Catholic Answers Live

Latest Episodes:

#12640 Where Is Purgatory in the Bible? Confession and Prophecies - Jimmy Akin Mar 21, 2026

Show notes

“Where Is Purgatory in the Bible?” This question opens a discussion about the biblical basis for purgatory, addressing concerns from those who struggle with its concept. Other topics include the role of confession and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, as well as guidance for those considering a return to the Catholic faith.

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Questions Covered:

02:00 – I’m not Catholic because I don’t understand purgatory.
29:04 – I left Catholicism, I’m Baptist and don’t really go to church anymore but still follow Jesus. I think we should confess directly to God and not have to go through a priest.
43:09 – I work with a dispensationalist. I want to talk to her about the Old Testament prophecies but before I do, I would like to know, were all the prophecies fulfilled?
49:17 – My children are no longer practicing Catholics. They were never confirmed. If they were to return, what would they have to do?
53:08 – I’m on my way to becoming Catholic. How do I answer the Protestant objection that Catholics have no infallible list of infallible dogmas?

#12639 Why Aren’t You Catholic? Marriage, Mary, and Nicaea - Jimmy Akin Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

“Why aren’t you Catholic?” This episode addresses a range of concerns, including the reasons some converts cite for their Protestant faith, such as dreams and personal experiences. Other topics include the belief that there is no marriage in heaven and questions surrounding Marian devotion and the significance of the Council of Nicaea.

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Questions Covered:

02:00 – I’m a recent convert and never had this question answered. I’ve heard of Muslims who convert due to dreams but when they convert, they become protestant. Is there a theory as to why?
16:50 – I’m not Catholic because there is no marriage in heaven and I would feel incomplete without femininity
29:01 – I’m not Catholic because of Marian devotion and the holy days of obligation.
46:37 – I’m an ex-Catholic because of Nicaea and how Catholics break from the Jesus described in the council and your understanding of his divinity.

#12638 Why Arent You Catholic? Purgatory, Indulgences, Salvation - Joe Heschmeyer Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

“Why aren’t you Catholic?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of faith, including the roles of purgatory and indulgences in salvation. Other topics include the significance of the feast of Saint Joseph and the challenges faced by those considering the SSPX. The conversation also touches on perspectives from Anglo-Catholics regarding papal infallibility.

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Questions Covered:

03:00 – The feast of Saint Joseph
11:39 – I’m not Catholic because I don’t understand purgatory and indulgences and how they relate to salvation.
29:03 – My father was one of 13 and all the boy’s middle name was Joseph.
33:37 – I am Catholic but 3 women in my life are SSPX and are very convincing. Why should I not join?
45:44 – I’m an Anglo-Catholic. I’m not convinced of Papal Infallibility.

#12637 Why Don’t We Have Mass on Good Friday? Communion and Lent - Tom Nash Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

“Why don’t we have Mass on Good Friday?” This question opens a discussion on the significance of this solemn day in the Catholic tradition. Other topics include the obligations of Jewish converts to Christianity, the participation of Protestant converts in Communion, and the appropriateness of saying Hallelujah during Lent.

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Questions Covered:

04:00 – Why don’t we have mass on Good Friday?
10:12 – If a Jew converts to Christianity he has to believe Jesus is God but does he also have to follow the commandments of the Torah?
21:46 – If Protestant Converts have already been baptized and believe in Transubstantiation, why aren’t they allowed to fully participate in the fullness by receiving communion?
30:55 – If My husband and I are done having kids, how do we proceed without violating Catholic teaching?
43:58 – Can we say Hallelujah during Lent outside of Mass?
47:36 – I notice my Catholic friends’ religious views become political. What’s with the trend? What’s with things like the Latin Mass?
52:25 – Is it mandatory to say “One God, forever and ever” at the end of the Collect?
54:25 – If major transformations are rooted in God, why would we need to become Catholic?
01:00 – The feast of Saint Joseph
11:39 – I’m not Catholic because I don’t understand purgatory and indulgences and how they relate to salvation.
29:03 – My father was one of 13 and all the boy’s middle name was Joseph.
33:37 – I am Catholic but 3 women in my life are SSPX and are very convincing. Why should I not join?
45:44 – I’m an Anglo-Catholic. I’m not convinced of Papal Infallibility.

#12636 How Does Baptism Save Us? Evidence, Immersion, and Belief - Brayden Cook Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

“How Does Baptism save us?” This question opens a discussion on the Biblical evidence supporting baptism’s role in salvation. Other topics include the Catholic Church’s stance on full immersion baptisms, the significance of being marked with a seal in Ephesians 1:13, and the validity of baptisms performed in Protestant churches.

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Questions Covered:

01:30 – What’s the Biblical Evidence That Baptism Saves Us?
11:42 – Why does the Catholic Church not employ full immersion Baptisms?
15:14 – I’m a recent convert. Ephesians 1:13 having belief in him you were marked with a Seal, how is that different from being baptized?
20:41 – Would the Church accept a baptism that was administered in Protestant Church, if the protestant minister preached that baptism was just a symbol?
29:45 – Orthodox teach full immersion baptism, why doesn’t Roman rite do full immersion?
35:54 – How does baptism assist us in avoiding sin?
47:20 – In an emergency baptism how would the church validate it?
50:00 – People who return want to be re-baptized. Is it a misplaced desire?

#12635 Did Catholics Remove the Gospel of Thomas? Canon Explained Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

“Did Catholics remove the Gospel of Thomas?” This question opens a discussion about the origins and decisions surrounding the biblical canon. The conversation also touches on why the letter of Clement was excluded, the identity of James in the New Testament, and the Catholic perspective on the Jewish scriptures.

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Questions Covered:

00:40 – Senator Talarico claims that Christian removed the Gospel of Thomas from the Bible. Can you tell us what the Gospel of Thomas is, and did Catholics remove this book, or any book from the Bible?
16:47 – Why was the letter of Clement not included in Canon?
19:49 – Is the Book of James the James who is the bigshot in Acts?
20:58 – Does the presbyterian church that Tarlrico belongs to believe that women must become men to enter Heaven as stated in the Gospel of Thomas?
29:16 – How does the Catholic faith view the books of scripture that Jews adhere hear to and which books of scripture are part of Catholic canon and not protestant?
36:55 – If Hannukah (a high holy day) which is only mentioned in Maccabees, but protestants leave Maccabees out of their canon, how can this be if they base their canon on Jewish canon?
46:04 – Are any of the letters attributed to Paul actually written by anyone else?
53:00 – What do you make of the stories of Jesus as a young boy?

#12634 How Should We Approach Modesty? Culture, Dress, and Respect - Catherine Rose Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

“How should we approach modesty?” This question opens a discussion on the cultural sensitivities surrounding dress and respect. The conversation also touches on how the Church can promote proper attire at Mass and the responsibilities men have regarding custody of the eyes, highlighting the importance of respectful presentation in a faith community.

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Questions Covered:

33:33 – How do we consider the different geographic and culture sensitivities to dress when it comes to modesty?
40:27 – How can the Church restore a renewed sense of proper and respectful dress at Mass?
44:29 – What responsibility do men have when it comes to custody of the eyes?
51:45 – At her parish the pastor has instilled a presentable dress code for volunteers during Mass which is setting and example for the congregation.

#12633 Why Oppose Assisted Suicide? – Why Are You Pro-Choice? - Emily Dinneny Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

“Why oppose assisted suicide?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of suffering and the value of life, touching on personal experiences of trauma and the lack of resources for healing. The conversation also addresses the role of legislation in protecting the unborn and the implications for fathers in abortion decisions, highlighting the multifaceted nature of these ethical issues.

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Questions Covered:

12:54 – Why would we be against wanting to end their own life if they are suffering?
21:00 – I was abused growing up and considered assisted suicide and didn’t have the resources necessary to deal with the trauma.
32:22 – Is legislation the most grace filled way to protect the unborn?
41:18 – What is the Church’s stance on passing legislation that would punish abortion providers and people who procure abortions; should they be punished as murderers?
48:32 – What about Father’s who are completely left out of the decision if the child is aborted or not?

#12632 How to Respond to Jesus as “Just a Wise Teacher” - Tom Nash Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

“How do we respond to the claim Jesus was just a wise teacher?” This question opens a discussion on the true nature of Christ, while also addressing concerns from new converts about finding a parish in communion with Rome, the historical use of priestly vestments, and the implications of Jesus’ words in John 20:17 regarding the hypostatic union.

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Questions Covered:

01:45 – How do we respond to the Claim Jesus was Just a Wise Teacher?
10:56 – I’m new to the faith, getting baptized soon, and I’m going back into the Army. I’ve seen a lot of heretical things in parishes. As I move to a new station, how do I navigate making sure I’m in a parish and diocese that is in communion with Rome?
18:56 – When did Catholic priests start using vestments?
22:07 – I am dogsitting for a family member who is out of town, and they have tarot cards in the house. What should I do with them?
30:49 – In John 20:17 Jesus calls God “my God and your God.” Is Jesus worshipping the Father because of the hypostatic union? Would that have also been the case before the Incarnation? Does the Holy Spirit worship the Father?
36:49 – If Jesus would be born today, would he still have died for our sins, considering how bad things are?
43:58 – When Moses wrote the creation story, what were his sources — where did he get it from?
48:40 – I am in OCIA. I am feeling spiritual attacks and temptation to backslide. Are these attacks to be expected as I enter the final weeks before entering the Church?
50:57 – What are good books to read or something to listen to learn about the faith? I watch you guys and Joe Heschmeyer. I want to dive into some more source material, like the stuff you guys draw from.
53:20 – Why is Joseph not mentioned much in the Bible?

#12631 Did Jesus Fulfill the Messiah Prophecy? Pilate, Infalibility - William Albrecht Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

“Did Jesus fulfill the prophecy of the Messiah?” This question opens a discussion that also touches on why Pilate didn’t gather evidence during Jesus’ trial, the nature of Jesus’ last name, and the Church’s infallibility. The conversation navigates through various theological inquiries, providing clarity on these important topics.

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Questions Covered:

03:00 – Did Jesus Fulfill the Prophecy of the Messiah?
10:43 – When Jesus came before Pilate, why didn’t Pilate try to gather any kind of evidence?
14:27 – What is Jesus’ last name?
18:59 – How would you convince a Buddhist to become Catholic?
22:06 – Was Nestorius wrongly condemned at the counsel of Ephesus? Why were Chalcedonians accused of sounding Nestorian?
29:07 – When is the Church infallible and when is she not?
32:33 – If Jesus was a Jew, why are we not all Jewish?
36:34 – What is the Gospel of Thomas, who wrote it, and why is it considered an apocryphal book?
41:26 – Who was the human author of Genesis? Was it first an oral tradition that was written down later?
45:09 – Last week I thought I heard on this show that when Christ was crucified he set aside his divinity so he could fully experience the pain and suffering of sin. That sounds off to me, is that right?
53:14 – I am converting from a Jewish background. I’d like to share resources to the previous caller about being a Jewish Catholic.

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