Catholic Answers Live

Latest Episodes:

#12712 Every Orthodox Objection to Catholicism—Answered Part 2 - William Albrecht May 12, 2026

Show notes

Did Vatican II introduce harmful changes to the Catholic Church, and does Catholic theology go too far in defining mysteries like the Eucharist? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists respond to major Orthodox objections to Catholicism, covering theology, Church history, and doctrine. The discussion examines Catholic teaching on remarriage and original sin, the necessity of the Immaculate Conception, and the Christological differences between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches. Additional topics include whether transubstantiation “overdefines” the Eucharist, why Orthodox and Catholic biblical canons differ, and whether Catholic theology lacks the Orthodox essence–energies distinction. A thoughtful and charitable look at some of the deepest divisions between East and West.

Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter

Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com

Objections Covered:

02:12 – Vatican II introduced harmful theological and liturgical changes.
05:51 – Catholic teaching on remarriage is too rigid.
13:36 – Catholic original sin wrongly teaches inherited guilt.
17:14 – The Immaculate Conception is unnecessary and unfounded.
28:52 – What does one say about the Christological differences between the Oriental Orthodox Churches and the Catholic. They claim they hold to the early definitions of Ephesus that we have abandoned.
36:14 – Transubstantiation overdefines the Eucharistic mystery.
39:57 – Why do Orthodox Churches differ with us on the canon of Scriptura?
47:57 – Catholicism lacks the essence–energies distinction.

#12711 Every Orthodox Objection to Catholicism—Answered Part 1 - William Albrecht May 11, 2026

Show notes

Are papal supremacy and papal infallibility later inventions unknown to the early Church? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists respond to some of the most common Orthodox objections to Catholicism. Topics include whether the papacy is biblical, if the Filioque was an illegitimate change to the Nicene Creed, and whether mandatory clerical celibacy reflects apostolic Christianity. The discussion also examines claims that purgatory and indulgences are Western corruptions, whether doctrinal development preserves or distorts the faith, and if Rome’s actions caused the East–West Schism. Finally, the episode addresses whether Vatican I contradicts the structure and authority of the early Church. A deep and charitable exploration of the major theological divisions between Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.

Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter

Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com

Objections Covered:

02:34 – Papal supremacy is unbiblical and unknown in the early Church.
12:00 – Papal infallibility is a late doctrinal invention. Papal authority undermines conciliar Church governance.
18:45 – The Filioque is both unauthorized and theologically incorrect. Rome illegitimately altered the Nicene Creed.
24:20 – Mandatory clerical celibacy is non-apostolic.
30:33 – Purgatory is a Western innovation without early consensus.
36:37 – Doctrinal development is corruption, not preservation.
42:07 – Indulgences distort repentance and were historically abused.
45:40 – The East–West Schism was caused by Rome’s overreach.
49:42 – Vatican I contradicts the structure of the early Church.

#12710 Was Jesus an Alien? Weird Questions - Jimmy Akin May 09, 2026

Show notes

Could Jesus have been an alien using advanced technology—and how can Christians know that’s not true? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Jimmy Akin tackles some of the strangest and most fascinating questions listeners have ever asked. He explains whether receiving Communion affects Ash Wednesday fasting rules, what kinds of abilities resurrected bodies may have, and why theories about Jesus as an extraterrestrial don’t hold up historically or theologically. The discussion also explores why Rome is called the Church founded by Christ despite Jerusalem coming first chronologically, whether dinosaur cancer challenges traditional understandings of the Fall, and what Christians should think about pets and the end times. A fun and thoughtful episode blending theology, science, apologetics, and the unusual questions Jimmy Akin is famous for addressing.

Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter

Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com

Questions Covered:

04:04 – In the case of Ash Wednesday, when fasting and abstinence are required, would receiving communion break one’s fast or count as a smaller meal? In other words, can one receive communion in addition to eating one full meal and two smaller meals? Thanks, Jimmy!
12:24 – Hi Jimmy. You’ve previously mentioned Aquinas and the possibility that humans have low-level psychic ability.. Will our resurrected body have other abilities, such as telekinesis or telepathy? Will I be able to fly like Superman? Jesus ascended, and there are stories about Saints “levitating”, so will the body get any potential flying or levitating abilities, or what other abilities might we get?
23:48 – How can we be sure that Jesus wasn’t actually an alien talking about his “father in heaven” who is actually in outer space and his spaceship is actually his kingdom? And the eternal life that we get from following Jesus to his kingdom is from advanced alien technology that keeps you alive forever? And the immaculate conception was by an alien that performed IVF on Mary, and the “angels” in the Bible are actually all just aliens too? This question has really been the only thing challenging my faith, even though it seems preposterous.
40:59 – How is the Church of Rome considered “the first church” or “the church that Christ founded”, when (chronologically) the first church was in Jerusalem?
44:38 – I watched a video with a young earth creationist who claimed that there are dinosaur fossils that show evidence of cancer, which was, in his opinion, proof that dinosaurs existed after the fall because cancer wouldn’t have existed until after the fall. The question has kind of bothered me ever since. If dinosaurs went extinct before humans existed, why would they have had cancer?
50:22 – What will happen to our pets after the Rapture?

#12709 What Is the Devil’s Bible, Codex Gigas? Weird Questions - Jimmy Akin May 08, 2026

Show notes

What is the mysterious “Devil’s Bible,” also known as the Codex Gigas, and should Catholics be concerned about it? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Jimmy Akin explores the strange history and legends surrounding one of the world’s most famous medieval manuscripts. He also examines the mysterious naked young man in Mark’s Gospel, whether Genesis surprisingly parallels aspects of evolution, and why meteorology is considered scientific while astrology is rejected by the Church. The episode concludes with fascinating questions about purgatory, including whether souls in purgatory can pray for others and whether the Church has ever recognized authentic communication from them. A wide-ranging discussion blending Scripture, history, theology, and the strange corners of Catholic thought.

Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter

Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com

Questions Covered:

02:54 – Hey Jimmy. I really enjoy your show. Not many Catholic podcasts I’ve found address the weirder aspects of our world. My question is in regards to the Codex Gigas, or the devil’s bible. I’ve heard a lot of secular sources talk about it but not really any Catholic ones. What is your opinion on its mysterious origin story?
11:09 – What’s the deal with the naked young man in Mark 14:51-52?
19:26 – Here’s a question for you Jimmy: in Genesis 1:20-23, it discusses how God created life. It started with water animals, then birds, then land animals. Does that not in fact mirror how we acknowledge the evolution of life on earth exactly, from life beginning in water, then dinosaurs (birds) and then mammals?
29:48 – I sometimes wonder why it is permissible to use meteorology but not astrology. Why can I observe the movements of air parcels and high and low pressure fronts to decide I shouldn’t plan a picnic for this weekend because it will likely rain, but I cannot turn my eyes a little higher and observe the movements of the heavenly bodies to know that I shouldn’t plan my clarinet recital for August when Mercury will be in retrograde?
44:42 – If the souls in purgatory cannot pray for themselves. Can they pray for the other souls in purgatory or for us. Has there ever been a communication or action from a soul in purgatory that is recognized by the church as authentic?

#12708 How Does the Church Investigate Marian Apparitions? AMA: Dropped Calls - Joe Heschmeyer May 08, 2026

Show notes

What does the Catholic Church do when someone claims the Virgin Mary is appearing to them? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists explain how the Church investigates reported apparitions and discerns whether they are authentic. The conversation also explores why Jewish Bibles do not include Maccabees despite the importance of Hanukkah, why Catholics believe Jesus has two natures, and how to better understand St. John Henry Newman’s famous quote about history and Catholicism. Additional questions cover biblical support for confession and Communion obligations, who Jesus was referring to when He said “Father, forgive them,” how Catholics recognize ex cathedra teachings, and when the Eucharist becomes the Body and Blood of Christ. The episode concludes with advice for non-Catholics discerning whether the Catholic Church is true.

Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter

Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com

Questions Covered:

01:58 – If a person claims that Mary is appearing to them, how is that dealt with in the Church?
12:50 – Since Hanukkah is big in the Jewish tradition, why don’t they have Maccabees in their bible?
20:50 – Why do Catholics believe that Jesus has two natures vs. one nature?
22:56 – How do I better understand Newman’s quote, “to be rooted in history is to be Catholic?” I’ve been looking into history, and I’m not convinced.
28:54 – What bible verse could I use to back up the claim that we should go to confession and communion at least once a
33:59 – When Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” who was guilty?
37:44 – How do I know when something is declared ex cathedra? How can I brush up more on papal infallibility?
42:30 – When exactly does the Eucharist become Jesus?
48:35 – I’m not Catholic. How do I know if Catholicism is the right way to go?

#12707 How Do I Get Better at Debating Protestants? AMA: Dropped Calls - Joe Heschmeyer May 07, 2026

Show notes

How can Catholics begin studying apologetics and get better at debating Protestants? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists offer practical advice for learning Scripture, Church history, and core Catholic doctrines in a charitable and effective way. The discussion also addresses whether a pope at Vatican I really said “I am tradition,” whether watching Mass online fulfills a Catholic’s obligation after COVID-era habits, and why some Protestants strongly oppose devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The episode concludes with a look at whether any of the apostles were married or had families before following Jesus. A helpful conversation on apologetics, Church teaching, and Christian history.

Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter

Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com

Questions Covered:

15:16 – How do I begin studying to get good at debating protestants?
23:43 – Did the pope at Vatican 1 actually say “I am tradition”?
29:19 – Since COVID-19, my wife has been watching the Mass every Saturday. Is that okay?
40:26 – Why are some Protestants opposed to the Blessed Mother?
47:07 – Were any of the 12 apostles married or have children that they had to leave in order to follow Jesus?

#12706 Is Leaving the Church Cause of Scandal a Mortal Sin? - Tom Nash May 07, 2026

Show notes

“Is leaving the Church a mortal sin?” This question opens a discussion on the implications of faith and scandal, particularly regarding a friend’s conversion to Protestantism. Other topics include the distinction between Jesus being Catholic or Christian, the reasons for embracing Catholicism, and concerns about praying to Mary.

Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter

Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com

Questions Covered:

05:36 – My friend left the Catholic church and became protestant because of scandal. Is he in Jeopardy of mortal sin?
16:35 – Was Jesus Catholic or Christian. What’s the difference?
24:45 – Explain in one minute why someone should be Catholic.
29:17 – I have PTSD, Anxiety, depression, how can I go to OCIA?
37:13 – I don’t think it’s right to pray Mary
47:21 – What in Vatican 2 is infallible? Does a certain word need to be included for a statement to be infallible?

#12705 What Do Modern People Not Get About Jesus? Mary and Divinity - Marcellino D'Ambrosio May 06, 2026

Show notes

“What do modern people not get about Jesus?” This question opens a discussion on contemporary misunderstandings of Christ’s nature and mission. The conversation also touches on whether Jesus always knew he was divine, the Church’s stance on penances, and the significance of Mary’s betrothal despite her virginity.

Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter

Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com

Questions Covered:

03:59 – What do modern people not get about Jesus?
16:54 – Did Jesus always know he was divine, or did he only know this after his baptism?
31:39 – Has the Catholic Church Changed its views on the severity of penances?
42:20 – Why was Mary betrothed if she was dedicated as a virgin?
49:23 – I talk to Jesus, God the father, and the Holy Spirit separately. How should I address them as three persons or do I even need to? What do you call on them for?

#12704 Why Do Catholics Believe in Baptism? Infant Baptism and More - Karlo Broussard May 06, 2026

Show notes

“Why do Catholics believe in baptism?” This question opens a discussion on the significance of baptism in Catholic faith, addressing how Catholics understand being born again through this sacrament. Other topics include navigating relationships with family in the SSPX, the role of evangelism for new converts, and the interpretation of 1 Peter 3:21 regarding baptismal regeneration.

Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter

Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com

Questions Covered:

01:45 – Why do Catholics believe we are born again at baptism, and how do we answer Protestants who deny it?
06:50 – I’m a convert and I have family who are SSPX and they say that its wrong for me to go to my church. How do I navigate this and why do they believe this?
13:51 – What do Catholics believe about evangelism? I’m about to be confirmed and am wondering what God will expect of me.
20:53 – 1 Peter 3:21 says baptism now saves you. But it seems like the later part of that verse would contradict the Catholic view of baptismal regeneration.
29:25 – I’m married and considering becoming a permanent deacon. I am too young for the program now, but what can I do to form myself now before I am eligible for the program at age 35?
33:47 – Why is artificial insemination a sin?
41:15 – John 3:5 says nobody can enter the kingdom of heaven unless they are born of water and the spirit. How does this square with Genesis 2:4-7, which seems to describe a baptism of Adam. Adam was already in the kingdom, so why would he need baptism?
46:20 – Why does the Catholic Church practice infant baptism? Shouldn’t it be later like with confirmation?

#12703 Why Do Catholics Believe in Marys Virginity? Pope and Saints - Karlo Broussard May 05, 2026

Show notes

“Why do Catholics believe in Mary’s virginity?” This question opens a discussion on the biblical basis for Mary’s perpetual virginity, particularly referencing Luke 1:34. The conversation also touches on the complexities of believing in Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions, as well as the challenges of understanding papal comments amidst political perceptions.

Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter

Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com

Questions Covered:

03:25 – Why do Catholics believe Luke 1:34 supports Mary’s perpetual virginity?
13:02 – Why believe in Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions when some of them can be proven to be false?
20:50 – Why do people constantly refer to our pope as liberal or conservative instead of just a faithful Catholic? Why do popes make comments that cause controversy or cause confusion?
32:08 – I was wondering if I need an annulment since I’m getting divorced? Why would I need it?
35:28 – Why do we pray to the saints and how can I help my wife see this using the bible?
45:15 – Why should we find comfort in the Church being right if it appears to be conforming to political correctness?

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected