Catholic Answers Live

Latest Episodes:

#12763 Can We Pray for Lost Babies? Saints and Salvation Explained - Karlo Broussard Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

“Can we pray for lost babies?” This question opens a heartfelt discussion about the Church’s teachings on salvation and the hope for lost infants. Additionally, the episode addresses the historical invocation of saints, the apparent contradictions in salvation teachings from different Church councils, and the complexities of praying to saints in light of biblical texts.

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Questions Covered:

02:15 – We don’t have any indication that Christians invoked the saints until the fourth century. That’s too late for it to be part of the apostolic faith.
13:28 – My husband and I just lost a baby through miscarriage. We understand the Church has hope for lost babies’ salvation. But is there anything in Church teaching that would prohibit us from praying for our child’s soul?
18:45 – At the first Vatican Council they said outside of the Catholic Church there is no salvation. The Second Vatican Council said that salvation could be found in Protestant liturgy. Isn’t that a contradiction?
29:28 – I’m former New Age, and when I became Protestant I realized a lot of those practices were not right. I’m wondering how praying to the saints is okay, given that the Bible says not to speak to the dead.
41:55 – In the finding in the temple when Jesus says did you not know I would be in my Father’s house, is that a prefigurement the Eucharistic Jesus in the tabernacle?
51:17 – I consider myself Christian, but not Protestant or Catholic. When Jesus says if you don’t leave your father and mother you’re not worthy to call yourself his disciple, does that apply just to Catholics or to Christians as well?

#12762 Why Do Eastern Orthodox Apologists Reject Doctrinal Change? - Ben Bollinger Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

“Why do Eastern Orthodox apologists reject doctrinal change?” This question opens a discussion on the objections many Eastern Orthodox apologists have regarding doctrinal development. The conversation also touches on the appeal of Orthodoxy’s power structure, strategies for guiding friends toward Catholicism, and the complexities surrounding the filioque controversy.

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Questions Covered:

02:20 – Why Do Many Eastern Orthodox Apologists Object to Doctrinal Development?
18:28 – We are Catholic but are considering Orthodoxy. One argument is that in Orthodoxy there is less emphasis on power structure so less chance of corruption.
23:40 – My non-denom friends are looking into Orthodoxy. How can I steer them towards Catholicism instead of Orthodoxy?
37:15 – There are two Patriarchs of Jerusalem, the Greek Orthodox and the Latin. The Latin one goes back to the Crusades, and the Greek Orthodox one goes back to the New Testament. I think it was schismatic act for the Latins to set up a separate one.
50:44 – The Eastern Orthodox argument against the filioque makes it seem like the Father and the Son have abilities that the holy spirit doesn’t have, which would seem to put him in a subservient position. Would you agree with that?

#12761 Why Is the Apostolic Age Ignored? Church Fathers and Writings - Steve Ray Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

“Why is the Apostolic Age not a well-known part of Church history?” This question opens a discussion on the significance of early Church writings, including the role of the Church Fathers and the authenticity of the Apostolic Fathers’ texts. Other topics include the importance of listening to the Church Fathers and the historical context of early Christian martyrdom.

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Questions Covered:

02:45 – “Why is the Apostolic Age not a well known part of Church history?
20:00 – Why listen to the Church Fathers?
23:00 – How do we know the writings of the Apostolic Fathers are real?
38:00 – What is the spelling of the names of the writings you mention?
43:40 – Did Paul write things down in the Bible that Jesus didn’t tell him?
45:55 – Has Steve been on an archaeological dig? If so, what did he see?
47:15 – What did these Apostolic Fathers believe?
52:03 – How did it go from the apostolic fathers being martyred to Catholics killing Protestants at the Reformation?

#12760 Weird Questions - Jimmy Akin Jun 13, 2026

Show notes

#12759 Weird Questions - Jimmy Akin Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

#12758 Why Do Different Some Priests Teach Differently? Eucharist, Sin - Tim Staples Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

“Why do some priests teach differently?” This question opens a discussion on the diversity of teachings within the Church, addressing concerns about consistency in doctrine. Other topics include the Church’s stance on charging for weddings and the significance of the Eucharist as a propitiatory sacrifice, along with the standards Catholics are held to regarding mortal sin.

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Questions Covered:

03:19 – I don’t understand why different priests have different teachings — if it’s one Church shouldn’t there be one teaching? Also I don’t understand why the Church charges for weddings — shouldn’t it be free?
17:32 – How do we know that the Early Church Fathers’ writings are correct?
24:25 – How is the Eucharist truly propitiatory as stated in CCC 1367?
48:15 – Why are Catholics held to a different standard? For example, for us it is a mortal sin if we miss Mass on a holy day.

#12757 Which Church Did Jesus Start? Catholic vs. Orthodox Beliefs - Bryan Mercier Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

“Which Church Did Jesus Start?” This question opens a discussion on the distinctions between Catholic and Orthodox beliefs, including what defines the Catholic Church as the one established by Christ. Additional topics include addressing the term “Roman” Catholic Church, the nature of the Eucharist, and the reasons behind the Orthodox separation from Catholicism.

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Questions Covered:

02:00 – Which Church Did Jesus Start
17:09 – What makes the Catholic Church the one that Jesus started and not the Syrians, the Orthodox, or the Coptics?
22:26 – How do you go about correcting Protestants who use the term “Roman” Catholic Church in a pejorative sense?
36:40 – When the bread and wine is turned in to Jesus’ body and blood, why does it still taste like bread and wine?
42:56 – Why is there no list of infallible Church teachings?
46:50 – Why did the Orthodox pull away from the Catholic Church?
51:30 – I have some SDA friends who believe in the long sleep instead of heaven or purgatory. What is the best refutation of the long sleep?

#12756 Can I Become Catholic Without Believing All Dogmas? - Joe Heschmeyer Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

“Can I become Catholic without believing all dogmas?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of faith and belief, addressing concerns about papal infallibility and the necessity of dogmas for conversion. Other topics include the Catholic view of predestination and the Church’s role in compiling the Bible, as well as challenges posed by Protestant interpretations of scripture.

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Questions Covered:

06:00 – I’m in the episcopal church and am curious about Catholicism. I have some reservations about papal infallibility. I’m wondering if I’d be able to become Catholic without holding to some dogmas.
17:30 – What is the Catholic view of predestination? Also, I know the Catholic Church put together the bible, but how did it do it?
30:00 – Protestants use 1 Cor 13:8 to say the age of miracles is over and it ended with the death of the last apostle. Some Protestant also say that this was the end of apostolic authority, specifically when it comes to forgiveness of sins via a priest. What are your thoughts on these?
40:25 – I’m not Catholic because the organization of Catholicism is openly homophobic and an official hate group. Also because of its crimes against humanity.

#12755 Why Do You Reject the Papacy? Mary, Eucharist, and Authority - Joe Heschmeyer Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

“Why do you reject the papacy?” This question opens a discussion on authority within the Church, touching on the necessity of a papal figure and the implications of such leadership. Other topics include the role of Mary and the Eucharist, as well as concerns about the treatment of statues and experiences with controlling religious groups.

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Questions Covered:

04:00 – Pope Leo on Nations
07:15 – The original precepts of Catholicism are fine by me, but I don’t agree with the “fine print.” For example, I agree with the idea of a need for authority and headship, but I don’t see the need for a papacy and all the things that go along with that.
20:57 – I don’t agree with the idea of Mary being protected from being able to commit sin. I also feel like the filioque rejects the Trinity. Also my problem with the Eucharist is how could it be him if he instituted it when he was still alive?
29:05 – I feel like Catholic treatment of statues is kind of like worshipping the golden calf.
40:19 – It doesn’t seem right for people to be bound by a particular opinion of the pope. That prevents people from thinking and coming up with an answer that makes sense.
47:32 – I got involved with this group and felt like I was being fed spiritually. They claimed to be baptist. But it got more and more controlling. Once they told me I am no longer myself and I was someone else. Once they laid me down and there was some kind of thing sucking out of my mouth and a electric feeling on my forehead. It got more controlling. They told me where to work. Have you ever heard of this? Is it a cult?

#12754 What Church Did Jesus Found? Original Sin and the Eucharist - Stephen Boyce Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

“What Church did Jesus found?” This question opens a discussion on the foundational beliefs of Christianity, touching on the Church’s teachings about Original Sin and the differing perspectives held by Jews and Muslims. Additionally, the conversation addresses the Orthodox view of apostolic succession and the implications of Jesus’ return for the Earth.

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Questions Covered:

02:09 – What Church did Jesus found?
12:14 – What does the Church teach about Original Sin, and why Jews and Muslims view it differently?
19:42 – The Orthodox believe that any validly consecrated bishop is the successor of Peter. And that Peter was called rock because he was the first to recognize the divinity of Christ. And Peter consecrated other bishops, so he cannot be the only foundation stone.
29:14 – What will happen to the Earth when Jesus returns?
32:07 – Is loving your neighbor and loving God more important than sacrifice. Because Jesus said we live by every word that comes from God, and he said love God and love your neighbor. So is that more important than the Eucharist?
35:20 – In the early Church is there more evidence for divine simplicity over the essence/energy distinction of the Eastern Orthodox?
41:35 – Who were the Apostolic Fathers? How many were there?

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