Catholic Answers Live
Episodes
#12146 What’s the Catholic Understanding of Free Will, and How Can We Defend It? - Jimmy Akin
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does free will really exist, and how does Catholicism explain it? We explore the Church’s teaching on human freedom, how to defend it in conversatio...
#12145 Can a Sacrament Like Baptism Be Valid If Given Under False Identity? - Jimmy Akin
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens if someone receives a sacrament while pretending to be someone else? We explore a wild baptism scenario involving identical twins and wha...
#12144 How Do Catholics Understand the Once-for-All Sacrifice of Jesus? - Karlo Broussard
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Protestants often ask how Catholics can believe in sacraments, purgatory, and the Mass while affirming that Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all. W...
#12143 How Do Catholics Defend the Use of Relics Against Claims of Idolatry? - Karlo Broussard
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many Protestants see relics as idolatrous—but are they? We explore the biblical and historical support for relics in Catholicism, and also answer qu...
#12142 Why Choose Catholicism Over Any Other Religion? - David Anders
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What sets the Catholic Church apart from other faiths? We explore the historical, theological, and spiritual reasons to choose Catholicism, along with...
#12141 Can I Receive Communion If My Annulment Process Is Incomplete? - Rose Sweet
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does the Church say about receiving the Eucharist if your annulment hasn’t been finalized? We explore this important question and also discuss ...
#12140 How Should We Theologically Understand Neanderthals? - Jimmy Akin
05 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With evidence of burial rituals and culture, were Neanderthals spiritual beings like us? We explore their place in theology, along with topics like pr...
#12139 Is It Suicide or Sacrifice? When Giving Your Life for Others Means Certain Death - Jimmy Akin
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can a kamikaze-style sacrifice ever be morally justified? We explore the ethics of self-sacrifice in sci-fi scenarios and real life, along with deep (...
#12138 Do Catholics Put More Faith in the Church Than in Jesus? - Tim Staples
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some claim Catholics trust the Church more than Christ—but is that true? We explore this common misunderstanding along with questions on Jesus’ “...
#12137 How Can I Explain the Perpetual Virginity of Mary to Someone in OCIA? - Trent Horn
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A common misconception is that Mary’s perpetual virginity is optional to believe. We clarify Church teaching and how to explain it respectfully, alo...
#12136 How Do I Read Romans 8–9 Without Falling Into Calvinism? - Joe Heschmeyer
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Romans 8–9 is often cited in support of Calvinist theology—but is that the only way to read it? We explore a Catholic interpretation of these powe...
#12135 Can Family Curses Lead to Demonic Activity? And More Questions - Joe Heschmeyer
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is it really possible for spiritual harm to be passed down through families? We explore the Church’s view on generational curses and demonic inf...
#12134 Will the Pope Allow Women Priests or Same-Sex Weddings? - Karlo Broussard
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some Catholics are concerned about recent changes to synod structures and future decisions. We take a closer look at Pope Paul VI’s vision for synod...
#12133 Why Do Catholics Follow the Pope If It’s Not in the Bible? And More - Karlo Broussard
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many Protestants ask why Catholics follow papal authority when it’s not explicitly stated in Scripture. We explore the biblical and historical r...
#12132 How Can I Foster Peace at Mass While Co-Parenting After Divorce? - Dr. Ray Guarendi
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Navigating Mass with an estranged spouse can be difficult, especially when co-parenting. Dr. Ray offers guidance on maintaining peace and setting a go...
#12131 What Is Opus Dei and How Does It Fit Into the Catholic Church? - Matthew E. Bunson
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Opus Dei often sparks curiosity—and controversy. But what is it really, and how does it function within the wider Catholic Church? We explore this q...
#12130 Could Hobbits or Vulcans Become Catholic Priests? - Jimmy Akin
29 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If intelligent alien or fictional species like Vulcans or Hobbits existed, could they be ordained as priests? We dive into this speculative theology q...
#12129 Could a Gorilla Be Saved If Evangelized Through Sign Language? - Jimmy Akin
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If a gorilla could understand the Gospel through sign language, could it be saved? We explore this unusual but fascinating question, plus why St. Phil...
#12128 Did Anyone Teach the Immaculate Conception Before St. Augustine? - Tim Staples
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are Marian doctrines like the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption late inventions, or do they have earlier roots? We explore pre-Augustinian thou...
#12125 Do Eastern Catholics Have to Believe Everything Roman Catholics Do? - Alex Jurado
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are all Catholics bound by the same beliefs, regardless of rite? We explore the unity and diversity within the Catholic Church, plus discuss attending...
#12126 The Biased takes of NPR with the Flannel Panel - Christopher Check
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the Flannel Panel goes through the biased takes of NPR and offers commentary from a Catholic perspective. Topics Covered: 03:30 R...
#12125 Are Catholics Winning the Battle of Ideas Online? | Flannel Panel - Joe Heschmeyer
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With so many voices on social media and YouTube, is Catholicism gaining ground in the digital world? We explore the Church’s online presence and als...
#12124 Do Catholics Have to Believe St. Joseph Was a Perpetual Virgin - Tom Nash
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is it required belief that St. Joseph remained celibate his whole life? We explore Church teaching on this tradition and also dive into Mary’s sorro...
#12123 Is My Baptism Valid If the Pastor Changed the Words - Mark Brumley
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens if the priest or pastor doesn’t say the exact words during a baptism? Does it still count? We explore the Church’s teaching on valid ...
#12122 Why Should I Take the Church Fathers Seriously If They’re Not Scripture? - Karlo Broussard
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If the writings of the Church Fathers aren’t part of the Bible, why do they matter? We explore their authority and role in understanding the faith, ...
#12121 What Does It Mean That We ‘Have Recourse to Mary’ in Prayer? - Karlo Broussard
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many Marian prayers mention having “recourse” to her—but where does that phrase come from, and is it something Catholics are required to...
#12110 Where Does the Bible Say We’re Culpable for Not Speaking Against Sin? - Jimmy Akin
22 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are we responsible for staying silent when others sin? We explore what Scripture says, plus why some parishes don’t offer the chalice, how to pray f...
#12119 What Is a Pride Mass, and Is It Considered Valid? And More Questions - Jimmy Akin
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What exactly is a Pride Mass, and does it meet the requirements of a valid Catholic Mass? We break it down and also tackle topics like abstaining from...
#12118 How Do We Know Jesus Wasn’t Muslim? And More Questions - Joe Heschmeyer
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some claim Jesus was Muslim, but what does history—and Jesus’ own words—actually show? We break down how to respond to this argument and als...
#12117 Can I Attend Mass Celebrated by an Excommunicated Priest? - Joe Heschmeyer
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is it valid or even permissible to attend a Mass led by an excommunicated priest or bishop? We explore this complex issue and also dive into questions...
#12116 How Are Catholic Practices Not Idolatry? And More Questions - Joe Heschmeyer
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some claim Catholic practices resemble idol worship—but is that true? Joe Heschmeyer explores the distinction, along with the role of Marian dogmas,...
#12115 Is Scrupulosity Compatible with Catholicism? And More - Joe Heschmeyer
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Struggling with scrupulosity and unsure how it fits within the Catholic faith? Joe Heschmeyer explores how to navigate this challenge, along with prep...
#12114 Why Do Catholics Pray to Saints If Jesus Is the Only Intercessor? - Karlo Broussard
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If Christ is our sole mediator, why does the Church encourage prayer to saints? We explore the biblical foundation for intercession, along with Cathol...
#12113 Catholicism and Trade Work in the Modern Era - Jacob Imam
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many employers struggle to find skilled and confident young workers—Jacob Imama, Founder of the College of St. Joseph the Worker explores why this i...
#12112 How Do You Respond to the Claim That the Catholic Church Is a Cult? - Andrew Petiprin
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some Protestants argue that Catholicism is a cult—how should you answer? Andrew Petiprin tackles this common objection and discusses misconceptions ...
#12111 Is Seeking Professional Help for Anxiety a Sign of Weak Faith? - Gary Zimak
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When should you rely on faith alone, and when is it time to seek professional help? Gary Zimak tackles questions on giving up worrying for Lent and mo...
#12110 How Should I Interpret a Frightening Dream About Purgatory? And More - Jimmy Akin
15 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Could a dream about purgatory have spiritual significance, or is it just the mind at work? Jimmy Akin explores how to approach such dreams and answers...
#12109 Would Adam and Eve’s Sin Affect Humans on Other Planets? And More - Jimmy Akin
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If God created human life on other planets, would original sin apply to them? Jimmy Akin explores this fascinating question and more, including papal ...
#12108 How Do You Defend Papal Primacy Using Scripture? And More - Joe Heschmeyer
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How Do You Defend Papal Primacy Using Scripture? And More What biblical evidence supports the Pope’s authority and the early Church’s foundation i...
#12107 Evangelizing Through Social Media with Fr. David Michael Moses - Fr. David Michael Moses
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Catholic Answers Live as Cy Kellett interviews Fr. David Michael Moses on reaching young people through social media and evangelization in today’...
#12106 Did Jesus Die at 33, or Was He Closer to 50? And More Questions - Tim Staples
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tradition says Jesus was 33 when He died, but did early Church Fathers like St. Irenaeus suggest otherwise? Tim Staples explores this question and mor...
#12105 How Can We Defend the Faith Without Anxiety? And More Questions - Tim Staples
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sharing and defending Catholicism can be overwhelming—how can we do it with confidence and peace? Tim Staples offers practical advice and answers mo...
#12104 How Do We Know If Catholic Doctrine Has Changed or Developed? - Karlo Broussard
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What’s the difference between change and development in Catholic teaching? Karlo Broussard explains how the Church maintains continuity and answers ...
#12103 How Do You Explain Temporal Punishment for Sin? - Karlo Broussard
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do sins have consequences even after the forgiveness of sins? Karlo Broussard breaks down the concept of temporal punishment and provides more ans...
#12102 Did the Declaration of Independence Reference the Biblical Creator? - Andrew Willard Jones
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did the Declaration of Independence reference the Biblical Creator, or was it a more general idea of God? In this episode, we discuss The Church Again...
#12101 Do Catholics Have to Accept Darwin’s Theory of Evolution? - Stacy Trasancos
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does the Church say about evolution? Dr. Stacy Trasancos explores the compatibility of Darwin’s theory with Catholic teaching and answers more ...
#12100 Does God Really Forget Our Sins If He Is All-Knowing? - Jimmy Akin
08 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If God is omniscient, how can He “forget” sins forgiven in Confession? Jimmy Akin explains this theological mystery and answers more quest...
#12099 How Does Aristotle’s Philosophy Explain Transubstantiation? - Jimmy Akin
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do substance and accidents help us understand the Eucharist? Jimmy Akin unpacks Aristotle’s influence on Catholic theology and answers more ques...
#12098 Why Can’t Catholics Receive Both Species of the Eucharist? - Tim Staples
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Protestants often receive both bread and wine, so why don’t all Catholics? Tim Staples explains this and more, including annulment cases, attending ...
#12097 Is There Proof That We Have a Soul? And More Questions - Trent Horn
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can we know for certain that souls exist? Trent Horn explores this fundamental question and more, including the meaning of the filioque, the fate of a...
#12096 Is a Protestant Baptism Valid After Converting to Catholicism - Joe Heschmeyer
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you were baptized in a Protestant church, do you need to be re-baptized after becoming Catholic? Jimmy Akin explains Church teaching and answers mo...
#12095 How Do You Handle Unethical Debate Tactics? And More Questions - Joe Heschmeyer
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Engaging in debates can be challenging, especially when opponents use unfair tactics. Joe Heschmeyer shares his approach to ethical debate and answers...
#12094 Why Is Mary Called Ever-Virgin? And More Questions - Karlo Broussard
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does Matthew 1:25 contradict the belief in Mary’s perpetual virginity? Karlo Broussard unpacks this theological question and answers more “why...
#12093 Why Is Breaking the Friday Meatless Fast a Grave Matter? - Karlo Broussard
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why does the Church take fasting so seriously, and how do we know if something is a grave matter? Dr. Karlo Broussard answers this and more, including...
#12092 Did Jesus’s Guardian Angel Have the Easiest Job Ever? - Jimmy Akin
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With Jesus being perfect, did His guardian angel have an easy assignment, or was there more to it? Jimmy Akin explores this curious question and tackl...
#12091 Would Jesus Have Multiple Bodies If He Incarnated on Other Planets? - Jimmy Akin
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If Christ took on flesh in multiple alien worlds, would He have more than one glorified body? Would He sit on multiple thrones? Jimmy Akin explores th...