Catholic Answers Live

Latest Episodes:

#12753 How Did You Become a Prophet? Bible, Salvation, Marriage - Tom Nash Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

“How did you become a prophet?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of prophecy in the Bible, alongside topics such as the differences in prayer practices between Catholics and Protestants, and the historical context of the deuterocanon in the Protestant Bible. Other questions touch on the biblical understanding of marriage and the nuances of salvation from different theological perspectives.

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Questions Covered:

02:35 – How did you become an Old Testament Prophet?
08:35 – Can Catholics and Protestants pray together, and where do we see this in scripture?
15:40 – Who took the deuterocanon out of the Protestant Bible and when did they do it?
20:38 – I predicted something that happened. Does that mean I’m a prophet?
24:35 – I think it’s Judith that says Nebuchadnezzar is king of Syria, but the rest of the bible says he’s king of something else. So how can Judith be scripture if it contradicts the rest?
32:54 – I’ve heard that Protestants have more of a courtroom view of salvation, and for Catholics it’s more about Jesus reversing what Adam did. Is that accurate?
38:50 – What does the bible say about marriage?
42:18 – Jesus said we’d be accountable for our mistakes, and he also said he came for sinners. It seems like these contradict each other. Can you explain?
52:45 – Jesus says to be saved follow the 2 greatest commandments. But elsewhere he says you have to receive the Eucharist. So is it both?

#12752 How Does Islam and Christianity Differ on Jesus? Salvation and God - William Albrecht Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

“How Does Islam and Christianity Differ on Jesus?” This question opens a discussion on the distinct perspectives each faith holds about Christ. Additionally, the conversation touches on whether God could have forgiven humanity without the cross, the concept of Messianic Muslims, and the implications of the Koran’s teachings regarding Jesus and messengers.

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Questions Covered:

02:45 – How Does Islam and Christianity Differ on Jesus?
10:45 – If God could have forgiven humanity without the cross, what makes the cross a more fitting means of salvation than simply forgiving sinners?
21:00 – What do you think of the idea that Muhummad had the strength of 30 men?
29:02 – Are there Messianic Muslims — Muslims who believe in Jesus?
35:35 – It is in the Koran that Jesus said he was going to send a messenger.
41:35 – Does Islam teach that Christians must be destroyed?
45:15 – Isn’t it disingenuous to dismiss all of Islam culturally? It seems like people try to trash the whole religion when we could build bridges instead.
52:35 – How do you explain the Catechism’s teaching that Muslims and Christians worship the same God, when Islam is so different than Christianity? Also, early church fathers used the quick spread of the faith around the world as an argument for its truth. But Islam spread even more quickly. How would you respond to that?

#12751 Should Sacrificial Love Be Exhausting? Balancing Family and God - Gregory Popcak Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

“Should Sacrificial Love Be Exhausting?” Many believe that constant giving and never saying no is the essence of love, but this perspective can lead to burnout. The discussion also touches on balancing obligations to God and family, the moral implications of defending one’s family, and how these principles apply to single individuals.

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Questions Covered:

02:17 – Many Christians think constantly giving, never saying no, and exhausting themselves is a form of sacrificial love. Where does that idea go wrong?
14:57 – How I balance my obligations to God and to my family?
24:18 – Is there ever a time that a Catholic is morally obligated or allowed to defend one’s family by physical means? Or is it ever sinful?
33:24 – Many of your examples are for married people with families. How would the principles here be applied to a single person?
41:00 – I’m 18, and there is a girl I’d like to ask out. How do I deal with the fear of rejection?
45:52 – I think I’m having a trauma response to my family. My family and I are moving onto the same property as my parents. Our family farm is falling apart and I’m worried how it is going to affect relationships.

#12750 Why Are Esthers Chapters Not Sequential? Scripture Insights - Jimmy Akin Jun 06, 2026

Show notes

“Why are Esther’s chapters not sequential?” This question leads to a discussion about the structure of the Book of Esther, addressing why it begins with chapter 10 and revisits earlier events. Other topics include the meaning of Romans 5:7, the implications of modern technology as a new Tower of Babel, and advice for those new to reading scripture.

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Questions Covered:

04:47 – I’m reading the RSV of the Book of Esther. Why are the chapters not sequential? It starts with chapter 10 (or so) and then later goes back to chapter 1.
12:50 – What does Romans 5:7 mean? “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.”
20:26 – Could modern technology be a new Tower of Babel?
33:28 – What is the best scholarly work that refutes Bart Ehrman’s view that the gospels are not reliable?
42:05 – I am grew up, but I have not actually read much scripture before. I would like to start. What is the best way to start? I get bored easily, and I don’t want to start and then lose momentum.
50:20 – On the road to Emmaus, one of the disciples is named and the other is not. I’ve heard speculation that is because the other was his wife. What do you make of this speculation?

#12749 Are Any Parts of the Bible From Other Cultures? Nicodemus, 2 Peter - Jimmy Akin Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

“Are any parts of the Bible taken from other cultures?” This question opens a discussion on the influences surrounding biblical texts, while also addressing intriguing topics such as the possibility of ensouled humans mating with un-ensouled humans and the role of Nicodemus in the burial of Jesus. Additionally, the dating of 2 Peter is examined, providing a rich exploration of scriptural context.

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Questions Covered:

02:00 – Are any parts of the Bible taken from other cultures?
16:16 – In the beginning of humanity, could ensouled humans have mated with un-ensouled humans? If so, would it have been sinful for them to do so?
34:28 – When I was a kid I was told that Nicodemus helped take Jesus’ body off the cross. But it doesn’t mention him specifically in John 19:39. Is there any truth to this?
45:00 – When do you think 2 Peter was written? A lot of scholars place it after 70 AD and I am wondering if you would place it earlier.

#12748 How Do We Deal With Suffering? Advice and Theology - Tim Staples Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

“How do we deal with suffering?” This question opens a discussion on the Catholic perspective of suffering, contrasting it with Protestant views. The conversation also addresses practical advice for supporting a friend who has lost a loved one and offers insights on how to cope with suffering while experiencing it.

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Questions Covered:

01:34 – Protestant theology deals with suffering very differently. How do we deal with suffering?
14:50 – What are we supposed to deal with suffering while we are in it?
29:57 – My friend lost her husband recently. Do you have any advice on what I can say to her?

#12747 What Does Active Participation at Mass Mean? Kneeling and More - Tom Nash Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

“What does active participation at Mass mean?” This question opens a discussion on the significance of engagement during the liturgy, including the practices of kneeling and standing at key moments. Other topics addressed include the meaning behind the priest’s prayer for “servants” during Mass and the implications of Eucharistic adoration as a spiritual weapon.

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Questions Covered:

02:20 – Eucharistic adoration is a neglected spiritual weapon.
11:08 – What does active participation at Mass mean?
15:53 – At the Agnus Dei is see a lot of people kneel and a lot of people stand. Which are we supposed to be doing? Also toward the end of Communion, when do we stop kneeling and start sitting — after the cleaning of the vessels, or when the tabernacle is closed?
23:06 – During the Mass the priest says “we pray for your servants” and then he pauses. Who are the servants referred to here?
29:23 – The Bible talks about a “mystery gospel” and a “secret doctrine”. I don’t have the chapter and verse but believe me it’s there. Do you have any insights into what these are?
36:05 – Is there ever a scenario where a non-Catholic who is aware of the Church can be saved?
42:40 – I kneel at the Agnus Dei because I think we should kneel when the tabernacle is open. The Bible says that we kneel before God.
45:45 – My non-Catholic friend comes to Mass with me sometimes. He wants to receive communion but I tell him he can’t, that he needs to approach with his arms crossed. But he receives communion anyway. Should I stop inviting him? Have I sinned by not being forceful enough?
51:09 – I saw on YouTube that when Jesus was a child he fell from a roof, and he turned mud into birds, and other miracles. Are these true?

#12746 How Can the Catholic Church Be Infallible? Heresy and Worship - Joe Heschmeyer Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

“How can the Catholic Church be infallible?” This question addresses concerns about the Church’s historical positions, including its past endorsement of burning heretics. Other topics include the nature of worship as sacrifice and the confusion some feel about identifying as a Christian amidst various denominations. Additionally, there are discussions about the papacy and its perception within the context of modern issues.

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Questions Covered:

02:55 – My non-Catholic friend asks how can the Catholic Church be infallible when it has flip-flopped on issues. The issue he cites is the Church endorsement of burning heretics, and then later saying we shouldn’t.
14:45 – I’ve heard you say that worship is sacrifice. But my Protestant friend says they do sacrifice — sacrifice of praise.
24:25 – I’m not Catholic or Protestant or Orthodox because it is so confusing. So I just identify as a Christian.
42:25 – I’m considering Catholicism but I have some concerns. My SDA friend sent me a document saying the papacy was the beast of Revelation. Also I feel like the Catholic Church is not as welcoming to the LGBT community.

#12745 Why Aren’t You Catholic? Prayer, Saints, and Idolatry - Joe Heschmeyer Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

“Why Aren’t You Catholic?” addresses the reasons some individuals hesitate to embrace Catholicism, including concerns about unanswered prayers and the role of saints. The discussion also touches on the perception of praying to saints as idolatry and the scriptural basis for understanding prayer as worship.

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Questions Covered:

01:26 – I’m Not Catholic because after years of prayer, research, and personal conversations, God Has not allowed me to become Catholic
32:58 – I’m Not Catholic Because Prayer to Saints seems to be a type of Idolatry. I believe scripture makes it clear that prayer is a form of worship.

#12744 How Can We Achieve Perfection? Purgatory and the Rosary - Karlo Broussard Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

“How can we achieve perfection?” This question leads to a discussion on the steps we can take to avoid Purgatory, alongside insights on responding to Protestant challenges about Catholic doctrine. Other topics include the relationship between science and belief in God, the purpose of praying the Rosary, and the complexities of Church teachings on birth control.

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Questions Covered:

02:50 – What can we do to reach a level of perfection where we won’t have to go to Purgatory?
13:45 – How do we respond to Protestants when they challenge our Catholic doctrine?
22:10 – Is there a good book that addresses the scientific basis for God? My intelligent 22 year old grandson says science prohibits him from believing in God.
30:19 – I’ll be starting OCIA soon. Why pray the Rosary when we can go directly to God? And when would I pray the Rosary? It seems like if I just pray the Rosary I’d be giving up the fruitful prayer routine I already have. I wouldn’t want to give that up.
41:45 – The verbiage of CCC 2370 regarding birth control, “rendering procreation impossible” puzzles me. I’m not sure how it would apply because both artificial contraception and NFP have similar success rates.
48:29 – What are some of the sins that a regular priest can’t absolve? And what should a priest do if someone confesses something illegal?

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