Catholic Answers Live

Ben Bollinger, a convert from Eastern Orthodoxy and a writer focusing on Catholic-Eastern Orthodox relations, delves into the complexities of papal authority as outlined in Vatican I. He discusses how this council draws on ancient teachings and traces its roots to Peter's role. The 1995 Vatican clarification on the filioque and its implications are examined, alongside beneficial practices Catholics might adopt from Orthodoxy, like reverent liturgy. He also addresses the Orthodox rejection of the Immaculate Conception and highlights the differences in views on contraception.

“Does God Change If Jesus Changed?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of divine will and the role of prayer, alongside inquiries about the potential for repentance after death and the spiritual roles of women in the Church. Other topics include the implications of civil marriage for Catholics and the necessity of Mary’s immaculate conception in relation to original sin. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:37 – At what point when someone passes away would God allow repentance if someone passes away if they are incapacitated? 15:05 – Why are we supposed to pray if it just comes down to God’s will anyway? 18:32 – What kinds of roles women have as spiritual mothers of the Church just like priests have specific roles as spiritual fathers. 24:16 – How is it possible to believe that God does not change If Jesus changed quite a bit especially during his time on earth? 41:46 – If two Catholics are civilly married, would that be considered adultery or fornication? If they divorce, what does that mean spiritually for those individuals? 49:23 – If Mary could have been immaculately conceived then why could Jesus not be affected by Mary’s original sin? Why was it necessary for Mary to be immaculately conceived?

“Why does God allow evil?” This question challenges many, and Christian philosophers have offered various responses. Additionally, the discussion touches on the nature of the spirit and its consciousness, the concept of apostolic succession and its documentation, and how to articulate the differences in understanding the Eucharist to those unfamiliar with it. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:30 – Atheists often argue that evil is evidence against God. If God were all-good, they argue, then no evil would exist. Christian philosophers have given a plethora of responses to this objection. But I was wondering how would Dr. Karlo respond. 15:21 – What is the spirit? What does the Church teach about this and does it teach whether the spirit is conscious? 21:23 – Apostolic succession. Which document shows this unbroken line of papal succession? How could you prove this to a protestant? 36:32 – I’m in RCIA. How do I explain the differences in understanding of the eucharist to someone who is not familiar with it? 47:20 – Regarding God’s omniscience. Is there ever a point where God knows everything we will do before he creates us?

“What did Jesus know as a child?” This question opens a discussion about the human experience of Jesus, including insights into what he might have understood at a young age. The conversation also touches on the distinctions between preternatural and supernatural phenomena, as well as the nature of original sin and its implications for humanity. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 10:54 – What did the human Jesus know when he was 5 or 10 years old? 18:30 – Could you explain the differences between preternatural and supernatural? 28:46 – Can demons enter or possess rocks if you put them in a glass jar under the moon during some moon phases? 39:04 – If the serpent in the garden tempting Adam and Eve is figurative, then how did original sin enter humanity? 43:35 – Have you become more of a believer in the Fatima apparition or more skeptical? 50:38 – What is the view of God’s love for us? Is it unconditional love?

“How do we prove that we have a soul?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of our existence, alongside insights into how mortal and venial sins impact our souls and the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Additionally, the conversation touches on the creation of angels and the complexities surrounding infant baptism and original sin. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:40 – How do we prove that we have a soul? 19:17 – How do mortal sin and venial sin affect our soul? How does the Holy Spirit help with that? 23:36 – Are there new angels being created all the time or are there a finite amount? Can they at any time become a demon? 45:47 – I’m LDS and we don’t believe in infant baptism. The CC says it respects the dignity of all life, but also claims that all humans have original sins. I see this as a contradiction. How do you reconcile that?

Tom Nash, a Catholic apologist and theologian, dives deep into questions about morality, mental health, and the Church's teachings. He addresses a poignant inquiry regarding the morality of stopping medication and its implications for suicide and hell. The discussion explores the significance of ad orientum worship in Duluth, the biblical context of violence, and how the Church navigates these complex issues. Nash further examines the role of AI in everyday life, emphasizing its use as a supportive tool while maintaining moral authority with the Church.

Tim Staples, a senior apologist and author, dives into the misinterpretation of John 14:13-14 by prosperity gospel preachers. He emphasizes the importance of doctrinal context and critiques how Isaiah 53 is misconstrued. Staples shares insights on Maximilian Kolbe's intense Marian devotion and discusses the unique role of Mary as the new Eve. He also touches on our heavenly work as described in Genesis, suggesting an active communion with God that includes joy and stewardship.

Joe Heschmeyer, a Catholic apologist and host of Shameless Popery, explores the complex topic of women and the priesthood. He discusses the norms for married priests in Eastern Rite compared to the Latin Rite, shedding light on historical reforms. Delving into papal authority, he addresses whether a Pope could teach ex cathedra without consulting the Magisterium. Heschmeyer also offers practical advice for young fathers to help their sons appreciate Mass, emphasizing the importance of reverence and engagement.

Joe Heschmeyer, a Catholic apologist and author, dives into profound questions about faith. He explores whether human fatherhood lasts in eternity and the implications of familial bonds in the afterlife. The conversation touches on the importance of confessing sins to a priest, grounding it in biblical teachings. Joe also addresses the Church’s stance on IVF, arguing it transcends gender boundaries in moral issues. Additionally, he reflects on the connection between Jesus' baptism and the priesthood, enriching the discussion with doctrinal insights.

“What should Catholics know about marrying non-Catholics?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of interfaith relationships, including advice for Catholics in such unions. Additional topics include the relationship between prayer and counseling, and how to navigate conversations when a fiancé expresses a desire to leave the Catholic faith. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:15 – Relationship between prayer and counseling 16:52 – What is your advice to Catholics who marry non-Catholics? 23:57 – Where would you recommend, we go to study psychology that’s faithful and reliable? 29:25 – My fiancé says she wants to become Lutheran because she despises the Catholic Church. What advice can you offer to help navigate the conversation? 36:10 – Is Catholic counseling compatible with neuroplasticity, whether mental illness is also spiritual illness, how does that relate to taking medicine? 44:37 – Could you repeat what you said about when and how to approach people and share that you care about them? 49:54 – How can I help my family come back to the Catholic Church?