Catholic Answers Live

Latest Episodes:

#12624 Who Received the First Eucharist? Real Presence and Prayer - Karlo Broussard Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

“Who received the first Eucharist?” This question opens a discussion on the significance of the Eucharist and the scriptural evidence for the real presence of Christ. Other topics include how to address Catholics who feel more fulfilled in Protestant services, the morality of the death penalty, and the rationale behind the Hail Mary prayer in the rosary.

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Questions Covered:

01:34 – Who received the first eucharist? Which scripture is the best to show as evidence for the real presence?
12:23 – How do we respond when a Catholic says they are getting more out of going to a Protestant church? How do we bring them back?
22:49 – How is the death penalty an immoral thing, and why is it changed for the first time in history?
37:30 – What is the response to the justification that the reformation is valid because the reformers followed the example of the apostles being kicked out of the temple?
42:05 – I see a lot of inconsistencies in the Catholic Church. I have an issue because if Doctrine can change how can I agree with what will change in the future?
51:24 – Why do Catholics pray the hail mary so much during the rosary? Isn’t it against scripture?

#12623 How Do I Explain James 2 to Protestants? Canon and Tradition - Karlo Broussard Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

“How do I explain James 2 to Protestants?” This question opens a discussion on the Catholic understanding of faith and works, while also addressing how we determine the canon of Scripture and the role of tradition in the Church. Other topics include the significance of traditions like kissing the bishop’s ring and the implications of 2 Timothy 3:16-17 for interpreting Scripture.

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Questions Covered:

13:13 – How do we figure out the canon? Are the books self attesting. Why does the Holy Spirit give infallibility to the Church but the Holy Spirit does not give infallibility to individuals?
20:31 – I’m entering into the Church and recently met my bishop. Are traditions like kissing the bishop’s ring still necessary? Why or why not?
31:50 – How do I explain the Catholic approach to James 2 to Protestants?
42:11 – What are our areas of disagreement apart from Sola Scriptura?
49:11 – What does it mean when it says all scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16-17?

#12622 How Can Catholics Hold Councils Without Orthodox Bishops? - William Albrecht Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

“How can Catholics hold councils without Orthodox bishops?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of ecclesiastical authority and governance. Additionally, the episode addresses whether one must be Catholic to be saved, the Orthodox perspective on the Immaculate Conception, and the differing views on the Filioque in the Creed.

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Questions Covered:

01:45 – How can Catholics still hold councils without the Orthodox bishops?
12:12 – Do you have to be Catholic in order to be saved?
15:15 – What’s the Orthodox view of Immaculate Conception? Is the Orthodox canon different from ours?
20:25 – Leo III wouldn’t add the Filioque to the Creed and gave his reasons?. Did the pope who added it ever give an explanation as to why?
28:43 – Is it ok for Catholics to accept the Ethiopian canon description of Jesus?
30:18 – I’ve heard some Orthodox say they don’t adore Jesus in the Eucharist because they view it as food. Is this uniform thought?
33:33 – How can a non-Christian evaluate the competing claim of the Eastern Orthodox who also claims apostolic authority?
39:21 – Why does the Eastern Orthodox allow contraception and Catholics don’t?
43:55 – Can a person who became Eastern Orthodox from Catholicism just jump back and forth? How can Eastern Orthodox justify 3 sacramental marriages?
48:12 – Do you think the Catholics and all other churches will ever fully reunite?

#12621 What Are the Top Reasons for Gospel Reliability? St. Luke, Eyewitnesses - Cy Kellett Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

“What are the top reasons for Gospel reliability?” This question opens a discussion on the foundational aspects that affirm the Gospels’ trustworthiness, including the significance of eyewitness accounts. Other topics include the challenges posed by Bart Ehrman regarding Jesus’ words, the role of St. Luke among the apostles, and the criteria used to determine authentic Gospels versus apocryphal texts.

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Questions Covered:

02:10 – What are the top 3 reasons for the reliability of the gospels?
29:07 – Have you considered the work of Bart Ehrman and his problems with what Jesus really said?
35:56 – Is it safe to assume that St. Luke was one of the 72 that was originally sent out?
42:27 – How did they figure out which gospels were the actual eye witnesses and others weren’t like the gospel of Thomas?
46:49 – How would you go about balancing knowing the bible is the word of God and knowing humans had some influence on it?
50:44 – How would you compare the reliability of transmission of the NT compared to the Quran and the Hadiths?

#12620 Why Two Catholic Masses? Answers on Latin Mass AMA: Dropped Calls - Jimmy Akin Mar 07, 2026

Show notes

Why does the Catholic Church have both the Traditional Latin Mass and the modern form of the Mass—and how should you explain the difference without getting pulled into “liturgy wars”? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists address this common question before diving into a wide range of topics. They explore whether charging interest is still considered usury, how just war theory applies to rebellions, and how historical cases like the Knights Templar fit with Church law. The episode also explains the role of baptism in justification, offers arguments against naturalism, and gives practical advice for strengthening Catholic marriages. Additional questions include how to understand Peter’s denial of Jesus and what it means for salvation. A rich discussion covering liturgy, moral theology, and everyday Catholic life. Questions Covered: 05:32 – I attend the Tridentine Mass Almost exclusively at my ‘local’ FSSP parish. I have a friend seeking the Catholic Church who asked me ‘why do you have two different masses in the Western Rite? Why don’t you just attend the regular English one?’ I often say that I am drawn to the beauty and simplicity of it. How do we respond to this simply without dragging them into the so-called ‘liturgy wars’? How do we respond given the restrictions placed on the older masses? Basically, how do we address this difference to those outside the church? Do I just keep a response about ‘preferences of the faithful’? 11:46 – The Church has been quite vocal against usury over the centuries. Is it still defined as any lending of money at interest? How does this notion square with the idea of a variable money supply? Would things like bank accounts, bonds, cds or stocks still be considered illicit? Has there been any recent guidance from the magisterium? 19:02 – Does just war theory apply to rebellions? Historically, I’m thinking of Irish wars against the British Empire and slave revolts of African-descended peoples in the Americas, including during the U.S. Civil War. What would be the conditions of jus ad bellum in cases like these or any other group dealing with an oppressor? 28:46 – Canon 7 of Chalcedon forbids clergy and monks from war and holding secular office. How then did the Knights Templar, and bishops such as the bishop of Andorra, who also holds title of Co-Prince of Andorra, not violate this? 34:03 – How does baptism fit with “faith alone working through love?” Can someone with “faith alone working through love” be initially justified apart from baptism? 19:44 – What do you think is the most convincing argument/thought exercise against naturalism/empricism (or at least what the average indifferent secular person thinks they believe). 46:29 – What is your best advice for a married Catholic couple to strengthen their bond in marriage? Your stories about you and Renee are always so beautiful (the blue birds especially). Also thanks for being a Catholic cowboy. I grew up Southern Baptist, and seeing a southern Catholic gentleman do apologetics is really cool. 50:51 – Peter denied Jesus 3 times. After the cock crows three times he ran away in shame. What if he falls, hits his head and dies after this? Would his soul be in danger of damnation?

#12619 What If We’re Misunderstanding the Bible? AMA Dropped Calls - Jimmy Akin Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

What if Christians today are misunderstanding what God really meant in Scripture? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists address a thoughtful concern about biblical translation and interpretation, explaining how the Church safeguards authentic teaching across centuries. The discussion also covers how to discern and use your God-given talents responsibly, why there isn’t a simple official Vatican list of all dogmas, and whether belief in Marian dogmas is required for justification. Additional questions explore the nature of election and free will, whether artificial intelligence could ever possess consciousness, and whether uncertainty around ex cathedra statements challenges papal infallibility. A wide-ranging and intellectually engaging conversation on faith, reason, and modern questions.

Questions Covered:

01:47 – Knowing that the Bible and other texts have been translated over the centuries… what if how they’re understood now, by any faith, is wrong? What if God is sitting in heaven, looking down and thinking, “that’s not what I meant at all”? If it matters, I’m a convert to Catholicism from the Baptist church (and it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made by the way), I just think about weird stuff like this from time to time watching the debates about who’s right and who’s wrong or the meaning of things we now read in translated texts.
12:00 – When you have more than 1 talent and competing basic life priorities, what’s the most prudent way to act in a pleasing manner to God so as to not be at fault for neglecting a gift from God.
17:33 – Why is there no official Vatican list of Catholic Dogmas? Google has its own searchable list of 255 dogmas. But, you would think….
30:27 – Is justification predicated upon belief on your four Marian dogmas.
35:46 – Would it be fair to say there are two steps to being considered elect? That is to say God elects everyone (calls them to salvation and has a plan for them in place) but that our cooperation with his grace makes that initial unconditional election conditional on our acceptance and continued faithfulness?
43:18 – Can something like AI ever gain consciousness and what should we make of it if it does or doesn’t and on what grounds?
51:20 – Isn’t the fact that we can’t precisely define how many Papal statements have been made “ex cathedra” a problem for Papal Infallibility?

#12618 Why Don’t Jews Accept Jesus as Messiah? AMA Dropped Calls - Karlo Broussard Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

Why didn’t the Jewish people of Jesus’ time—and many today—accept Him as the Messiah? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists explore this foundational question before diving into others on the core of Christian belief. They explain the evidence for the resurrection, whether Pascal’s Wager could justify belief in the Eucharist, and if our prayers can override God’s will. The episode also unpacks St. Augustine’s famous reflection on the Trinity, clarifies what indulgences really are, and examines difficult biblical passages like 1 Corinthians 15:29. Finally, they address why the Catholic Church accepts Protestant baptisms but not confirmations, and how to respond to claims that infant baptism isn’t found in Scripture.

Questions Covered:

04:21 – What is it about Jesus that the Jews of his time and today still don’t accept him as messiah and considered him sacrilegious?
12:14 – What are the reasons to believe in the resurrection? What convinced you? 
17:40 – If we did pascals wager with the eucharist, If we’re wrong, is it idolatry?
21:10 – Do our prayers override God’s will?
28:40 – Could you expound on the story of Augustine trying to understand the Trinity? (The story of Augustine seeing a boy trying to fill a hole with the ocean.)
36:15 – I don’t understand indulgences. Can you help clarify what they mean?
43:55 – What is the Catholic position on 1 Cor. 15:29?
49:49 – Why is baptism in a Christian denomination accepted to join the Catholic Faith, but confirmation is not?
51:16 – We have friends that say they can’t find infant Baptism in the bible. How do I respond?

#12617 Is IVF Ever Moral? Catholic Answers on IVF, and Dropped Calls - Karlo Broussard Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

Is IVF ever morally acceptable for Catholics facing infertility? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists tackle challenging questions about Catholic teaching on human life, Scripture, and Mary. The discussion begins with how to respond when someone believes IVF is their only option, followed by questions about consent and pregnancy, whether Ezekiel 18 contradicts original sin, and how the Church responds to the claim of total depravity. The episode also explains what the Magisterium is, whether Revelation 12 refers to Mary or Israel, the evidence for Mary’s sinlessness, why Catholics honor Mary above John the Baptist, and how spiritual beings like angels can engage in battle. A thoughtful exploration of Catholic doctrine and biblical interpretation.

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Questions Covered:

01:55 – How can I answer someone who isn’t Catholic and the only solution is IVF?
08:15 – Do Catholics minimize consent? The example: Just because a person consents to sex does not mean they consent to impregnation.
15:14 – What’s the Catholic response to the claim that Ezekiel 18:20-21 argues against original sin?
20:31 – Since the bible describes original sin as impacting the whole person, it seems like it teaches the doctrine of total depravity, which the Catholic Church rejects.
28:51 – Could you explain what the magisterium is?
33:36 – Is Rev 12:1-18 about Mary or Israel
40:40 – I struggle with Mary being perfect? What proof do we have that she led a sinless life?
47:25 – Why do we believe that Mary was greater than John the Baptist when Jesus says he is the greatest?
50:30 – How can spirit creatures do battle, regarding the battle of angels?

#12616 Did Constantine Rig the Council of Nicea? Early Church Issues - William Albrecht Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

“Did Constantine rig the Council of Nicea?” This question opens a discussion on early Church issues, including the specifics of the canon established at the Council of Florence and the complexities surrounding the organization of the early Church. Other topics include the role of Protestant pastors in critiquing Catholicism and the scriptural basis for attending Mass and confession.

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Questions Covered:

02:30 – Did Constantine rig the Council of Nicea?
07:51 – What is the specific canon of the council of Florence (1422) whereby the Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Coptics all agreed on the 73 book canon of scripture?
12:40 – How can we help stop this war in the Middle East? What can I do?
16:51 – How do I respond to a Protestant claim citing Eamon Duffy’s book, Saints and Sinners, that Clement never makes the claim to be a bishop, that his letter from the whole Roman community (not just him), and that the church at that time was organized under a group of bishops, not a single bishop.
21:32 – Why do Protestant pastors feel compelled to put down the Catholic faith? If they don’t believe it, why don’t they just leave us alone?
29:12 – Where is it in scripture that we need to attend Mass once a week and go to confession once a year? And are there any exceptions for people who can’t get there (like if they can’t drive).
34:09 – Why do all of the apostolic Churches like the Oriental Orthodox have different canons on scripture and different christologies?
41:08 – If my mother and father are in Purgatory, do they know each other in Purgatory? Can souls in Purgatory pray for each other?
46:28 – In the early church, how did they know how to consecrate the bread and wine at Mass?
49:10 – How does the Catholic Church view the development of the election of a pope changing from Roman clergy to the College of Cardinals?
51:48 – I’ve heard people say that Peter and Paul had different gospel messages, and that since I’m American, I’m a gentile, therefore I should follow Paul instead of Peter.

#12615 Is It Appropriate to Pray the Rosary During Mass? Annulments, Eucharist - Tom Nash Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

“Is it appropriate to pray the Rosary during Mass?” This question opens a discussion on the integration of personal devotion within communal worship. Other topics include why many Catholic parishes serve only bread during Communion, the historical context of the Holy Family’s journey to Egypt, and the process of seeking annulments while preparing for the sacraments.

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Questions Covered:

03:30 – Is it appropriate to pray the Rosary during Mass?
17:03 – I’m not Catholic. Why do many Catholic churches only give the bread and not the wine? It seems like if we’re following scripture it should be both.
29:15 – I heard that when the Holy Family went to Egypt they were robbed by two thieves, and these same thieves were crucified with Jesus. Is this true?
33:33 – My wife and I are going through OCIA. Both of us are seeking annulments for our previous marriages. The annulments will likely not be done by Easter. Can we still receive the sacrament of reconciliation?
43:11 – Could the new Mass of Paul VI be considered a new rite? Especially considering the new Eucharistic prayers, and the fact that the Roman Canon is not required?
45:21 – What are your thoughts on making noise in the church before Mass begins? Should it be silent preparation, or should we greet and talk to people? Or somewhere in between?
50:07 – Is Aquinas’ belief that Jesus did not have the theological virtue of Faith a doctrine of the Church? Or is it just Aquinas’ opinion?

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