Catholic Answers Live

Some claim Catholics trust the Church more than Christ—but is that true? We explore this common misunderstanding along with questions on Jesus’ “brothers,” historical temple virgins, and how to reach out to loved ones who feel unwelcome in the Church. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: 01:55 – I’ve heard that Catholics put more of their faith in the Church over Jesus. What is your response to that? 16:37 – How do we know that the brothers of Jesus were actually cousins? 24:47 – Are there historical sources for Jew temple virgins? 40:52 – Is there anything I can say or do other than pray, to help a loved one soften their hearts on their belief that the Church is unwelcoming?

A common misconception is that Mary’s perpetual virginity is optional to believe. We clarify Church teaching and how to explain it respectfully, along with insights on binding and loosing, the birth control pill, and how to talk about pornography and marriage. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: 06:30 – Does binding and loosing represent the Sensus Fidelium? 13:35 – Why is the pill considered abortifacient? 19:22 – Does God operate based on condition? I can’t wrap my head around the principle of double effect. 30:46 – How do I explain to my daughter in law who’s going to OCIA the perpetual virginity? She learned in class that the Church has never clarified and that her perpetual virginity is optional to believe? 42:54 – We tend to hear in TOB circles that men who are addicted to pornography should be avoided when considering marriage? Would you say the same start can be used for women? 51:27 – How do you avoid making circular arguments for the papacy and magisterium?

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 powerful chapters, along with questions about the priesthood, interfaith prayer, and the role of bishops in setting fasting rules. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: 1:00 – Why does the office of the priesthood deserve reverence and respect and how is it beautiful? 08:23 – What kind of authority does a bishop have over fasting rules? 14:40 – Will there be a new temple built in Jerusalem? 18:52 – How do I read Romans 8-9 without reading Calvinism into it? 29:28 – Pope Francis inaugurated the Abrahamic house. Is it smart to be praying with Muslims? 36:40 – How do I respond when I don’t know the answers? 47:31 – Where do you see the papacy in the Council of Nicaea?

Is it really possible for spiritual harm to be passed down through families? We explore the Church’s view on generational curses and demonic influence, along with insights on martyrdom, the Eucharist, and the connection between Revelation and the Gospel of John. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: 03:58 – Is Jesus’ view of election the same as the parable as the wedding feast? 10:20 – I’ve never been able to understand, how is the incarnation not a change? 17:45 – Is there a connection between Revelation and the gospel of John in regard to the relationship between Jesus and Mary? 23:32 – What are the rules and guidelines for picking a confirmation saint? 33:02 – Do you think it real or possible for people to experience demonic activity due to family curses? 42:28 – What does it take to be considered a martyr in the Church? 47:01 – Why do some people not see a change in their lives after they receive communion for many years? 50:22 – If we consider Baptist Christians, would they go to heaven, purgatory or hell?

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 synods, the Church’s stance on women’s ordination and same-sex unions, and answer more on valid marriage, frozen embryos, and Mary’s sinlessness. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: 14:40 – Why does the pope not follow Pope Paul VI’s understanding of synods only being made up of Cardinals? Will he allow women priests and homosexual weddings? 20:50 – What does the Church require for a marriage to be valid? 24:36 – Why doesn’t the Church have an articulated position on frozen embryos? 33:14 – Why does the Catholic moral belief prioritize the individual and neighbor over family and kin? 41:34 – Why does the Church believe in patron saints? 46:43 – If Mary was human, how was she sinless? 48:09 – Why aren’t the remains of a cremated loved one allowed to be kept in a home? 51:06 – Why do we believe in the God of the Old Testament?

Many Protestants ask why Catholics follow papal authority when it’s not explicitly stated in Scripture. We explore the biblical and historical roots of the papacy and also explain why Catholics reject sola scriptura, differences in baptism, and the rules around receiving Communion. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: 07:16 – Why do Catholics follow the doctrines and orders of the pope even if it’s not written in the bible? 19:00 – Why don’t Catholics follow Sola Scriptura? 37:24 – Why is baptism different among Catholics vs Baptists? 47:20 – Why can’t non-Catholics receive communion at a Catholic Church? How would one explain it to them?

Navigating Mass with an estranged spouse can be difficult, especially when co-parenting. Dr. Ray offers guidance on maintaining peace and setting a good example for children, along with insights on family boundaries, self-compassion, and recognizing spiritual experiences in prayer. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: 21:06 – Navigating Mass with an estranged spouse: How can he foster peace while co-parenting post-divorce? 30:20 – Is it ethical to challenge therapists who advise cutting off family members? A listener questions Dr. Ray’s stance. 36:04 – How can he manage negative self-talk and stop assuming the worst about others’ intentions? 41:21 – She struggles with being her own worst critic—what are some practical tools for self-compassion? 44:25 – She and her father are estranged from her younger sister—how can she start the path to reconciliation? 49:02 – Therapy vs. self-help: Can Dr. Ray expand on why seeing a therapist is different from following social media advice? 51:25 – Is a peaceful, tingling feeling during prayer a sign of the Holy Spirit? How can he discern spiritual experiences?

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 question and also discuss papal resignation and the balance of free will and institutional pressure. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: 33:36 – Does a papal resignation raise concerns about free will vs. pressure within the Vatican? 37:31 – What is Opus Dei, and how does it fit into the larger Catholic faith?

If intelligent alien or fictional species like Vulcans or Hobbits existed, could they be ordained as priests? We dive into this speculative theology question and also explore Marian devotion, dowsing, near-death experiences, and papal infallibility. Questions Covered:  02:59 – Would other intelligent creatures (like hobbits or vulcans) become priests? 08:29 – Could a Catholic holding all that the Church teaches on Mary believe that she’s overemphasized? 12:03 – What are the “living waters” discussed in John 4? 15:32 – I’ve seen your videos on dowsing. Is dowsing for future events permissible, or is it considered divination? 24:55 – Can a consecration be valid if one item is defective? 30:58 – Why do most people who have Near-Death Experiences that are not religious or mention Jesus? 36:01 – How do you meditate on the rosary while saying the vocal prayers? 40:21 – When Jesus talks about “a divided kingdom” and the demons, what is he talking about? 46:20 – If the pope were to make a definitive statement, could half of it be infallible and the other half be fallible? 51:44 – What are the limitations of a bishop over the liturgical functions of a diocese?

If a gorilla could understand the Gospel through sign language, could it be saved? We explore this unusual but fascinating question, plus why St. Philomena’s feast was removed, the Church’s view on devotionals, and how to approach celibacy in unexpected life situations. Questions Covered:  03:38 – How can I invite my college Newman Center to a seder dinner as part of an interfaith event? 08:32 – Why was St. Philomena’s feast day removed from the Roman Calendar? 12:38 – If a person could evangelize via sign language to a gorilla, could the gorilla be saved? 24:33 – Does the Church have a stance on devotionals that seem to put words in God’s mouth? 32:05 – How do I respond to the claim that situations like David and the bread of the temple or Jesus’ disciples eating on the sabbath should be applied to same-sex relationships? 42:46 – Catechism 1658 talks about single persons — not by choice, but by life circumstance–; is God calling them to celibacy? If God is all-knowing, why would He call people to a vocation they can’t fulfill? 49:00 – What is the threshold for the Church to make a public excommunication of an individual(s) spreading hatred explicitly or implicitly and claiming the Catholic faith informs their hateful worldview? 52:21 – Where does St. Veronica come from? Why are there three times Christ falls in the Stations when the Bible says he fell once?