Catholic Answers Live

“What convinced you to be Catholic?” This question opens a discussion on personal journeys of faith, including experiences of grappling with philosophical inconsistencies, the role of Church authority amidst current challenges, and the reasons behind family members drifting away from the faith. The conversation also touches on pivotal moments of conversion and the search for truth.

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Questions Covered:

• 03:15 – What convinced you to be Catholic?
• 14:45 – My mom was a pastor. I converted because I struggled with the inconsistencies in the philosophy. Did you also experience those inconsistencies?
• 20:28 – regarding authority and what’s happening in Germany. What is the point of authority of the Church if a bishop is not acting in accordance with the magisterium?
• 29:42 – Most of my family was Catholic and are all fallen away. Why would they do that if they had the fullness of truth?
• 41:20 – What was the moment you realized you no longer wanted to be Baptist?

“Is Gen Z embracing Theology of the Body?” This question opens a discussion on whether younger generations are accepting this teaching for the right reasons. The conversation also touches on the Church’s stance on tattoos, the implications of cohabitation while engaged, and responses to differing views on sexuality from other faith perspectives.

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Questions Covered:

• 02:55 – Are Gen Z accepting Theology of the Body for the wrong reasons?
• 05:30 – What is the theology of the body all about?
• 17:10 – What is the Church teaching on tattoos?
• 22:22 – I’m in OCIA, engaged and am cohabiting but abstaining. Can you explain to me what the Church thinks about this?
• 37:49 – I visited a protestant church and the pastor said that sex is for pleasure but is only to be expressed within marriage. What’s the Catholic response to this?
• 46:10 – I left the Catholic faith and now have daughters in high school. I have to be realistic, and have to put them on birth control because we don’t want them to get pregnant in high school.

“Did Catholics change penance?” This question leads to a discussion about the Council of Trent and its impact on the understanding of atonement. Additionally, the episode addresses the concepts of Particular and Final Judgments in the Church, and explores the intriguing portrayal of divine missions in popular culture, as seen in the Blues Brothers.

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Questions Covered:

• 04:28 – Did we Catholics change the meaning of penance in the Council of Trent to fit our idea of atonement for our own sins?
• 17:10 – Could you outline the two judgements, Particular and final judgements? How do the ideas of two judgments develop in the Church?
• 28:45 – Why in the Blues Brothers did they get the mission from God from a Protestant church and not from a Catholic Church even though they were both Catholic?
• 40:23 – Regarding the nature of the tenth plague, if God sent an angel, can one make a comparison to that of the story in Samuel where God sent a demon to torment Saul?

“What is infallibility?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of infallibility in the Catholic Church, clarifying what it entails and what it does not. The episode also addresses the moral implications of accepting a job that may involve cooperation with evil, and explores the biblical references to Joseph’s profession as a carpenter.

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Questions Covered:

• 02:26 – What is infallibility and what is it not?
• 18:26 – Regarding cooperation with evil. I got a job offer that would entail cutting checks to health facilities that might cover contraception and abortion. Is it ok for me to accept the job?
• 31:37 – Outside of Jesus being referred to the carpenter’s son is Matthew, where else do we get that Joseph was a carpenter?
• 35:07 – Why is wisdom depicted as a woman?
• 43:12 – What is the precise mechanism of the intercession of the saints? Does he do more than the intercessory prayer?
• 48:25 – What do you make of the Orthodox objection to the Filioque that it was not recited in the Creed until around the eighth or ninth century and was not officially adopted in Rome until 1014, reportedly under pressure from Emperor Henry II? What’s the Catholic response to this?

Why We Can’t Find Middle Ground on Abortion. This opens a complex discussion about differing perspectives on life and choice. Other notable inquiries include the implications of bringing a new life into challenging circumstances and the conflict some feel between casual attitudes toward abortion and the serious dilemmas faced by individuals.

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Questions Covered:

• 03:00 – Why can’t we find a middle ground on the abortion issue?
• 12:01 – I’m pro-choice because there are times in life where bringing in another life would not be beneficial to anyone.
• 29:22 – I’m for minding your own business, that’s why I’m pro-choice.
• 48:00 – I’m not pro-life and not pro-choice. Treating abortion casual vs a scared girl with what to do is where my conflict. Where should I fall on the legal side of this?

“Is Just War Theory obsolete?” This question opens a discussion on the relevance of Church teachings in modern conflicts. The conversation also addresses the morality of drafting individuals into war, the balance between martyrdom and self-defense, and the implications of dissenting from papal teachings on Just War Theory.

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Questions Covered:

• 06:41 – Is Just War Theory Obsolete?
• 20:00 – I believe the Iran conflict is a just war. I disagree with what the flannel panel has said on this point.
• 34:20 – Regarding people who are drafted to fight a war against their will. What does the church teach?
• 37:05 – When should you accept martyrdom vs defending yourself?
• 39:34 – To what extent can language be used in a just or unjust way in waging or threatening war?
• 46:29 – If Catholics don’t agree that the pope is correct on Just War Theory, could we still call ourselves faithful Catholic?
• 51:31 – Regarding dispensationalism, Should Catholics do more to rebuke this theology that has influenced our countries military decision?

“Did Paul believe Jesus is God?” This question leads to a discussion on the clarity of Paul’s writings regarding Christ’s divinity. Additionally, the conversation touches on how early Christians observed the Sabbath without many churches, the nature of the true Church, and the Seventh Day Adventist perspective on soul sleep and the commandments.

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Questions Covered:

• 04:02 – In the Early Church how did people keep the sabbath holy if there wasn’t many churches to go to?
• 15:16 – I struggle to see if Paul believed Jesus is God based on his writings. Can you help clarify?
• 29:15 – How do we respond to the claim that every church is part of the one true church?
• 34:15 – What is your opinion on the Seventh Day Adventist claim on soul sleep and the 10 commandments in relation to the sabbath?
• 47:50 – Who was the first the pope and how did he become pope?
• 52:23 – Is the Catholic Church an extension of Judaism or is there some intersection

“Did the Early Church Apostatize?” This question opens a discussion on the perceived complexities of Church teachings compared to the simplicity of Jesus and the Apostles’ message. The conversation also addresses the Church’s transition to wealth and power, the authorization of a central teaching authority, and concerns about early Church Fathers blending doctrines.

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Questions Covered:

• 06:10 – Where Jesus and the Apostles taught a simple message of faith in Christ, direct prayer to God, and that all believers are equal, protestants and mormons will say, the Church taught a complex system of sacraments, prayer to saints, and obedience to a human priesthood.
• 14:00 – But rather than the poor and unencumbered faith of Jesus and the Apostles, the Church soon became rich and politically powerful. How does this not add up to a great apostasy?
• 24:05 – Where in the New Testament did Jesus or the Apostles authorize a central teaching authority (Magisterium) whose traditions carry equal weight to the written Word of God?
• 36:01 – Here’s one from the LDS: If the original Apostles were killed without passing on their priesthood keys, by what authority did later bishops perform valid baptisms or lead Christ’s Church?
• 47:50 – Didn’t early Church Fathers like Justin Martyr and Origen corrupt pure Christian doctrine by blending Hebrew scripture with Greek Hellenistic philosophy?

“What did Tim learn in India?” Tim shares his experiences and insights from his time in India, reflecting on the cultural and spiritual lessons he encountered. The discussion also touches on Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Jason Evert’s work under Tim, and a memorable story shared by John Martignoni, showcasing a variety of engaging topics.

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Questions Covered:

• 00:30 – Tim’s time in India
• 13:00 – Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers
• 28:30 – Jason Evert and working under Tim
• 31:30 – Marcus Peters
• 37:00 – John Martignoni shares a Tim story

“Farewell Tim Staples” reflects on his significant impact and faith journey. The discussion touches on his time in radio, his contributions to the post-conciliar Church, and the growth of faith in Australia, alongside personal anecdotes about traveling with Steve Ray. This episode honors a remarkable apologist and his legacy.

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Questions Covered:

• 01:00 – Farewell Tim
• 09:00 – Tim’s time on the radio
• 17:30 – Tim’s contribution to the post-conciliar Church
• 30:00 – The growth of the faith in Australia
• 45:00 – The necessity of relationship
• 50:00 – Traveling with Steve Ray

“Why reject Sola Fide?” This question opens a discussion on the key reasons against the doctrine of justification by faith alone, including insights into Luther’s self-justification for his rebellion. The conversation also addresses the apparent contradictions between Romans 4 and James 2 regarding justification, as well as challenges about the Eucharist practices in different parishes.

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Questions Covered:

• 03:33 – What are the top three reasons to reject Sola Fide?
• 17:17 – How did Luther justify the rebellion to himself?
• 24:18 – Why should I believe the Romans 4 says the exact opposite of James 2. Romans 4 is about justification before GOD, James 2 is justification before MEN.
• 47:35 – Protestant friend challenges me with the following. He claims the church is inconsistent cause parishes give just the bread, and others give the bread and wine.

“Why Reject Sola Scriptura?” This episode addresses key concerns about the authority of Scripture versus Tradition, including the top reasons to reject sola scriptura and the implications of Mary’s sinlessness for those exploring Catholicism. Additional questions tackle the interpretation of Acts 17:11 and whether Jesus criticized Tradition, providing a comprehensive look at these important topics.

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Questions Covered:

• 03:20 – Top 3 reasons to Reject Sola Scriptura
• 16:20 – I’ve heard Protestants cite Acts 17:11 in support of sola scriptura: “they received the word with all eagerness, examining the scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Is that a good translation?
• 22:30 – My friend believes in sola scripture, and is interested in Catholicism, but can’t get over our belief in the sinlessness of Mary. How can I help him?
• 29:15 – Does Jesus speak badly of Tradition?
• 33:30 – Would John 21 verse 25 (that not everything Jesus did could not be contained in books) be a good citation in refuting sola scriptura?
• 36:18 – Which of the Bible writers were Protestant? If none, why are the Protestants trying to claim it is their bible?
• 45:35 – In my Church there are some “traditions” that are not part of the Mass but are done during Mass anyway.
• 48:29 – My evangelical friend told me there are books in the Catholic Bible that were written 400 years before Jesus was born, and that’s where Catholics get all their crazy teachings. He says they are not divinely inspired but Catholics put them in there.
• 51:55 – My niece told me she left the Church because it was founded by the Romans, and that her priest didn’t know scripture.

Why do people in the Bible appear to live for hundreds of years, and how should Catholics understand those extraordinary ages? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Jimmy Akin explores possible ways of interpreting the long lifespans found in biblical genealogies before turning to several unusual questions involving history, science, and theology. He discusses the mysterious Michigan Melon-head legends and their possible Catholic connection, the evidence for extraordinary charismatic gifts today, and whether elective cosmetic surgery can amount to mutilation. The episode also tackles a fascinating time-travel scenario involving a priest celebrating Mass before the institution of the Eucharist, along with the ethics of using living human neurons and brain cells to power computers and robots.

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Questions Covered:

• 01:36 – Could the extreme ages of people in the genealogies of the Bible refer to the length years of one man’s successive generations in real time, rather than the single person’s actual age at death? How are these extreme ages of people in the Bible to be understood? 
• 16:50 – I would like to know more about the Catholicism of the Michigan Melon-heads. I heard they may be Catholic since they likely originated from a Catholic orphanage. 
• 22:01 – How much evidence is there for extraordinary charismatic gifts nowadays and which is the strangest? 
• 29:00 – Is surgery for non-medical reasons on the human body considered mutilation. If done just for cosmetic reasons for example breast implants 
• 45:28 – What would happen if a validly ordained Catholic priest went back in time to before the Birth of Jesus and said a mass and transubstantiated the Eucharist before Jesus instituted that sacrament? What if he went back in time to when Jesus was alive, but before He instituted the Eucharist? Would Jesus know that this time traveling priest was turning bread and wine into His body and blood? 
• 52:33 – I’ve seen some robotics and computing developments online where scientists are already using human brain neurons and cells to run computers and robots. I’ve discovered a similar, already existing idea in science fiction called headcheese if you’re familiar with that. I’m wondering about the ethics of this and what a Catholic should make of it. I also wonder if creating new human neurons or keeping an existing person’s brain cells alive to run a computer would impede them from crossing over to the afterlife or not. Thank you. 

If it were possible to control another person telepathically or psychokinetically, could you force them to convert to Christianity—and would that conversion even be valid? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Jimmy Akin tackles unusual questions at the intersection of Catholic theology, science, history, and pop culture. He examines whether baptisms performed by the character Mr. Eko on Lost would be valid, whether Jesus received DNA from Mary, and how Catholics should respond to ancient-alien theories that reinterpret God, angels, and biblical events as extraterrestrial encounters. Jimmy also discusses the credibility of controversial claims made by Malachi Martin and breaks down the differences between Newtonian physics, special relativity, and general relativity.

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Questions Covered:

05:34 – Let’s suppose for a moment here that it is possible to either telepathically or psychokinetically link up to another person to the point of being able affect their bodily motions or in other words, let’s suppose that possessing other humans can be done. Let’s suppose the host is a non-Christian and the possessor a Christian. If the possessor, while  inside of the host’s body, pilots them into going to confession and declares Christ as Lord and Savior, is this a conversion and additionally would this be permitted? Why or why not? 
17:10 – On the show LOST: are the baptisms performed on the island by “Father Eko” valid? The usual “desert island scenario” does not quite cover it. Eko is not a priest but is only impersonating one. And neither of the baptized was in imminent danger of death (although Charlie thought so on the basis of a dream) but survived at least into Season 5. 
21:01 – I know this will be speculation, but do we have any proof one or the other whether the Holy Spirit used one of Mary’s eggs so there would be a DNA connection between them? Or is the general understanding that the Holy Spirit implanted an embryo in her, independent of her DNA? 
28:42 – I saw an interview with Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, the ancient alien theorist on National Georgraphy YouTube… He claimed dozens of alien species have been with humanity for millions of years… Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed not by the Wrath of God but by a UFO. Tsukalos and other co-working theorists hold to the idea that we were visited by aliens during the pyramid era. For example, Tsukalos says that the Aztecs have carvings saying they saw huge giant snakes flying thousands of years ago (flying planes)… or floating turtles hovering over them (flying UFO discs) he claims it simply came down to misinterpreted technology from aliens for their lack of better words and explanations of what they saw… and therefore calling them Gods. This makes a lot of sense to me. Is it blasphemous to think or call God (the father) and his angels… aliens? What do you think about this misinterpreted technology? 
44:34 – Malachi Martin made some weird complaints about things allegedly happening in the Vatican. How credible was he? 
49:11 – What does the theory of relativity add or detract from the galelei-Newton system of coordinates? Was it just factoring in light speed? I’m reading through the theory now and I don’t even get the difference between general and special (specific?) relativity.

“Are Catholics misled by leftist groups?” This question opens a discussion on the naivety some Catholics may have regarding social justice issues. The conversation also touches on the positive impact of refraining from Sunday shopping and draws parallels between personal trials and those faced by Christ, highlighting the diverse challenges and reflections within the faith.

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Questions Covered:

• 02:00 – I think Catholics have to understand they are being coopted by these leftist organizations. A lot of Catholics are very naive about social justice issues.
• 07:40 – We stopped going to businesses to do any shopping on Sundays and it has been a good change.
• 17:30 – Joan’s trial tracks very closely with that of our Lord.
• 22:00 – I’ve been a widow for 11 years. Before he died my favorite gift to give him was flannel shirts (he was a logger). I still wear his shirts. It has meant so much to me to watch Catholic Answers and the Flannel Panel.
• 29:40 – Why are companies open on Sundays anyway when they know they won’t get business from a lot of Christians?

Mark Twain’s Joan of Arc? This question leads to a discussion about her life and legacy, alongside insights into Mark Twain’s views and the role of Isabelle Romée. The conversation also touches on contemporary issues, including Amnesty International’s stance on abortion, providing a rich exploration of faith and morality.

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Questions Covered:

• 06:00 – Mark Twain’s Joan of Arc
• 16:50 – Mark Twain
• 21:50 – Isabelle Romée
• 28:00 – CA books translated
• 36:50 – Amnesty International and abortion

Does the thief on the cross prove that Confession and the entire sacramental system are optional? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists respond to major objections to the Sacrament of Confession, including whether private confession is a medieval invention and whether the seal of confession dangerously protects criminals. The discussion examines whether penance amounts to works-righteousness, whether Confession encourages a cycle of “sin, confess, repeat,” and why receiving absolution is not an attempt to earn forgiveness. They also address concerns about women confessing sexual sins to celibate male priests, explain why Confession should be understood as good news rather than a burden, and explore what Catholics receive in the confessional that they would miss by simply asking God for forgiveness privately.

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Questions Covered:

• 01:20 – Doesn’t the thief on the cross prove the whole sacramental system is optional? So why should any of us bother with the sacrament?
• 06:16 – Isn’t private confession a medieval invention, not something apostolic? (Doesn’t history show the confessional isn’t apostolic at all?)
• 15:01 – Isn’t the seal of confession a dangerous rule that shields criminals? (How is that not dangerous — protecting criminals and endangering the public?)
• 22:37 – Isn’t assigning penance works-righteousness that denies ‘Christ paid it all’? (Isn’t penance just topping up a payment Jesus already made in full?)
• 41:51 – But confession, penance, absolution sounds like works you perform to earn your way back. Isn’t that the opposite of the gospel?
• 34:05 – Doesn’t confession give a license to sin — sin, confess, repeat? (If it’s that easy to reset, why would anyone take sin seriously?)
• 44:49 – Is it appropriate for a woman to confess sexual sins to a celibate man? (Is it even against God’s design to have a woman confess her sexual sins to a man — and a celibate one at that? Doesn’t that put her in a humiliating position?)
• 47:00 – Why is confession good news, not a burden?
• 50:20 – For the person who says ‘I can just tell God I’m sorry from my kitchen table’ — what does the Catholic receive in that confessional that they’d otherwise miss?

Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest instead of going directly to Jesus? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists respond to major Protestant objections to the Sacrament of Confession. They explain how a priest can say “I absolve you” without claiming to be God, why the priesthood of all believers does not eliminate the ministerial priesthood, and whether John 20 gives the apostles the authority to actually forgive sins or merely announce God’s forgiveness. The discussion also examines how this authority was passed on after the apostles, what the Bible means when it commands Christians to confess their sins, and whether perfect contrition makes sacramental confession unnecessary.

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Questions Covered:

• 01:51 – Why do I have to confess to a priest — can’t I go straight to Jesus?
• 5:00 – Because priests are not God, when a priest says ‘I absolve you,’ how is that not the blasphemy the scribes accused Jesus of?
• 07:45 – Why a special priest at all — aren’t all believers priests? (The priesthood of all believers — doesn’t that make every Christian a priest, with no need for an absolving clergy-caste?)
• 18:30 – Doesn’t John 20 just mean the apostles announce forgiveness, not absolve? (Couldn’t that just mean they PROCLAIM God’s forgiveness — preach it — rather than personally absolve?)
• 24:50 – Even if it’s real absolution power God gave the Apostles, why think it passed on after the apostles died? (Where does Scripture say it passes on, instead of dying with the Twelve?)
• 38:38 – When the Bible instructs us to confess our sins isn’t that a reference to mutual accountability among believers — not kneeling before an ordained man?
• 49:31 – If perfect contrition already forgives, isn’t the sacrament unnecessary?

“What’s the best defense for Catholicism?” This episode addresses key arguments, including the best argument for the Catholic Bible and how a Protestant can reconcile objections while exploring Catholicism. Other topics include the Church’s stance on heretics, tips for evangelizing secular friends, and navigating challenging biblical passages.

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Questions Covered:

• 02:00 – What’s the Best Argument for the Catholic Bible?
• 10:20 – As a protestant, how can I bridge the gap in my objection on the assumption with my interest in Catholicism?
• 22:00 – Prop 33 from papal bull Exsurge Domine regarding heretics being burned. Does God want heretics to be burned?
• 29:08 – What tips do you have for a college student majoring in psych on how to evangelize my secular friend?
• 34:58 – How do we defend against Sola Scriptura rather than solo scriptura?
• 44:55 – My fiance has several painful chronic conditions. Would having a surgery to relieve her pain go against God’s will for her?
• 50:15 – Sirach seems to be very anti-woman. Sirach 25:19 seems like a contradiction on the Church’s understanding of women. How do I sort through verses like this?

“How can you become an apologist?” This episode shares practical tips and personal stories, including Trent Horn’s own journey into apologetics and insights on how Matt Fradd found his path. Additionally, discover valuable advice on building a supportive team and the importance of engaging directly with the community.

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Questions Covered:

• 02:00 – Trent Horn’s origin story
• 29:00 – How Matt Fradd became an apologist
• 35:00 – Tips for becoming an apologist
• 40:00 – How Trent met Laura
• 42:50 – Tip Two: Build a team around you
• 49:10 – Tip 3: Get in the trenches

“Why Does It Take So Long to Become Catholic?” This question opens a discussion on the intricacies of the Catholic initiation process. Other topics include the concerns of a Jewish individual raised atheist who loves Jesus but hesitates to join the Church, and how Catholics can defend their faith without being apologists.

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Questions Covered:

• 02:29 – Why is the process to become Catholic so long?
• 14:13 – I’m Jewish but I was raised atheist. I love Jesus but I’m afraid to go to the Church.
• 29:14 – I struggle with defending the faith. How should a Catholic defend the faith without needing to be an apologist?
• 42:01 – Regarding Papal Infallibility in Vatican 1. What historical documents affirm this doctrine?
• 47:45 – I’m joining OCIA because of the Church fathers and apostolic succession. Do Episcopalian have apostolic succession?
• 49:58 – I’m reading the Early Church Father and I’m not Catholic because I’m trying to figure what my next step is.

“What keeps young people from going to Mass?” This question opens a discussion on the challenges faced by the younger generation in engaging with their faith. Other topics include the need for Vatican II, concerns about social dynamics in church communities, and the experiences of recent converts starting young adult groups.

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Questions Covered:

• 06:09 – What keeps young people from going to Mass?
• 17:14 – What was the need for Vatican 2?
• 29:05 – I’ve been trying to go to Mass but the people are weird and lack social awareness. Will I have friends if I join?
• 40:02 – I’m non-Denom. How can I be sure the Catholic faith didn’t make a change that led it off track?
• 49:23 – Recent convert. I started a YA group at my parish.

“Is Raphael lying to Tobias?” This question delves into the intriguing moment in Tobit where Raphael identifies himself in a way that raises doubts about honesty. Additionally, the discussion touches on the unique role of Peter in relation to the keys of the kingdom, the Ethiopian Bible, and the biblical foundations for Vatican II, showcasing a rich exploration of faith and scripture.

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Questions Covered:

• 04:13 – I was reading Tobit 5 where Raphael appears to Tobias and Tobias doesn’t recognize him as an angel. In v11 he asks what tribe he’s from, and Raphael replies saying he’s one of Tobias’ relatives. What’s going on here? It sounds like an angel is lying to Tobias.
• 16:14 – I’m a catechumen and kind of between Orthodoxy and Catholicism right now. When Jesus gives the keys to Peter, later in that chapter he gave the rest of the apostles to ability to bind and loose. Catholics say that they keys give the pope the ability to bind and loose, but if the rest of the apostles have that, what makes Peter unique?
• 28:43 – What do you know about the Ethiopian bible and the books of Enoch?
• 33:08 – What recommendations do you have to get a Catholic typological understanding of the bible?
• 42:23 – Is the scripture materially sufficient for salvation?
• 52:45 – What are the biblical bases for Vatican II and becoming modern?

“Why date John’s Gospel earlier than the modern consensus?” This question opens a discussion on the dating of biblical texts, alongside intriguing inquiries about the identity of Melchizedek and the implications of Genesis 1 regarding the Trinity. Other topics include the reality of dinosaurs in relation to the creation story and the reliability of different biblical texts.

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Questions Covered:

• 03:40 – Why do you date John’s Gospel earlier than the modern consensus?
• 17:27 – Gen 1 the Spirit is named and the Father is named but Jesus isn’t. Could the face of the waters be a reference to him?
• 32:07 – Who was Melchizedek and there an actual order based on him?
• 40:10 – Are dinosaurs real? Scientists say they lived like 70 million years ago. But that doesn’t seem to work with the creation story in Genesis, where the animals were created after Adam and Eve.
• 44:57 – In your video on the Ark of the Covenant, you said you believed the Ark was destroyed by the Babylonians. How could they have done that given the story of Uzzah, who just touched it and died?
• 50:00 – A Protestant told me that the Alexandrian texts of the Bible were not reliable because they were so far away geographically from the origin point that they would have been corrupted. I believe his conclusion was that therefore the King James Version is the only reliable version of the Bible. What do you make of this?

“How do Catholics handle the Eucharist?” This question leads to a discussion on the accommodations for those with gluten allergies. The conversation also touches on the conditions for papal infallibility, including the implications of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, and offers insights on evangelizing those who feel the Church distorts the Gospel.

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Questions Covered:

• 07:50 – How do Catholics handle the eucharist who has a gluten allergy?
• 18:00 – When is the pope infallible? When Pope Benedict XVI resigned did he still have infallibility? How does it all work?
• 24:10 – How can Catholics better evangelize those who think we distort the gospel?
• 40:00 – How do I become a better Catholic? I just returned to Church about 4 months ago.

“Are some saints better than others?” This question opens a discussion on the unique virtues of saints, while also addressing the journey of conversion for those considering joining the Catholic faith. Additional topics include the importance of knowledge in conversion and the complexities of reunifying with the Orthodox Church regarding apostolic succession.

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Questions Covered:

• 07:11 – Are some saints better than others at certain things?
• 30:47 – My husband and I are looking into converting. Should I wait till I know everything about Catholicism before entering?
• 43:47 – How would it work if we were to reunify with the Orthodox especially regarding apostolic succession since they do not have it through St. Peter?

“When should you receive the Anointing of the Sick?” This question is addressed alongside practical insights for recent converts grappling with Marian dogmas and a discussion on the implications of 2 John 1:1-2 regarding infallibility and sensus fidelium. The episode covers a range of topics relevant to faith and practice.

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Questions Covered:

• 07:18 – When is it appropriate to receive the anointing of the sick? Can one get it before surgery?
• 17:30 – What advice would you give to someone who just converted 4 months ago and is really struggling with the Marian dogmas?
• 41:40 – 2 John 1:1-2 Is this a good argument for infallibility and sensus fidelium?

“How can we trust early Christians?” This question opens a discussion on the reliability of early Christian teachings, alongside inquiries about the Catholic Church’s agreements with the Oriental Orthodox and the practice of seeking intercession from deceased loved ones. These topics highlight the complexities of faith and tradition in Catholicism.

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Questions Covered:

• 07:14 – How do we know which early Christians to trust?
• 20:20 – Do you think the Catholic Church’s agreement with the Oriental Orthodox on many doctrines is a good argument against Protestantism?
• 43:03 – Can you ask deceased family or friends for intercession even though they haven’t been canonized?

“Should new converts evangelize?” This question opens a discussion on the role of new believers in sharing their faith, addressing whether they can represent their parish right away. Other topics include the antiquity of Miriam’s song in Exodus, the timeline of the Torah’s final form during King David’s reign, and the interpretation of light patterns as signs from God.

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Questions Covered:

• 03:45 – I’m a new convert. Can new converts evangelize on behalf of a parish or are they required to wait till they’re not as new to the faith?
• 12:41 – Is Miriam’s song of the sea in Exodus 15:21 more ancient than what Exodus claims?
• 35:03 – What evidence led you to conclude that the Torah, in its final form, was concluded in the time of the reign of King David?
• 48:09 – Can you take things like light refracting on a wall that looks like a religious symbol as a sign from God or can it just be dismissed as one’s imagination?

“Why did Jesus tell Mary not to touch him?” This question opens a discussion on the significance of Jesus’ words to Mary Magdalene, alongside other topics such as the biblical basis for the timing of baptism in relation to faith and advice for someone navigating family dynamics during a conversion.

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Questions Covered:

• 08:16 – Why did Jesus tell Mary Magdalene to not touch him but told Thomas to touch him?
• 17:15 – The book of Acts shows that baptism happened immediately after display of faith but the Church makes people wait. Where does this idea of making people wait come from? Is it biblical?
• 41:00 – What advice would you give to my girlfriend who wants to convert but doesn’t know how to talk to her family who will likely not approve?