Catholic Answers Live

Questions covered: 16:25 – How do you answer a trans or gay person who tries to justify their lifestyle by saying “God made me this way”?  37:46 – I want to thank Jason for tweeting about St. Bernadette’s church in Scottsdale years ago. It’s what got me to go back to Mass.  41:44 – Do you think we as Catholics need to separate boys and girls at school more?  44:25 – I became promiscuous because I was Mad at God. How does someone deal with the pain and anger?  49:45 – I’d like to share how I overcame my desires when a priest in the confessional gave me the chastity prayer of St. Augustine.  52:31 – As a father of young girls, how can I tell them that not liking stereotypically feminine things isn’t a sign that they’re actually boys?  …

Questions Covered:  02:45 – What’s the difference between a plenary and partial indulgence and are in the bible?  08:15 – Why do Catholics worship statues?   18:27 – Is there evidence that Jesus ever existed?  24:05 – Why do Catholics call priests Father?  35:59 – I struggle with the Protestant interpretation of Hebrews 6:2?   42:54 – I struggle with eating the Blood and Body of Christ?  48:08 – I heard a priest share there are no more miracles after Peter. What do Catholics believe and how can there be a contradiction?    50:26 – Do Catholics believe Jesus didn’t finish the work of redemption?   …

Questions Covered:  09:56 – Why do apparitions only happen for Catholics and not other religions?  17:51 – Can you make the argument for indulgences?  24:11 – Why can’t priests be married?  34:48 – Why are the Saints depicted with halos?   43:50 – Why do we need to confess to a priest?   50:51 – How can I believe Catholicism when it seems to leave many things open to interpretation?  …

Questions Covered:  01:29 – Is there a parallel between Jeroboam breaking off the Northern Tribe and Protestantism?    12:33 – In 1 Timothy, Paul talks about qualification to become a Bishop you must have one wife. Can you explain what is meant by one wife?  17:52 – Traditionally Pilate is seen in a negative light, is it okay to see him in a more positive light?   23:41 – Can the Old Testament relationship between David and Johnathan be used to support same-sex relationship?  28:53 – The Greek word barjonah is used in Matthew 16:17. Is this evidence against Matthew being a Jewish author?   34:50 – How can I explain priest celibacy and how it changed?   43:36 – Can you share what is the Catholic interpretation of Ephesian 5?  51:11 -What is the correct translation of Genesis 3:15?   …

Questions Covered:  04:35 – When Christ comes back will he reinstitute animal sacrifices?   07:00 – How can I speak on the rapture since it is not in the Bible?   15:17 – Where in the New Testament does Jesus establish the priesthood?   16:17 – In Roman 13, what authority is meant when it states to submit to the government? 22:24 – Why does the Our Father prayer differ from the biblical line “deliver us for the evil one”?   29:24 – I heard God does not do evil, so he doesn’t harden people hearts. Does this conflict with the Old Testament when it say God will harden Pharaoh’s heart?    35:13 – What does the Bible say about civil litigation concerning priest abuse?  42:35 – How can you explain the teaching “turn the other cheek”?  49:49 – Why was the devil able to tempt Adam and Eve, but not Mary?   …

Questions covered: 03:35 – In John 17, when Jesus prays “that they may be one,” I can’t help but wonder if the way he phrases it there implies that the Church wouldn’t be one. Is that the case?  07:08 – What is the logical path from deism to Catholicism?  15:17 – Why was the death penalty allowed in some circumstances in the Old Testament when the person wasn’t a threat to the society?  28:55 – Why isn’t Thomas à Kempis a saint?  31:34 – What are Jimmy’s thoughts about how advanced ancient civilizations fit into the history of the Bible?  38:15 – Could a Catholic read Jesus’ teachings in terms of a midrasch?  42:40 – Were there two different creations of humans, since Genesis records two accounts?  45:52 – If there are ghosts haunting churches, what are their souls doing here on earth instead of being with the father?  51:27 – In a state of mortal sin, what helps are there for overcoming that sin?  …

Questions covered: 14:15 – I don’t know how to approach my son. He fell away and now he doesn’t want to hear anything about Jesus. 32:46 – Is there a difference in the way a Protestant would evangelize versus how a Catholic would? 43:59 – My Catholic sister-in-law is pro-choice and believes there’s “two different Catholics.” Whenever I try to talk to her she says “God tells us not to judge.” I’m stuck and don’t know how to move on from there. …

Questions Covered:  03:08 – In cases of annulment are the children from that marriage illegitimate?  07:16 – What is an interlinear Bible in the original to Spanish?  13:05 – What are the seven spirits of God in Revelation 5:6?   15:47 – Who would the people in 2 Maccabees 12:46 been praying for, since there weren’t Christians? 33:01 – How do I re-evangelize my aunt and Godmother who is Pentacostal?    …

Questions Covered:  07:00 – How do priests have the authority to Transubstantiate?  15:02 – Did the apostles receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders at the last supper?  21:17 – Why does Jesus refer to himself as the Son of Man in Mark 10:32 instead of saying I?    28:48 – How should I view Pope Francis’s revision to the Catechism on the death penalty with Pope Leo X?  41:00 – Can someone who doesn’t know Christ receive Salvation?  47:44 – I heard a Rabi say that the only unintentional sins were forgiven in the Old Testament. How was this fulfilled in the new covenant? 51:55 – I have heard that the Husband is the priest of the house. Who is the priest of the house when their isn’t a husband?  …

Questions Covered:  04:00 – Would the promise of the Brown Scapular apply to the second coming?  09:44 – How can I argue well against IVF?   17:42 – Why didn’t Eve and Adam have any children in the garden prior to the fall?   29:50 – Can I attend the wedding of my Mother-in-law to a man who hasn’t gone through the annulment process?   33:28 – Should I not receive the Eucharist if my marriage is not valid?   39:48 – I’ve heard people say there were English translations prior to William Tindale, what were those Bibles?   46:20 – Why do Eastern Rites receive Confirmation and Baptism as kids? 50:24 – What are the key differences between Catholic and Protestant beliefs on the end times theology?   …

Questions Covered:  08:17 – How can we navigate the idea of conversion for those who live in evangelical families?  17:45 – What is your favorite Advent tradition and why?  23:00 – Is it okay to listen to lonely themed music?  29:44 – Why didn’t Jesus explain exactly how things should be instead of speaking in parables?   32:24 – Do people in a state of sin face more negative thoughts or habitual patterns?  41:46 – Do we know what it means when Gabriel says the Spirit of God will overshadow Mary?  45:04 – Why don’t protestants recognize the early church fathers or apostolic succession?  50:07 – How should I interpret Mark 13 on the temple being destroyed in comparison to other passages?   …

Questions Covered: 02:59 – I attend a protestant church. What questions should I be asking the pastor? 12:46 – Am I going to heaven when I die? I was baptized in protestant church. 19:57 – I’m a recent convert. Why is mortal sin such a big deal if we can just go to confession? 29:36 – I’m in OCIA. I would like you to critique my reasoning on purgatory as I’m beginning to understand it. 34:32 – How do Catholics view salvation? 44:27 – What’s the difference between the elect of the Old Testament and the elect as Paul talks about in Romans 8? 52:05 – How do I respond to my protestant who brings up Mark 7:7-8 when I mention Thes. 2:15 during our discussion on tradition. …

Questions Covered: 08:45 – I got to church with my baptist husband. Is it hypocritical for them to use the Church Fathers to defend their faith? They quote Eusebius. 16:59 – As a protestant I’ve been looking into the Eucharist. Why are priests necessary for consecration? Is communion outside of the Catholic Church valid? 32:26 – Why do Catholics believe in purgatory? 44:21 – Why can babies be baptized if they can’t have faith? …

Questions Covered: 04:44 – Can my girlfriend and I get married sacramentally without having to get married civilly? 09:13 – I’m worried about my husband’s soul who passed away. What can I do to help him? 21:55 – Do Catholics believe that other denominations can go to heaven? 30:16 – How do I explain to my ex wife why I want to get our marriage annulled? 38:22 – Was Paul married? 46:46 – What is the best way to figure out which translation of early church writings to read? 53:50 – Do you have to request a mass to be said for you while you’re still alive? …

Questions Covered: 16:14 – My friend divorced over 40 years ago and never remarried. How would one find out if the spouse is still alive? Does the Church have a process of finding them? 18:44 – The Church Tribunal says I have to have witnesses of my husband’s unfaithfulness to get an annulment granted. Since there are no witnesses, am I stuck with this? 20:53 – My daughter married a divorced man in the Greek Orthodox Church. Does he have to go through the Orthodox Church for the annulment? 22:26 – Do marriages that don’t take place in a church need an annulment? Does the Church make it clear how serious marriage is during marriage prep? 30:55 – I watched your Coming Home Interview. I just wanted to thank you and show appreciation for all you do. 35:23 – My grandparents married outside of the Church but are now divorced. I worry about their salvation. How do I approach them about this? 38:46 – How confidential is the annulment process? 43:07 – I want to marry in the Church who is currently married and estranged from her husband so can’t file for annulment. What can the Church do to help? 47:37 – I’m a convert. What’s the basis for all the grounds for annulment? Is it from the bible or from Tradition? 51:16 – Do I have any interjection or right in a current annulment underway where the respondent will not respond due to being afraid or hurt? This man I question was also my husband? …

Questions Covered: 02:20 – In the sacrament of Holy Orders, clergy progress through ranks—deacon, priest, and bishop—implying they receive the sacrament multiple times, each with additional spiritual authority. Does this mean they receive the full sacrament once, with additional authority “unlocked” at each level, or is each stage more akin to receiving a fuller portion of the sacrament over time? If they receive the same sacrament with varying levels of authority, wouldn’t that mean Holy Orders is actually three different types of sacraments that are slight variations of each other? 08:25 – Mt 7:13-14. Is it wrong for me to read this as a motivational passage instead of a somber one? 13:17 – Will you do an episode of Mysterious World on our Lady of Champion? 15:47 – What are your thoughts on the mystic Luisa Piccarreta? 20:38 – How do we find a happy balance between taking responsibility for actions that lead to bad thing happening to us vs bad things just happening? 29:03 – What are your thoughts on Exodus 4:24? 35:38 – What is the best way to dispose of Catholic literature? 43:27 – Why is it that Catholicism removes consent and stewardship from its moral philosophy? 52:04 – How do I respectfully approach my pastor to bring back passing around the basket for the offertory? It was discontinued during COVID and never brought back. …

Questions Covered: 06:00 – Is a Catholic obliged to believe there are some philosophical arguments that prove the existence of God? 14:42 – What does Romans 8:17-23 mean? 21:11 – Could you summarize some of your favorite arguments for God? 29:30 – Are we supposed to rest on holy days of obligation? 32:55 – Is it a venial or mortal sin to not pay a debt back? 34:32 – Did the Council of Trent infallibly declare monogamy? 38:40 – What is a good way to go about reading St. Ignatius of Antioch and his seven letters? 44:27 – When Jesus says no one goes to the Father but through him, does this mean that all prayer has to go through Jesus? 49:25 – Regarding CCC 600 and time being immediately present. If God cannot tell whether a person is going to sin before a person is born. Then how can he know whether a person will sin? …

Question Covered: 10:41 – Could you expound on the idea of spiritual communion? 24:46 – Nicodemus misunderstood born from about, but St Paul discussed being born again as well. Can you expound on this? 32:44 – Can I work at a place that sells alcohol or vapes? Is me selling this making me guilty of causing others to sin? 44:23 – How do I reconcile the teachings of St Paul on enduring love and the reality of heartbreak in breakups and being told that a young person can’t know love? …

Questions Covered: 07:51 – I’m a recent convert but my wife is not. What should we do with our children in regards to baptism? 21:06 – What book do you recommend on the ecumenical councils and books not approved in the bible? 37:37 – Who was the person that appeared to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace? 46:22 – What is the criteria of deeming somebody a saint in heaven? …

Questions Covered: 09:45 – Does the Church allow for reception of the Eucharist outside of Mass? How has the Eucharist affected you personally? 21:15 – I got into a conversation with Baptists and after some back and forth they asked, from a Catholic perspective if it’s okay to be Baptist. How should I answer? 34:30 – What methodology do you use to know what parts of the bible to take literally? 43:24 – How would you respond to the question, who or what created God? …

Questions Covered: 09:06 – What is the Catholic view of Predestination? 22:39 – Are claims evidence? 32:08 – What is the consensus of the theologians and what degree of submission are we supposed to give to it? 41:09 – Will you have a relationship with your spouse after death? 49:03 – What are the best takeaways from the book of Jonah? …

Questions Covered: 07:16 – Why should we follow the natural law? 22:01 – Is it considered idolatry when protestants use grape juice for their communion? 32:12 – In John 17:12 it makes it sound like Judas is destined to be condemned. How is this not evidence for predestination? 37:57 – Why did the devil exist in the first place? 44:10 – How does my exploring Catholicism fit in with invincible ignorance? …

Question Covered: 06:07 – How can Catholics affirm evolution if we believe that Adam and Eve could not have experienced death and decay before they fell into sin? 11:25 – How does Prevenient grace work if the concept of total depravity is heretical? They seem like the same thing? 19:00 – Why is it necessary for Jesus to continually offer his body through priests? 23:30 – How can I discuss uniquely Catholics doctrines to my evangelical friends and family? 38:34 – I’m Catholic looking into Orthodoxy. Am I wrong to assume that papal primacy wasn’t as apparent as we claim because if it was, they wouldn’t have split? 47:52 – Is it true that souls in purgatory can’t pray for themselves but can pray for us? …

Questions Covered: 06:58 – When do thoughts become mortal sin? 15:57 – If you die wearing a brown scapular, do your loved ones have to pray for you? Do you have to go to purgatory? 20:42 – I’m just now returning to the Catholic faith. I’m meeting with my priest tomorrow. How do I properly prepare? What should I expect? Send words of eternal life and secrets from heaven 32:13 – I was in line for confession and the priest stopped right before I got to go. What do I do at that point? Can I receive communion since my intention was there? 42:02 – Will parents be culpable for their children’s sin before they reached the age of reason? 47:01 – What are the miracles attributed to the Miraculous Medal? Is it Just superstition? 51:50 – What is the Church position on immigration law? …

Cy and Matthew discuss the Synod on Synodality, recognition of saints among Catholics and Orthodox and the results of the 2024 U.S. election. …

Questions Covered: 01:48 – What do you mean that it is ok to believe Adam and Eve are symbolic? 06:20 – What are the restrictions on Fridays? Does that include all animal products or just animal flesh? 10:22 – Why did God mandate Hosea to have relations with the prostitutes? 15:08 – Can we truly know if we are saved? 19:10 – I found a ring with the initials SMOTJ. I discovered it was the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem. What is it and is it Catholic? 22:30 – How do I respond to the claim that there is no evidence that the Deuterocanon was not included in the original canon of the Old Testament? 29:04 – Once you discover the talents that God has given you, how do you use them to the best of your abilities? 30:52 – Is polygamy acceptable in an apocalyptic situation? 37:12 – Why don’t Catholics baptize by immersion and in the name of Jesus? 43:40 – Do you have any speculation as to why the book Esther wasn’t found in the dead sea scrolls? 46:45 – When did the bread that Jesus had at the last supper turn into his body and blood? 50:17 – What are your thoughts on Dr Scott Hahn’s theory and book on the Fourth Cup? 52:36 – Is the Church’s definition of death, the separation of body and soul? Would Elijah resurrect a child in 1 Kings 17:17-24 back up this definition? …

Questions Covered: 06:01 – John 14 Jesus says He is the way the truth and the life. How would this affect people who haven’t heard the message of Jesus? 08:35 – Why do some Catholics justify doing bad things in a civil marriage and later dismiss that former behavior saying it was not an issue because it wasn’t a valid marriage? 15:09 – Is it necessary to believe in historic Adam and Eve? 21:09 – Why does one need to be baptized to merit anything? How do you answer the atheist object of why would God send an unbaptized but otherwise good person to hell? 32:08 – Can you help me better understand Matthew 24? 45:29 – Why did God allow certain things in the old law like capital punishment? 52:50 – How is it not blasphemy to pray to the saints? …

Questions Covered:  03:05 – I have an Eastern Orthodox friend – How can you prove Mary’s sinlessness through scripture and history?    12:10 – Can you explain your article that said Miracles happen? If they do, why do we rarely ever see them?   19:05 – How do I go by the code of canon 988 in confession, which says I must confess all past mortal sins?   34:25 – If somebody has a phobia is that something they will need to detach from in Purgatory?    38:08 – I struggle with the idea that rituals would mean something to God. Is there a scriptural reference for their importance?  43:06 – Why did St. John the Baptist send his disciples to ask Jesus who he was, if he recognized Jesus in the womb?  47:28 – My church does a communal Rosary during the time I can go to Adoration. How can I respond well to this since it prevents me from doing private prayer?  52:14 – Why do bad things happen to good people?  …

Questions Covered: 03:08 – How do atheists handle the question “How do you know what is essential to the category of God”?  07:45 – I met an atheist who believes in the idea that the universe is circularly caused. How can I respond to this?  13:40 – How can I interpret paragraph 9 of Inter mirifica as it relates to media?  19:14 – What did St. Paul think of his previous faith and Judaism?  29:23 – How do I respond to people who say you shouldn’t judge?  34:40 – Is Tradition infallible?  41:31 – Can a Catholic consider corporal punishment in general inadmissible?  …

Questions Covered: 03:10 – What happens if someone commits a mortal sin under baptism of desire? 05:28 – When Pope Pius XII issued liturgical forms to include vernacular, what was the purpose of that? 08:04 – Can Latin Mass societies begin the Easter Vigil Mass at a different time than is standard today? 12:49 – Is it okay for me to use the New Oxford Bible translation for a Catholic Bible study? 16:12 – How can we be so sure that Jesus wasn’t just using symbolic language during the last supper? 29:16 – What is your advice on what I can do since I can’t participate in the sacraments as a non-Catholic? 33:59 – Would a person that has to go to RCIA classes have to pay for the classes? 46:17 – The World Health Organization says that no amount of alcohol is good for a person. How does this square with the Catholic religion and their use of alcohol? …

Questions Covered: 05:13 – What is the matter in the sacrament of confession? 12:33 – What do you recommend to read for someone who wants an intro to the Church Fathers? 18:10 – How do we make the argument that Enoch is not inspired scripture? 23:56 – If we are not supposed to judge people, how do we judge anything in our lives? 31:20 – Why should Catholics consider Mary perfect? 38:32 – What evidence in the Early Church apart from Paul do you have to justify calling priests father? 48:08 – My husband is not Catholic. How do I convince him of the authority of the magisterium? …

Questions Covered: 07:26 – I’m new to Catholicism. What next steps can I take to learn more? 13:49 – What reliable methods do Catholics have to detect the supernatural? 22:16 – I’m Protestant. Why does RCIA/OCIA take so long? 30:03 – Why did they get rid of the communion rail? 33:39 – Why should a non-denominational Christian become Catholic? 38:22 – Are there levels of Purgatory? 47:20 – What are the 3 most common misconceptions that keep Protestants away from Catholicism? …

Questions Covered: 04:53 – Why does the Catholic Church claim to teach salvation by faith? 17:53 – Why do Catholics believe in purgatory and what does that mean? 31:44 – What is the Catholic interpretation of Romans 4:5? 35:28 – Why don’t we see Catholics street preaching? If they do, what does that evangelization look like? 46:05 – Why do we as Catholics believe in some of the laws of the Old Testament such as priestly laws? Why do we follow those and not others like the Mosaic laws? …

Questions Covered: 08:38 – Is there empirical evidence in biochemistry for your God? 17:28 – If AI had free will, could it be blamed? 22:16 – How does the Church deal with how Fr. Georges Lemaître’s work was used to calculate the big bang? 34:22 – Could science prove the existence of God? Have you read Peter Kreeft? Are spirit and matter distinct and disconnected? 45:37 – I’m a Catholic AI engineer. I disagree with the claim that AI sentience cannot exist. I think it’s something we should be concerned with. 52:36 – I have thoughts on AI not being able to have sentience. Its closer to robots. …

Questions Covered: 17:33 – Should we take every word that Jesus said literally? Ex. Pluck your eye out if it causes you to sin. 30:26 – What are your thoughts on a priest who claimed that feeding the 5 thousand was not literal? 35:46 – What are your thoughts on Jonah? 38:38 – I heard that the sponge they used to give Jesus wine on the cross was a sponge the Romans used to clean up after using the restroom. Is that true? 45:40 – You guys are wrong about the eye of the needle was a gate. 49:58 – Is the miracle of Jesus raising a man from the dead a prefigurement of his death? 52:30 – Saul/Paul was given a new name at his conversion. 53:12 – They used to swaddle lambs so it wouldn’t get blemished. …

Questions Covered: 02:58 – Do you think God speaks to you? 07:22 – I’m actively reading and studying my Bible and one of my top concerns is if the Jewish people were given adequate chance to believe that Jesus was God and that his teachings were true? Obviously the Jewish people have continued on and is that not what God wanted? Any discussion on the topic would be appreciated, thank you to Jimmy and his team! 15:13 – Good evening Jimmy from the UK! I have a question about the Sacrament of Confession. In the Old Testament, people brought animal sacrifices to the priest to atone for their sins, with the size of the sacrifice corresponding to the severity of the sin (If I remember rightly). This is mirrored in the early Church, as confession was a public act, where individuals admitted their sins before the entire congregation. However, this practice evolved into the private, one-on-one confessions we know today, largely due to the influence of Irish monks, who introduced this method in the early medieval period. Some have argued that because the form of confession has changed over time, the Seal of Confession could also be altered. How can I explain this development to non-Catholics (and some Catholics too)? Thank you Jimmy, may God continue to Bless and Guide you all! 20:18 -I’ve watched your Mysterious Worlds episodes on young earth/old earth and the flood, but would it be permissible for a Catholic to interpret Genesis as a poetic narrative describing God’s creation of man and culling of the most evil men in our distant past by 1) reading Adam and Eve being earlier hominids when our ancestors became able to reason instead of being driven by instinct and in turn after sinning against God by eating from a possibly metaphorical tree of knowledge, our brain capacity started to expand causing more difficult births? And 2) reading the flood as being a story about God destroying more sinful versions of our ancestors, causing a population bottleneck as far back as 900,000 years ago? Converting to Catholicism from a secular background, reading the Old Testament as divinely inspired truths seen and expressed through a lens of the contemporary culture when each part of the OT was written removes all the stumbling blocks to finding my faith, but I don’t know if my interpretation stretches what is written too far. 34:56 – How is a narcissist saved if he’s in complete denial about being a narcissist? 37:10 – Is there a philosophical possibility that God exists without omnipotence? I heard an argument from a liberal Christian, Dr. Goff, which posits that a semi-powerful God would solve many theological quandaries, such as the problem of evil. 42:08 – Hello Mr Akin! What do you think of religious orders? 45:20 – Is it a correct understanding of the Catholic Faith to say that when Jesus suffered and died that only his human nature suffered and died and not the divine person?’ 48:06 – How to find the truth in the world of excess information? 49:55 – I would love to know a breakdown of the evidence for and against global warming and in particular the degree to which human activity plays a role in this. I ask this of Jimmy because he may be one of the only people I would trust to give an unbiased assessment. …

Questions Covered: 10:38 – Why was the Ascension “necessary”? 13:05 – Some saints were said to have levitated. Will our resurrected bodies have abilities like levitation, telekinesis, etc.? 17:12 – What if the pope breaks the seal of confession? Is he excommunicated? Who would he be excommunicated from? 21:00 – Is the war in Israel/Hamas prophesied in the Bible? 24:06 – I’d like to know the church’s view on the union dock worker strike? Is it ok to stop working in this situation/what roles does the union play in society? 32:22 – After the bodily resurrection, do we live in Heaven, the new Earth, or some combination of the two? 33:14 – Hi Jimmy. Why were there guards stationed at the tomb of Jesus if Jews only believed in Resurrection at the end the world? Doesn’t this imply that the Jewish authorities at least thought Jesus’s followers believed Jesus could rise from the dead? Do you think His disciples believed he would rise after 3 days? 37:35 – Jimmy Akin. Do you think that Jesus received any grace when he ate the Eucharist? I know He is the source of grace, but He was strengthened by an angel in the Agony in the garden. Curious to hear your thoughts on what is happening in both of these instances, on a metaphysical or ontological level. 42:40 – Are there instructions or limits to cursing? My intuition is that it is bad… but Jesus did curse a fig tree and said woe to whom betrayed Him. Was it OK because He’s God? Furthermore, would it be bad to curse a war and what would be the effect? 51:09 – When death occurs suddenly and the incident is faster than the brain can comprehend (as in the case of a submarine implosion) does God give a grace of awareness to the victim, or is it possible for the soul to be confused at the judgment seat of Christ? …

Questions Covered:  01:30 – Do we need to fast on Holy Days of Obligation?  08:01 – Is it okay for Catholics to read the Left Behind series if viewed as Fiction?  15:11 – Why haven’t problematic catholic influencers been excommunicated?   28:55 – Is my confession valid if I am not given a penance or asked for the Act of Contrition?  35:09 – Can you explain the existence of the Serpent before the fall in Genesis 3:12?  50:00 – I’ve heard that only people who bear the mark of the Antichrist will be able to buy things in the end times. Is this true?  …

Questions Covered:  11:46 – What does the Catholic church view as the main problems with to Martin Luther’s Ninety-five theses?   18:01 – Why do Catholics Baptize infants?  29:18 – Is it a permissible view Genesis 18 as a manifestation of the Trinity?   34:25 – I found $600 today, what should I do?   42:00 – What is the Catholic view of organ donation specifically when it comes to brain death?    48:30 – Why is it assumed that Mary died before she was assumed?   …

Questions Covered: 03:27 – How can I get across to my confirmation students the importance of going to confession?  11:53 – How did the Magi know that the star of Bethlehem was leading them to the king of the Jews?  16:21 – Does Joe still hate cheesecake or have you repented of that sin? And is Cy going to release a full version of St. Irenaeus and the Goblet of Fire?  22:26 – I heard Catholics say that Scripture has a kind of primacy over Tradition. But that seems to contradict what I’ve read in the Catechism and Dei Verbum. Can you explain?  31:19 – The shroud of turin is one cloth, but one of the Gospels clearly says there’s a separate cloth for his head. Is that a problem?  34:33 – What is the Catholic position on embryos? Are they alive or just tissue?  43:44 – Can you help me explain the role of Mary in salvation history?  48:39 – How can we know God, and in what way is a person able to know God?  52:05 – How can be there different levels of approach to God in heaven? I’m uncomfortable with that idea.  …

Questions covered: 05:28 – How do we reconcile parts of both scripture and tradition that seem pessimistic about many being saved with other parts that are more optimistic? 14:48 – Does infallibility produce an infinite regress? 20:48 – How would Joe’s argument against the Protestant view of scripture handle views of perspicuity that are more limited? 29:01 – How do we know that Matthew wrote Matthew and John wrote John and Revelation? We don’t have any other writings to prove that from. 36:01 – What does CCC 841 mean when it says we and Muslims together adore the one God? 47:38 – How do Isaiah 53 and Galatians 3:13 fit into the Catholic view of atonement as opposed to penal substitutionary atonement? …

Questions Covered:  04:13 – Can you share your interpretation of Matthew 5 as it relates to purgatory?  07:38 – If God is all good and loving, it seems unjust to send an unbaptized baby to Hell?   15:14 – How do I share with my mother that the Saints are praying for her, she just needs to ask?   21:41 – Are canonizations infallible? What confidence can I have in this process?    29:40 – Where did we get the idea that Saints can pray for us but not themselves?   33:39 – What is Purgatory? Can we know if we are going to purgatory?   41:31 – Is the suffering in Purgatory close to the level of Hell? Can the souls in purgatory talk to us?   49:10 – Can you explain the Saint prayer to release 1000 souls in purgatory?   52:05 – Is purgatory different from Paradise? How does this impact the thief on the cross?  …

Questions Covered:  05:03 – Does the church teach that Purgatory is a process or a place?  13:13 – How can I reconcile purgatory and the final judgment?   19:23 – What is the difference between OCI and RCIA?   24:27 – What is the treasure referenced in Luke 18:25?   32:57 – How do I defend purgatory with a Baptist who don’t have the book a Maccabees?   39:23 – How many Saints pray for us?    45:39 – How do you find out the name of your guardian angel?   50:08 – Can you explain Hallowtide as we prepare for All Saints solemnity?  …

Questions covered: 18:35 – I want to know what Father thinks about the long lines for communion and the short lines for confession.  22:20 – How should I engage my siblings who are lukewarm?  36:04 – My husband goes to communion but not to confession. I’m worried about what to tell him.  43:18 -What is the difference between discipleship and a relationship with Jesus?  50:10 – I go to Mass a few times a week and help at the parish. But some people go to Mass every day. Should I be doing that too?  52:30 – How important is it to have somebody else with you when evangelizing? Jesus sent the disciples out two by two but it’s hard for me to find a good partner.  …

Questions covered 15:35 – How can I introduce the faith to people who have no previous experience or reference to it?  21:08 – What’s the best way that I can continue to catechize my children? I’m taking them to church but they don’t really participate and they’re bored.  29:28 – A logical exercise for parents who feel guilty about their children leaving the faith.  33:44 – My daughter married a man with two kids and they’ve had two more. I want to tell her she should focus on the two kids she’s had and let the father discipline the older ones. Is that the right thing to say?  36:47 – In the business world “systems thinking” is when we go beyond the “what” and try to look at the “why.” It ties in beautifully with what Dr. Ray is saying.  52:12 – I was kicked out of my parents’ house because they didn’t want to talk to me about the faith. How can I reconcile with them?  …

Questions Covered:  01:28 – Was St. Thomas Aquinas excommunicated? Why?   14:37 – What is your opinion on the ethical framework of God asking Abraham to sacrifice his son?  24:21 – I heard Jimmy say it is better to exist even if you end up in Hell. How can I compare this to Jesus saying, “The one who betrays me it was better for him not to be born”?    34:42 – What is your opinion on Dousing?  44:35 – Who did Jacob wrestle within the Old Testament?   51:47 – How do blessings work with lay people versus priest?   …

Questions Covered:  03:35 – What advice would you give for starting a college apologetics club?   09:22 – Is there Mass in Heaven?  15:03 – What is your defense on John Henry Newman’s idea of doctrinal development?  24:45 – How can I refute once saved always saved and perseverance of the saints with scripture?  34:16 – How did Thomas receive the gift of the Holy Spirit since he was absent in John 20?  41:08 – In the 3rd letter of John, I have read different translations with Church or church. Would the lower-case c translation indicate John talking about a local church not the universal?  46:30 – Is snowflake adoption ethical?  51:59 – Does the long history of sexual abuse in the church make the church an apostate?  …

Questions Covered: 03:02 – Why do Catholics have Jesus on the cross instead of just a cross. Also, are tattoos immoral? 16:01 – My wife and I were married in a Lutheran church. She is Catholic. She was told by her priest that she is not allowed to take the sacraments. Is this true? 28:45 – Often I hear complicated ideas when explaining Catholic doctrines. I find it hard to follow, and imagine others do as well. Do you have to understand these things to be Catholic? 44:15 – I’m considering Catholicism. I’m struggling with some Marian doctrines. Is it enough for me to become Catholic to assent to the Church’s doctrines, while not really being sure if I believe in them? 47:40 – What is the Catholic view on dispensationalism? …

Questions Covered: 03:48 – Could we employ some of your arguments against the Evil God Challenge against atheistic naturalism? 08:37 – I like the argument against sola scriptura that scripture doesn’t say everything has to be in scripture. But Protestants respond that Old Testament Jews didn’t have a magisterium, yet they still knew, more or less, what books were canon. If Old Testament Jews were fine with that, shouldn’t we be too? How do we respond to that. 17:17 – Are those who go to Hell likely to eventually go mad from all their suffering? 21:08 – In light of the recent story of the man declared brain dead from whom they were harvesting organs, but then the man showed signs of life: how should Catholics consider organ donation? 29:33 – Convince us that abortions are evil without using religion. 32:20 – Why is the purpose of the uterus disanalogy in the violinist argument successful in refuting it? 43:24 – Is 1 Cor 15:29 a good proof for purgatory? 50:18 – How do we answer the ethical dilemma: a robber comes to your house and makes you choose a family member for him to kill, or else he will kill your whole family. …

Questions covered: 14:42 – Some Protestants are telling me there was no centralized authority in the early church and the bishops of Rome weren’t popes. How would you answer that?  22:32 – What are the other possible interpretations of Isaiah 53?  25:14 – Is it licit to practice cranialsacral therapy?  32:21 – How does the Catholic Church justify what it did in the Inquisition?  44:23 – I think what goes on in my neighborhood during Halloween is demonic. They’re glorifying death.  50:49 – Can you tell me more about the Black Mass happening in Atlanta on Friday? What’s going on there and what should we do?  …

Questions covered: 06:05 – Is the story of the rich young man the same story in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, or is it something that happened frequently enough that they all reported similar but distinct interactions?  15:29 – Exodus says half of the ten plagues didn’t impact Israel, but doesn’t say that about the others. Did they impact Israel, and if so, why?  21:15 – The physical human body is sexed male and female. Is the human soul also sexed masculine and feminine?  34:38 – Can you help me understand the Church’s new teaching on the death penalty?  …

Questions Covered:  03:48 – How to respond to Catholics recent teaching on infallibility?  15:00 – I question the validity of annulments?   20:04 – How do we reconcile a dogma taught by Pope Pius XI being counter only a few decades later by Vatican II?  29:25 – I struggle with the teaching on life when it comes to cases of rape or incest?  36:46 –  What is the point if only 144,000 will be saved?   44:49 – I struggle with the line  “I go and prepare a place for you in Heaven” in John 14:3?  …

Questions Covered:  05:39 – Why does the Church teach that there in no salvation outside the Church?   13:29 – I struggle with the statistical proof for faith?  19:57 – My friend has a hard time with the Pope. Why are there disagreements?   30:16 – My friend can’t get over the Queen of Heaven in Jeremiah and Pope Gregory’s teachings on it?  34:06 – I struggle with the lack of clarity in RCIA classes. Should RCIA members participate in the sign of the cross and other parts of the Mass?  43:56 – My obstacle to practicing is my personal challenge with improving past behaviors and my friend group?   51:28 – My friend struggles with what makes monotheism true?   …

Questions covered: 08:11 – If you got permission from the Pope to access the secret vatican archives, what’s the one thing you’d want to see? 19:20 – Why does it seem like so many Catholic priests are hard to interact with on a personal level? 24:10 – My granddaughter is being taught that Adam and Eve aren’t real people and that bothers me. What are Tim’s thoughts on that? 35:28 – How did the rosary come to be? And how did it become associated with Mary? 46:05 – Why does the stigmata occur in the hands when most historical data suggests Jesus was crucified through his wrists? 51:14 – Who is the man of lawlessness referenced in 2 Thessalonians? …

Questions covered: 23:30 – What would be a short, succinct response to the Protestant claim that indulgences aren’t found in the Bible?  32:20 – How can I develop my online outreach and persuasiveness in order to reach peoples’ hearts?  42:20 – How do I evangelize online?  48:07 – How should I go about starting a YouTube channel for Christian apologetics to boost my profile as a DJ?  …

Questions Covered:  01:31 – Is Zachary King’s testimony a legitimate conversion?  05:39 – Why is it not good to receive the Eucharist in your hands?   13:06 – My first wife had abortions; do I still need to confess this?  15:17 – What is the will of the Church regarding Baptism?   19:13 – How do you discern if the traditions you believe are from God?   23:25 – What is the origin of relics in Catholic Altars?  33:34 – Was the Gospel of Luke written as a Classical Greek comedy?   44:22 – How should I view the unapproved Our Lady of the Tear of Joy apparitions?  48:47 – What is the difference between First Baptist and Catholics?  51:39 – If there is no time in Heaven, how was Moses in a waiting place? …

Questions Covered:  06:21 – If we know that angelic beings can assume physical bodies, why don’t we just say they have physical bodies?  14:48 – Why didn’t Jesus acknowledge a scenario where He and the demon were putting on a play verses saying Satan doesn’t allow conflict?   17:49 – Why should we have trust in the Papacy based on the historic aspect of having good and bad Popes?  23:21 – To what degree are we expected to defend the Eucharist physically?   33:09 – When we say there is no salvation outside the Catholic church, do we mean the institution or the body of Christ?    35:55 – Is the Immaculate conception a Holy day of Obligation on this year’s Calendar?    41:44 – How do we pray for the repose of the souls of still born babies?  44:23 – Can you explain buying blessed items?  48:48 – Is it okay to have relations with an ex-spouse prior to being remarried? Does this second marriage need to be in a church?  52:17 – Why are Holy days of Obligation different in the United States and Canada?   …

Questions Covered:  13:30 – I’ve found the people within the church to be roadblocks to others.  23:00 – What commonalities can I build on with my Protestant friends?  30:19 – I feel called to be a Deacon; can you give any input on next steps?   35:03 – I have had problematic experiences with a priest. How can I trust a priest again?  43:44 – How can I humbly help in the conversions of friends?  …

Questions Covered:  03:20 – In Genesis, when God says, “let us make Man in our image”, is He speaking to himself or to the holy angels?  07:47 – Is it okay to wait to convert and what can I do in the waiting?  13:19 – Judaism never had a concept of a “Diunity” of God and Holy Spirit, so how did we get to the doctrine of the Trinity?  20:06 – In Matthew Jesus says to pray in private, so is communal prayer blasphemy?     24:30 – If the Real Presence is the source and summit of our faith, why is it not in the Apostle or Nicene Creed?  31:52 – How can I go about bad or toxic friendships?   37:39 – What is the Catholic perspective on the first or second great awakening?  46:25 – I was shown Mason hand gestures and symbols from a coworker. Would this be considered sinful?  50:30 – Can you clarify the parable of the wheat and weeds?  …

Questions Covered:  01:49 – Is a Lutheran Baptism valid in the Catholic church?  09:36 – Why do you believe in the Bible when the Bible makes claims disproved by modern science?  20:22 – Catholic views on the end times, do Catholic prescribe to postmillennialism or has the church changed?  23:40 – Can you explain works and faith based on Canon 24 in Council of Trent and 2010 CCC?   50:16 – How can we differentiate between God and Spirit talking to us or own personal thoughts?  …

Questions Covered:  05:18 – When did the Bible go from Full of Grace to Highly favored one? Why do we believe Mary was sinless?  29:28 – Can you explain the Stations of the Cross?   42:03 – How can I trust the church when the Pope makes statements undercutting the Catholic positions?   …

Cy is joined by two John Paul the Great Catholic University students to face off in this game show episode! …

Questions Covered: 04:25 – What does it mean when the book of Samuel says that God’s evil came down? 07:50 – What should be the relationship between faith and politics? 14:48 – There have been a lot of apparitions where few people go to heaven. It feels very discouraging. Is this accurate? 20:10 – Are the dead that will be lifted up in 1 Thess. 4:17 saved? If not, who are they? 23:50 – If you went to confession do you still have to go to purgatory? 31:18 – Are all religions different paths to the same God? 44:24 – What is the significance of the water that they put into the wine during mass? 46:24 – Charles Morris’ book, in his book American Catholic, he says that the vast majority reject the teaching on contraception. Is this true? 48:20 – I’m a convert. How do I better understand the words of consecration? It sounds like the words are only meant for that piece of bread and not other pieces moving forward. 50:28 – Since we as Catholics believe that Jesus sat on the throne of David, how do we respond to Christian Zionists who believe it needs to physically happen? …

Questions Covered: 01:53 – Why was Judas necessary? 10:21 – Is abortion wrong just because a uterus is for the purpose of fostering children? 16:30 – Nondenominational people in my area have begun believing the idea that the pope is going to make a one world religion that will usher in the end times. Are you familiar with this idea and where it stems from? 23:11 – You mentioned earlier that you didn’t think very highly of the author Dan Brown. I’m genuinely curious why. 28:59 – I’m engaged to a man in the military and started having visions of his friends who have died in battle. What should I make of this? 37:03 – What bible translation do you think is the most accurate? Coming from a protestant background, what translation would you recommend for me? 41:58 – Are our deceased loved ones able to recall the pain they endured? 47:10 – Why does God let children suffer? 51:47 – With the Church constantly under attack, why aren’t we praying for victory but peace instead? …

Questions Covered: 03:34 – What are the necessary contrition, motivations and resolutions needed for a valid confession?  07:59 – My protestant friend claims that St. Augustine’s said that being born of water and spirit means a physical birth, not baptism. Is this true?  14:16 – Is it socially acceptable in Catholic circles to make up Marian apparitions for writing science fiction?  19:00 – Can you clarify the meaning of Luke 11:15-26?  23:32 – Are coincidences negative or positive and how should one navigate them as a Christian?  33:40 – Why did the Church make Sunday mass obligatory?  37:35 – Is it morally just for a government to outlaw labor unions?  42:50 – Why should one become Catholic considering how shaky the foundations can sometimes feel?  49:48 – What would be a good response to the Calvinistic claim that the story of Jonah is evidence for there being no free will?  53:31 – Can someone disagree with what the church teaches if they have a well-formed conscience?  …

Questions Covered: 07:41 – What should Catholics take into consideration when voting? 19:45 – The Council of Carthage claims that babies don’t go to heaven. Was that rejected or was that authoritative and how does that relate to the line in the Creed we believe in one baptism in the remission of sins 24:42 – Is Nestorian considered Christianity in the sense that Lutheranism and Calvinism is? 32:29 – Can an Orthodox person receive communion in the Catholic Church? 36:48 – What is the Catholic view on freedom and determinism? Is it hard determinism, libertarianism, or compatibilist? 45:43 – Jesus says render unto Caesar, but does that mean we are giving a pass to leaders since they are so evil? 51:17 – Could you explain what the current synod is and what it means for the Church? 53:09 – Does Mary have any authority other than intercession? …

Questions Covered: 02:54 – What are your thoughts on Matthias being appointed to replace Judas? 13:48 – If I could learn a language to read the bible, which should it be, Ecclesiastical Latin or Biblical Greek? 17:17 – Why doesn’t the Church gather frequently to infallibly define everything? 28:45 – How would I explain that there is only one God to a Mormon? 41:14 – What is your best argument for the Assumption of Mary? …

Questions Covered: 03:30 – Gal.3:13 mentions Jesus became a curse on the cross. How do we properly understand the term curse in that context? 15:05 – Is there a difference between the Septuagint and the current translation of the Old Testament? 19:58 – My friend is a traditional Catholic and has a 1st class relic. She said she got it after the Church cleared out the churches after Vatican 2. Is this true? 29:35 – I’m Catholic but how do I know that Catholicism is the one true religion? 44:10 – Was witchcraft mixed into Catholicism when African slaves were brought over to Haiti? 47:27 – I’m 69 years old and I get strange experiences where I have knowledge of things I shouldn’t know. What should I do with this information? 51:53 – I’m in RCIA coming from a reformed background. How do I understand the difference between penal substitution vs Anselm’s satisfaction …

Questions Covered: 03:25 – What’s the actual effect of Grace? What does receiving the Eucharist do practically? 13:50 – How does the Catholic community define and practice worship and prayer? 21:03 – In Anglican. If the claim that Peter’s successors retain the same power and status, why don’t the successors of the other apostles hold the same? 29:33 – I’m almost finished reading the book of Numbers. How am I supposed to read the story of Balaam and Balak? 34:31 – What is the Sabbatine privilege and what are the requirements to obtain it? 40:52 – What scriptures do Jewish converts to Catholicism have to abide by? 51:50 – What are the requirements for a plenary indulgence? …

Question Covered: 06:49 – Can you explain the concept of a new Heaven and a new Earth?  15:19 – How can I help my Christian Grandmother’s salvation without hurting her feelings?  21:19 – Can you explain what Paul meant by handing a sinner’s flesh to Satan so his soul can be saved in 1 Cor 5:5?  30:50 – Can you explain why temporal sinfulness can merit eternal punishment?   43:47 – How does Purgatory work and how can we get out?  47:19 – My priest wrote that the worst pain you can have is in purgatory, where in the bible might this be?  51:17 – Does Mark 14:7 excuse us from giving to the poor?   …

Questions Covered:  06:29 – Can a believer who is not Baptized in the Catholic church go to Heaven? 13:51 – What was the first recorded miracle with a relic? 16:09 – When did people stop believing in Purgatory? 22:28 – What is the scriptural basis for purgatory? 32:46 – How can we explain ghosts or spirits on Earth if there are only three paths after death? 36:30 – My son died as a teen, but I didn’t Baptize him. Can he be saved since it was my choice? 43:48 – Why might a courtroom scenario be used to describe our final judgment? 50:16 – Is it true that only Jesus and Mary are in heaven? …

Questions Covered:  02:10 – How can I respond to claims that Matthew 4 and Jesus’s temptations prove Sola Scriptura? 06:31 – Can you explain the new and the old wine skin parable?  12:53 – When is the completion of the Eucharist on the Cross?   16:17 – What is a good response for any problematic study notes in the New American Bible?   22:25 – Was there any time in the Bible where the Eucharist looked like the Mass today or was it a communal dinner?   30:37 – Does Act 8:14-17 disapprove baptism by Jesus’s name only?   39:48 – When Matthais became an apostle there were 13 now, how does this impact the 12 seats?  44:36 – Is the italicized text in the Bible the word of God?  48:17 – Why don’t Catholics go by the Bible exactly?  …

Questions Covered:  06:56 – Did the apostles receive the same Baptism of Jesus based on Act 19: 3-4 and Matthew 28:19?  15:15 – Does scripture rule out God being incarnated previously in another world?   16:58 – Based on the different descriptions in Isaiah, Daniel, and John are there quantifiable things in heaven?  22:22 – Was John 6 taken literally by those following Jesus?   31:56 – Why does Jesus take Peter, James, and John specifically in Mark 5, 6, and 14?  35:09 – Are there any recorded instances of people failing to receive communion properly as described in1 Corinthians 11:30?  38:51 – In Isaiah 11:2, why is piety missing from the gifts of the Holy Spirit?  41:59 – Did the New Testament authors realize their writing was divinely inspired?   51:14 – How do we know Peter was given greater authority than the other apostle?    …

Questions Covered: 01:20 – Why did they stop writing books into the bible? 15:45 – Doctrinally how do the differences work in the east and west regarding infant communion? 30:51 – How would a protestant align intercession of the saints and a belief in soul sleep? 45:39 – Why doesn’t the 9th commandment state coveting thy neighbor’s husband only thy neighbor’s wife? 50:06 – In cases where one has discerned that certain media doesn’t impact one poorly, but it will affect others. Can one still listen to it? …

Questions Covered: 02:23 – How do we make sense of how we are not crucifying Christ during the mass? 18:38 – I’ve noticed that some Catholics and Protestants are acting as though we are in the end times. How do I go about talking with them? 35:19 – I need help responding to some saying that Mary disproves the Eucharist? 47:41 – Why does a bishop have to give permission to perform an exorcism? …

Questions Covered: 02:34 – When we choose our investments for retirement, can a Catholic invest in companies who we know are contributing money to Planned Parenthood? 11:26 – Since James was writing before the events of Acts 15, did he fully understand the gospel? 17:14 – How would you talk to someone for the World Mission Society, Church of God? 22:34 – How do I evangelize my agnostic brother? 29:19 – Can you recommend a source on the history of communion? 34:18 – Is it permissible to bless my home with blessed oil? 36:22 – Why do Catholics keep using the word pray when it comes to communicating with the saints? If they change the wording it may not cause as much confusion? 43:06 – Do you think an individual blessing given during communion is in violation of Fiducia Supplicans? …

Questions Covered: 07:35 – What is Marian Consecration and how do I go about doing it? 14:40 – How do I explain the sign of the cross to a 4-year-old from a different faith background? 20:19 – Considering the Church calls abortion evil, why hasn’t the Church sanctioned Catholic politicians who are vocally pro-abortion? 31:52 – Where do Catholics get the idea of honoring Mary in the rosary? 41:19 – Why is it that it takes ordained ministry to celebrate most sacraments but not marriage and baptism? 45:17 – Why is it that we are seeing a spike in celebrity conversions? 51:58 – Could you clarify what you mean by visible Church and invisible Church in your book Pope Peter? …

Questions covered: 02:17 – It seems like a lot of non-Catholic religions in which people speak in tongues. Why don’t Catholics do that? And what is the Catholic position on speaking in tongues?  11:49 – What must one do to be saved?  16:49 – What are the rewards that we can obtain in heaven?  19:29 – Why are we still split with the Orthodox over the filioque when Greek is no longer the dominant language in the Church?  24:53 – Can you help me understand the Church’s current teaching on the death penalty in relation to its older teachings? It seems like it’s done a complete 180, not a development.  44:32 – If someone knowingly votes for a person who supports abortion and then dies before confessing, does he go to hell?  49:59 – Why is an infertile person allowed to be married but an impotent person is not? …

Questions covered 09:19 – Why doesn’t the New Testament refer to priests with the Greek word hiereus? 22:06 – Why are so many people fascinated by exorcisms, especially in horror movies? 18:06 – It seems like there are so many things you have to do and rules to follow in Catholicism. 41:01 – if everything happens according to god’s will/plan, which is what it says in the bible, then people have no freewill. 46:49 – Why do Catholics revere relics? 49:30 – In Luke, the word kecharitomene is rendered “full of grace” and I always thought Luke made up that word. Someone told me the same word in the masculine is used in Sirach and it’s translated “gracious.” Why is it translated differently? …

Questions Covered: 01:36 – I’m a Baptist. If I attend a Catholic service why can’t I receive communion? 17:16 – How do we harmonize intercession of the saints and purgatory? 41:10 – It’s hard for me to get over the idea of the Eucharist being the body and blood of Jesus as a nondenominational Christian, because I feel like I would deify the wafer. How can I get over this hurdle? 51:41 – I was told that some of the saints may be pagan gods and goddesses like St. Brigid. Is this true? …

Questions Covered: 08:03 – My wife and I aren’t confirmed yet. Does practicing do anything yet since we’re not fully initiated into the Church? 25:25 – I’m Jewish. What is the Catholic interpretation of Psalm 110? 36:47 – Why can’t we have premarital intercourse? 50:29 – Why does the show prompt there’s a non-optional requirement to be Catholic? Why does the Church think that it bears any weight in an individual’s relationship with God? …

Questions Covered: 01:42 – What does a day-in-the-life of Jimmy Akin look like? I know so many of us are in awe of your depth and breadth of knowledge. It would be interesting to see how you structure your day with learning etc. 06:40 – I have a few questions that I have had on my mind for some time now. It is said that Latin is especially efficacious for prayer and exorcisms because it is the official language of the church. My question is this, for an Eastern Rite Catholic, who would be under the authority of their church’s head (although the Pope’s authority is, of course, universal and preeminent) and have their own Codes of Canon Law, would the native language of that church be more efficacious or similar in efficacy to prayers in Latin? Or would this only apply to the ancient languages? E.g. Latin, Greek, Aramaic, Coptic, Hebrew, and possibly Church Slavonic and Arabic. 14:22 – What’s your thoughts about whether animals and our pets can be in heaven with us or not? 18:55 – Does the church condone organ donation? 20:28 – Also should we vote for a candidate who is for abortion, when there is no one who is prolife. Should we vote for the lesser of two evils? 21:51 – I have full confidence that you are knowledgeable about the “identity” issue. What would you offer in scripture and the catechism to someone who identified as a furry? 28:38 – Given the tragic shortage of priests, what would you recommend to someone seeking a spiritual director who is having a hard time finding one? 32:08 – I’d like your advice on what to tell my 9-year-old about Blessed Imelda Lambertini (the young girl who reportedly died of joy upon receiving the Eucharist). After hearing about Blessed Imelda my 9-year-old is scared that the Eucharist will kill her too. And for my own curiosity, do you know if this is a documented account or more of a pious legend? Thanks! 37:39 – The strongest challenge I ever heard from a Protestant about the Assumption is, “How can the Catholic Church dogmatically declare that the Assumption was ‘believed at all times by the Church’, when there is literally no evidence anywhere in the Bible, Church Father writings or, apocryphal writings of the first Century?” 43:05 – What separates the “New Atheists” from the old Atheists? 45:26 – If there are many other planets with life, then how would they be saved? Did Christ death and resurrection count for them also and if so, how would they know. Or did God save each planet with aliens differently? 48:14 – What are some of the best ways to practice becoming as humble as possible, like Our Lady? 50:13 – Is it possible for your guardian angel to not like you or something about you? For example, maybe your guardian angel doesn’t like the same kind of music you listen to. I wonder if a guardian angel ever feels like they preferred getting someone else to guide. 52:38 – Who would win in a fight, the Incredible Hulk or felony tax evasion? Asking for a friend ️ 53:43 – Why was it necessary for the Church to make the immaculate conception and assumption into dogmas (vs leaving them as non-mandatory for belief teachings)? …

Questions Covered: 02:57 – Was William Shakespeare a Recusant, or did he become a part of the Church of England at some point in his life? 11:38 – If our Lord instituted all Sacraments by commanding His apostles to do them and no one can usurp a Bishop or priest, if the person doesn’t have valid orders, to consecrate, give absolution, confirm, ordain, etc… then why is baptism the only sacrament where anyone can baptize another person? 11:39 – What exactly is the soul of a person? 14:42 – Is baptism the Mark of the Lamb? 18:14 – I’ve heard it said in support of the assumption that no Christian church has ever claimed to have Mary’s relics. Muslims claim to know where she is buried. Care to comment? We love Cy, jimmy, and the whole CA team. 21:42 – Would the infallibility of the Church be in doubt if it turned out that the whole Juan Diego, Our Lady of Guadalupe, etc. story was only legendary (i.e. lacked historicity)? 28:45 – Can Catholics watch Game of Thrones? 32:26 – What specifically in Thomistic metaphysics do you have the most trouble believing and why? 36:00 – Sikhism be said to worship the one true God? 38:20 – If public revelation has ended but the canonization of saints is an infallible act, does that make what the saints have revealed public revelation. 42:31 – Do I have to say the divine mercy as Jesus told St. Faustina or say the rosary every day as Our Lady told the children of Fatima? If I don’t am I disobeying Jesus and his mother? And can private revelations contradict one another, and if so, which ones should I follow? 48:23 – What would someone like Lazarus’s marital status be after he was resurrected? Given that the marital bond is severed upon death would he still be obliged to his wife if he had one (or anyone else in Lazarus’s situation) 53:23 – Can a Protestant convert to Catholicism and be a faithful Catholic without practicing any devotion to Mary or the saints?   …

Questions Covered: 02:45 – What happens during the mass in a situation where the priest can not finish the mass? Do i have any obligations? 09:28 – As a convert how did you incorporate the deuterocanonical books into your world view? 13:35 – What did the Vatican remove the word “one” in the phrase one God forever and ever, in the liturgies? 17:50 – How did Jesus and his disciples sustain themselves by traveling, buying food, and staying at an inn? 22:48 – I’m the only catholic in my family, I encourage my family to go to a Catholic Church for spiritual nourishment and their protestant churches for community. Is this wrong? 29:55 – Bread of life discourse, protestants claim that Jesus’ phrase, “the flesh of no avail negates the Catholic understanding. Whats the response? 36:40 – The Pope said all religions are paths, to God, how should Catholics understand this? 42:18 – Why does the wedding of Cana narrative, begin with mentioning Mary first instead of Jesus? The wording feels a bit odd. 45:44 – How do you explain to a kid in catechism that attending mass in important when their parents never go to mass? 47:44 – In Marian apparitions, how much do those images come from God and how much of it comes from the imagination/psyche of the person? 52:09 – John’s gospel is supplemental, one piece of evidence is that it doesn’t have the Last Supper story. Can you expand a little more on that? …

Questions Covered: 02:48 – What is the difference between a Church and a temple? 08:19 – Why do baptism and confirmation happen at the same time in Maronite rite? 14:45 What’s the best answer for why Jesus died for our sins? 17:01 – Will a 3-month-old who passed away remain a baby in heaven? 20:22 – Did the apostles who were illiterate use scribes? Why would Jesus wait till 30 to start his ministry? 25:45 – Was Christ silent for 500 years before Christ’s birth? 32:38 – Why does Genesis genealogy not include mothers? 35:10 – What does it mean to be in communion with the Pope of Rome? How would an Orthodox want to be in communion, what must they do? 37:20 – What is the morality in engaging in sexual acts with a spouse who is incapable due to loss of organs, cripple, etc. What would be permissible? Which sexual actions would one be able to perform? 43:25 – What is the rule on the elevation of the host during the “Behold the Lamb of God?” Why do some only elevate a fragment and others, the entire host? 45:56 – If you could choose 1 non-Catholic apologist to debate or convert, who would it be? 47:45 – How do Catholics compete with the people who say that they get more from a protestant preacher over a priest’s homily 51:02 – referencing a previous question on genealogy, how do you respond to the Jewish claim that one’s Jewishness comes from the mother, and why is it only men referenced in the genealogy? 52:07 – I light on John 14:12, why aren’t there a lot more miracles? …

Questions Covered: 09:42 – I have an adult family member who is developing mental health issues and I’m noticing a lot of overlap with addiction and compulsion. How would CIR be able to help? 14:43 – I have an addiction to hoarding and still struggle. What advice do you have for me? 19:06 – How do I find a good Catholic sponsor? 24:17 – I’ve been addicted to heroin for many years and have been praying for Jesus to take this addiction away. Have you heard of any stories where people are healed from it? 32:27 – Through God, Mass and prayer I am 11 months sober from pornography. 41:45 – How does mental health and recovery relate to mortal sin? How much is in and out of our control? 46:09 – Do you have resources for families of adult children who struggle from addiction? 51:05 – Can someone have a drink and still say that they have been sober for 5 years? …

Questions Covered: 04:45 – How could one in the Church still believe in the claim of authority in light of all the controversy? 15:13 – My co-worker says he is spiritual and believes in the pineal gland and its supernatural effect. Do you know anything about this? 18:29 – How should Catholics navigate modern dating? 25:12 – Would you be willing to do a dialogue with Gavin Ortlund especially after all your videos? 36:55 – Was Paul an apostle? 43:12 – How do we reconcile No Salvation outside the Church and those ignorant of Christ possibly having salvation? 49:52 – My protestant admits the Early Church was Catholic but how do I convince her of apostolic succession and why it still matters today? …

Questions Covered: 01:48 – How can I trust that the whole of tradition is divine revelation rather than a false doctrine of human beings? 12:00 – What about people who feel so close to God, what about their authority? 18:51 – What’s the relationship between James and Peter and the authority of the two? 24:20 – If I didn’t go to Church on Sunday and wanted to watch football, then if I die, would I go to hell? 33:57 – I’m a catechist. What are the dogmas of the Church? Is there a definitive list? 40:07 – I don’t know what kind of Christian I am. Can you help me to clarify where I stand? 47:15 – In Matthew Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and tells his people to listen to them. Why did you use that story as evidence to follow authority? 52:42 – What would be the main way to bring a friend to Catholicism who is interested in Orthodoxy? …

Questions Covered: 05:08 – Is it accurate to put scripture and tradition in the same level of authority? 08:49 – Why should we believe the magisterium over a Protestant pastor? 20:11 – What gives priests and bishops authority to consecrate the Eucharist? 29:31 – How does a Catholic reconcile 1 John 2:27 and the authority of the magisterium? 36:40 – What’s the difference between big “T” traditions and small “t” traditions? 43:52 – How do we show that from authority that apostasy is not the only mortal sin but also includes the breaking of the 10 commandments? 51:28 – Why does the Church give authority to the Protoevangelium of James? …

Questions Covered: 02:56 – If a person goes missing and is presumed dead. What would happen if the spouse remarried? 10:10 – I need direction on presidential candidates on the issues of abortion and immigration. What’s your advice? 10:10 – I need direction on presidential candidates on the issues of abortion and immigration. What’s your advice? 19:30 – Could you explain the canonical delict of heresy and notoriety in fact? 28:39 – I bought a rosary at the Vatican gift shop but the center metal had a skull and crossbones instead of a Marian medal. What should I make of this? 32:26 – Can you clarify on Mary remaining a virgin and the meaning of until in the phrase, she remained a virgin until… 37:36 – Can you explain how Pope Benedict can potentially agree with Sola Fide? 44:06 – At mass, a priest encouraged everyone to receive communion and to approach confession afterwards if they needed. Is this okay to do? 46:30 – I was denied absolution, but then another priest gave it to me. Am I absolved? 48:47 – Can we still hold to traditional understanding purgatory? 51:39 – Jesus mentions he is one with the father and mentions all he knows is through the father but claims to not know the end times. Why is that? …

Questions Covered: 25:15 – Is the song, Mary Did You Know, biblically accurate? 35:25 – What does it mean to be consecrated to Mary? How do you do it and why is it important? 43:44 – what are the Greek words when talking about Mary having other children? 48:52 – Are we human race a type of Mary that’s looking for Jesus?   …

Questions Covered: 19:33 – I grew up Lutheran and just converted. I want to share why Mary was important to us. Also, how does one go about consecrating? 25:17 – How do I cultivate a relationship with Mary if it seems one sided only? 37:42 – I bought 33 days for morning glory and never went through with it. Is it best to do a consecration on specific dates? 47:04 – People ask why get consecrated and I ask why not get consecrated! 53:08 – How do I approach Marian Consecration with my grown children who are no longer Catholic? …

Questions Covered:  00:52 – The recent ruling regarding Medjugorje  05:09 – Why isn’t the Bible written in such a way that there isn’t wiggle room on moral topics?   13:07 – Can you explain the difference of the Greek and Aramaic word for “my Church” in Matthew 16:18?   19:42 – How can I respond to the Pope’s comments in Singapore that all religions lead to God?  23:49 – How can I effectively Catechize my daughters without over complicating the faith?  30:26 – How late can you be to a Sunday Mass for it to be considered valid attendance?   33:55 – Do we get to meet our Guardian Angels in heaven?   35:42 – Why does a marriage need to be consummate in the Catholic church?  40:13 – How do we reconcile our free will with God’s omniscience?  43:14 – If Jesus and Mary’s bodies are in heaven, would other symbiotic organisms be with them?  49:40 – Can divorced Catholics be allowed to receive Holy Communion?  …

Questions Covered:  05:11 – Is it possible to do a group Reconciliation or is the individual way the best practice?  13:36 – Was the early Eucharist psychedelic?   18:25 – How can we verify the claims of the Papacy without falling on a dogmatic assertion?  29:03 – The Catholic Church killed William Tyndale for translating the Bible into English because they didn’t want anyone to have it.   31:39 – What is the difference between social and classical Trinitarianism?   34:03 – What can laity do for wayward souls?   45:58 – Can girls be altar servers?  49:41 – Can Saul pursuing David be viewed as a prefiguration to Saul, in the New Testament, persecuting Christians?   51:20 – Do you think action figures can be considered the modern-day idols referenced in Revelations 9:20?   …

Questions Covered: 02:37 – If God doesn’t hold people accountable for their ignorance, why should we evangelize?  08:19 – My husband had his first marriage annulled before marrying me. His father has told me that I’m “Carrying his [my husband’s] cross [first marriage].” Is he right?  17:25 – What is the message of Our Lady of La Salette?  20:24 – What is the standing of the gospel of the birth of Mary in the Catholic Church? Can it be read devotionally?  23:46 – Is grace better defined as “an empowering of our free will to do that which we think is good” rather than “obliging us to do good?”  32:00 – How is the next pope going to be chosen?  41:33 – Would my wife and I occupy the same place in heaven since we were so close in this life?  48:23 – How do you reconcile Jesus’ commands to love our enemies and turn the other cheek with him saying he came not to bring peace but division?  52:30 – What’s the difference Roman and Palmerian Catholics?  …

Questions Covered: 03:17 – Did the council of Jamnia exist? And if so, what came out of it?  07:45 – A Protestant told me we break the sabbath commandment in Exodus because we worship on Sunday instead of Saturday. How do I respond to that?  28:36 – Since Padre Pio’s stigmata allegedly disappeared as he died, could someone use that to argue that the saints’ intercessory abilities are diminished after they die?  34:47 – If someone commits a mortal sin, repents, but hasn’t gone to confession yet, what is the current state of their soul?  44:38 – What did Jesus mean by “Let the dead bury their dead”?  51:57 – Why are relics of the saints allowed to be distributed? …

Questions Covered: 06:15 – Do animals go to heaven? 22:00 – What are the rules on mixed marriages in Catholicism? 31:41 – Why is it wrong for parishioners to wear hats in Church even for medical reasons? 28:45 – What’s the Church’s response to the excessive self-flagellation especially in Latin America? 36:40 – How do we justify Mary being the Queen of all Christians? 41:55 – are there any spiritual ramifications to seeking medical attention from a Shriners hospital? 44:27 – Christ heals a man with mud he made with spit. And he had to do it twice for the person to be fully healed. Why was that detail included? 47:43 – My Baptist parents want me to be on birth control. Do I disobey them or go against the Church? 49:22 – Why aren’t the other 4 archangels in our canon anymore? Why aren’t they named? …