My protestant friend claimed that God didn’t approve of Matthias as a replacement and eventually chose Paul. How do I respond to that argument?  51:17 – What’s the Catholic position on if people have to convert to have salvation?  …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 03:54 – Do you have any recommendations on evangelization of Muslims and atheists who give more credence to Norse mythology over Christianity? 14:38 – Why do we have both the Nicene Creed and the Apostles Creed since they’re so similar? 17:07 – Why are there missing books in the bible such as Enoch, Gospel of Thomas etc. Was it just to fit the agenda of the Church? 25:06 – Are we obligated to forgive someone even if there isn’t repentance on the other end? 36:40 – How do I defend Marian apparitions and the rosary when faced with the Gal. 1:9:9 – As we have said before, so now I say again, If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed. 48:12 – This coming Sunday is the 2nd of Ordinary Time but last Sunday was the last Sunday of Christmas. What happened to the first Sunday of Ordinary Time? 51:20 – From a Catholic perspective, is it immodest for trans people to use the same bathroom with men or women? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 13:57 – My family and I have started attending an Eastern Catholic parish. Can we be parishioners there even as Latin rite Catholics? What would that look like when seeking sacraments for my children?  20:18 – You mentioned that the deuterocanonical books are not in the modern Jewish bible, but were they in the ancient Jewish canon?  35:58 – How far along can a heretic offer valid sacraments?  46:29 – How do I defend the Second Vatican Council?  …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 02:06 – Can practicing Catholics watch shows that contain some sexual content and explicit language? 12:57 – What is the difference between humility and poverty of spirit? 18:48 – Was papal infallibility ever used before it was defined in Vatican 1? 28:03 – Should I go to a medical provider and pharmacy who provide the abortion pill? 31:30 – My high school priests told us that we didn’t have to be specific about the sins we confessed. I feel like I’m not being honest when I go to confession. What’s your advice? 38:50 – Should we bother with a general confession if Divine Mercy Sunday offers the same effect? 44:30 – I was asked if non-Catholics can go to heaven and didn’t give the best answer. How would I answer this? 48:45 – What are the roots of Latin being used in the Church? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 07:37 – What does no salvation outside the Church mean and has it developed over time? 19:43 – Is it ok for Catholics to play video games that were created based on ideas of false religions? 23:48 – Why is it that priests can’t get married? 35:28 – You’ve called sodomy an act of violence. I agree but what’s the reasoning? 41:37 – Is Jesus in Mt 5:29-30 speaking in hyperbole? 45:24 – If the cardinals were all to die at the same time along with the pope, how would we elect a new pope? 51:34 – What is the Catholic understanding of 1 Jn 3:9?   …

Questions Covered: 12:13 – The bible has passages where God is bargaining with Satan. How do I understand these passages? 16:44 – The teaching of purgatory bothers me. Where is it explicitly in the bible? 20:52 – I want to push back on who was left behind. Maybe the protestant conclusion is right. Were those who were left behind actually left behind to experience destruction? 24:01 – Mk. 10 says some will not taste death. Is that Jesus predicting his death in the 1st century and was he wrong? 38:04 – How do I respond to the claim that Mary had more children? 44:20 – How could one be baptized with fire and spirit? Could you elaborate? 46:50 – Have you asked protestants to protect their positions from the historical perspective? 52:03 – In Acts it was said that the gentiles should not eat meat of strangled animals. How does that tie to Jesus’ death on the cross? …

Questions Covered: 04:42 – I’m not Catholic because I’m confused. I’m protestant but I have gone through RCIA. I’ve recently started exploring Orthodoxy.  13:30 – I’ve never been to Mass, but I keep hearing that Catholics pray to saints and Mary.  28:45 – I have not been to church in 2 years. When I did go last week, I was chastised by the warden in front of other parishioners for being late. Is it wrong?  34:50 – I don’t understand how the saints can hear us if they’re not God. If they’re not omniscient, how can they hear so many people at once?  43:38 – I’m not Catholic because of the Catholic view on predestination.  51:53 – What was Jesus’ real last name?  …

On today’s show we celebrates 25 years of Catholic Answers Live on the air. Cy welcomes Catholic Answers President Chris Check, Chief Operations Officer Jon Sorensen, Senior Apologist Tim Staples, Production Manager Erik Gustafson and Director of Studios John Vercillo to recount the origins and memorable moments of the show. …

On today’s show we celebrates 25 years of Catholic Answers Live on the air. Cy welcomes, Jerry Usher, host emeritus of CA Live, Senior Apologist, Jimmy Akin and Radio Producer Darin DeLozier to recount the origins and memorable moments of the show. …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 05:28 – Can you clarify the theological status of natural marriage and Pauline privilege (1 Corn. 7:10-15) 14:30 – If God is omniscient, doesn’t that mean that I last forever in the mind of God? If that’s true doesn’t that make me immortal? 24:08 – I do respond to the question: Why pray for the dead after they die if they can no longer turn to God? 30:45 – Does God have a soul? 36:00 – What does the Church teach about exorcisms, and how to heal people from a spiritual affliction? 41:11 – If people don’t have free will after they die, then how can saints in heaven pray and have miracles? 44:58 – On praying for the dead: We don’t know if they went to heaven or hell, but we still should pray for them. 49:36 – Does Jesus need the grace of faith? 52:19 – Does God the Father have a body? …

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 06:52 – How to I respond to a protestant who says “God told me this is wrong” 14:45 – Do we have any knowledge of what Jesus would have been like as a child? 20:17 – I’m Pentacostal and just stumbled upon this show. What is the Catholic view on baptism? 30:26 – Are we supposed to adhere to the law of Moses? If so, why are we feasting on foods that are condemned according to the mosaic law? 35:56 – How do I respond to the protestant claim that the moment the Church embraced priestly celibacy it became demonic? 45:20 – I’ve noticed a lot of Catholic influencers have been uncharitable with the passing of P. Benedict XVI. How do we have conversations with people when emotions are still high? …

Questions Covered:  01:04 – How can Protestants be part of the body of Christ, when the council of Florence says the body of Christ is the church?   12:44 – What happened to the families of the Apostles when they dropped everything to follow Jesus?   19:00 – What would the Catholic perspective be to an argument that Rome is not in union with orthodoxy?  30:05 – Would Deuteronomy 12: 32 make Jesus a false Prophet because he abolished the old law?   41:07 – When someone is born is a new Guardian Angel created?  48:49 – Why is it important to have a relationship with Mary?  …

Questions Covered:  20:32 – How do I imagine Jesus when he is in the Eucharistic form?   24:02 – Can you help explain the Immaculate Conception?   33:44 – Why is there something rather than nothing?    39:45 – How can I share proper Catholic faith with a Lutheran Pastor?   46:08 – The term Holy Ghost is used in one Gospel, while the term Holy Spirit is mentioned in all other Gospels. What term should I use?  48:12 – Why don’t local parishes have bible studies similar to Christian churches?   …

Flannel Panel  …

Flannel Panel …

Cy sits down with Catholic Answer’s Director of Publishing, Todd Aglialoro, and Catholic Answers Magazine Editor, Tim Ryland, to review the top Church news stories of 2022. …

Cy sits down with Catholic Answer’s Director of Publishing, Todd Aglialoro, and Catholic Answers Magazine Editor, Tim Ryland, to review the top Church news stories of 2022. …

Questions Covered: 03:01 – If we are “surrounded by a crowd of witnesses” is it reasonable to believe that our deceased loved ones and the saints are aware of what we are doing and thinking even if we cannot experience their presence? Is it reasonable to believe that my deceased loved ones are in communion with me momentarily through the body of Christ when receiving communion? 16:12 – My brother argues that Jesus was supposed to be the last high priest. Why do Catholics believe that there could be more priests after Jesus? 22:24 – What would it take for you to have a disbelief in a deity 29:23 – Why is there a waiting period for the Church to baptize candidates? 35:49 – We understand that before there was confession, people went to heaven. What changed that we now have to go to confession to get to heaven but people in the Old Testament did not? 41:16 – What is the difference between the Thomistic view of predestination and Calvinistic view? Do you hold a Thomistic view or Molinistic view of free will? 48:42 – How should I talk to a non-Catholic who tries to receive the Eucharist? …

Questions Covered: 08:24 – How do we know when the pope is speaking infallibly? 21:42 – Why as Catholics do we have images? When did this start? 31:44 – I’m not Catholic but my husband is. Why do I have to become Catholic if we are all children of God? When Christ returns, will there still be a need for Catholic, Presbyterian, Episcopalian churches? 36:58 – What happened to St. Peter’s wife? Was she crucified with Peter? The Bible mentions Peter’s mother-in-law. Was he married, and if he did, did he leave his family? 45:51 – What does Jesus mean when he says there will be no marriage, nor will they marry in Heaven? Why would He say this if we have bodies on the final day, won’t my husband still be my husband? …

Questions Covered: 06:01 – I’ve heard a lot of Protestants complain about spiritual “dryness”. Do you think this is comparable to the dark night of the soul, a problem due to an impoverished Protestant spirituality, or something else? 14:23 – how does one become a Protestant elder? Contrasted with how one becomes a catholic elder “aka bishop” 17:51 – Are there any instances where something has been declared a dogmatic fact when later it was discovered to be historically or scientifically wrong? Say the theory of geocentrism or perhaps somebody declared to be a heretic at a church council who was later discovered not to be? How would we navigate a situation like this? 23:42 – How did the Church determine who the true Pope was during the time that there were multiple claimants to the Papacy? Also, how do we know that the Church got it right? 29:58 – Are the words of institution at Mass quoting the gospels, or do the gospels quote the Mass? 33:41 – How does the Catholic view the Old Catholic Churches and the Polish National Catholic Church? 35:02 – I was wondering if you could tell me about the Dubia submitted to Pope Francis (there were 5 Dubia I think), and why do you think he is waiting so long to answer- if he even intends on answering. hasn’t it been close to two years? 38:54 – Also you have said the magisterium cannot allow anything harmful, nor can the magisterium not be present at all times so as to not have any point where the faithful are abandoned, and I of course agree, but how can that be reconciled with the fact that the Arian heresy seemingly dominated for the brief time until it was condemned in council? What if hypothetically someone was taught Arianism by one of the many bishops and subscribed to it but died before it was sorted out in council? Could someone level this as an argument against the magisterium always being present for Catholics to follow? 47:40 – Is Palamism considered a heresy in the west? I’ve heard some Eastern Catholics practice it. 50:38 – Why don’t we believe in the 4 other archangels that the Orthodox accept? 51:19 – I have a friend who is the daughter of an orthodox mother and a Catholic father. She professes to be both. I’m concerned. Is this possible? 52:50 – Are we moving towards a healing between the east and the west? …

Questions Covered: 07:04 – How does Catholicism interpret the Tome of Leo when it says “For each form does what is proper to it with the co-operation of the other; that is the Word performing what appertains to the Word, and the flesh carrying out what appertains to the flesh. One of them sparkles with miracles, the other succumbs to injuries.”? 14:48 – How has Catholicism defined hypostasis and nature throughout history? 19:23 – Would the Orthodox have to accept Transubstantiation if the Catholics and Orthodox were to be reunited? 24:12 – I often hear Orthodox claims about how the first millennium ecclesiology was Orthodox and not Catholic. Is this true? 35:33 – Protestants often balk at Catholic apologists claiming “all of the fathers” on an issue. These same Protestants will justify their rejection of the fathers as an authority by stating that they are so varied in opinion on things that no one can really claim them. How do we respond to them in a nuanced way that doesn’t exaggerate the patristic agreement on a subject, but demonstrates the importance of listening to their witness? 42:50 – The teaching of the magisterium on young earth creationism and evolution are difficult for me to reconcile. I am personally very convinced of an old earth, but my conversion to Catholicism was helped in large degree by the witness of the fathers. From what I understand, besides Augustine, who still believed in an Earth that is thousands and not billions of years old, there is a consensus of the fathers on this issue that the Bible teaches that the earth is young, not old. What exactly goes into the magisterium’s ruling that this is a matter outside of the scope of the fathers, and can that standard be applied consistently to other doctrines to show that we are reasonable and consistent to reject this patristic consensus while asking Protestants and Orthodox to be bound on other areas where there is patristic consensus? 48:45 – Is it possible for there to be a papal situation where the previous Pope resigned, but the next pope for whatever reason wasn’t legitimately elected, and that Antipope hangs around for a long time but short enough that the Church still has sufficient valid cardinals to legitimately elect a new valid pope, resulting in the Church actually having a sede vacante for a decade or so with almost nobody knowing, and the situation quickly being resolved with a new valid pope being elected after some time? …

In this Christmas episode, Cy and Fr. Sam Keyes discuss Christmastide. …

In the Christmas episode Cy and Fr. Sam Keyes discuss Christmastide …

Questions Covered: 05:05 – Why is it so wrong for a woman to be a priest? Continued from hour one 12:30 – Is Santa real? 17:40 – If Jesus is fully in the host, then there must be millions of him. 23:50 – Why did they call Jesus’ birthday Christmas? 30:15 – Why does God live in heaven? 36:03 – Who made God? 42:50 – Why did the wisemen decide to follow the star? 49:24 – Why do we have Christmas trees during Christmas? …

Questions Covered: 04:45 – Who’s the first person in the world to believe that Jesus is God? 13:13 – “The 7 Joys of Mary,” why is the 6th joy of Mary, Jesus on the crucifix? 18:56 – Do dogs go to heaven? 24:00 – Why does Mama Mary pray for us? 29:50 – Why did God make dinosaurs? 32:30 – Why does God let bad people kill good people? 42:45 – How can we prove God’s existence through science? 49:27 – Why is it so wrong for a woman to be a priest? …

Questions Covered: 03:37 – I know Jesus fulfills everything from the Old Testament 15:16 – Based on the fact that neither Mary or Joseph knew they would raise Jesus at first, why would they get married? but it seems that we still use them. Why don’t we use more things and view them as a mystical fulfillment? 19:32 – I’m in RCIA. What is the Catholic definition of Idolatry and opposed to the Protestant view? 23:35 – What’s the correct pronunciation of amen? 29:34 – Why does God allow Satan to exist? 33:51 – To what degree is a prison guard culpable of taking a prisoner’s life who’s on death row? 37:07 – You once said you can’t use Mt. 5 to argue that Jesus is a perfect pacifist, but doesn’t Jesus say to be Perfect like His Father is perfect? 44:23 – I don’t believe in ghosts but what’s the Church teaching on them? …

Topics Covered: 04:00 – Gay “Marriage” Bill  42:05 – Nicaraguan Bishop persecuted and ideologies  …

Topics Covered: 05:03 – P22, the mountain lion that, in downtown Los Angeles, died. 17:53 – Vatican Corruption – Paglia, Beciu, and more. 42:50 – Introducing Jordan, major gifts manager for Catholic Answers 49:10 – Pope’s Resignation Letter …

Questions Covered: 08:30 – What are your suggestions of books on how to deal with loneliness especially during the holidays, from a Catholic perspective?  19:35 – I was told that it would be okay to be a godparent to a Lutheran and now I am. What do I do now if it is wrong?  29:05 – Were Mary, Martha, and Lazarus unmarried? And does this have any significance?  33:54 – I’m a new Catholic. How to respond to the protestant claim that the Eucharist is a symbol?  44:18 – If Mary is the mother of Jesus and Joseph is the stepfather, but the Davidic line is through Joseph, how can we claim that Jesus falls under the Davidic Line?  50:44 – Why use the word apologist? Why are we apologizing for being Catholic?  …

Questions Covered: 04:21 – How can I interpret Deuteronomy 21:10-14? 19:30 – Who is your favorite Church father? 23:10 – Why did God suspend natural law in order to impregnate Mary? 30:24 – Can a Catholic be a godparent to a Lutheran in the Missouri Synod? 33:00 – What are the Catholic teachings on Yoga as a physical activity? 41:20 – Where is the balance in living one’s Catholic Faith and not coming off strong? 47:10 – What were Pope John Paul II’s grounds for adding the Luminous mysteries to the rosary? …

Questions Covered: 30:08 – Is family catechesis something you promote in your book? 41:12 – How can we baptize some of the secular things in our lives such as sports? 47:45 – What does hospitality in a Catholic family look like? …

Questions Covered: 28:46 – My parents divorced when I was 11 and my dad ended up marrying his high school sweetheart. Even today, decades later, I’m still feeling the effects of it. Can you just comment on that? 31:54 – I’m divorced, and my depression kicks up around this time of year. How do I get over it? 34:59 – I’m annulled after a marriage that lasted 6 months. How do I discern marriage with this hanging over my head? 40:55 – Can you clarify your point of inviting someone to a gathering but rejecting the significant other? It doesn’t seem very Christ-like. 44:47 – Your advice is great for other situations, not just for the divorced! I just wanted to thank you for your advice! 50:13 – If someone is not married in the Church can they still receive communion? …

Questions Covered: 00:54 – I feel like I don’t have a path. How do I faith in God? 11:54 – What’s the relation of James the lesser to Jesus? 21:28 – Why did the Jewish people sacrifice animals? Was it a matter of having sins forgiven just to feel better since heaven wasn’t open? 28:40 – What role did the Talmud help, if any, in establishing the canon of scripture in the Catholic Church? 35:55 – The food chain seems a bit cruel for God to create. What are your thoughts on this? 46:34 – How do you respond to protestants who say the rosary isn’t in the bible? 51:30 – Who were the shepherds that the angels appeared to during the birth of Christ? …

Questions Covered: 02:19 – With the current understanding of stem cells, how do we now understand the relationship between Mary and Jesus and the sharing of their DNA? 06:02 – What do you say when a Protestant uses “one will be taken, one will be left” in support of the rapture? 17:08 – Isn’t “double effect” similar to ends justifying the means? How is it consistent with Catholic faith? 34:59 – Can you please answer if Catholics should believe in Santa and if they should tell their children about Santa? 38:06 – Who do you go to when you experience extreme spiritual gifts? 42:49 – Is it possible for Faith and science to intersect on the assumption of Mary? 45:22 – What would be the best way to respond to someone who is very anti-Mary? …

Questions Covered: 03:51 – Could you explain the apparent contradiction with the thieves crucified with Christ? One gospel says they both mocked Jesus and another gospel explains the good thief and bad thief story. 07:57 – Did God order genocide in the Old Testament? 13:48 – What’s the proper Catholic interpretations of Romans 9:19-23? 28:53 – In the bible, the Our Father has a variation. Can I add a word to the prayer to help it make more sense to me? 36:38 – How do you divorce someone quietly? 44:08 – Can you explain the meaning of the term Son of Man? Why did it create so much controversy? 51:18 – The St. Pius X Catechism says we should burn protestant bibles. I’m a convert, should I burn my old bibles? …

Questions Covered: 04:58 – Are there contradictions to the bible? Is there a contradiction in different bible translations on 2 Chronicles 22:2 regarding Ahaziah’s age? 15:29 – What’s your opinion on the newest Catholic bible translation? 19:28 – When Paul says all have sinned, does that include babies and Mary.? 30:34 – Was Noah the only person alive after the flood? 33:58 – Which is the best bible to use for apologetics? 37:09 – I heard that the original manuscripts of the gospels were not inerrant and infallible. Is this correct? 45:58 – What should a Catholic believe about the documentary theory of the Pentateuch? …

Questions Covered: 01:28 – Is it heretical to believe that the reason God gives us life is to test our worthiness of heaven? 11:10 – I was approached to be a sponsor for someone who’s going through RCIA but I’m also going to be a godparent to their child. Is it appropriate for me to take on both roles? 14:15 – How do I respond to the claim that Constantine created the Catholic Church? 21:20 – How does the Church deal with killing in general? War, first responders etc. 36:15 – Why couldn’t Isaac give Esau a better blessing? 41:27 – 1 Thes. 4 say Jesus will return and those alive will be taken up. Why do Catholics not believe in a rapture? 49:00 – Jesus claims to be meek and humble of heart but was bold and brave. Is the translation for these terms wrong because he doesn’t act very meek? …

Questions Covered: 06:50 – If Mary was free from original sin, was her childbirth painless? 17:18 – My girlfriend is Baptist and has a lot of objections to me joining the Catholic Faith. What are good responses to their objections specifically about Mary? 28:52 – Why can’t procreation continue in heaven? 43:10 – How can one defend against someone who claims that Mary is actually a pro-choice person? …

Questions Covered: 05:25 – How can we reconcile with the prophets who said the Messiah was going to be named Emmanuel but ended up being named Jesus? 09:09 – What’s your opinion on the charismatic movement in the Church? 16:52 – How is it possible for Orthodox Christians to recognize some of our popes as saints and yet reject the papacy? 24:14 – If Jesus is God, how could Jesus lead us to God? 29:20 – Why don’t we see more books on apologetics defending Vatican 2? 33:25 – In Matthew Jesus says to pick up your cross and follow him. He said this before his crucifixion. What did it mean to the people then? 35:33 – In the Gospel it says that John the Baptist was the greatest man born of woman but the least in the kingdom of God. What is the proper interpretation of this? Is he greater than Mary? 39:15 – I wanted to say thank you! Catholic Answers was what got me interested in Catholicism! 45:01 – Is restitution necessary for forgiveness when going to confession? 46:42 – My husband heard claims from Mother Teresa and her ministry made people sicker through lack of medicine and accusations of fraud. Did the Church make a mistake in canonizing her? 53:15 – Is general absolution valid? …

Questions Covered: 06:44 – How would you respond to the claim that some people cannot receive grace from liturgy due to the abuse done by some priests? 17:29 – Do Catholics believe in irresistible grace? https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/gods-resistible-grace 23:15 – Why do we have many translations of the Catholic bible? 29:25 – How do we reconcile Gen. 49:5-7 and Judith 9? 33:05 – Since the deposit of faith include liturgical traditions, can the pope infallibly declare things that are not written or oral traditions? 42:30 – Why do Catholic bibles have more than protestant bibles? 47:00 – Would you consider Taoism a religion searching for God? 52:36 – How is it just for someone who dies old to have a lifetime for conversion but someone who dies young doesn’t? …

Questions Covered: 05:25 – How did Judas die? 12:03 – Paul recommends not being married but Genesis says that it’s not good for man to be alone. How do we reconcile this? 18:43 – Why did Jesus come when he came? 23:50 – Did the pope change Church teaching on the death penalty or did he just share his opinion? 32:22 – I attend a monthly service with holy oil. The priest tells after those services that we don’t need to go to confession because of the service. What are your thoughts on that? 36:48 – Are we supposed to raise our hands up during the Our Father? 44:18 – If God wanted all things perfect, why did He create the tree of knowledge of good and evil? 49:23 – Do You know where I could find homilies written by saints? 52:50 – Is it true that women can be priests in the Church now? …

Questions Covered: 07:08 – How do we respond to: If Mary was sinless why would she die?  13:15 – What are the Nephilim?  20:15 – Does prayer affect the will of God in our life?  28:41 – My protestant boss is going on a mission, and I want to write a bible verse on his card. What would be a good verse to write in as a Catholic?  33:47 – How do we know Jesus was here for all of us and not just Jews since He is the Jewish Messiah?  38:11 – What’s the earliest account that we have on the sacrament of reconciliation?  44:01 – How are we to understand the idea that schism is wrong, but Jesus and the apostles were in schism with Judaism?  50:37 – My Catholic friend has started talking to a medium and has been supposedly receiving messages from his father. I told him to talk to a priest and the priest told him it was ok. How do I respond?  …

Pre-recorded show aired on December 8, 2022 …

Pre-recorded show aired on December 8, 2022   …

Questions Covered: 02:34 – How did they elect a new pope in the early years before the conclave? When did it become the responsibility of the college of cardinals? 07:44 – I was taught that Christianity was the reason why the west has hospitals, schools, care for widows and dignity for women etc. but i get pushback saying Buddhist and other religious cultures also had that. 12:52 – Where was Joseph at the time of the crucifixion? 16:35 – With extreme political views like fascism, is Catholicism capable of fending those off? 21:45 – What should we meditate on when praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy? 23:11 – How should I address a member of my bible study embracing and promoting her daughter’s gender transition. Was it a sin for me not to say anything? 33:27 – I live in a protestant dominant area. Everyone celebrates Christmas early during advent. How much of that should we encourage and participate in? 36:45 – Wouldn’t 1. Cor. 11 make more sense and agree more with consubstantiation because the accidents are still present? 43:10 – In the bible it mentions the veil in the temple being torn in two and as a protestant I was taught that this was a sign that the priesthood was no longer necessary. What is the Catholic understanding? 45:52 – My wife’s cancer medication forced her into early menopause. Knowing that we can’t procreate, Is it moral to engage in the marital act? 49:31 – How do you stay resilient when being faced with attacks from protestants? …

Questions Covered: 01:53 – 2. Sam. 24:1 God said to David make a census but the 1st. Chronicles 21:1 Satan entices David to take a census. Who incited David to make the census. Is this a contradiction?  12:18 – If I am in a state of mortal sin and can only get a ride from a friend who only has a provisional license and legally can’t ride with him, am I morally okay to still get a ride with him?  15:23 – How would you refute the Orthodox claim that liturgical abuse in Catholicism is the biggest sign that the Catholic Church is not the one true Church?  21:19 – Is it wrong for me to go to clinic that has some involvement with abortion but seeking non abortion services?  23:57 – I’m an illustrator that has to do a lot of research for references. Some of the things I have to research dives into pagan deities. How do I find the line between my faith and these things that make me feel uncomfortable?  33:41 – Are we only going to see Jesus in heaven or are we also going to see God the Father?  39:00 – I struggle with the idea that fallen away Catholics getting married outside the Church don’t have a valid marriage. How should I approach those marriages? Can I celebrate them?  46:30 – I’m allergic to incense and my pastor just started using it heavily. Where does this leave me in attending mass?  …

Questions Covered: 05:35 – What are your thoughts on prima scriptura over sola scriptura?  12:36 – How should we approach submission to church authority when we have problems with her teachings?  21:58 – How do I level admonishment and prudence when considering approaching a friend who married outside of the Church?  33:28 – John the Baptist knew that Jesus was the Messiah in Mt.3 but sent to question whether He was the Messiah in Mt. 11. Was he doubting Jesus?  41:23 – How does the Catholic Church elect its new bishops?  45:38 – If God knows everything, why did he still create Satan and the third of the angels that fell?  …

Questions Covered: 22:01 – What’s the difference between stem cells and cell lines?  34:13 – How do we respond to people who ground human value in consciousness?  36:54 – Could you give an overview of transhumanism and if there is any link to the covid vaccine?  41:19 – What do you think is the reason why people become gay? Is it genetic or is it cultural?  46:51 – The drug Humera is made with human and animal cells. Do you know what those cells are specifically from? https://cogforlife.org/  49:23 – If a trans person is considering joining the Catholic Church, would they have to detransition?  52:40 – Have we forgotten that there is a stage in human development where we have a nonsexual same sex attraction?  …

Questions Covered: 03:05 –  How would one come to know the gender of one who is intersex?  11:21 – What’s the reasoning behind the teaching that Jesus is present in both species?  14:45 – Is it possible to live a contemplative life as a married man?  21:57 – If Adam and Eve were perfect before the fall how did they have imperfect judgment by choosing sin?  30:01 – How can we prove that Mary was always a virgin?  38:12 – How can I prove that we receive salvation through faith and works and not salvation through faith alone?  43:19 – Does God already know if we are going to heaven or hell?  …

Questions Covered: 04:01 – Imagine a technology developed that gives two people the ability to share feelings, emotions, physical sensations, etc., with each other as if they were truly experiencing the other person in the exact state that they are in at that moment in time. I’m thinking of a situation where John is trying to explain how he feels about something important, but he just can’t put it into words for Jane to understand. To solve the problem, they both connect their minds with the technology and for a brief moment, Jane knows exactly the how’s and why’s of John’s emotions, even his physical sensations or pain or pleasure. She is now able to understand him on a level that is too complex for words, resulting in greater intimacy and love between them. If we apply this to Church teaching on marriage, would a husband and wife be obligated to participate in this activity as a means of total giving of oneself to the other? If not, could you think of some variation of this technology or scenario that the Church would promote or even require? For the purpose of this thought experiment, assume that you wouldn’t be able to abuse this technology or generally use it in a negative way. 15:30 – Is there competition in heaven? It seems to be part of human nature. 18:54 – Assuming that there is life on other planets and that they have been given the same immortal souls as we have, and assuming that they are susceptible to death as we are, does that mean that Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory are currently comprised of human souls and the souls of what we would consider aliens, too? 22:51 – Has a convert ever been Pope? 24:32 – Are the proposed alien sightings aliens or angels and/or demons? 34:25 – My understanding is that the soul is the life principle. When stem cells are removed from a body and cultured, do they receive a new sensitive soul but not rational soul? 41:52 – Some writers through history have depicted multiple “levels” of hell and heaven (e.g. Dante). Is there any biblical support for distinct experiences of heaven and hell? 48:06 – Could the other people mentioned in Genesis be the Neanderthals? (See Genesis 4 and the reference to the people who might kill Cain) 52:03 – What happens to your soul if you get assimilated by the Borg? …

Questions Covered: 06:01 – What proof is there that the Catholic Church existed before the 3rd century. A Protestant challenged me on that. 12:39 – Why does the Old Testament sound so harsh? It feels like we cherry pick what we follow from it. 18:25 – Would killing a sentient robot be considered murder? 20:51 – What would be a good book to learn about the Marian dogmas? 30:30 – How do I convince an atheist or agnostic that God is real in simple terms? 32:59 – If the keys were given alone to Peter, how do we reconcile the Church fathers not recognizing that? 37:46 – How do we know the bible is the real Word of God? 44:40 – How do I refute the claim that abortion is self-defense? 49:11 – What’s the difference between the deity of Christ and the divinity of Christ? 51:28 – In Matthew 24 Jesus talks about the great tribulation. What did Jesus mean by it? …

Questions Covered: 03:54 – What’s the Catholic perspective on self-help books? 7:45 – Did the fall of angels happen before or after Adam and Eve? 13:24 – What is a well-formed conscience and how does one form one? 20:08 – How can the NAB be an approved bible if there are some passages, mainly the story of the woman in adultery is included but states that it’s potentially not in the original? 28:50 – How did evil come to be? The bible doesn’t really talk about it but it seems like other religious writings talk about it. 35:48 – Did Jesus tell Peter to build the Church upon the rock before or after the crucifixion? 42:07 – If you’re addicted to a sin and commit it habitually does that make it a mortal sin? 47:06 – How do Catholics balance assenting to authority and knowing when to revolt against spiritual authority? 53:55 – Is it permissible for a Catholic organist to play at an Episcopal church? …

Questions Covered: 03:31 – Is it ok to purchase a lot of presents to someone to ask for forgiveness?  06:53 – Are the unborn persons?  11:47 – Is it possible to avoid going to purgatory?  19:23 – What level of obedience does one owe to parents, especially as adults?  29:30 – How would the Church adapt the liturgical calendar if we colonized another planet or the moon?  34:22 – How do I defend the Marian doctrines if typology is not the best way to defend doctrines in general?  42:30 – I left the Church over a month ago because I was rejected by the person who I associated my Catholic faith with.  How do I get over rejection?  49:39 – Why is it that priests always receive communion in both species, but the laity mostly only receive communion through the host?  …

Questions Covered: 13:59 – I have a history of attempts at recovery and have a traumatic brain injury, do you have any advice to get over these hurdles? 24:20 – I recently got out of a protestant recovery program and am excited to hear that there is a Catholic alternative! Could you share more about the ministry? 35:13 – How do I tell if my spouse is an alcoholic? 45:55 – Does your organization point families to programs that have good track records? 50:39 – I founded a CIR group and the clergy were very excited that this existed! I would like to share this story. …

Questions Covered: 23:32 – How do we address popular leaders in the Church with fringe ideas that have some prominence and lead people away from proper teaching? 30:18 – I think we should pray for the leaders who disappoint, but there’s a difference with those who are trying to change Church teaching. How do we deal with those movements that are trying to subvert the direction of the Church? 42:01 – Do you consider leadership to include laity who push clergy to do their job? 50:40 – What are the elements of learning in your leadership academy? …

Questions Covered: 02:01 – did Mary have the beatific vision? Where is the line between making jokes and being blasphemous and sacrilegious?  08:18 – Did Zoroastrianism influence Judaism or Christianity?  21:20 – In the Nicene Creed it says that Jesus will come the living and the dead, does that mean that those who have died are in the state limbo waiting for Jesus to return?  28:53 – What’s the Church’s understanding of personhood?  41:06 – If a priest is in the state of mortal sin and celebrates mass, is it proper for him to receive communion?  45:39 – What do you know about the origins of priests celebrating mass 3 times a day on Christmas?  48:15 – If God forgives all sins during confession, what are judged for after we die?  52:58 – Jesus breathed on the apostles giving them the Holy Spirit and then the apostles received the Holy Spirit again on Pentecost. Did they get a double dose or was it a different spirit? …

Questions Covered: 02:00 – If God is outside of time how does he know if someone didn’t keep holy the sabbath or perform delayed obedience? 09:55 – Was the 28th Canon of Chalcedon accepted in the east? 21:53 – How do we square the story of Adam and Eve and science? 39:56 – What do we know about God watching over us as individuals and situations in our lives? 48:37 – What is the Church’s stance on race and the specifically the biblical descendants? …

Questions Covered: 03:00 – I know some very good people that have no affiliation with Christianity no belief in God. Some of them are more giving and patient than people I know that are Christian. Are they dismissed by God because they’re not baptized and don’t go to church? 13:08 – What makes a marriage valid? Does it need to be performed by an ambassador of Christ? If so, does that mean a Protestant minister cannot perform a valid marriage? 19:39 – How can one reconcile the faith when looking at history with indulgences and corruption in the church? 23:31 – Why is there such an emphasis on the Church as an organization? For example saying, “What does the Church say about it?” Why can’t we just go right to the bible? 33:20 – Every time I pray it feels like there’s an all-consuming feeling of fear activated that’s strong. How do I grow spiritually with this fear? Should I wait until it dies down and just not pray as frequently? 41:50 – I adopted my now 12 y.o. son and he has severe cognitive disabilities. I’m fairly certain he has never been baptized. Should he be? What’s the process for that? 44:28 – In Matthew 24:40 in last Sunday’s gospel it says “One is taken, one is left.” What does this mean? 46:44 – How did Jesus go up into heaven since he can’t fly there? 51:25 – My son and his fiancé are getting married in the spring. She would like her parish priest preside and we would also like to have a retired bishop. Can the bishop concelebrate? …

Questions Covered: 04:20 – How do we defend Catholic position that Muslims and Catholics worship the same God, but Mormons aren’t Christian heretics? 16:59 – How is it that some Catholics can be anti-Semitic? 30:03 – I was told by a relative that I love the Church and my faith more than I love God. Is that possible? If so, is that bad? Also, can you help me understand the protestant funeral my grandmother was buried with today? 42:14 – I’m a recent convert and after I sin I repent and trust God forgives me when asking sincerely. It feels like a sin to go and ask a priest afterwards like I’m asking him again. Also, is saying the Our Father not asking God forgiveness for our sins? Is that not sufficient enough? …

Another installment of the Game show where to listeners go head to head to answer so tough apologetical questions! …

Questions Covered: 16:50 – What is the Church’s teaching on babies who die in the womb? Do they go to limbo? And will we be able to see/interact with them or will we be separated? 20:11 – In regard to the beatific vision, do Catholics and non-catholic alike experience the “same” beatific vision in heaven? 32:18 – Do we still spiritually grow after death? 36:52 – Why do we need Godparents to receive certain sacraments? 42:50 – I heard a prayer that mentioned the perpetual virginity of Mary. What is the importance of her maintaining her virginity through birth? 48:25 – Why is the Catholic Church always in the defensive position when it comes to apologetics? …

Questions Covered: 03:00 – Joan “Siobhan” of Arc 14:30 – NPR Selling out to transgender ideology 20:30 – The passing of pro-abortion legislation 28:15 – Moral idiocy 36:10 – Marriage rates in the U.S. …

Questions Covered: 08:00 – Gratitude 18:00 – The Eucharist is Thanksgiving 29:20 – Pausing the Synodal process 34:30 – Religiosity based off education demographics 48:00 – Diversity in Christian denominations …

Questions Covered: 06:46 – Is the newest booster vaccine approved by the Catholic Church?  11:40 – Why are the gospels named Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John if they weren’t necessarily written by those men?  19:05 – In Tobias in the Douay–Rheims I find a story about a dog and the angels. I don’t find that story in any other translation. Why is that?  34:44 – Is Mt. 28:19 a directive for everyone or just priests?  41:16 – I know we are required to forgive whether they want forgiveness, but we must want to be forgiven for God to forgive us. Why is that?  47:48 – Why did Jesus tell Mary Magdalene not to touch him but told Thomas to touch his wounds?  51:28 – Can a priest perform their priestly duties without a stole? Where is the stole in the bible?  …

Questions Covered: 04:17 – In Gen 46-48, it says Abraham, Jacob, Isaac died in their hundreds. The calculate it by multiplying numbers. Example (5x5x7, 6x6x5, etc.). Is there a specific meaning behind that?  11:15 – Does the bible say which form of government is ideal?  19:20 – Why is it rare that passion narrative pieces are read throughout the year in Mass?  21:34 – Is there a bible passage that clarifies either the Nicene creed and apostles’ creed statement “conceived by the Holy Spirit” or “incarnate of the Holy Spirit?”  29:15 – Maccabees say that it’s good to pray for the dead. What good did it do at that time if Jesus hadn’t opened the gates of heaven yet?  35:04 – What was Luther’s theological foundation for breaking away from the Church?  44:50 – What is the legitimacy of the 3 vocations and is being single a vocation?  52:04 – Why would Abraham and Isaac go to other kingdoms and claim that their wives were their sisters?  …

Questions Covered: 05:12 – Why doesn’t the Catholic Church consider other Protestant denominations’ communion valid? 12:06 – If God is outside of time and in the eternal, how does God know if someone didn’t honor the sabbath or know of delayed obedience? 15:23 – Is there anything in the Catechism that says anything when the baby in the womb has a soul? 19:52 – My household is very lukewarm. I’ve become curious about learning more about the Theotokos. What is it? 29:51 – What does it mean to be in the state of Grace? 35:54 – An abortion doctor in Indiana performed an abortion on a 10-year-old. How do I defend life in that situation? 41:47 – Is there a program that I can order online about apologetics? Where can we go to get a good explanation about the Inquisition and the crusades? 46:04 – Is it a mortal sin for a Catholic married couple to use the withdrawal method? …

Questions Covered: 03:06 – Could you clarify the Catholic belief on double effect and abortion? 12:19 – The bible says to “not spare the rod” when disciplining a child. What does that mean? And what is the Catholic understanding on discipline? 16:45 – What’s the proper way to end the rosary? If feels rather abrupt when concluding it. 22:27 – Is it appropriate to refer to the Holy Spirit as feminine? 28:49 – How would you explain the different verses in the bible like “Vengeance is for the Lord” and not seeking revenge? 36:08 – I just discovered that my health insurance covers and supports abortion. How morally culpable am I? Should I cancel my insurance? 45:51 – Has the Church deemed the teaching of universal salvation heretical or heterodox? 51:32 – I would like to propose a different meaning for the word ‘viable’ and would like to get your thoughts on it. …

Questions Covered: 06:46 – Why is it important to confess your sins to a priest instead of asking God directly? 24:17 – I’ve recently rediscovered my faith. How can I bring my family back to the Church without being overbearing? 20:39 – What is the Church’s stance on Marijuana? 23:59 – How do I simply respond to someone asking how I know I’m saved? 40:17 – Where do dinosaurs fit into the creation story? 45:30 – How do I get over the hurdle of feeling like we worship Mary? 51:20 – Why do we need the Eucharist if we have the Holy Spirit who is always with us? …

Questions Covered: 4:40 – Is being Catholic the only way to reach salvation? 13:56 – Why do Catholics believe that they are the one true Church? 22:47 – Where does the requirement of needing 2 miracles for the canonization of a saint come from? What are your thoughts on praying to relatives who have passed if they were holy people? 29:38 – Is it okay for Catholics to read books that aren’t Catholic/Christian? 32:29 – How is it that the Church says Mary did not have any more kids when the bible says she does. 45:31 – Jesus said to the good thief that he would be in paradise with him that day. Does that mean that Jesus didn’t go to hell? 50:28 – I’m in RCIA. Am I declaring the saints omniscient by praying to them? …

Questions Covered: 23:57 – How do you approach children who have gone away from the Faith?    39:47 – What would be the best way to handle your children having children and not baptizing them? Words of Eternal Life  45:06 – What can I do to help my brother return to God?  49:57 – My 17 years old daughter says she doesn’t believe anymore. What should I do? What are your thoughts about going back to basics?  …

Questions Covered: 12:13 – Can you explain where the sacrament of confession is in the bible? 17:56 – How can the prodigal son be simultaneously saved and not yet given his inheritance, which is salvation? 20:45 – How do I explain holy water to a protestant, specifically from the bible? 24:11 – Follow up on confession: My protestants respond that Jesus said to confess to one another not a priest. My response to this is Jesus’ intentionality. What are your thoughts on this? 32:30 – If God is immutable then how does that reconcile with the bible describing wrath and anger in God? 38:33 – How do you refute Sola Fide from a Catholic perspective? 46:24 – Does God stop the devil from confessing his sins? The Bible said he was created before Adam and Eve and was the smartest creation. Why spend all this time without confessing? 52:39 – In scripture Jesus says the thief would be in paradise on that day but the Creed says Jesus descended into hell for three days. How do we reconcile this? …

Questions Covered: 08:00- What is the best concise support for the papacy? 17:12 – Have you heard of Zachary King, the former Satanist High Wizard turned pro-life advocate? If so, can you verify his story? 37:03 – How is the Old Testament God the same as the New Testament God, and how can I explain that to my Protestant friends? 46:04 – How do you answer the claim that anyone can consecrate the Eucharist since the Bible never says it has to be a priest? …

Questions Covered: 11:50 – I’ve always been pro-life, but I’m not sure how to answer people who bring up instances of the woman’s life being in danger or incest. 24:31 – Could you tell me more about the reality of loving Jesus? What does that look like? When I was little I knew Jesus loved me, but there was no love from me because no one told me I was supposed to love him. 36:18 – When Jesus talks about picking up your cross, how would people at the time have understood what that means? And when Paul talks about “scripture,” what is he referring to? 44:32 – What makes a valid marriage? When two atheists marry, is that valid? 52:14 – Someone asked me about the Immaculate Conception of Ruth and it caught me off-guard. Do you know anything about this? …

Questions Covered: 07:37 – Where did the idea come from that ancient Israel worshiped many gods in addition to Yahweh, who was just one among many? 23:14 – My friend wants to know how praying to Mary is more efficient or effective than praying to Jesus alone, and whether there’s any official Church teaching on that? 36:57 – If one is out of a state of sanctifying grace, is he still part of the Body of Christ? 46:29 – The Mexican supreme court is currently debating whether to use public funds to buy nativity scenes for public display. How should I as a Catholic feel about this in terms of the relation between Church and state? …

Questions Covered: 11:15 – How should Christians think about the different types of grace and how we move in and out of a state of grace?  22:42 – How does the Church view Protestants who are aware of and accept most Catholic doctrine but are reluctant to convert? Does imperfect communion extend to them?  35:36 – Where do we get the idea that God cannot do anything logically impossible? And if that’s true, how can Jesus be 100% God and 100% man?  49:03 – How should I talk to my husband, who’s a self-described materialist, about the soul? What are some basic principles I can appeal to?  …

Questions Covered: 07:40 – Did Jesus’s prophecy about the timing of the second coming go unfulfilled? 21:00 – As Catholics, what can we do to go outside of the Church and evangelize? 36:50 – Why does the Church approve certain private revelations without requiring the faithful to believe in them? …

Questions Covered: 05:34 – How can I respond to objections to Mary’s perpetual virginity? 17:19 – Can new godparents be appointed? 34:44 – How did the Church conclude from the Bible that Mary is our spiritual mother and immaculately conceived? 49:00 – Is it okay to meditate on nothing or are we only supposed to meditate on the word? …

Questions Covered:  03:04 – Why does the Church teach against masturbation?   14:32 – Why do we believe in the True presence in the Eucharist?   21:10 – What is the supporting evidence for the Coronation of Mary?    29:12 – Do we retain free will when we’re in heaven?  35:26 – How do I approach my Protestant friend on the topic of the Assumption of Mary?   47:24 – I have trouble with accepting the Trinity.   …

Questions Covered:  06:20 – I’m troubled by the doctrine of Hell and people who don’t accept Jesus going to Hell, and what constitutes invincible ignorance.  15:18 – I’ve never fully understood the doctrine of indulgences.  20:43 – I’m troubled by the Church’s teaching on contraception. I had a vasectomy when I was a Protestant and I want to know if that’s going to impede my entry into the Church.  29:21 – How can I believe the doctrines of Mary?  41:24 – I’m troubled by why hell would be eternal instead of the souls being annihilated.  52:09 – I’m trying to understand the role of the bishops’ authority. How could a bishop have the authority to punish a priest who didn’t do anything wrong?  …

Questions Covered: 02:48 – In Exodus there is talks about the buying and selling of slaves. Does this mean that the bible condones chattel slavery?  13:47 – How do I explain to my protestant friends that people don’t become angels after death?  17:32 – I see the Holy Spirit as wisdom personified. In the bible it refers to wisdom as feminine. Is it appropriate to conclude that the Holy Spirit is female?  29:06 – What are the requirements to obtain an indulgence for someone who has passed away during the month of November? Is the requirement of having no attachment to sin almost impossible to meet?  33:08 – Who does the pope confess to? Is it a person or directly to God?  34:66 – My daughter goes to a Catholic school,  41:21 – Do Daniel 9:27 and Malachi 1:11 contradict each other? What is the proper understanding? and I discovered inappropriate books in their library. I have a meeting with the principal. Am I overreacting?  48:05 – How is it possible for the Virgin Mary not to enter into original sin like Eve?  …

Questions Covered: 19:30 – With everything in our culture working against us, how do we gain confidence?  34:25 – How do I share my faith with people who might dismiss it as something that I’m diving into because of a mere hardship in life? RESOURCES: https://ignatius.com/behold-the-man-bmanp/  46:47 – Your style and approach to the faith is something that makes me feel closer to Christ and the Catholic Faith. I just want to say thank you.  52:29 – How would you approach political people with evangelization?  …

Questions Covered: 01:48 – What’s the difference between penal substitution and vicarious satisfaction in atonement theology?  13:18 – My son goes to Catholic school and was told by a teacher that Protestants reject that Mary is the Mother of God. Is this accurate?  15:11 – Is there any situation in which a pope can be removed from office? Specifically, if he is no longer of sound mind.  21:23 – Is there any record of the differences in light skin and dark skin people in the Bible? Why is there no mention of Africans in the Bible?  37:28 – Who coined the word saint? Is it a carryover from Judaism?  44:35 – Does the Church treat private revelation and near-death experiences the same? What are your thoughts on near death experiences?  …

Questions Covered: 04:08 – If St. Paul was incorrect about the timing of the second coming, was he incorrect about other things? 09:37 – I’m having an operation, is it appropriate to receive the anointing of the sick and an apostolic pardon? 16:57 – If the 1965 Mass in Latin with some vernacular was the true intention, what was their motivation with adding additional Eucharistic prayers? 23:28 – If ‘once saved always saved’ isn’t true, when does someone lose salvation? 38:15 – Which of the apostles were present at the crucifixion of Jesus? 46:32 – Is it definitive that we’ll have glorified bodies in heaven, but will those in hell also receive a form of glorified bodies? 50:50 – Why did God kill all the first born in Exodus and could He have gone about it in a different way that led to the freeing of the Israelites? …

Questions Covered: 03:23 – Where is purgatory in the bible and how do you prove it to a Protestant?  13:46 – As a health worker am I morally able to work at a children’s hospital that offers hormone therapy and puberty blockers?  22:01 – What was the question? Am I in communion with bishops who are denying the faith in Europe?  34:26 – If Jesus did not forgive people on the cross, would he and all of humanity have been cursed?  40:02 – Why did you concretely assert that the gospels were written anonymously on page 155 in the Early Church book?  44:24 – Is God’s free will limited by his own omniscience?  …

Questions Covered: 05:23 – Do I need to specify the number of times I’ve sinned during confession?  07:44 – How do I talk to my friends in class about becoming Catholic?  15:27 – When we talk about receiving communion people say they feel closer to God, but If we are always in God’s present how can we say that we are closer?  20:46 – What would happen if a priest were to claim that they are a woman? How would the Church respond?  30:33 – I’m a divorced Catholic, could I join a monastery?  33:06 – One of my favorite bands has some borderline sacrilegious lyrics. Is it a mortal sin to listen to their music or go to a concert?  38:11 – Under what circumstances does a non-Catholic have access to the sacraments?  45:26 – What is the Church’s teaching for those who are not disposed to receive communion but instead go up, cross their arms and receive a blessing?  49:07 – What is your advice to a fallen away Catholic who wants to return?  …

Questions Covered: 06:34 – Is it appropriate to compare playing the lotto with the Apostles casting lot to replace Judas and the soldiers casting lots for Jesus’ robe? 15:46 – My wife and I just miscarried, what is the Catholic stance on cremation and also on scattering the ashes? Resource: heavensgain.org 21:59 – Gen 6 talks about how God was disappointed with the people and sent a flood. Weren’t the people that he killed innocent? 33:07 – Why do we only receive the host for communion instead of both species? 41:39 – I’m a 7th Day Adventist looking into Catholicism. How do I talk to people who feel that once you become a believer, that all your sins, past and future, are already forgiven? 51:04 – I believe in biological evolution. I have a hard time reconciling animals tearing each other apart with there being a just God. …

Questions Covered: 04:03 – If a Catholic does not believe in the Eucharist, is he technically not saved?  13:00 – Referring to scripture, what’s the difference between showing shame and being guilty?  16:45 – How would you respond to people who are a part of the World Mission Society Word of God and their claim that there’s a Mother God?  31:55 – I’m Protestant. The Catholic Church looks different from the Church from the Patristic period. How does the development of doctrine work according to Catholics?  42:49 – A relative of mine who was raised Catholic but now questions everything. She asked why the Church doesn’t accept “gay” marriage and forces women to give birth in circumstances such as rape. How do I respond? 50:14 – Why should I be Catholic and not just Protestant?  …

Questions Covered: 05:03 – How would a Catholic respond to the population argument for reincarnation?  12:15 – Is the desire and being on the way to commit mortal sin, make one lose salvific grace? I’m comparing this to baptism by desire.  16:43 – If the Pope is infallible, what if he preaches something blatantly immoral?  20:30 – Can St Joseph’s intercession be good for finding a job?  23:35 – Why did David wear the priestly garment if he wasn’t a Levite?  29:37 – How could the Orthodox have a valid priesthood if they reject the authority of the priesthood?  32:54 – If you prefer going to confession with a certain priest but there’s a confession time earlier with other priests, should you wait or go to the earliest confession?  36:54 – My brother sends me inappropriate memes about the Church and the Eucharist? How should I handle this since he thinks it’s no big deal?  43:21 – My dad is a protestant missionary and is very anti-Catholic. He went to Iraq and said he found the original church and claims the Catholic Church is the original Protestant church that broke away from them. How do I respond?  48:32 – When did adoration become a practice?  51:27 – 1. Cor 5 says that people who are sexually immoral should be expelled from the Church. How do I reconcile this with people who have been accused of this but continue to retain their power and position in the Church?  …

Questions Covered: 17:19 – Is there any non-religious proof for the existence of a God? 23:35 – What is your favorite footnote in the appendix for your book? 30:12 – Granting everything you said about God being timeless, how does having free will make any sense? 41:36 – How do we reconcile God being love and the bible saying that God hates certain people? 50:25 – What does God mean when he says that there will be many mansions in heaven? …

Questions Covered: 23:15 – I read that Jesus was only one of many messianic figures and Jesus’ religion was only spread because of Constantine. Is this True? 30:50 – How is it that we can believe in evolution and Catholicism? 35:37 – I’m 9 weeks pregnant. Does the baby in the womb have a soul? 44:04 – Can protestants be saved? 49:05 – Why did God not dissipate Satan? Why did God send him to earth? …

Questions Covered: 02:23 – Why should I pursue converting my Lutheran friends if they are already really great Christians? 05:50 – My wife is Catholic and I’m a Methodist going through RCIA. How does the bible support the real presence in the Eucharist? 12:17 – Do I need to pay some sort of gratuity to a priest if I ask him to bless items for me? 14:28 – I pray the rosary frequently but am very distracted. Do they do anything even if I’m distracted? https://www.catholic.com/audio/caf/does-the-church-encourage-superstition 17:43 – What was Mary and Joseph’s betrothal? Was it a marriage since he was able to divorce her? 20:34 – How would a woman who had an abortion atone for her sin? SEND purgatory is fo reals 30:19 – Are there any plenary indulgences that someone who is a shut in can obtain through prayer alone? 33:38 – How do I talk to my Jewish fiancé about Catholicism? 40:23 – My fiancé and I are trying to find a good foundation for our marriage and are considering Catholicism. Is Catholicism a good foundation? 47:15 – How can God be omnipotent and desire something? …

Questions Covered: 01:03 – I do martial arts and yoga. Are these things ok for me to do as a Catholic. How do I figure out if I know I can or can’t?  06:01 – Does Jn 2:10 make Jesus look irresponsible by giving my wine to drunk people?  18:32 – Why doesn’t the western rite allow infants to be confirmed but the eastern Catholic rites do? Can a western Catholic go to an eastern Catholic priest and get their child confirmed, as well as baptized in emergency situations?  28:31 – I grew up, was married, and divorced in the Mormon church. What do I need to do to be fully accepted into the Catholic Church since divorce is not acceptable?  34:16 – Can you clarify your comments on yoga? Isn’t a position a prayer posture? Also, you said TV is bad, what about the 2 Catholic channels? Are those bad?  42:23 – 1 Cor 3:15 and 2 Maccabees are used as proof for purgatory. They don’t seem to actually be referencing purgatory. What is your response to that?  …

Open Forum: 04:20 – Where do we find the word ‘priest’ in the New Testament? 14:11 – Can the laity perform a minor exorcism? 23:41 – What resources would you recommend giving my dying protestant mother? 29:38 – What is the Church’s view on ghosts? 34:19 – How do we refute the Calvinist view of free will? 41:18 – How far can the new understanding of capital punishment be taken either way? If I’m a juror and consider capital punishment, am I at risk of sin? …

Questions Covered: 04:23 – I applied for a new job as a data analyst for a medical company. I found out they partner with fertility clinics and LGBT people adoption centers. Could I take this job or am I too close to cooperation with evil?  07:56 – Do you have to be Catholic to go to heaven? Is everyone in heaven Catholic?  14:20 – If I’m serving at a Saturday vigil mass, does it qualify as me participating?  19:21 – Did the Jews that died in the holocaust go to hell?  24:06 – What’s the correct response to the objection on John 6 that Jesus is just speaking spiritually?    31:27 – Does the host after consecration emit anything?  40:45 – Is Anglo-Catholicism a legitimate branch in the Catholic Church?  47:05 – What happens to a person spiritually when they are in a state of grace and then commit a mortal sin?  50:42 – How are we supposed to pray for our loved ones who, as far as we know, have denied Christ?  52:53 – What is the Church’s teaching on fertility drugs?    …

Questions Covered: 13:37 – In the early Church, as apostolic succession tied to the bishops of the presbyters?  18:13 – Is the Magisterium above Sacred Scripture?  23:32 – Is there a difference between a nun and a sister?  29:06 – I’m a recent convert. Is salvation lost for my ex-Catholic dad?   33:38 – Are there any connections today between Moloch and abortion?    35:40 – You once gave a great argument against Orthodoxy saying that historically they did take the popes say as authoritative. Could you expound on that?  43:27 – Are the Jewish people still saved by the old covenant? Does the old covenant still apply to converted Jews?  47:33 – Is the long form of the St. Michael prayer an exorcism prayer?  50:41 – What keeps an antipope from adding to Catholic tradition?      …

Questions Covered: 04:05 – Why is the Father the first person of the Trinity, the Son the Second, and the Holy Spirit the Third? Why that order? 13:34 – How are we saved? By grace alone or by baptism? 17:54 – Are you fully a Catholic if you have baptism by desire? 28:37 – Is it true that the Council of Trent taught that there’s no salvation outside of the Catholic Church? And if it is, is that still what the Church teaches today? 39:09 – How can we increase in the initial state of justification? 47:30 – Why do Catholics not believe in predestination? …

Questions Covered: 04:37 – 1 John 5:13 says that we can know that we have eternal life. But Catholics say that we can’t know. It sounds like Catholics disagree with the Bible on this. Can we still perish even if we believe in Christ?  17:15 – Why do Christian churches try to scare everybody into believing in hell?  23:09 – Is it true that all Christians who are baptized technically have been exorcized?  29:39 – I have trouble with the teaching that God’s authority over his creations makes it okay for him to kill them. Wouldn’t that make him pro-choice?  42:38 – I see substitutionary atonement as very influential in pushing me towards atheism and I want to see if I’m understanding it correctly.    …

Questions Covered: 01:21 – My question involves a Frankenstein’ monster scenario. Let’s suppose that the monster’s body was created as provided in the original novel. Let’s also suppose that the body parts were all gathered from baptized persons. After coming to life, would the monster need to be baptized in order to have the stain of original sin removed?  06:11 – Why do things fly off the shelf by themselves? Why do we hear heavy footsteps on our ceiling when we only have a one-story house? Why do our cats avoid a certain spot in the living room and spend hours alertly watching it?  13:16 – I believe in ghosts, or whatever it is that we call ghosts, because my daughter has seen them when she was younger and scared us all. What did she see? If ghosts are real, what are they? Why would someone be able to see them?   23:53 – If you lean too close when blowing out your Jack-o’-lantern, can the pumpkin suck out your soul?  30:02 – I know someone who died, and he was very possibly in mortal sin. His wife died a few years earlier, she was a good faithful Catholic. He spoke to two different relatives probably within an hour after he had just passed and revealed to them that he was not in the same place as his wife, he said that he could not see her. Both relatives didn’t even know he had passed away, he spoke to them in their dreams with the same message. How does that happen?  34:05 – Is Father Amorth fake and/or just a product of the Satanic Panic? If he is fake, is he sincere in his beliefs or is he some type of Satanic Panic Grifter like Mike Warnke and Zachary King? In the case of Father Amorth I still believe in exorcism, but Father Amorth’s claims, and documentaries make me think that he is not a good exorcist. RESOURCE MENTIONED: http://www.canonlaw.info/a_amorth.htm  36:57 – Could a gateway to hell exist? Such as the legend of Stull, KS  40:42 – My daughter, Lauren, would like to know the history of the tradition of carving pumpkins and if it had any connection to the Catholic “All Hallows Eve”  43:16 – Is serving Candy Corn a mortal or venial sin?  44:11 – I hear demons are not able to reveal a person’s sins IF that person already went to Confession. And demons especially hate Latin. Are either true?  48:28 – Catholic Apologist Matt Fradd does a horror podcast called Sibling Horror… it can get pretty spooky. My question is, can someone listening or writing such stuff put them in any danger of even an occasion of sin since it could be entertaining thoughts and scenarios that could lead down a dark path? Or is that something that would change depending upon the inclination of the specific individual?  …

Questions Covered: 02:54 – In Wales many claim Halloween came about because of the Celtic festival of Samhain. Is this true? When did All Saints begin? Does it predate Samhain? If not are the dates coincidental? Is this a case of “if the church chooses a date, it’s always going to coincide with something somewhere in the world?”  09:05 – How would you address the deeply Catholic origins of the holiday and how those got twisted into what we have today?  13:16 – What was your favorite Halloween candy when you were a child? And what was your favorite costume?  19:45 – If I were to dress up as a Knight Templar for Halloween, putting on the habit of a knight of the order, would I be in violation of the Papal Bull Vox in Excelso, and thereby excommunicated? The bull suppressed the Order of the Temple, and specifically stated that anyone wearing the habit of the Order would be subject to laetae sentiae excommunication.  28:18 – Jimmy, I’ve got a story that happened to me that I’d love your thoughts on: I went to a Benedictine Catholic liberal arts college in the mid-west. One night, during the week of Halloween, I was up late at night, 1am, working on a Russian history paper. I was in my dorm room, working with just my lamp on, and my roommate was asleep behind me on the bottom bunk. Suddenly, I hear him sit up. So I turn and look at him, and he looks at me with a weird, distant look on his face and says “You have something dead in your school…” I assume I misheard him, so I just say, “What?” “You have something dead in your school…” he says again. “WHAT!?” “You have something dead in your school…” At this point I reason that he’s very actively sleep talking, and I say as much. “You’re talking in your sleep, man. Go back to sleep.” He looks at me with an odd half-smirk, nods, and just lays back down and falls back into sleep. I think nothing else of this and go to bed after printing off my paper. I come to find out that at that same time as this took place, around 1 am, one of the monks at the abbey had passed. So…just a coincidence? Some sort of heralding? I’d love your thoughts…  39:49 – Who’s the best Dracula?  44:50 – Which does Jimmy feel is the better TV show- Addams Family or Munsters, and why?  47:08 – Why do all the Star Wars force ghosts have to sit down when imparting lengthy advice to Luke?  47:45 – My daughter Fiona wants to know if Annabelle the doll is really possessed by a demon?  52:33 – What exactly are the differences between exorcisms and deliverances? How accurate are the depictions in movies overall; which movie/show is most accurate? Also, were any of the canonized saints ever possessed by a demon?  …

Questions Covered: 02:17 – A friend adopted two cocker spaniels that are Double Merles. These dogs are bred with the full knowledge that only one or two of the litter won’t be born blind or deaf, or both, and these will often be put down (which is why my friend adopted them). We agreed it was rather a cruel custom, but then I thought it was no different than how God created humanity in the full knowledge that many would need to be “put down” (to hell). Yes, we have free will, but He knew this would be the case and created us anyway, seems like there had to be a better way or at least no way at all.  16:05 – Do you know any good stories of persons leaving the SSPX or other schismatic organizations and returning to full communion?  17:01 – My question is: why have certain pockets of American Catholics lost their schismatic minds and Catholic Answers is silent about it.  20:12 – If or maybe when time travel becomes possible, would you want to travel back to the first Easter weekend or would you want to travel to any when in Jesus’ life apart from those last days?  22:28 – If Jesus was nailed through the wrists, why do some stigmatists have the wounds in the palms of their hands? And why do some artists put a nail in each hand and each foot, a total of 4.  32:21 – Are birthstones in the same vein as astrology?  37:27 – I’m a wishful skeptic regarding Big Foot. By “wishful skeptic” I mean, I don’t believe in Big Foot, but I wish it was real, that would be fun. What are your thoughts? Is it possible he’s real? It seems that by now we would have stumbled upon the remains of a dead Big Foot.    46:10 – What Star Trek (non-human) species are most likely to be what aliens would look like?   …

Questions Covered: 4:10 – I would like to hear a response to Professor Daniel O’Connor’s claim that aliens cannot exist according to Catholic teaching and that they must be the work of demons.  19:13 – I think a lot would like to know about whether Catholics can celebrate Halloween.  23:14 – In honor of Halloween, could you explain the common misconceptions by Protestants (and some Catholics) that Halloween is a “pagan” or “demonic” holiday?   28:41 – 1. If Halloween existed during the time of Christ, would He recommend it (trick or treat, wearing of costumes, family gatherings, etc…) to Joseph, Mary, and the apostles?  31:19 – 2. If the word “Purgatory” was explicitly mentioned by Christ in the Gospels, would all Protestants believe in it?   32:46 – I’d love to better understand “being outside of time”!  36:49 – If Adam did not take a bite of the apple Eve gave him, would there have been a fall?  41:01 – I have heard that a mass must be complete and not stop, even in an emergency. At what point must a priest not stop mass (is it during the liturgy of the Eucharist, or just specifically at the consecration, or another time)?  51:22 – What is your take on the Irresistible force paradox? What would happen if an unstoppable force encountered an unmovable object?  …

Flannel Panel …

Flannel Panel …

Questions Covered: 00:48 – Does the Church believe in a closed canon?  04:11 –  I think you’re leaving out the important point that the Baptists claim of being able to trace their line back to Jesus is incorrect.  15:40 – Which denomination would the Catholic Church consider having valid apostolic succession?  22:33 – How can we Catholics defend the teaching of having images and them not being idols?  30:40 – In what ways could a priest help a Baptist in a situation where demonic forces could potentially be involved?  35:33 – What’s the best way to approach a protestant pastor with a large following who is spreading blatant lies about the Blessed Mother?  45:53 – My protestant brother is slowly making his way to the Catholic Church. How do I encourage him to be open to the Catholic Church?  52:06 – I’m a Protestant Freemason. Why would I not be allowed to be Catholic if I’m a Freemason?  …

Questions Covered: 05:33 – Was there an end date for Divine Revelation?  13:26 – Do you see a place for Anglicans to be in communion with Catholics without converting?  19:42 – Are saints benefiting from the beatific vision or are they waiting till the end for all of us to join in?  22:44 – What would you explain to a protestant the authority of scripture vs the authority of the Church?  35:33 – How do I explain to my sister-in-law that the Catholic Church was the first Church to be founded and not the Anabaptists?  47:06 – What is required of someone who wants to become Catholic? Why does one have to believe in everything the Church teaches and not just the essentials?  …

Questions Covered: 02:48 – Do you have to be a practicing Catholic to receive the Anointing of the Sick and the forgiveness that comes with it? 13:58 – What gave Pope John Paul II the right to add the luminous mysteries to the rosary? 19:19 – What does heaven look like? 22:59 – Can you talk about the discrepancy between the popes change on the death penalty vs the teaching of the historical Church and the Church fathers? 42:30 – I heard Tim mention the 12 sorrows of Mary on Al Kresta’s show. I missed the context of the 12 sorrows, could you expound more on this? 47:14 – How do I prove to a Jehovah’s Witness that Jesus is God using the Bible? …

Questions Covered: 21:35 – I’m in a relationship with someone who has a daughter who thinks she’s a boy. What can I do to help? 29:54 – My daughter is struggling with gender dysphoria. She won’t talk to us anymore. Do you have any suggestions on how to help? 34:43 – My parish is rolling out the welcome mat to the transgender movement. Do you think this is a good or bad move on behalf of parishes? 43:06 – I’m a teacher and I’m corrected by my students regarding the language. When did the terminology change? What can we do about it? 49:00 – Do you think it’s more productive to argue the facts about the changes or is it better to expose the agenda? 52:24 – My brother is 50 and now lives as a woman. Being faithful to the truth, how can I better love him? …

Questions Covered: 06:12 – Since God is above time, are we currently in heaven or hell outside time with him? 13:40 – Could you elaborate on St. Augustine’s comments and perspective on the account of Genesis? 21:03 – Can you give an explanation why a protestant who fully embraces doctrinal matters still cannot receive communion? 28:55 “Catholics leave out the real second commandment from the Old Testament” 37:20 – My protestant/anti-Catholic wife is requiring contraception in our marriage. If I don’t go along with it, there’s a possibility that she’ll seek divorce. What should I do? 45:53 – Were there 3 days that were dropped from the Gregorian calendar? Was it a correction or a miscalculation? 51:09 Before St. Paul died, he said wolves would arrive. How do we know that these wolves are not the Church Fathers? …

Questions Covered: 01:47 – I just want to know if it’s reasonable to believe that the 10 original apostles died as martyrs because of the consequences of abandoning Jesus from the cross except for the apostle John. because he didn’t abandon Jesus from the cross.  11:37 – What is the “odor of sanctity” and how would one recognize it? Can the devil replicate it?  17:50 – In the New Testament, Paul uses typology from the Old Testament a lot, but does the Old Testament ever use typology from elsewhere in the Old Testament to the future Messiah?  22:55 – Because Mary’s case is unique, I wonder how her relationship with the Holy Spirit differs from ours. Did she have all of the gifts and benefits of the Holy Spirit from the time of her conception? Yet we know the Holy Spirit came upon her at the Incarnation. And then descended upon her at Pentecost. Did she receive, or even have to receive the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation?  28:35 – Is AA-1025 real or fake?  33:13 – Did Jesus descend to Sheol and preach the Gospel as more of an informational thing, or did He do so to have those there formally accept His sacrifice as an act of will? Were they already judged before Sheol or was their judgment formally dependent on their acceptance of the Gospel Jesus preached?  44:15 – Do we have any indication (or at least a best guess) of the exact minute Jesus rose from the dead and then rolled away the stone? We know Christ died at 3PM, but he was already gone when the apostles showed up at his tomb the next morning.  48:05 – How did the Apostles orally preached the Word of God in the centuries wherein the Canon of the Bible was not formed? Did they use materials (e.g., the Law and the Prophets, etc…) or follow a systematic means of teaching (like that of modern schools or universities)?  52:32 – Did all Editions of the Vulgate include Psalm 151, The Prayer of Manasseh, 3rd & 4th Esdras, and Paul’s Epistle to the Epistle Laodiceans in its Apocrypha index or was there fluidity with what Apocryphal Books were included?  …

Questions Covered: 02:45 – I recently heard an answer you gave about giving false information to an automated machine and whether that was lying. You then made an offhanded point about it being ok to say false things to animals because you aren’t damaging their belief system. But Pavlovian conditioning trains an animal to connect 2 otherwise unrelated stimuli (in the original experiment the sound of a bell and being fed) and at some point, the idea is to give the one stimulus without the other. Can this be said to be forming a false belief in the animal and therefore essentially damaging their belief system. Is this kind of conditioning wrong? Is the conditioning itself wrong for establishing a false belief (that stimulus A and stimulus B are connected) OR would the subsequent use of stimulus A while intentionally withholding stimulus B be wrong? Does “damaging a belief system” require linguistic communication (either spoken or written word)? Does the apparent cognitive ability of the subject make a difference (say a mouse vs a dog)? Would it matter if the subject was human and would developmental stage matter (a baby, a toddler, an older child)? If it is lying, is it grave matter? Again, does the subject’s species or level of cognitive (or physical) development matter?  11:54 – Why is the Didache not in the Bible?  15:16 – Why isn’t 1 Clement in the Bible? It was in the Codex Alexandrinus and listed as canon in the Apostolic Constitutions. There’s also a theory (which I find a bit thin) that Clement wrote Hebrews.  22:12 – What of discussing what are essentially the sins of youth in a humorous way? While one is telling tales of youth, not consciously thinking of the things as sin while recounting. Is this recounting a sinful in itself? It is, after all, making light of sin.  32:07 – If time travel gets invented, and I travel to the day before my baptism, do I need to get baptized again?  34:26 – Why doesn’t the Mass contain all of the Bible, even when adding together both daily and weekend cycles? Why are entire books left out (like Judith)?  36:43 – Does the Eucharist in the Orthodox Church contain the Real Presence? And do we genuflect to show our belief and respect to Our Lord?  39:25 – Is God bound by the priest’s prayers for transubstantiation?  40: 14 – Why did the early church sometimes refer to the pope as a successor of Paul?  42:41 – What would have happened to Mary if John had not taken her into his home when Jesus died?Or, if in that time period, where a widow had only one child and that child was crucified, would the widow’s family and village have taken care of her? Or would she have been basically exiled because her child was crucified? It’s something that has come to mind when meditating on the Crucifixion & I would love to know.  44:43 – Did the writer of Genesis (in your opinion) mean for the creation account to be taken literally (as in creationism) or symbolically? and the reasons for it  48:42 – Is Baptism of Desire, and Baptism of Blood more than a theological supposition (like Limbo)?  51:12 – Which argument for God’s existence do you find most compelling?  …

Questions Covered: 08:30 – I can’t find a distinction in seeing the Catholic Church as being practiced as a religion vs it being a cult.  20:07 – I don’t accept the Church’s practice and use of indulgences.  33:12 – I’m Catholic but I’m struggling with the Church stepping up and filling in the gaps when it comes to being pro-life. Why doesn’t the Church step up and help take care of the children financially?  36:26 – I’m still discerning through converting but I struggle with the historicity of scripture and tradition.  45:37 – I don’t believe the bible is God’s. What’s the argument that the bible is God’s word?  …

Questions Covered: 12:44 – What is the Catholic Church doing to stop the Chinese government from undermining the Church in China? 18:38 – I’m Methodist but looking into the Catholic Church. How should I approach the Church with the synodal talks that I find concerning? 24:07 – Do you have any advice on how to approach the sex abuse scandal? I’m going to be entering seminary after college. 32:09 – Are you familiar with the bishops in the Netherlands and their plans bless same sex unions? Can you talk more about that? 37:06 – Can you talk about Pope Francis and his appointment of pro-abortion Mazzucato? 44:42 – Are you familiar with the process of the merger of the Steubenville diocese? Can you talk more about it? …

Questions Covered: 05:46 – I’m non-Catholic and am inquiring more about Catholicism. What do I make of the pope and other cardinals and their interactions with leaders of other faiths?  16:41 – Do the souls in purgatory pray for us on earth before they get to heaven?  21:06 – Where in the bible and in the early Church writings does it say that we receive Jesus’ glorified body in the eucharist?  23:25 – Should I remain in the Church if we are all just Christians?  28:38 – If a bishop gets “fired” would he still have the authority to ordain others and administer the sacraments?  31:08 – Why don’t Catholics believe in predestination?  35:28 – An Episcopalian friend asked that if she believes that the Catholic priest consecrates the host, why can’t she receive communion?  40:33 – Why do we need Godparents to receive certain sacraments?  42:22 – How can someone know if they have been relieved from moral culpability due to addiction?  46:20 – What does the Church teach about agnostics who are seeking the truth but haven’t been convinced? Would they lose salvation?  48:55 – Were the people who lied to the Nazi’s about hiding Jews commit a mortal sin?  51:23 – An atheist friend claimed that there are 28 other figures that fit the exact mold of Christ. How do I respond to this? RESOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep-AN7U4OLg  …

Questions Covered: 05:46 – What do I make of the pope and other cardinals and their interactions with leaders of other faiths?  11:35 – What’s the response to the accusation that the pope is the figure mentioned in the book of Revelation that will usher in the anti-Christ?  15:38 – Can I safely assume that my devout mother skipped purgatory and went directly to heaven?  17:18 – How authentic is the teaching that Mary will deliver you from purgatory if you wear the brown scapular?  20:31 – Is it reasonable for Catholics to say that governments shouldn’t be involved in marriages and civil unions?  28:48 – Can you point to the biblical evidence for the Eucharist as a sacrifice?  35:54 – Who gave the Latin Church the authority to define the canon of scripture?  44:22 – My son asked me, why do we still talk about purgatory if it’s not in the bible? How do I respond?  50:41 – Are the early church fathers as authoritative as scripture?    …

Questions Covered: 02:25 – If you get blessed before you die, do you go straight to heaven?  04:54 – In 1 Cor. 7, St Paul says no one should get married. Can you clarify what he meant?    11:39 – I’m Protestant. Regarding the process of the canonization of saints, and the qualification of bearing good fruit. I see this as flawed because some cultures like Wiccans claim to produce good fruit from worshipping Mary.   How should the process be understood?  20:13 – What are your thoughts on the statement that people have a misunderstanding of Vatican 2 because local churches haven’t properly educated people and implemented the council?  28:58 – What separated the Catholics and the Orthodox?  33:31 – How does one discern when humor is sinful?  40:56 – Can the devil enter souls?  47:17 – At the last supper, did Jesus actually turn the bread and wine to his body and blood?  51:41 – What is the bible verse that Jesus says that his apostles are hearing what he’s saying but not listening?  …

Questions Covered: 05:35 – In Genesis it says that there were wild and tame animals but there was no mention of tame and wild animals in the garden of Eden. Could you explain?  08:08 – What’s the best historical evidence that the resurrection happened?  15:42 – How do I correctly explain things to people online?  20:41 – Could you explain the Calvinist idea of total depravity and compare it to the Catholic and Orthodox understanding of original sin?  28:36 – What would you say to someone who says that Catholicism is only one form of Christianity?  35:52 – I’ve come to disagree with a major Catholic teaching. What do I do and should I still be approaching communion?  44:26 – Why do Catholics pray to Mary and not God?  …

Questions Covered: 18:14 – My sister never disciplines her children. How can I help? 23:47 – My child refused to return to school after Covid19 and now refuses to go to Church with us. What do we do to get him to come with us? Where do we draw the line? 33:28 – How can I help the behavior of my grandchildren without meddling? 40:15 – How do I deal with parenting guilt knowing that my adult child has many issues? 44:45 – I really appreciate your comment that ‘you are a better parent than you think you are. 50:27 – Thank you for the advice that you gave me on raising adult kids. …

Questions Covered: 7:02 – My agnostic friend asked: Why did Jesus say ‘I’m the alpha and the omega’ if he didn’t speak Greek? 13:46 – How would you convince your own family member not to abort a baby? 22:53 – What’s the difference between the ascension and the assumption? 29:49 – Can you give me practical tips to respond to sensitive topics to middle schoolers? 39:14 – How would you go about doing apologetics with non-Catholic family members? 43:11 – I’m protestant, I’m not necessarily opposed to the Marian dogmas, but my inner skeptic tells me that it’s not in scripture. How do I overcome my inner skeptic? 51:09 – How do you tell someone that their beliefs are false if they believe that their beliefs can be false? …

Questions Covered: 02:29 – How do we understand that the institution of the Church is a good thing especially for people who have been hurt by the Church? 07:57- What can I say to a friend who questions whether to remain Catholic because they see atheist friends having such a fun and great life without God? 16:13 – Who is Phillip the Evangelist? I thought there were only 4 evangelists. 24:17 – Is it true that if we light a candle in church for a soul, and they are in purgatory, the light will guide them to heaven? Is this an indulgence? 28:43 – What do you think of trying to teach Christian morals apart from teaching the whole of Christianity? 31:54 – How would you reconcile saints who say few will be saved and other saints who emphasize mercy and make it sound like salvation is more attainable? 39:55 – In Daniel 10:10-14, God sends an angel, and it was delayed by 21 days. Can you give me more insight on why it would be delayed? 44:39 – I had a vision in which I think I saw Satan. I wanted to know your thoughts on that. 52:49 – How do we know that John the Baptist was born without original sin? …

Questions Covered: 15:19 – At what age should we introduce kids to TOB and proper sexuality?  20:29 – Can you talk about kissing and if it’s lustful? Am I being too scrupulous?  29:04 – If the Germans synodal plan goes through what would happen to your efforts in trying to properly teach kids Theology of the Body?  34:22 – What is the appropriate age to discuss abortion to school aged children?  42:31 – What does chastity look like in a marriage?  45:31 – Do you have any suggestions about enjoying shows that have inappropriate vocabulary and humor?  49:47 – How do I help someone who is in college and struggles with pornography?  …

Questions Covered: 02:22 – Does Romans 14 contradict the practice of holy days of obligation?  14:03 – What’s the morality in high school dating and what should one look for in a wife?  19:43 – The Virgin Mary told the children that the miracle of the sun would be lessened because of how they were treated. Why didn’t Mary just go through with the original plan?  23:05 – I keep hearing that the promise of a savior was mentioned in Genesis with Adam and Eve, but I can’t find it. Where is it?  28:40 – Is it valid to attend and receive communion at a SSPX church?  33:49 – What is the argument for objective morality?  40:56 – Can you explain Calvinistic Soteriology through the Catholic lens?  45:34 – Are there any political or social pressures that are pushing the German bishops to push the changes in Church teaching? I was recently confronted with this question.  50:10 – Could you help explain what Adelphopoiesis is and why it’s not practiced today?  …

Questions Covered: 02:50 – Is there salvation outside of the Church?  07:02 – When the priest says, “please accept my offering… yours and mine” What offering am I supposed to offer at that time?  14:36 – I’ve had priests tell me that interracial marriages aren’t valid. Is this true?  16:10 – I’m Hispanic and married a white woman. My grandmother is racist against white people. Would I commit a mortal sin if I choose not to associate with her?  18:14 – Could you give me advice on courtship and compatibility? How will I know when I’m called to marry a person?  22:38 – Are the Son and Holy Spirit subordinate to the Father?  29:11 – What is the best way to start a community in a Church?  35:50 – Did Jesus consume the bread and wine during the last supper?  42:34 – How do I respond to the question: Did God just create us to follow his rules and earn a reward at the end?  49:53 – Why is my Lutheran wife not able to receive communion in the Catholic Church? Can I share the host with her when I get back to my pew?  …

Questions Covered: 20:20 – I’ve learned that you’ll fall in love more with your spouse as the time goes on. Is there anything in scripture that speaks about this?  22:40 – My husband and I love each other but are not in love with each other and our marriage is deteriorating. What should I do?  33:38 – Do you have any insight on when the Church started to recognize marriage as a sacrament?  36:00 – My daughter’s husband just asked for divorce. How do I help her especially since they have a very young child?  48:04 – Is it proper to say, “you should always treat your spouse like before you were married” or is that too simplistic?  …

Questions Covered: 11:38 – When did “Divine Right” start? Why didn’t the pope say that Henry 8th did not have a divine right?  17:06 – What is responsible parenthood according to Catholics? How does a good Catholic decide when they should no longer have kids and how they should space kids?  22:48 – Did Vatican 2 really say that we should take all the relics out of the altars?  24:28 – Jimmy what are your general thoughts on Vatican 2?  32:15 – Is God the Father the boss of the Holy Trinity?  36:08 – How do I balance ministry with personal life and prayer life?  44:04 – Why do Catholics think Mary is the ark of the new covenant?  48:30 – Why were women not allowed in the temple when they were menstruating during Old Testament times?  …

Questions Covered: 11:39 – What are the signs of demonic possession?  15:50 – How Can I discern what is an appropriate tithe? I’m currently a college student and I don’t know if it’s enough?  21:26 – How does the church view special needs children especially when considering converting? How does mental disability play into having to properly understand the Church’s teachings?  28:43 – How was Vatican 2 taken so out of context that they ended up almost taking all of the Latin out of the mass?  35:25 – Why is the Vatican located in Rome? Is there a reason why it was in Rome especially since the Roman Empire was the ones who ordered the execution of Jesus?  46:57 – Is there any data on what fruits came out of Vatican 2?  …

Questions Covered: 20:30 – How can a Catholic be as effective in evangelizing as Protestant preachers, but in a more “down-to-earth” and less “in-your-face” manner? 29:22 – Did the Atheist you’re mentoring come to you looking for a discipleship relationship, or at what point did it turn into one and how did that happen? 34:16 – I had a gentleman approach me and hand me a pamphlet by Mike Gendron that’s aimed at disproving the Roman Catholic Church. How can I speak with this man about what he’s trying to disprove about Catholicism? 41:58 – I’m helping a guy out with discipleship and the way he encounters God is different to my way. I’m more intellectual and he’s more feeling based. How can I get to his level and help him in a way I’m not familiar with? …

Questions Covered: 15:33 – I’ve heard people say that Abraham knew that he wouldn’t have to actually sacrifice his son because he said, “wait here, we’ll be back”. What do you think about this? 29:23 – What happened with Abraham’s other son? 41:20 – Did Abraham know God to be a trinity, or did he know God to just be one person, the Father? 45:48 – Follow up on the conversion earlier – Do you typically call the elder generation “brethren”? 50:54 – Did Abraham have/receive the Holy Spirit? …

Questions Covered: 02:44 – Can St. Padre Pio still give absolution? 06:07 – If a faithful Catholic couple who are not yet married (but want to be) were able to find each other, or happened to already be spending time together, during a cyberattack or catastrophic natural disaster that ended modern society as we know it, how would they go about getting married? If they had no way to find a priest, would they just have to wander around the wasteland until they found one? Or could they make their vows in the presence of whatever witnesses they could find? 10:40 – In Psalm 139 in the New American Bible, it says ‘If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, you are there too.’ [Psalms 139:8] So, what exactly is Sheol? 21:18 – I heard a priest created a machine allowing him to see the events of the Crucifixion as they happened. Then the Vatican excommunicated him. Is this a true-ish story? 22:43 – Speaking in tongues and resting in the spirit—are they always legit or are they sometimes psychological? 31:20 – Mystics who claim to live without food for years. There are a few in the Catholic tradition but there are also claims of Prahlad Jani, an Indian Hindu. Is it demonic or a hoax? 45:21 – If they were still around, which human relatives (homo neanderthalensis, homo erectus, homo floresiensis, homo denisova, etc) would we likely be able to baptize if they were so inclined to be received by Christ and His Church? …

Questions Covered: 19:15 – What advice would you give to a couple if one person doesn’t want intimacy and the other is depressed/despaired? How does one stay faithful in that regard? 24:22 – If someone was baptized Catholic, fell away from the church, and then got married in a protestant ceremony, is that marriage valid? 31:05 – My wife of 2 years and I went through marriage prep and married in the Catholic church, but she is 18 years older and her tubes are tied. I know I can’t be fruitful in having children, but can I be so in a different way? 34:45 – My parents, in their will, indicated their money would go to their children, and if the child passed, it’d go to the spouse and grandchildren. It is now my husband and I’s will to go to the spouse and children. Is it wrong to split up the money rather than giving it all to the spouse? 38:59 – My wife, before deciding to get married, decided to come to the Catholic faith. We were not married in the Catholic Church. She has now decided not to become Catholic. Is our marriage valid and/or lawful? 43:01 – I was born into a Catholic family but never really practiced. When I was 40, I married a woman in a courthouse who was married 3 times before. We were together for 6 months and split up. I just returned to the Church in March of last year. What is my standing in the Catholic Church? 46:36 – I was born and raised Catholic, was married to my ex-husband and we share 3 kids. He had an affair and I’ve been with my fiancé now for 12 years. He’s Baptist and said I don’t need an annulment and we can just get married in the Baptist church. I don’t want to go against the Catholic church so what do I need to do? 52:25 – I am widowed for 2.5 years after 30+ year marriage. I’ve just started dipping my toes into the dating scene, however, I feel like I’m paralyzed. Can you please give me some advice? …

Questions Covered:  10:50 – Do church authorities, the Popes and Bishops, synthesize the sources of our tradition or use tradition as guidelines when making authoritarian teachings?  22:38 – My priest only provides the host and not wine. Is that appropriate?  33:50 – I have heard that we can venerate statues of Saints, but not pray to them. Can I pray to a statue of Jesus?  40:29 – In the past I heard if you watch the Mass that you will not receive a blessing. Why wouldn’t I receive a blessing if I participated in the Mass?   45:13 – Jesus gives thanks to his Father for giving him disciples except Judas who he called a devil. How can Satan tempt a devil, Judas?  47:14 – I read information on a living icon in a Byzantine Church. Can you explain this description?  50:41 – I heard a response to school shootings is that God is no longer present in schools. Is this a reasonable response?    …

Questions Covered:  03:26 – When Jesus asked Peter, do you love me 3 times, the Greek translates each differently. Is this also true in Aramaic?  07:00 – What advise can you provide for having a conversation with an Eastern Orthodox Priest belonging to Antiochene tradition on the role of the Pope?  10:49 – Does God have any part in sending people to Hell?  20:26 – Does Catholic mysticism have anything to do with Pantheism?  29:10 – Do you have any tips on how to deal with scrupulosity?  34:33 – In the bible, I have heard that Paul didn’t confront Peter, but a man named Cephas. Does this idea have any merit?  40:24 – Is the Sedevacantism movement considered a cult?   46:30 – Why does God choose circumcision as a sign of the old covenant?   51:16 – Can you explain the different accounts of Jesus’s sharing of the two great commandments?     …

Questions Covered: 07:56 – Considering Jesus’ acceptance of prostitutes, thieves, tax-collectors, etc., why is someone’s “transgender status” an issue for Catholics? It doesn’t impact my Catholic faith or my following of Church teaching/Christ. Why can’t we just accept them? 37:30 – When I was younger, I dealt with gender dysphoria and I’m grateful the surgeries there are now weren’t available back then. It would have greatly changed my life for the worse. 44:30 – I have a son in law that has recently come out as “transgender feminine”. What would you suggest is the best way to deal with this situation with him? 49:15 – Some of this stuff with transgenderism seems totalitarian. People that agree with it seem to have the last word and are really harsh about voicing their views. …

Questions Covered: 16:37 – When is the proper time to take kids at mass to the back and the right time to let it go and stay in the pews? Is there a right or wrong way to approach this?  29:50 – Are there any Catholic educational programs for children outside of school? My kids go to public school, but it seems like there’s so much for Protestants and not much for Catholics.  47:49 – How do I draw my adult children, who have all fallen away from the church, and my husband, who has always been protestant, to the Church?  49:00 – What activities and formation would you recommend for children under the age of 5 to teach them about the faith outside of daily prayer and mass?  …

Questions Covered: 18:03 – What should we say to young women who are forced to have an abortion? 24:03 – I’m not Catholic, my wife left me and returned pregnant. I raised the child as my own and became pro-life because of that. 29:10 – How do I talk to women who have had abortions who refuse to even consider any argument? 35:00 – How do I answer the following two objections: 1. The fetus is not a person. 2. You’re a hypocrite because you’re not adopting. 42:01 – Why do people refer to the unborn child as an it? 46:59 – I had an abortion and it left a scar on my soul, and I never want anyone to go through that. …

Questions Covered: 08:13 – How do you respond to a pro-choicer that answers the question “what are the unborn?” correctly but persists in the pro-choice side? 14:43 – How do I talk to young girls about being pro-life? 18:30 – What are we to do about states that are now denying medication because lawmakers aren’t looking at the details of the law since Dobbs? 28:48 – What would you say to someone who says they’re “not pro-murdering babies, but pro-women in tough pregnancies who don’t have a choice?” 33:31 – How do we approach a situation if the priest at our parish doesn’t have the same intensity to tackle this issue? 36:09 – How do you respond to someone that says if they had been aborted the world would not have changed? 42:54 – Can a baby feel pain weeks after 20 weeks? Is this a typo in the book? 46:53 – Why do we never address the fathers of aborted children? 49:00 – Cardinal Arinze stated that the life in the womb belongs to someone else. We are meant to bring forward children in life. …

Questions Covered: 03:36 – I’m a minister at a protestant denomination and have hang ups on the Marian dogmas. 19:04 – I’m not Catholic because I’ve never had someone give me a good response for the persecution of Jews and protestants during the inquisition. 33:50 – How do the saints listen to our prayers if they’re dead? 43:25 – I’m not Catholic yet, I don’t fully understand Mary’s role as co-redemptrix. 48:36 – I’m not Catholic because I wasn’t evangelized. …

Questions Covered: 06:07 – I’m was raised Catholic and now I go to a non-denominational church. I still call myself Catholic but need some convincing to go back to a Catholic Church. I’m happy at my non-denominational church.  13:49 – I grew up Methodist and not Catholic because this is how I grew up.  22:57 – I’m not Catholic because praying to saints sounds like idolatry. Also, why are there so many religions?  33:52 – I’m not Catholic because there seems to be more requirements. At least as a Christian I know I’m saved.  41:47 – I’m Orthodox, I don’t see the Papacy as the Catholics do.  The Christians of the first millennium were Orthodox. …

Questions Covered: 5:00 – Is it possible to get Catholic politicians who are not faithful to be excommunicated? 15:11 – What happens to the soul of a baby who was miscarried? 19:15 – How does a potentially new Catholic make sense of the art that the synod official page just posted? 29:38 – What is your opinion of the current state of affairs in the leadership of the Church and the perceived suppression of the Latin mass and Latin language in general? 37:21 – I’ve noticed that Catholics have a very hard time on the communal aspect. Communal events don’t really happen anymore. What are your thoughts on this? 48:41 – How do we correct boys in public concerning manners and acting in a morally upright way without being too harsh? …

Questions Covered: 01:23 – I’ve heard an argument from Protestants that Mary did have original sin because it was transferred through the male parent. This would solve the issue of Jesus being associated with sin. How do I respond?  06:19 -Where do near death experiences fall into the Church’s understanding of the afterlife?  13:49 – What empire treated the Israelites best in the Old Testament?  17:55 – How do I reconcile the violence in the Old Testament compared to what Jesus taught in the New Testament?  28:58 – Does the prophecy in Daniel 7 prove that the Catholic Church is going to mislead the world?  36:30 – How do you respond to someone who claims that scripture supports or condones slavery?  44:04 – Could a non-Christians receive absolution in a case of emergency?  49:55 – Where did the people that died before the coming of Jesus go?  52:13 – I’m interested in going to a bible school. Are there any Catholic bible schools or should I pursue a Christian bible school?  53:46 – Are Anglican prayer beads and prayer ropes permissible to be prayed as a Catholic? What are your general thoughts on them?  …

Questions Covered:  03:12 – How do the motives of credibility prove the cause of miracles are of an omnipotent being as opposed to a being with sufficient power to cause the miracles?  08:38 – When patients stop taking food orally, are we obligated to start IVs for nutrition?  16:55 – How do I respond to a friend who says we no longer need to use a crucifix since Jesus is no longer on the cross?  22:11 – How do you interpret 1 Cor. 15:50? How do you reconcile this with the resurrection of Jesus?  28:47 – Why did God allow war in heaven during the fall of the angels?  42:59 – How do you justify not believing in justification by faith alone specifically regarding Romans 6:1-7?  47:56 – Do college fraternities and sororities fall under the category of secret societies?  …

Questions Covered: 24:13 – Do you see that seeing scripture as sola scriptura made the pendulum swing in the opposite direction today saying that scripture is unreliable and biased? https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/slavery-homosexuality-and-sola-scriptura  31:46 – I disagree with the idea sola scriptura are what cause racism and slavery. The Spanish Catholics encouraged lack slaves in the Caribbean. What are your thoughts?  47:44 – What’s the Eastern Orthodox response to slavery?  …

Questions Covered: 12:34 – How can the Catholic Church claim to be united when Byzantines are allowed to venerate saints that are only recognized in Orthodoxy?  18:06 – What are your thoughts on the east and west finally being united? Is there a chance to reconcile with the Russian Orthodox Church?  23:29 – Shouldn’t the form of the Eucharist be important for unity? Shouldn’t Catholics use a loaf instead of an individual host to symbolize unity?  29:47 – Shouldn’t the emphasis be on unity instead of governance style and organization?  36:55 – It’s my opinion that if we unite on the date that we celebrate Easter we will usher in unity. What are your thoughts on that?  42:45 – If I decide to go to confession to an orthodox priest, would it be accepted as normal in the Catholic Church?  46:20 – Is there a particular reason why the Latin won’t use the three-bar crucifix?  48:02 – Why is there a large difference amongst the Orthodox churches on Purgatory?  50:41 – Our true unity doesn’t come for the loaf but unity of Christ.  51:58 – Did Catholics and Orthodox share saints after the schism?  …

Questions Covered: 05:29 – How do I explain Mary to my Baptist friends?  13:50 – What’s the rule for the laity on folding hands and placement of hands during Mass?  15:20 – Is it necessary to go to confession before going to communion?  20:30 – Are chastisements part of Church teaching or just folk Catholicism?  28:35 – I’m Protestant. What’s your interpretation of Gal. 1:8-9 especially in light of the Marian dogmas as a necessity to become Catholic?  42:00 – Does keeping holy the sabbath apply to both Jews and non-believers?  46:44 – Did the English take up a different accent after the American revolution to distinguish themselves apart from Americans?  50:41 – Could you expound on your comment on lying that you mentioned at the conference?  …

Questions Covered: 04:27 – What is the Catholic teaching on dispensationalism compared to covenant theology?  15:36 – How does the universe expand faster than the speed of light?  20:38 – What kind of kinship did St. Elizabeth have with Mary? Was she actually her cousin?  22:47 – When is a saint incorruptible? Are there different levels of incorruptibility?  25:07 – In order for evolution to be true, the genome size of all life forms needs to be increasing. Has this been observed? If so, what is this process called?  33:50 – My diocese is not offering the chalice for communion. Is this just a diocesan rule or is it a universal rule? When will this be lifted?  40:18 – There’s a couple at my parish that use contraception and are also extraordinary ministers of holy communion. When I approached the priest, he had no issue with it. What does the Church officially say about this?  42:17 – I’m a catechist. How do I explain clearly to the girls that women can’t be priests?  45:09 – How does the Church declare someone a venerable, especially considering that now we have so much information on people?  48:30 – What are your thoughts on a current priest who claims that he communicates with angels and the deceased?  …

Emmaus Road Press is the publishing arm of St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology Questions Covered: 28:59 – Should I join the Catholic Church or stay in a protestant church that has a good strong loving community?  35:12 – Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?  48:39 – Why did Jesus cry? How does this fit into our understanding of who he is?  …

Questions Covered: 06:34 – I’m a brand new Catholic but I’ve had sacraments in the Orthodox Church, how do I make them recognized in the west? 14:37 – Is it wrong to use the names of pagan gods in stories or to name your children? 20:38 – Where’s the line with passion kissing before marriage? 29:35 – I haven’t been going to Mass because of my disability. Should I not receive communion when I do go because I don’t go consistently? 34:48 – Does mortal sin affect a priest’s ordination? Would an unconfessed mortal sin invalidate their ordination? 42:27 – I’m in my 50’s and I want to get married. Do I have to be open to life at this age? 48:54 – Why is it ok for popes to worship with other religions? 52:45 – Did the pope have the authority to add the filioque to the creed much later after the council? …

Questions Covered: 08:31 – When did the Early church start doing the sign of the cross and why do Eastern Christians do it backwards? 13:01 – How much participation can a Catholic have in civil unions? 15:02 – Do we portray the pope as more than the Vicar of Christ by calling him holy father? 16:46 – How do you explain to someone the purpose of Canon law? 19:53 – What is necessary to receive communion? 29:20 – I heard at the conference that it is not God who enters into us but we who enter into God . Can you help me understand this better 32:15 – The Church didn’t allow cremation for the longest time but allowed saint relics to be separated. Are these t2 circumstances different? 37:03 – How grave sin is it when a divorced and remarried catholic continues to receive communion? 45:27 – Since Covid, we now only receive the host and not from the chalice. Does it change anything now that we can only receive the host? 47:24 – What would be your guidance and advice to help a young boy to become a man? 51:25 – What are your thoughts on bringing communion rails back? …

Questions Covered: 05:15 – If a man commits a murder and never repented or confessed it and became a priest. Would his ordination be valid  08:10 – How important is the sign of peace during the mass?  I heard some say it’s a distraction.  13:14 – How do I encourage people to attend mass after people got used to watching it online?  18:39 – What does the Eucharist mean to Catholics?  29:23 – Is it an abuse of the mass when the priest Extraordinary ministers of holy communion for communion when they are not needed?  30:48 – Why doesn’t the Church advertise the Eucharistic miracles from around the world to highlight the true presence?  32:45 – Is Jesus fully present in the Eucharistic miracles such as Lanciano?  33:22 – I have Jewish friends who were considering converting to Catholicism, but they worry about comments from Catholics that Jews killed Jesus. How do I help them to overcome these hurdles?  39:30 – Is the sacrament of the Eucharist still valid if the host is not made with the correct recipe?  41:46 – What would be some ways to talk to protestant family members who have some understanding about the Eucharist who think they can receive communion at Catholic Churches?  43:51 – I showed a friend a painting of the battle of Lepanto and they noticed that Mary was in a more prominent place over Jesus. Why is there a bigger emphasis on Mary?  48:49 – Could the validity of a consecration be questioned if the priest proceeded to place the host in envelopes for the faithful to pick up?  50:35 – How do I explain to my non-Catholic family that non-Catholics can’t receive communion?  53:21 – Can you receive communion if you’re late to mass? If so, how late?  …

Questions Covered: 03:01 – The Synod claims the Church is unwelcoming because of rules and regulations. Do you see this as an issue? 23:11 – How do I respond to my friend who says she doesn’t believe in structured prayer? 34:13 – How do we address the continuation of the magisterium in light of previous schism and perhaps Germany? 43:14 – How does fasting and mortification enhance prayer? 51:14 – Is it incorrect to say that Jesus is physically present in the Eucharist? …

Questions Covered: 03:08 – If God forgets our sins, what happens in the final judgment when our sins are revealed?  08:00 – My son entered in a same sex union, how do I deal with this in the family dynamic especially when some celebrate it and other reject it?   15:08 – How do we as the extended family deal with a same sex family member  19:09 – How do you discount the theory of the bible alone in a nice way?  23:10 – If God doesn’t change his mind, what’s the purpose of prayer?  34:41 – Is the holy eucharist a prerequisite for entrance to heaven?  36:45 – When God uses singular pronouns in the Old Testament, is it safe to assume that He’s referring to the Father alone?  42:55 – When does transubstantiation occur during the mass?  47:16 – How efficacious are the sacraments celebrated by bad clergy?  …

Questions Covered: 06:50 – Are you conscious of other people that are in purgatory with you?  12:14 – Am I supposed to take stories like Paradise Lost and Dante’s Divine Comedy literally?  17:30 – I know there are demons in hell and on earth. How do you overcome the temptations of demons?  28:50 – When people go to heaven, does it look like earth?  41:47 – Wouldn’t only using one scripture verse be shaky ground for explaining purgatory?  51:30 – Can you talk about visions of hell?  …

Questions Covered: 02:10 – Gavin Newsom and promoting abortion across state lines. https://www.catholic.com/prolife  21:05 – Does the bible teach that few people go to heaven? Referencing the road to hell is wide and the road to heaven is narrow. https://www.firstthings.com/article/2003/05/the-population-of-hell  28:49 – Why don’t we do away with euphemisms and water down hell?  34:42 – Will perpetual mortal sins like addictions get you into hell?  48:26 – What can I do for a person who was killed 100 years ago? Can I still pray for them?  …

Questions Covered: 06:29 – What happens after we die? What’s the Church’s teaching on a new earth?  13:40 – Does the SSPX have authority to bless items such as miraculous medals?  18:11 – Why don’t all Catholic churches have the tabernacle at the center of the sanctuary, or in the sanctuary at all?  23:45 – Is not being in the state of mortal sin the only qualification to go to heaven? What’s necessary for something to be considered a mortal sin?  35:45 – Why were only men circumcised in Old Testament times? What rite was there for women to be initiated into the chosen people?  43:24 – Will unbaptized babies who are in limbo be allowed into heaven after the resurrection?  48:00 – How did the words get written in scripture in the cases where Jesus was alone, and nothing was said  51:16 – Jn 14:12 How can Jesus be present in the Eucharist if he sent the Holy Spirit after he left? Would he have to be no longer around?  …

Questions Covered: 03:23 – When the church’s dicastery has approved all miracles and is ready to be declared a saint, how do they decide what they will be the patron saint of? 09:30 – Does one spouse receive grace from the other spouses’ works? 14:54 – Where is purgatory in the bible? How do I better explain purgatory to my protestant friend? 23:02 – Would there be a sacramental characteristic that will be visible to us in the next life? Would the 3 levels of holy orders be visible? 24:52 – When Paul was headed to trial before Caesar, would it really have been before CAESAR HIMSELF or just a magistrate, or appointee who heard cases? 33:46 – Why do Catholics collect pieces of the saint’s body? 37:06 – Was Joan of Arc schizophrenic? 47:58 – What was the purpose of the Transfiguration? 53:30 – What is a novena? Is it a specific type of prayer? …

Questions Covered: 08:42 – How do we know that the Holy Spirit inspired the books of the bible? 13:52 – I grew up protestant and divorced because of abuse. I remarried and now want to know what step I would have to take to enter into the Catholic Church? 21:32 – Are godparents by proxy still a thing? 24:35 – Why have the German bishops who have been preaching heresy never been excommunicated? 32:29 – Can Abortion be forgiven by a priest? 34:50 – The visiting priest at my parish changed the wording during the consecration. Was it a valid consecration? 40:19 – What does it take to become a priest? I’ve been feeling a call. 44:05 – If you are a Catholic priest, how are you married? 48:00 – How should I handle my relationship with my cousin who’s living with a divorced woman? 51:52 – At my parish the priest has asked us to wait till he has processed down the aisle before we can pray the St. Michael prayer. Is this a common practice? …

Questions Covered: 12:37 – What’s the difference between Catholics and Eastern Orthodoxy? 17:26 – Does the pope have the authority to order the bishops to celebrate the Tridentine Mass? 29:33 – How can you explain violent acts that the church used to get rid of people who opposed it? 34:23 – When did the Church start instituting daily mass? 37:47 – What does the Catholic Church think about the traditions of other religions? 43:50 – Could you give me your thoughts on my understanding of tradition based on the family and its basis and its importance to culture? 50:16 – Is the communion fast biblical? …

Questions Covered: 03:30 – German Synod.  42:00 – Pray for Nicaragua and the Queen  47:35 – A really interesting article on the collapse of Catholic practice in 1965 https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2022/09/13/anatomist-of-the-catholic-collapse-in-france-and-beyond/  …

Questions Covered: 5:30 – Shia LaBeouf and New Catholics  22:10 – How to talk to your children about abortion from National Public Radio  …

Questions Covered: 04:15 – Is it moral to eat meat from factory farms  08:52 – Is there a logical inconsistency of NFP with other methods of contraception?  15:10 – Was the Church involved in killing of the reformers such as Jan Hus?  24:36 – My non-Catholic friend said that it’s wrong for the Church to deny communion to non-Catholics because not even Jesus denied communion to Judas. Is that a good argument? What’s a good response to this?  38:29 – What’s the reason we go to Mass?  47:26 – How can I be a good Catholic teacher in a secular school?  50:25 – Why did the Church treat Copernicus and Galileo differently?  …

Questions Covered: 22:14 – I found out a Catholic family member has an IUD. She said a priest told her it’s ok to use it to maintain her mental health. What can I do to guide her? 29:15 – Genesis explains that gender and day and night are binary. The opposition claims that since day and night are not actually binary because we have a sunrise and a sunset, this disproves that Genesis really doesn’t support a binary gender either. How do I respond to that argument? 34:22 – Do you have any thoughts on Stephen Fry’s debate on putting the Church on trial for being sex obsessed? 41:51 – Do people need to start focusing on preaching and education on sexual ethics in order to bring it to light. What are your thoughts? 47:42 – Is there hope for our culture to turn around? …

Questions covered: 05:30 – Could you help to respond to the claim that the inquisition was just a form of secret police hunting people down  15:29 – Is there a gentile perspective and Jewish perspective of salvation? Do Catholics and protestant have different perspectives?  24:50 – The Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants all have different church services. What makes the Catholic stand out from the others?  33:28 – Who or what is Gog and Magog mentioned in Rev. 20:8?  38:11 – Could you lay out the Catholic belief of the one sacrifice as mentioned in Hebrews 9-10? Why is the Catholic view right and not the protestant one?  49:15 – I’m a divorced and remarried protestant. I’m drawn to the Catholic Church but how can I come to the Church with my current situation?  …

Questions Covered: 04:13 – Why is the church very conservative when it comes to sexual teaching compared to protestant churches?  13:18 – How can Catholicism be true if the Church forbade Jewish Christians from keeping practices?  22:48 – How can you declare someone a saint? What do they have to do? Wouldn’t that imply that there’s a checklist they have to fulfill?  34:06 – If a Catholic were to adhere to the teachings of the Church but were to find out on the last day that the Church was wrong, do they get a “get out of jail free card” because we were just being obedient?  42:34 – What do I need to accept regarding Mary becoming Catholic?  43:59 – Why does everyone use a different translation of the bible?  47:28 – Why do Catholics claim to be the one true Church?  …

Questions Covered: 03:23 – How do we know when it is wrong to use medical drugs that affect brain chemistry?  09:07 – How do I respond to my Pentecostal friends’ challenge on what the Catholic church’s plan for salvation is?  10:44 – Do we Catholics believe in things like fairies and other things heard in fairy tales?  15:03 – Jesus says we do not have life in us if we do not consume the eucharist (Jn. 6). Would not Jesus’ words trump St. Paul’s words in 1 Corinth. 11?  22:00 – What’s the proper devotion to the scapular and what are its origins?  23:43 – Would God create people who He knows are going to hell only because that person would have offspring that would be saved?  32:20 – When venerating saints, is there a line that would cross us into necromancy?  39:52 – Is Zechariah 14:9 evidence for the validity of baptism in the name of Jesus instead of the Trinitarian formula?  41:54 – Are we supposed to baptize people in the name of Jehovah and Jesus since Jesus said we are supposed to baptize “In the name of?”  47:10 – How do we interpret St. Paul’s exhortation on obeying our rulers?  49:20 – It sounds like Mt. 13:20-21 and Mark 10:15 are at odds. Could you help clarify?  52:10 – Why does the Church accept Vatican 2 if it sounds like it contradicts Vatican 1 and other things the Church has taught?  …

Questions Covered: 02:42 – Does the Church consider the Greek language scripture and inspired scripture or only the original Aramaic?  12:33 – In Sacrosanctum  Concilium 36 it says that Latin needs to be preserved in the mass. Why hasn’t it been preserved?  21:17 – Who made the decision to change the word during the distribution of holy communion? What is the proper way of disposing of fragments and crumbs of the Eucharist?  29:26 – How do I balance my faith life and my life living in the world?  39:54 – What does the Church base its teaching on no premarital relations?  45:52 – Why don’t we have a specific name for God?  50:11 – Why was the mass changed from Latin to the vernacular?  …

Questions Covered: 00:56 Is biblical Hebrew different from the Hebrew spoken today? If so, how different are they? 9:50 – How did God make Satan a snake in the garden of Eden? 10:42 – I’m not Catholic. Do Romans 8 and 1 Timothy 2:4 contradict about predestination? 19:02 – Is there a significance in the name changes in the bible and why they are sometimes used interchangeably? 27:57 – Matthew 24:29-31 Could you give me more information on the illumination of conscience? 43:30 – What was the first angel? 46:15 – Lev. 5. When in the bible did, they become aware that they stopped practicing the jubilee? 50:10 – What are the biblical teachings on tribulation, millennium and the final judgment? Does the Catechism say anything about these? …

Questions Covered: 03:34 – If saving faith can happen by calling out to the name of the Lord prior to baptism, is baptism just a substitute?  11:27 – Revelation says that the Euphrates River would dry up at the end times. It’s drying up now. Is this a warning sign?  19:50 – There’s a verse in the Old Testament that supports putting to death false prophets, witches, etc. Was this the reason they did that in the Middle Ages and what’s the church’s official teaching?  24:54 – Why would the Lord regret something He did?  33:47 – Is it likely that Joseph would have sped up his engagement process? Was she under reproach after the birth of Jesus?  44:40 – Mark 11:22-24 If we really believe in something are we really going to have?  51:38 – How did David offer sacrifice if it says that only members of Aaron’s family were allowed to offer sacrifice?  …

Questions Covered: 03:14 – Could you give me a brief summary on how the mass came to be?  12:18 – What made you become Catholic instead of Orthodox?  18:46 – How do you properly consecrate yourself to Jesus and Mary?  23:54 – I sometimes have a hard time understanding because of the thick accent. I heard that you have to understand certain things he said that the priest said to receive communion. Is this true?  31:56 – Do priests have training to help people from other religions to figure out why they should convert to Catholicism over other religions?  42:37 – I’m Orthodox. What was your timeframe when you were considering Catholicism vs Orthodoxy? What has been your development of ideas since converting regarding the national ties to Orthodoxy compared to the historical national ties in Catholicism?  50:33 – Why are celibate gay men allowed into the priesthood?  …

Questions Covered: 20:59 – What gives the German bishops the authority to do what they’re doing? If they don’t have authority why doesn’t the pope reprimand them?  23:29 – What are your thoughts on establishing a Catholic monarchy?  30:06 – This disunity is what’s keeping me from being Catholic. How should I approach this?  34:16 – I know there’s a pope who, when he was elected, immediately got rid of the bishops and appointed new ones. Do you happen to know who this pope was?  45:35 – Is it fair to make a comparison of the surveys the protestant churches sent out to the survey the bishops sent out for this synod?  50:54 – Is there a similar disparity within the German bishops as to the US bishops?  …

Questions Covered: 01:55 – How much of a hand does God have in our suffering?  08:04 – Why does Jesus refer to himself as “son of man?”  15:12 – What did Jesus mean when He said “the end of the age” in Matthew 24:3?  23:58 – What criteria did the Church use to choose which book is canonical and which is not?  37:15 – Is it valid to think that souls of those who only had a baptism of desire can enter purgatory?  42:01 – When did the apostles begin believing in the Trinity?  48:50 – Why did some songs change from using the name Yahweh to God?  52:30 – Did the Jews believe that the soul is mortal?  …

Questions Covered: 06:15 – Why do Catholics pray to the saints and Mary?  15:10 – Was St. Ann cleansed of original sin because of her conceiving of Mary?  19:12 – Will we be able to teleport to other planets in our resurrected bodies?  24:07 – A Oneness Pentecostal argued that the saints praying for us places a burden on them and that’s why it’s impossible for them to pray for us. How do I respond?  33:52 – Is there any explanation on the sinless Mary that is biblically founded? I’d love to hear concretely why we can assume she’s free of sin.  39:42 – What power does Mary have as intercessor?  46:00 – What are your thoughts on astral spiders? Are they demons or of a demonic nature?  52:03 – I heard a prophecy that said that once Queen Elizabeth died, Jesus would return. Is this true? What are your thoughts on this prophecy?  …

Questions Covered: 03:46 – Is it appropriate for a Catholic to use the practice of accessing your inner child by using your non-dominant hand to write with?  10:37 – My dad is very close to converting to Catholicism. His wife is more hesitant, do you know any books in Chinese that I could give her?  14:00 – Why doesn’t the Church come out and say marijuana isn’t an intrinsic evil and actually has good potential for medical use?  21:42 – What would happen is a mega church pastor converted to Catholicism, would he be able to be ordained as a priest?  31:57 – What is the Catholic interpretation of Hebrews 6:4-6?  41:36 – My catechism book says that if you feel guilty for a sin that you have already been forgiven for, that you should still confess it. Is this true?  46:57 – Is it alright to ask Jesus to pray for you?  52:50 – What’s the proper term for a person who received all the sacraments but didn’t live it out until 20 years after being away from the Church?  …

Questions Covered: 03:40 – Would you like to continue our Socratic dialogue on the argument from cosmology? 18:03 – Why do we have and need godparents for sacraments? 20:58 – Why do some translations have “blessed are you among women” in the story of the Annunciation but not in others? 24:06 – Can you compare the Catholic and Protestant understanding of 1 Corinth. 11? Was there both a feast and a liturgy? 32:00 – How do we talk to Protestants about the Deuterocanon? 41:34 – Why doesn’t the Church include the Didache and Clement’s letter to the Corinthians into the canon of scripture? 44:43 – What is sanctifying Grace? How do we get it? Did Jesus need it and how did He get it? 48:35 – Why did the translation change from “forgive us our debts” to “forgive us our trespasses?” 51:39 – Is it proper to take pictures of the Eucharist in the monstrance? …

Questions Covered: 04:55 – How does the annulment process work? If the process is approved, what does that imply?  14:30 – If I stand in line for confession but it ends, am I still able to receive communion even though I didn’t get to go to confession?  17:59 – Since Jesus is the only path to salvation, how is it possible to pray to Mary? Is it somewhere in the bible?  28:34 – Is there still purgatory after the final judgment?  33:09 – What is a lukewarm soul?  39:50 – Are you allowed to get married after your ex-wife dies? And if you remarry, can you receive communion?  43:33 – 1 Jn 3:6 My friends use this passage as evidence for once saved always saved. How do I respond?  48:50 – Is it likely that Joseph moved up the “engagement phase” with Mary? If Mary and Joseph had had marital relations during the betrothal, would it have been a stonable offense?  …

Questions Covered: 02:45 – Where’s the line for fraternal correction for a pope?  11:48 – Is increase in merit necessary to enter into heaven?  22:56 – One of my favorite saints is Padre Pio but I struggle with his severity in the confessional. How do we square his approach with our current approach of mercy?  35:19 – 1. Corinth 6:1-11 Why did the Church change the wording of Paul from condemning homosexuality to condemning boy prostitutes?   46:30 – Acts 2:41 Does it conflict with Peter’s promise that baptism will be for our children?  52:10 – Is it ok to attend a re-baptism of a friend or family member in a protestant church?  …

Questions Covered: 02:32 – If demons can possess people, could Raphael have possessed a willing host such that when he introduced himself as Azarias son of the great Ananias he wasn’t actually lying? I heard an answer recently where you addressed this falsehood and my husband came up with this potential alternate solution. 12:11 – What blessings can a layperson give? What effect does it have? How does it differ from blessings given by priests bishops and deacons? 17:17 – If God is omniscient, why does he create souls he knows he is going to throw into hell at the end of their life? 23:33 – Jimmy, I love your Mysterious World! Can you explain what the Apostolic Pardon is? I think many people would be interested to learn about this since none of us are getting out of this world alive. Thank you and God bless. 29:44 – The Enchiridion of Indulgences seems to grant a plenary indulgence at the moment of death to every Catholic who makes a regular practice of praying throughout their life. Can you confirm this, and whether this is something automatically applied to every Catholic who regularly prays, such that purgatory for praying Catholics is not an option? 36:59 – Does the penance given in the confessional in response to a good full confession equate to a plenary indulgence? 40:28 – What is the canonical status of the Greek introduction to the Book of Sirach? Is it considered to be an inspired part of the book or is it more like the Greek Ezra, 3 Maccabees, or Psalm 151–a work associated with the Bible, and sometimes even printed in the Bible, but not considered to be Scripture (“semi-scriptural stuff”)? 47:46 – What is the difference between sinful usury of biblical times and non-sinful usury of modern times? 50:10 – Is somebody who is unable to access their preferred form of the Mass (e.g., someone who would usually go to a Latin Mass and only a Novus Ordo Mass is accessible, or vice versa as well) required to attend another form to meet their Sunday/Holy Day obligation? And if so, what can someone say to somebody who is convinced they are excused from their obligation if their preferred form of the Mass is not accessible on a given obligatory day? Resources Mentioned: https://jimmyakin.com/2020/12/why-would-god-create-people-he-knows-will-go-to-hell.html  …

Questions Covered: 03:14 – If a Catholic was not a practicing Catholic at the time they eloped & married a non-Catholic who says they were Baptized as a teenager in a Catholic Church after attending service once, but has no proof of Baptism and no one in their life including them remembers where or how Baptism might have happened… is their marriage a natural valid marriage or invalid? 04:50 – And if the Catholic wanted to become an active Catholic & baptize their toddler, what would need to happen first, if anything, besides Confession? 07:17 – Also, this family is a military family and doesn’t stay put very long to figure these kinds of things out, which is partly why they ended up married civilly in the first place since neither was even in the same country in the months leading up to their marriage. It’s complicated. 13:10 – Did the characterization of God in Hebrew tradition differ from the Christian characterization of God? According to the Old Testament, Moses saw God face to face and God appeared as a column of smoke. However, St. John states in John 1:18 and 1 John 4:12 that no one has ever seen God. If so, who did Moses see? Old Testament is pretty adamant that Moses actually spoke intimately with God, not as a prophet does. 23:20 – Since we lost Sanctifying Grace because of Adam and Eve, how is it that some people, after the downfall, were able to continue to “do good”? 31:06 – I wonder how we are supposed to view satan. In the Old Testament, it seems like satan is just filling a role, I’m thinking specifically in Job. While any other mention of satan it is as a title. Job specifically tells us that satan is roaming between heaven and earth. God speaks to him as he does to anyone else. Then there’s a shift in the New Testament where satan is a specific being and has become malicious. Is satan just an angel doing what he is supposed to do, or is he an evil entity that is out to get us? 37:04 – We pray for the souls in purgatory. Can souls in purgatory pray for each other? 38:07 – Was Joseph of Arimathea eventually buried in his own tomb? 45:05 – Why don’t Catholics believe in the rapture? I have had to explain this so much to people, I think it would be helpful. 52:33 – Did Mary have labor pains due to original sin? Was Jesus born in a natural and ordinary way or was it something extraordinary (i.e ‘like a ray of light that passes through a glass without breaking it’). Has the Church officially ruled on the matter? If not, what position should a catholic adopt in this regard? What about those folks (even Catholics) who believe Mary did have labor pains due to original sin? …

Questions Covered: 01:38 – A family member with dementia has me thinking a lot about this: Say you’re Catholic and maybe haven’t been the most charitable or loving, but you do your basic duty of Mass and Confession. Dementia creeps up–either slowly or quickly–and you get to the point where you don’t know what day it is, much less is able to make an examination of conscience for confession. I just wonder about the state of the soul that can’t improve or offer things up. I know you’re not responsible for your actions if you’re not in your right mind, but do you think they can gain any merit just for the trial of what they’re going through? 05:37 – Any thoughts/ideas about when the Great Pyramid was built? Some say 4000 BC, but others claim 10,000 BC is more like it, even pre-flood, where its air shaft would then point to a different Star. 16:36 – What’s the best way to talk to people who just don’t see anything good about what the church teaches? 18:17 – I have been in a few debates about “limbo.” Does it exist? And do un-baptized children go there? So many different thoughts on this from many different theologians 21:44 – Is the Latin Mass evil, good, or wonderful, and why does Francis hate it so much? 24:00 – How would you answer Atheist regard the problem of “unresistant unbelief”? If a fellow says he wants to believe in God and be a Christian (as one famous Atheist YouTuber said recently), but just needs some confirming sign to push him over the hump, what explanation can we give for why God refrains from doing so? Or is there some other reply? 28:26 – How is it possible that when a semi-trailer is carrying a bunch of honeybee hives, a honeybee can fly outside of the hive and just hover right there while the truck is moving 75 miles an hour and the honeybee doesn’t get left behind? This blows my mind lol I need Jimmy’s help 33:18 – I know it is illicit for someone like a grandparent to baptize a child in secret, against both parents’ wishes, and against their priest’s decision even though my understanding is valid. My question is, did the child ultimately benefit from this? If yes, why is it considered illicit? If not, how come? Was it just neutral? 36:23 – Do vampires have souls? Is it murder to slay a vampire (assuming the classical undead form)? 41:55 – What do you think of AI-created “art” (MidJourney, etc)? I used to think there could be a Turing test equivalent, i.e., that we’d always be able to tell the difference between computer-generated images and human-created art, but as I see what is being created by MidJourney and the like I’m having doubts 45:23 – Is there a distinction between Hell / Hades / Gehenna / Sheol (Shuh ull)/ Lake of Fire, or are they all the same thing? 50:08 – Why is sex outside of marriage sinful? This seems to be an overwhelming reality. …

Questions Covered: 01:58 – If you were dying, could you relay your confession to another person and they tell it to a priest? Also, can you say a confession over the phone? 08:09 – Is there any evidence for or against St. Thomas evangelizing India? 12:48 – What would the Mass look like if the reforms of Vatican II were faithfully implemented?  Resource Mentioned: https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2021/07/23/the-mass-of-vatican-ii/ 21:08 – How does remote cooperation with evil get defined and how does it apply to using the benefits of medical research? 24:46 – I would love to know how, exactly, the early Church knew that Mary had been assumed into heaven. Is there a gospel somewhere (small “g” because it’s not in the canon of Scripture) that attests to it? I believe it–I just would love to hear where it was written down what happened, and how everyone reacted, kind of like the Ascension narrative! 30:02 – After St. Peter died, what were the relative levels of authority between the subsequent popes and the remaining apostles? 34:17 – If through Adam’s sin we all inherit original sin, and if Jesus is the new Adam, why do all of us after Jesus’ time who are children of baptized people still inherit original sin? 36:22 – How do we know (and explain) that the catechism doesn’t contradict prior Church teaching about there being “No salvation outside of the Catholic Church”? 44:11 – In the book “Ten Popes who Shook the World,” Eamon Duffy wrote: “The most famous of all ‘papal’ bible texts, Mathew 16:18 – ‘You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church…and I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven’—is quoted in no Roman source before the time of the Decian persecution in the middle of the third century, and the very roots of what may be called the foundation myth of the papacy are uncomfortably complicated.” True or not, what makes a “Roman” source definitive and what is the earliest/best source for this passage. 50:11 – Why do we kneel for prayer during Mass and yet we stand for The Lords Prayer?? 51:32 – Was Moe Berg really a spy? …

Questions Covered: 09:19 – My husband has expressed interest in becoming Catholic out of convenience for the family. How do I give him resources without being intrusive?  21:43 – When do we think Jesus knew he was divine?  36:06 – Why doesn’t the Catholic Church use the name Jehovah if that’s His name?  43:38 – Can anyone bind or loose?  49:25 – How did Lucifer fall if he was one of the highest of angels?  …

Questions Covered: 02:51 – Why are there people that reject the 3rd Secret of Fatima?  09:58 – Regarding Mk 9:14-29 and the story of the healing of the demoniac boy. What’s your take on the father’s unbelief?  15:25 – Are writings necessary for canonization of a saint? Is it necessary for them to have written documents?  18:57 – Would it be reasonable to believe that Mary knew that she was conceived without original sin?  20:50 – How would a Catholic immortal respond to the situation of being immortal? Would it be legitimate for them to fight another immortal?  24:59 – What are your thoughts on the prince of Persia in the book of Daniel? Was that a person or a demon?  33:23 – Did the flood in Genesis flood the whole world or just the known world?  38:11 – Who was the first pope?  41:17 – Is there a kind of annulment for the priesthood?  48:18 – Can 2 divorced Catholics who never annulled their marriages date each other?  51:26 – I’m converting, and I want to know the difference between praying in the name of Jesus versus praying in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?  …

Questions Covered: 02:56 – What makes masturbation a mortal sin?  07:59 – If the protestants lost apostolic succession because of their errors, why did the Orthodox lose it?  12:45 – Act 5 and Joshua 7 because the stories are so similar, can we say that Peter is a new Joshua?  16:53 – What are the Catholic grounds for divorce?  20:18 – I watched a video that claimed Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were not related. Is this true?  24:28 – What’s the purpose of venerating saint relics?  31:05 – I found some Old Testament verses about illegitimate children and now I feel worthless. What does God say about us?  36:20 – When did the shift happen from calling priests by their last name to their first name?  42:13 – What drew you into the Catholic Church?  46:08 – Can you help clarify the difference between divorce and annulment?  49:42 – My parish depicted Adam and Eve as a parable. Was it a real story?  …

Questions Covered: 06:12 – How do I understand Mary from a Catholic perspective compared to an American Baptist? 13:20 – Why did God make poison ivy? 18:55 – What was Jesus’s vocation if he was high priest, carpenter ect? How does that compare to our understanding of our personal vocation? 29:09 – How do I respond to a protestant who holds Martin Luther in high regards in Christianity? 36:03 – When St. Paul was traveling around the world, did he do anything that today would be considered Catholic practices? 42:30 – Why are there so few canonized Latin American saints compared to European saints? 52:00 – Is there a difference between getting baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit verses in the name of Jesus? …

Questions Covered: 03:58 – How do we know that the early Church was the Catholic Church?  11:46 – How did God create everything out of nothing?  16:30 – What are your thoughts on God as a mother? Is this concept even possible?  22:55 – How can I guide my Lutheran friend to become Catholic?  29:15 – How does God pick the 144,000 to have the seal mentioned in Revelation?  35:35 – Catholics use Acts 2 as a proof for apostolic succession but never use the qualifiers mentioned in chapter 1. How do Catholics reconcile apostolic succession if those qualifiers are no longer possible?  40:29 – How can Catholics believe in purgatory?  45:30 – Is there biblical evidence that would support the idea that a marriage would be invalid because of a person’s past?  49:15 – Why is it important to point out that Mary was saved when discussing that Mary was sinless?  52:38 – Do dogs go to heaven according to Church teaching? 53:00 – Is Yoga against Church teaching?  …

Questions Covered: 03:25 – Could you help clarify the idea that Mary is the spouse of the Spirit?  17:15 – Is it possible to create a 3rd or 4th class relic using the host of a Eucharistic miracle?  21:30 – If Christ restored everything to pre-golden calf times, why isn’t the priesthood extended to everyone?  36:16 – Is God’s love for us unconditional or conditional?  44:06 – I’m a lapsed Catholic seeking to come back. Why are saints’ bodies dismembered after their death and spread throughout the world? And why do they do this before they are declared saints?  52:00 – My boyfriend and I want to get married but I’m Catholic and He’s Protestant. What do we have to do? What does the Church say about mixed marriages?  …

Questions Covered: 19:16 – How do the beatitudes relate to promises made to Abraham in Genesis?  24:02 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” I take this as someone who is not particularly spiritual. Is this a valid way to look at it?  29:07 – Could you give insight on the last part of the beatitudes, going from “blessed are those “to, “blessed are you?”  32:58 – What exactly does meek mean?  48:50 – Is the woe to those rich because it’s harder or more testing? Is it woe to those who rejoice in this world because he deserves all the glory?  …

Questions Covered: 12:25 – Why are there more verses that stress belief in Jesus for salvation rather than baptism for salvation?  17:49 – Does it matter if you were baptized in a hospital vs inside a Church?  24:54 – If baptism is necessary how could the good thief be saved if he wasn’t baptized?  33:06 – I’m protestant. We believe you reach salvation not by going underwater but by the spirit. Is Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus a proof of separation of baptism by water and baptism by the Spirit?  45:38 – Does it say in the bible that you need the age reason for someone to be baptized?  52:23 – Why did Jesus get baptized if he didn’t need it?  …