Catholic Answers Live

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#12882 Every Question on Baptism Answered Part 2 - Brayden Cook Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

Does the New Testament require baptism by full immersion, or can baptism also be performed by pouring or sprinkling? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Brayden Cook responds to major Protestant objections to the Catholic understanding of baptism. He explains what baptism washes away in infants, whether Paul’s comparison between baptism and circumcision supports infant baptism, and what Mark 16:16 teaches about the necessity of baptism. Brayden also examines whether Cornelius receiving the Holy Spirit before baptism proves that regeneration occurs apart from the sacrament, whether the thief on the cross disproves baptismal necessity, and whether Scripture requires personal belief before baptism. Finally, he addresses how Catholics can say baptism washes away sin while also affirming that it is Christ’s blood that cleanses us from all sin.

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Questions Covered:

03:29 – Where does the New Testament authorize pouring or sprinkling instead of immersion?
11:50 – If infants have committed no personal sins, what sins does baptism wash away—and where does Scripture say that Adam’s guilt is removed through infant baptism?
16:45 – Is the Catholic comparison between baptism and circumcision (Col. 2:11–12) really valid, or does the new covenant require conscious faith rather than mere physical descent?
20:55 – If baptism is necessary for salvation, why does Mark 16:16 say that the one who does not believe is condemned, rather than the one who is not baptized?
25:05 – Cornelius received the Holy Spirit before he was baptized (Acts 10:44–48). Doesn’t that prove he was already regenerated and saved before baptism?
36:40 – The thief on the cross was promised paradise without being baptized (Luke 23:39–43). Doesn’t that disprove the claim that baptism is necessary?
46:10 – Don’t Jesus’ words, “Whoever believes and is baptized” (Mark 16:16), establish the biblical order: personal belief first, baptism afterward?
51:21 – If Christ’s blood cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7), why does the Catholic Church claim that baptism washes away sin?

#12881 Every Question on Baptism Answered Part 1 - Brayden Cook Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

If faith comes through hearing the gospel and believing in Christ brings salvation, what does baptism actually add? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Brayden Cook responds to some of the strongest objections to the Catholic understanding of baptism. He addresses what happens to those who never hear the gospel, the biblical and historical evidence for infant baptism, and whether requiring baptism contradicts salvation by grace through faith apart from works. The discussion also examines whether baptism is merely an outward symbol or actually brings regeneration, what 1 Peter 3:21 means when it says “baptism now saves you,” whether being “born of water and the Spirit” in John 3 refers to baptism, and why Catholics baptize using the Trinitarian formula despite Acts describing baptism “in the name of Jesus.”

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Questions Covered:

02:18 – Paul says that faith comes through hearing the gospel (Rom. 10:17). If hearing and believing bring salvation, what does baptism actually add?
11:30 – If baptism is necessary for salvation, what happens to people who never hear the gospel or are never taught that they must be baptized?
20:45 – If infant baptism is apostolic, why is there no unambiguous example of it in Scripture—and what is the earliest historical evidence that Christians actually practiced it?
29:10 – If we are justified by faith apart from works (Rom. 3:28; Eph. 2:8–9), why does the Catholic Church insist that the work of baptism is necessary for salvation?
31:15 – Isn’t baptism simply an outward sign that someone has already been saved, rather than a sacrament that actually causes regeneration?
36:00 – Doesn’t 1 Peter 3:21 explicitly deny that physical washing saves and locate salvation instead in an appeal—or pledge—of a good conscience toward God?
46:50 – If Jesus meant baptism when he said we must be “born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5), why didn’t he simply say “baptized”?
51:45 – Why does the Catholic Church use the Trinitarian formula of Matthew 28:19 when Acts repeatedly describes baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5)?

#12880 Why Didn’t Liber Pontificalis Make It Into Scripture? Proofs for God, Debate Tips - Jimmy Akin Sep 05, 2026

Show notes

“Why didn’t Liber Pontificalis make it into Scripture?” This question opens a discussion on the criteria for canonization, alongside inquiries about the origins of the Star of David and the Catholic perspective on annihilationism. The episode also touches on effective debate strategies and compelling proofs for God’s existence, showcasing a rich variety of topics.

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Questions Covered:

05:07 – I’m a convert. Why didn’t liber pontificalis make it into the canon of scripture?
11:20 – Where does the Star of David come from?
29:27 – Why do you deny annihilationism? How do Catholics view Matthew 10:28?
49:35 – What is the best proof for God from the Catholic perspective? How do you debate with someone in a way where they will listen to you and not put them down?

#12879 Is Jesus Directly Related to King David? Authority and Silence - Jimmy Akin Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

“Is Jesus Directly related to King David?” This question delves into the nature of Jesus’ lineage and his connection to the royal line. Additionally, the discussion touches on how to argue from authority without reaching a stalemate, the challenges of the argument from silence in apologetics, and advice for first-time catechists teaching elementary students.

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Questions Covered:

03:03 – How is Jesus actually related to King David? Is he just one of many family members, or is he the direct descendent in the royal line? Or something else?
17:24 – How does one argue from authority when they have an intellectual based argument. How do you not end in a stalemate?
28:54 – Can you elaborate on why the argument from silence doesn’t work in your book Evidence for Christ?
41:08 – Did Jesus disobey the commandment to honor his parents when he was found in the temple?
47:51 – I’m starting to teach catechism to elementary kids. What advice would you have for a first time catechist? How does one evangelize one’s parents?

#12878 What Do Catholics Get Wrong About the Eucharist and Mass? - Tom Nash Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

“What do Catholics get wrong about the Eucharist and Mass?” This episode addresses common misconceptions, including what happens in heaven during Mass and the moment of transubstantiation. Other questions tackle the significance of the Creed’s mention of judgment and the proper timing for taking a seat after communion, providing a well-rounded discussion on the liturgy.

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Questions Covered:

01:00 – What do Catholics get wrong about the Mass?
09:46 – What happens in heaven during the mass?
16:04 – At what point does transubstantiation happen?
19:34 – Why does the Creed say Jesus will come back to judge the living and the dead? Why the dead?
21:45 – After taking communion and most of the church is still kneeling, when is it the correct time to take a seat?
29:08 – Why do priests have to convalidate masses?
32:23 – When the priest reads the gospel he makes the sign of the cross on his forehead, lips, and heart. Is this action supposed to be reserved for the priest and not for the laity to imitate?
36:13 – I went to a Mass where a priest did not wash his hands before the consecration and said the word from memory but changed the words. Was it a valid mass?
42:59 – How do I explain that the eucharist is under the appearance of bread but is fully Jesus?
46:20 – Are people who go to mass who believe the eucharist is just a symbol committing a sin when they receive communion?
51:02 – The church doesn’t allow the scattering of ashes but at the same time there are churches and catacombs made with body parts. How does one reconcile this?

#12877 What Do Catholics Get Wrong About Confession and Grace? - Marcellino D'Ambrosio Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

“What do Catholics get wrong about Confession and Grace?” This episode addresses common misconceptions about the sacrament of Confession, including struggles with repeated sins and the implications of mortal sin on receiving communion. Additional questions cover the examination of conscience and the perspective of non-Catholics considering confession.

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Questions Covered:

05:30 – What do Catholics get wrong about Confession?
12:53 – I’m coming back to the Church. I’m struggling with confessing the same sin over and over again. Any advice?
19:31 – What if we have been to confession but didn’t become aware that something you had done prior to something was a mortal sin until after? Can you still receive communion?
28:45 – Examination of Conscience
33:09 – I’m a Baptist and see the value of confession. What would I need to consider before approaching that?
36:17 – Growing up I was told that if you went to confession, it’s as though I never committed sin. But now I hear that if I go to confession, I will be punished for things I committed many years ago. Can you clarify?
46:13 – My 7-year-old grandson is mortified by the idea of telling someone his sins. What can I say to console him?
50:48 – Can only Catholic priests administer the sacrament of confession? Vatican 2 opens protestant services offering reconciliation.

#12876 How Can the Early Church Guide You to Becoming Catholic? - William Albrecht Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

“How can the Early Church guide you to becoming Catholic?” This question opens a discussion on the foundational teachings and traditions that shape Catholic faith today. Additionally, the conversation touches on why pro-choice Catholics are allowed to receive communion and the generational divide in perspectives among Catholics, particularly regarding the reverence of Gen Z.

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Questions Covered:

04:08 – How can the Early Church guide people to becoming Catholic?
15:35 – I’m a revert. Why do priests, bishops, cardinals allow pro choice Catholics receive communion?
35:52 – I notice a generational divide among Catholics . The older generation tends to look down upon Gen Z Catholics even though they tend to be more reverent and faithful to Christ and the Church.

#12875 Why Should a Baptist Consider Catholicism? Divorce and Faith - Brayden Cook Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

“Why should a Baptist consider Catholicism?” This question opens a discussion on the faith’s appeal, especially for those navigating complex issues like divorce and remarriage. Other topics include addressing anti-Catholic sentiments from neighbors and clarifying misconceptions about the Church’s origins. The conversation also touches on personal journeys of faith and the challenges of differing beliefs within families.

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Questions Covered:

02:41 – Why Should a Baptist Consider Catholicism?
04:59 – I grew up Baptist and am now considering Catholicism. But I’m not Catholic because I’m divorced and remarried.
14:33 – I’m a catechumen. My neighbor is Anti-Catholic and claims the Church is from King Nimrod and not from Christ. How do I steer him to a proper understanding of Catholicism?
25:05 – I spoke to an SSPX priest who claimed the Catholic Church was within the church of God but not the Church of God. How do you respond to this?
40:32 – I’m becoming Catholic, but my wife is not. How do you respond when someone concedes that the early church did look Catholic, but it doesn’t matter since they’ve already received the fruits of Christianity?
47:10 – I’m no longer Catholic. I don’t understand why so many religions say that their way is the only way. Why go back to the Catholic Church? Something inside of me wants to go back but I don’t want to.

#12874 How Do We Worship the Same God as Muslims? Mary and IVF - Karlo Broussard Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

“How do we worship the same God as Muslims?” This question opens a discussion on the theological connections and differences between Christianity and Islam. Additionally, the episode addresses why some Protestants might struggle with the concept of the Eucharist, the appropriateness of shielding children from secular media, and the Catholic understanding of salvation beyond faith alone.

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Questions Covered:

02:13 – How do you explain to protestant why God wants us to eat him?
17:53 – Is it overboard to shield kids from secular media like animated movies such as Madagascar?
19:10 – Is it overboard to shield kids from secular media like animated movies such as Madagascar?
24:06 – A friend told me that if you accept Jesus as your savior you are saved but we Catholics believe there’s a few more things we need to do. Why would God prevent us from going to heaven if we don’t do those extra things?
42:06 – Can you explain to me how it is that we worship the same God as Muslims if they reject the Trinity?
47:52 – I have family who used IVF and conceived children. Is this something that’s forgivable since it has already resulted in children who I love very much?
52:04 – Are Mary’s Assumption and sinlessness found in the bible?

#12873 How Do We Know Right From Wrong? Free Will and Salvation - Karlo Broussard Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

“How do we know right from wrong?” This question opens a discussion on morality, free will, and salvation, addressing the complexities of ethical understanding. Additional topics include the Catholic perspective on salvation and evangelization in relation to Protestant beliefs, as well as personal faith journeys and theological concepts like the hypostatic union.

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Questions Covered:

03:35 – How do we know right from wrong?
19:08 – My sister and brother-in-law are protestant. They were on a retreat where they were told a select group of people who were chosen to be saved while the rest of us have free will, thus the need to evangelize. What’s the Catholic position on this point?
34:00 – I was confirmed at 16 and fell away for 20 years. I don’t feel like I was confirmed because I wasn’t a true believer. What can I do now that I am a true believer?
37:54 – Can you explain the hypostatic union and the Nestorian heresy?
45:57 – How do you know Martin Luther wasn’t right in the Reformation?

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