Catholic Answers Live

In this engaging conversation, Joe Heschmeyer, a Catholic author and podcaster, dives into profound topics of faith. He discusses the nature of purgatory, addressing whether it involves actual burning or is a metaphorical cleanse. Joe tackles Protestant objections to John 6, advocating for a literal interpretation of the Eucharist. He also simplifies Gnosticism, debunking its beliefs and its contrast with Catholic doctrine. Lastly, he sheds light on Mary’s familial references in the Bible, clarifying common misconceptions.

“Who Thought the Eucharist Was Just Symbolic? ” This episode delves into the early Church’s beliefs about the Eucharist, exploring questions like the origins of the symbolic view and whether early Church Fathers spoke symbolically. We also tackle the significance of “breaking bread” in the early Church and the implications of transubstantiation. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:30 – Where did the symbolic view of the Eucharist come from? 05:13 – Didn’t some early Church Fathers speak symbolically about the Eucharist? Doesn’t that challenge the idea of unanimous early belief? 07:30 – Didn’t the disciples fail to object during the Last Supper because they understood Jesus metaphorically? 09:00 – If “breaking bread” was common in the early Church, doesn’t that just suggest a fellowship meal, not a literal body and blood? 15:25 – The Eucharist doesn’t seem to do anything to believers? 20:30 – How Do I Properly Receive the Eucharist? 21:50 – How does transubstantiation actually work—and why does it rely on medieval Aristotelian philosophy rather than Scripture? 29:05 – How do we know that the early Church actually believed in transubstantiation and not just a spiritual or symbolic presence? Why does the Catholic View win out? 35:22 – The priesthood is against going directly to God. We don’t need Earthly priests. 42:20 – Does the Eucharist cause more division than Unity? 48:08 – Is the Eucharist just an adaptation of pagan rituals?

“Is the Eucharist a Literal Sacrifice or a Symbolic Act?” This episode delves into the nature of the Eucharist, addressing questions like whether Jesus spoke symbolically when He said, “This is my body,” and how His command to ‘eat my flesh and drink my blood’ aligns with Jewish law. We also explore the implications of Jesus’ words, “Do this in remembrance of me,” and the teachings of the Book of Hebrews. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:36 – Wasn’t Jesus speaking symbolically when He said, “This is my body”? 15:15 – Wouldn’t Jesus’ command to ‘eat my flesh and drink my blood’ violate Jewish law against consuming blood? 37:25 – Didn’t Jesus say, “Do this in remembrance of me”? Doesn’t that clearly indicate the Eucharist is a memorial, not a literal sacrifice? 40:20 – Doesn’t the Book of Hebrews teach that Christ’s sacrifice was ‘once for all’? How can the Catholic Mass be a true sacrifice without re-sacrificing Christ? 49:00 – Wouldn’t Jesus’ command to ‘eat my flesh’ be cannibalism

“What makes Mormons not Christian?” This question opens a discussion on the theological distinctions between Mormonism and traditional Christianity. Additionally, the episode addresses how to approach disagreements with church leaders respectfully and suggests passages from Revelation that can enhance understanding of the Mass, along with reflections on grace in relation to Mary. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 15:53 – What parts of the book of Revelation could I suggest for my friend to read to better understand the Mass? 28:52 – What makes Mormons not Christian? 39:40 – What is the proper way to disagree with a Priest, Bishop or Pope without risking excommunication? 50:00 – Why wouldn’t God give us the same grace he gave Mary?

“Do Guardian Angels influence non-believers?” This question opens a discussion on the role of angels in the lives of those who may not share the faith. Additionally, the episode addresses how confident Catholics should be in the belief that John died, the appropriateness of reading scripture during Adoration, and offers a Catholic perspective on praying to saints in light of 1 Timothy 2:5. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 25:00 – How confident should Catholics be in the belief that John died? 36:16 – Do Guardian Angels have an influence on the lives of those who don’t believe? 43:17 – Is it proper to read scripture during Adoration? 47:36 – Was the original Thanksgiving Catholic? 52:28 – What is a good Catholic response to 1 Timothy 2:5 for praying to Saints?

“Why is missing Mass a mortal sin?” This question opens a discussion on the gravity of our obligations to God and the Church. Additionally, the episode addresses whether someone who has never heard the Gospel can be saved and explores effective ways to convert without affecting family dynamics. The conversation also touches on the challenges of becoming Catholic and perceptions of morality within the faith. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 07:00 – Why is missing Mass a Mortal sin? 20:07 – Can a person who never heard the Gospel be saved. If so, what makes Christianity necessary? 29:10 – What is the most effective way to convert without impacting my family? 43:40 – I am having trouble becoming Catholic because of marriage records. 49:37 – I’m not Catholic because you redefine your morality.

“Why Didn’t God Make Everyone Sinless? ” This question opens a discussion on divine purpose, touching on the complexities of justice and mercy. Other topics include the foundation of the Church on Saint Peter, the relationship between God’s justice and mercy in the context of Hell, and the practical benefits of joining a church community. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:25 – Does God make some people for honorable use and some not for honorable use? 17:38 – I struggle with the church being founded on the Rock of Saint Peter? 29:00 – How can I relate God’s justice and mercy with the nature of Hell? 38:30 – What is the practicality of joining a church community? 47:09 – I am not Catholic because I think you preach a different Gospel

“Is annulment required for all divorced Catholics?” This question addresses a common concern among those navigating their faith after divorce. Additionally, the discussion touches on the complexities of Bible translations and offers insights into discerning personal spiritual experiences, as well as clarifying why infidelity is not considered grounds for annulment. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 19:20 – Is it true that the Catholic Church requires all divorced people to get an annulment before becoming Catholic? 29:10 – How can I understand the differences in language translations of the Bible? 36:36 – How can I discern about an experience where I believe I’ve seen Jesus? 47:50 – Why isn’t infidelity considered grounds for an annulment?

“How to survive family discussions this Thanksgiving” is a common concern, especially when differing opinions arise. This episode also addresses the importance of being properly detached during conversations and offers strategies for managing unwanted guests while maintaining relationships. Tune in for practical advice on navigating these challenging family dynamics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 0:00 – 7 Tips for surviving family discussion this Thanksgiving 35:20 – Being properly detached 46:10 – Managing unwanted guests without harming relationship with them

“Must we forgive the unrepentant?” This question delves into the complexities of forgiveness as taught in Luke 17:3-4. Additionally, the discussion touches on the Church’s teaching regarding the “Sons of God” in Genesis 6, clarifies why the Eucharist is not cannibalism, and examines the tolerance of Old Testament polygamy compared to New Testament teachings. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:45 – Church teaching on the “Sons of God” in Genesis 6 11:58 – Must we forgive someone who is not repentant? (Luke 17:3-4) 20:35 -How to explain that the Eucharist is not cannibalism 29:10 -Why Old Testament polygamy was tolerated but not in the New Testament 40:04 -Recommendation for a good book for a 14-year-old interested in Catholicism 44:35 -Parallels between confession and the sin offering in Leviticus