Catholic Answers Live

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#12682 What Verses Prove Peter Was the Pope? Authority and Tradition - Ben Bollinger Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

“What verses prove Peter was the Pope?” This question opens a discussion on the biblical foundations of papal authority, including key verses that support this claim. Other topics addressed include the significance of Jesus changing Peter’s name, the perpetual nature of the Petrine office, and how to approach conversations about Catholicism.

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Questions Covered:

02:26 – What Bible Verses Best Support that Peter was the Pope?
24:45 – Why did Jesus Change Peter’s name?
29:15 – How do we know the Petrine office is perpetual?
36:27 – Are the apostles also bishops and how does the petrine ministry affect this?
42:46 – I’ve been Christian for a year. How do I tell my protestant girlfriend that I live with that I’m interested in Catholicism and Orthodoxy?
49:45 – Do we see anywhere in the bible where Peter exercises his authority?

#12681 Does Anxiety Mean Im a Bad Christian? Trust and Healing - Gregory Popcak Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

“Does anxiety mean I’m a bad Christian?” This question opens a discussion on the true causes of anxiety, challenging common misconceptions. Other topics include the struggle of trusting God amidst worry, the appropriateness of seeking help for anxiety, and effective therapeutic approaches for childhood wounds.

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Questions Covered:

01:55 – Most people think that anxiety comes from worrying about problems, but you say that isn’t the case. What IS the real cause of anxiety?
06:14 – Does having anxiety mean that I don’t trust God enough (or am a bad Christian)?
08:30 – I keep giving a particular situation to God, but I still keep thinking/worrying about it. What am I doing wrong?
10:35 – Am I somehow letting God down by seeking help for anxiety? What kind of help works best (counseling? medication?)
15:25 – When it comes to childhood wounds and overcoming them. What do you recommend in terms of therapy that would be effective?
19:17 – I have a lot of anxiety due to issues with my marriage and need guidance on how to overcome it.
21:32 – My husband has cancer and has caused so much anxiety. I went on a Catholic mindfulness retreat and helped so much. And communicating and praying with loved ones has helped.
29:25 – My 10-year-old has anxiety. How can I help him?
34:50 – My adult children are starting to take on leadership in our family business and are basically cutting me out. How do I overcome this anxiety and tension that’s building?
41:05 – I’m dealing with brain damage and anxiety. How do I deal with anxiety about going to confession?
45:41 – What’s the difference between secular counseling and Catholic counseling?
50:06 – How do people learn to deal with anxiety if there is no counselor?

#12680 Did God Harden Pharaohs Heart? Cattle, Myrrh, and Heaven - Jimmy Akin Apr 18, 2026

Show notes

“Did God harden Pharaoh’s heart?” This question opens a discussion on divine sovereignty and free will, alongside inquiries about the ownership of cattle by Israelites during the plagues, the significance of myrrh given to Jesus, and the meaning behind God’s rest on the Sabbath. Each topic invites a deeper understanding of faith and scripture.

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Questions Covered:

01:32 – Ex 9. Regarding the 5th plague and the cattle dying. It says that the Israelites had cattle. Were slaves allowed to own cattle?
07:21 – Regarding the Myrrh given to Jesus by the Magi. Do we have any evidence that this was more than just embalming material for death but rather something tied to the priesthood?
15:08 – Regarding the sabbath. Why did God need to rest on the last day if he doesn’t get tired?
22:59 – Did God take away the pharaoh’s free will when he hardened his heart in Exodus 21?
29:44 – Who did God marry at the wedding at Cana? Why are there 14 stations of the cross?
44:25 – The first will be last and last will be first. Does that mean everyone will go to heaven?
49:10 – Jesus told his disciples his Father’s house has many rooms. What does that mean?
51:45 – What was the relationship God had with the Israelites and how did Jesus dying for our sins change that? What exactly changed for humans?

#12679 Why Did God Call the Hebrews to Slaughter Canaanites? Judgment and Love - Jimmy Akin Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

“Why did God call the Hebrews to slaughter the Canaanites?” This question opens a discussion on divine judgment and love, addressing complex themes in Scripture. Other topics include God’s love for all people, the Israelites’ understanding of judgment and purgatory, and the significance of wave offerings in Exodus and Leviticus.

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Questions Covered:

01:45 – Why did God call the Hebrews to slaughter the Canaanites?
18:11 – Is there anywhere in the bible that can lead us to believe that God loves all people in hell?
29:21 – Since the Israelites did not have a clear sense of what the afterlife was like, Do they have any written documentation of their understanding of the particular judgement, final judgement and purgatory?
40:51 – In Exodus and Leviticus they talk about doing a wave offering but don’t explain what that is. What is it?
48:16 – How do we show in the OT that the 3 days of Jesus were meant to be figurative not literal 3 days apart from the story of Jonah?
51:24 – Jesus Said I am the way, truth and life. Why do we have to believe that?

#12678 Do Catholics Treat Mary Like a God? Gospel of John, New Eve - Trent Horn Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

“Do Catholics treat Mary like a God?” This question opens a discussion on the role of Mary in Catholicism, addressing misconceptions about worship. The conversation also touches on whether Mary guided the writing of the Gospel of John and clarifies how Catholics view her as the New Eve, alongside the significance of Marian apparitions and the practice of praying to her.

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Questions Covered:

06:00 – Do Catholics treat Mary like a God?
10:35 – Was Mary the guide for the writing of the Gospel of John?
14:00 – How do I get across that Catholics don’t worship Mary, and that this is not a threat?
18:47 – Can you explain Mary as the new Eve?
36:19 – Why does William believe there has been so many Marian apparitions and not others?
43:13 – There is not one example in the Bible to pray to Mary, so why do we pray to Mary? Abraham is called the father of faith and not even he has an example of people praying to him.

#12677 What Convinced Tim to Leave Evangelicalism? Penance, Eucharist - Tim Staples Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

“What convinced Tim to leave Evangelicalism?” Tim shares his personal journey and the theological insights that shaped his faith transition. The discussion also touches on the significance of penance in Catholic practice and addresses the nature of the Eucharist, including how it retains its breadlike form while being the body and blood of Christ.

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Questions Covered:

01:30 – What Convinced Tim to Leave Evangelicalism?
12:54 – Why do Catholics practice of penance?
28:50 – How can we call the Eucharist the body and blood when it keeps the breadlike form?
32:42 – How do you approach the question, “what is the church” with scripture?
39:28 – How can I respond to Hebrew 4 verse 16, “We can boldly approach the throne of God” as a refute against intercessory prayers?

#12676 Is Being Unmarried a Call to Priesthood? Rosary, Purgatory - Joe Heschmeyer Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

“Is being unmarried a call to priesthood?” This question opens a discussion on the relationship between personal vocation and divine calling, while also addressing how to explain the Rosary to Protestants and the nature of purgatory. Other topics include principles for giving to the poor and the implications of Vatican II’s teachings on interfaith worship.

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Questions Covered:

02:27 – I’m 32 and unmarried. Is this a sign I’m called to priesthood? Married life is still preferable, but I believe whether I’m a priest or married is up to God, not me.
08:35 – How do I explain and defend the Rosary to Protestants?
18:50 – Why isn’t purgatory instant? Why does it need to exist in general?
23:35 – Should we give money to people living on the streets? What’s a good general principle for giving to the poor?
37:32 – Can you explain Vatican II’s teaching that we worship the same God as Jews and Muslims? It seems anti-trinitarian to me.
49:15 – How do you balance calling out heresy with being kind to your opponent in debate? When are you more direct vs. more charitable?
53:30 – Responding to an atheist dilemma. Is Jesus’ sacrifice really a “Sacrifice” at all if he knew he was coming back? How do I respond to this?

#12675 Are Catholics Modern-Day Pharisees? Eucharist and Grace - Joe Heschmeyer Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

“Are Catholics modern-day Pharisees?” This question opens a discussion on the role of tradition and faith in Catholicism. The conversation also touches on reasonable expectations for children at Mass, responses to LDS beliefs about marriage in heaven, and the significance of the Eucharist in receiving grace.

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Questions Covered:

02:55 – Are Catholics modern-day pharisees?
18:13 – What are reasonable expectations for children at Mass?
23:51 – How to respond to LDS members who believe they are still married in heaven?
29:30 – Do Protestants worship God even though they do not have the Eucharist?
34:45 – How exactly does the Eucharist give us Grace?
47:21 – Can Catholics and Mormons pray together? And how do I explain the intercession of Mary and the Saints?

#12674 What are the Parameters for Papal Infallibility? Mary and Saints - Karlo Broussard Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

“What are the Parameters for Papal Infallibility?” This question opens a discussion on the true nature of the Eucharist, while also addressing Mary’s age at the Annunciation, the parameters of Papal Infallibility, and the role of saints in intercession. These topics highlight the rich tapestry of Catholic belief and practice.

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Questions Covered:

04:56 – What if the Eucharist is just a symbol?
14:12 – What age was Mary at the Annunciation?
18:01 – What are the parameters for Papal Infallibility?
29:08 – How do I navigate the relationship with my daughter to teach my granddaughter the Faith?
37:48 – Why would I have a saint or Mary intercede for me when I can go directly to God with my prayers?
47:42 – Why does the church not label Jews, Muslims, and Protestants heretics?

#12673 Is the Assumption of Mary in Scripture? Eucharist, Priests - Karlo Broussard Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

“Is the Assumption of Mary in Scripture?” This question leads to a discussion on the biblical basis for Mary’s Assumption, alongside other topics such as the differing beliefs about the Eucharist between Catholics and Protestants, and the role of priests in forgiving sins. The conversation also touches on the implications of being baptized Catholic and raised in a different faith.

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Questions Covered:

20:15 – Is the Assumption of Mary discussed in scripture?
29:13 – If the Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ for Catholics why is it not the same for protestants?
41:04 – I was baptized Catholic as an infant but raised in the Baptist church, am I Catholic?
46:14 – Why do Catholics believe that priests can forgive sins?
51:11 – What is the Dogma of the Assumption?

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