Catholic Answers Live

How long do souls stay in purgatory? Can they meet their guardian angel? Is it okay to ask them to pray for you? We explore Catholic teaching on purgatory—its duration, biblical references, and the mystery of hope beyond purification. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:52 – Length of time in purgatory. How do we know how long we’ll be in purgatory? 08:46 – When you’re in purgatory do you get to meet your guardian angel? 29:29 – What does Philippians 2:10 mean? Is ‘under the earth’ a reference to purgatory? 34:06 – My father died 10 years ago. What happens to the indulgences I offer for him if no longer in purgatory and in heaven? 36:40 – I’ve heard of Purgatory as described as hell but with the hope of heaven. Is this accurate? 42:27 – I praise God, thank God and give my intentions for those in purgatory. I make a deal with those souls to pray for me when they get to heaven. Is this okay to do? 51:42 – If God can save infants who are not baptized, then why does he extend this grace to everyone through purgatory?

If Christ’s death paid the full price for our sins, why do Catholics still teach purgatory? In this episode, we break down common objections using Scripture and tradition—explaining why purgatory isn’t a rejection of Christ’s sacrifice, but a deepening of its transformative power. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:42 – Where is “purgatory” in the Bible? 12:50 – Catholics appeal to 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 for purgatory. But Paul doesn’t say the person is tested by fire. Rather, he teaches “works” are tested by fire. 16:52 – Catholics appeal to Jesus’ teaching about the unforgivable sin not being forgiven in this age or in the age to come in Matthew 12:32. But all Jesus meant by this is that the unpardonable sin is never forgiven, as Mark’s version makes clear in 3:29. 22:10 – Does the doctrine of purgatory contradict the Bible’s teaching on the immediacy of heaven after death (“to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”)? 29:30 – Didn’t Jesus tell the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise”? Doesn’t that disprove purgatory? 35:40 – Doesn’t the Bible teach that there are only two eternal destinies: heaven or hell? 39:55 – Didn’t Jesus’ death on the cross fully pay for all our sins? Why would additional purification be needed? 48:34 – Isn’t the idea of purgatory a denial of justification by faith alone? 49:55 – Why would a loving God punish believers after death if they’re already saved?

Many Catholics read the Vatican II documents and wonder: where are the reforms we see today? We explore what the Council actually said, how those ideas were implemented, and also dive into Marian theology and questions about spiritual warfare. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 15:36 – Who were Mary’s parents? Did she have a natural birth? Did she have original sin? 29:36 – I’m new to the Church. Is studying spiritual warfare making me a target for demonic attacks? 41:54 – I read the documents of Vatican 2. I don’t see a lot of the liturgical reforms. Where did they come from?

A new law in Washington state requires priests to report abuse heard in confession—can civil law override the sacred seal? We explore Church teaching, legal precedent, and why this issue matters for Catholics everywhere, along with insights on forgiveness, tradition, and spiritual healing. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 13:16 – If God said all creation is good, were there predators and prey from the beginning? 16:44 – How do I get over being hurt from my local Catholic Church? Sorry i put up the wrong fader at first. 20:54 – How do I better explain why can’t women be priests? 28:49 – I’ve been forgiven in confession for hurting others. My heart still yearns to be forgiven from them. Some are living and some are deceased. Is it ok to feel this way? 33:27 – I’m a new Catholic. What do you recommend I read more about traditions of the Church that I didn’t cover in OCIA? 43:44 – On Friday the governor of Washington signed a law that priests will be required to report child abuse revealed during confession. Isn’t this already settled law? 51:34 – What is your best argument against the essence/energies distinction as proposed by Gregory Palamas?

From Scripture to early Church doctrine, we examine the foundation of Christ’s divinity and humanity. This episode also covers the biblical use of YHWH vs. Elohim, proper burial attire, and how the Bible was compiled. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:49 – When do they go from using the name YHWH to Elohim? 21:58 – How do we know that Jesus is eternal and fully God and fully human? 32:18 – What is appropriate for dressing a deceased person? 36:50 – How do we understand Ephesians 2:8-9 in light James 2:24? 47:58 – How were all the books of the bible compiled?

From apostolic succession to secret ballots, the history of papal elections is rich and fascinating. We explore how popes have been chosen across the centuries, and also tackle questions on sanctuary use, offensive Talmudic texts, and disposing of a damaged rosary. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 07:43 – I am a Catholic school teacher and they use the sanctuary for plays immediately after mass. What are the rules for use of the sanctuary?  14:44 – I see a lot of bumper stickers at church of an M with a line through it. Does that have any significance? How does one dispose of a damaged rosary?  18: 58 -Can you give a brief history of how popes were elected?  29:14 – In the Talmud it says that Jesus is burning in hell. What do I make of this?  40:41 – Jn 11 and Jn 12 there’s a plot to kill Lazarus after being raised from the dead. Did they ever succeed in their plot?  43:13 – Can you bless non-Catholic items like a buddha?  48:14 – Are you familiar with the documentary, Hypothesis? When do they go from using the name YHWH to Elohim? 

What happens when a papal constitution seems to contradict a past ecumenical council? We explore Church authority, plus questions on circumcision, plenary indulgences, the Holy Spirit, and why Jesus wept for Lazarus even knowing the resurrection was near. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:02 – Is it possible for an ecumenical council’s constitution to be overridden by a subsequent papal constitution or declaration? 11:45 – I have a son on the way. Is it still licit for Catholics to be circumcised? 17:31 – How didn’t God save Adam and Eve’s first children from the wound of original sin? 20:24 – I’ve always heard that the Holy Spirit is the love between the Father and Son. Most recently I’ve heard that it’s a person. What’s correct? 29:30 – Is a faithful Catholic committing a grave act when seeking a divorce when domestic abuse is involved? 33:51 – Does our modern dual definitions of ‘prodigal’ come from the parable? 38:52 – After the resurrection of the dead and we are living here on earth, what will happen to us when our sun explodes? 41:39 – If we apply a Plenary indulgence to a soul in purgatory, do we need to continue to pray for them? 47:09 – Why did Easter happen to land after two full moons? 49:13 – Is it okay for me to attend a non-Catholic wedding that won’t even be at a church? 50:25 – In 2020 I died in the hospital 3 times. Who can I talk to about what I saw to help explain and understand it? 52:07 – Why did Jesus weep when Lazarus died when he knew he was going to resurrect him?

While Catholicism and Orthodoxy share deep roots, key differences remain—especially on authority. We explore one of the most compelling arguments against Orthodoxy and also touch on Catholic miracles, lost apostolic letters, and starting fruitful Bible studies with Protestants. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:13 – Why should we read the apocryphal books? 06:53 – Why does Genesis specify the building material in the building of the tower of babel? 11:49 – Suppose the letter of Paul to the Athenians is found, would it be considered scripture? 18:57 – Why does it seem like there’s not a lot of evidence for Catholic miracles? 28:56 – What is the best argument against Orthodoxy? 35:08 – I’m starting a bible study with protestants. What can I do for them to be open to it? 42:47 – I’m reverting to Catholicism. My in-laws are very anti-Catholic. How should I approach them? Could you expand on your comments on Matt Fradd’s show about intelligent life on other planets and how Christ’ sacrifice would apply to them? 52:31 – What are your thoughts on the AI Confessional in Europe?

Some claim a woman secretly reigned as pope—but is there any truth to the legend of Pope Joan? We explore the origins and historical credibility of the story, plus discuss Orthodox biblical canons, Christ’s fulfillment of prophecy, and the Church’s understanding of Islam. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 12:13 – Is the fact that the Orthodox have a variety of biblical canons, an argument against them? 16:46 – I’m a convert. Is the story of Pope Joan true? 20:03 – How can I make a defense for supposed contradictions in the ecumenical councils? 29:41 – How did Christ fulfill the prophecy of world peace? 34:35 – What was the aftermath of the Jews after the resurrection? 40:16 – Has anyone compiled a list of the early Church writings that were recently discovered that were not available during the reformation? 44:31 – Why did Jesus not tell the Pharisees that he was born in Bethlehem when they said he was born in Nazareth? 46:21 – I agree with the premise of your video on Muslims. What would one believe about their God in order for it to be a different god? 52:02 – How much information did the Church actually have on Islam before making an official statement?

When talking to Muslim friends or curious skeptics, it’s crucial to know where Scripture reveals Christ’s divinity. We walk through key verses that affirm Jesus is truly God, and also explore topics like Communion for Protestants, the identity of angels, and baptism for foster children. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:04 – What are your thoughts on the growing trend that converts are not even real Catholics? 13:18 – I’m newly married and my wife is pregnant. I’m feeling very uneasy. What advice do you have to look forward to it? 23:02 – How did you first learn about Abraham’s faith? 28:30 – My Muslim friend wants to know where in the bible does it say that Jesus is God? 34:44 – Nowhere in scripture to hear angels referred to as females. They are always male. Do we hear anywhere where a female angel appears? 37:15 – I’m a new convert. Why can’t my protestant mom receive communion if she truly believes in the real presence? 43:12 – Was John the Baptist Elijah? 46:03 – What book do you recommend for homeschooling my son? What can I do to strengthen my marriage? 50:30 – I have a 2-year-old foster son. Is there any reason why I should not baptize him?