#12002 Ask Me Anything - Joe Heschmeyer

17 snips

Dec 31, 2024

In this engaging discussion, Joe Heschmeyer, an author and apologist known for his insightful works, dives into pressing theological questions. He clarifies the distinction between mortal and venial sins in Scripture and explores the evolution of confession in church history. Heschmeyer also tackles the fascinating topic of sin in dreams, particularly lucid ones, and shares insights about the Apostolic Fathers and Church Fathers. His thoughts on baptismal regeneration highlight early Christian beliefs, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

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ADVICE

Using Your Gifts

Use your God-given gifts of faith, hope, and charity.
Love God by keeping His commands and loving your neighbor through good works.

INSIGHT

Mortal vs. Venial Sin

The Bible distinguishes between mortal and venial sins, contrary to the belief that all sins are equal.
Mortal sins damage your relationship with God, while venial sins are less severe.

INSIGHT

Evolution of Confession

Early Church confession was public with penances assigned by the bishop, unlike today's private confession.
The controversy in the early Church centered on whether some sins were unforgivable, not on the practice of confession itself.

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Questions Covered:

05:24 – Isn’t it correct to say that some good works are necessary to retain our salvation? Isn’t Jesus listing grave sins of omission that imperil salvation at the end of Mt 25? Isn’t a grave sin of omission a failure to do an obligatory good work?
12:35 – What is the basis between mortal and venial sin in scripture and tradition. Is 1 John 5’s talk of sin that leads to death about mortal sin or the unforgivable sin? If it is about mortal sin, are we not to pray for the forgiveness of someone’s mortal sin (i.e., that they go to confession?
19:40 – In your book The Early Church was the Catholic Church, you cite how strong belief in baptismal regeneration was, to the point of people delaying baptism until the end of life to avoid sinning after baptism. This doesn’t seem like behavior we would expect if the sacrament of confession was passed down from the apostles. What early evidence do we have of the sacrament of confession?
24:56 – I hope it is not too late! Who are the Apostolic Fathers? Who are the Church Fathers? What’s the difference among them?
29:18 – I know the usual line for “sin” committed in dreams is that they cannot be mortal sins since in a dream you do not have full consent of the will, but would that also apply to Lucid Dreams? Lucid Dreams are ones that you can control, and there are methods to get this to happen intentionally. Would this increase of conscious control over the dream allow it to become a Mortal Sin?
33:35 – Was Jesus Christ Himself actually the first pope? Didn’t He actually established the Church through His ministry and the selection of His Apostles? Or is this a really meaningless distinction?
37:19 – How can we understand when the words (direct speech) of God are quoted in the Old Testament? Was it, for example, some kind of inner hearing of God? Or a direct revelation of God? How did the characters know that this was what God was saying to them?
45:09 – Are Sacramentals (such as holy water in Anglican churches) blessed by either Priests not in communion with Rome or Non Apostolic priests Valid?
49:30 – Can you help me answer people who think that the pope arose in the early church because of politics? For example, I know someone who thinks that when Clement was telling the (Corinthians, I think?) to not dismiss their leaders in direct contradiction with Scripture in order to gain power.
52:36 – My question is…are you ready for Jesus?!