Catholic Answers Live

Some claim Catholics trust the Church more than Christ—but is that true? We explore this common misunderstanding along with questions on Jesus’ “brothers,” historical temple virgins, and how to reach out to loved ones who feel unwelcome in the Church. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered:

A common misconception is that Mary’s perpetual virginity is optional to believe. We clarify Church teaching and how to explain it respectfully, along with insights on binding and loosing, the birth control pill, and how to talk about pornography and marriage. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered:

Romans 8–9 is often cited in support of Calvinist theology—but is that the only way to read it? We explore a Catholic interpretation of these powerful chapters, along with questions about the priesthood, interfaith prayer, and the role of bishops in setting fasting rules. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered:

Is it really possible for spiritual harm to be passed down through families? We explore the Church’s view on generational curses and demonic influence, along with insights on martyrdom, the Eucharist, and the connection between Revelation and the Gospel of John. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered:

Some Catholics are concerned about recent changes to synod structures and future decisions. We take a closer look at Pope Paul VI’s vision for synods, the Church’s stance on women’s ordination and same-sex unions, and answer more on valid marriage, frozen embryos, and Mary’s sinlessness. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered:

Many Protestants ask why Catholics follow papal authority when it’s not explicitly stated in Scripture. We explore the biblical and historical roots of the papacy and also explain why Catholics reject sola scriptura, differences in baptism, and the rules around receiving Communion. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered:

Navigating Mass with an estranged spouse can be difficult, especially when co-parenting. Dr. Ray offers guidance on maintaining peace and setting a good example for children, along with insights on family boundaries, self-compassion, and recognizing spiritual experiences in prayer. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered:

Opus Dei often sparks curiosity—and controversy. But what is it really, and how does it function within the wider Catholic Church? We explore this question and also discuss papal resignation and the balance of free will and institutional pressure. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered:

If intelligent alien or fictional species like Vulcans or Hobbits existed, could they be ordained as priests? We dive into this speculative theology question and also explore Marian devotion, dowsing, near-death experiences, and papal infallibility. Questions Covered:

If a gorilla could understand the Gospel through sign language, could it be saved? We explore this unusual but fascinating question, plus why St. Philomena’s feast was removed, the Church’s view on devotionals, and how to approach celibacy in unexpected life situations. Questions Covered:

Are Marian doctrines like the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption late inventions, or do they have earlier roots? We explore pre-Augustinian thought, why some doctrines develop differently, and how Marian beliefs compare to teachings like eternal security and sola fide. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: 12:41 – I know the Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul & Divinity of Jesus. Is it his Resurrected body? 16:30 – Do we have any prior to Augustine who taught the concept of the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption? Why is the argument of time work for eternal security and sola fide, but not Marian doctrines? 47:30 – Have you read “Jesus Wept”?

Are all Catholics bound by the same beliefs, regardless of rite? We explore the unity and diversity within the Catholic Church, plus discuss attending Byzantine parishes, Marian theology in the East, and inter-rite confessions. Questions Covered: 10:17 – Can a priest of a certain rite celebrate the Eucharist in a different rite? 15:21 – Do the Eastern Catholic Churches believe in Mary the same way the Orthodox? 19:15 – Have any of the Eastern Catholic Churches undergo sweeping liturgical changes like the Latin Rite? 19:15 – Have any of the Eastern Catholic Churches undergone sweeping liturgical changes like the Latin Rite? 25:15 – How do you answer the objection that the early Church was Orthodox, not Catholic? 29:59 – As a Roman Catholic, can I attend a Byzantine Parish to fulfill my Sunday obligation? 34:30 – You helped me in my conversion. Is there anything in the Bible to help me point my wife towards Catholicism? 45:29 – What was the biggest adjustment when you started attending the Byzantine Rite? 46:43 – Why do we use “the Roman Catholic Church” to refer to all the rites? Can’t we just use “The Catholic Church” and use “Roman Catholic” for the specific rite? 48:40 – Did you take it easy on George Janko? 51:08 – Can I get Confession from an Eastern Rite priest? 53:00 – Are Eastern Catholics required to believe everything that other Catholics are required to believe?

In this episode, the Flannel Panel goes through the biased takes of NPR and offers commentary from a Catholic perspective. Topics Covered:

With so many voices on social media and YouTube, is Catholicism gaining ground in the digital world? We explore the Church’s online presence and also look at trends in adult conversions to the faith. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Topics Covered:

Is it required belief that St. Joseph remained celibate his whole life? We explore Church teaching on this tradition and also dive into Mary’s sorrowful apparitions, obedience to the pope, and infant baptism debates with Protestants. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered:

What happens if the priest or pastor doesn’t say the exact words during a baptism? Does it still count? We explore the Church’s teaching on valid baptism, plus questions on receiving Communion before convalidation, judgment after death, and depictions of Jesus in iconography. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered:

If the writings of the Church Fathers aren’t part of the Bible, why do they matter? We explore their authority and role in understanding the faith, plus tackle questions about God’s omniscience, Eucharistic miracles, and why Mary doesn’t appear more often in Scripture. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered:

Many Marian prayers mention having “recourse” to her—but where does that phrase come from, and is it something Catholics are required to believe? We explore its origin and meaning, plus questions on Mary’s titles, Christ’s conception, and the early practice of the sign of the cross. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: 04:44 – Many prayers to Mary say we have recourse to her. What is the origin of that? Is it required to believe that? 08:12 – In the liturgy it says that Christ was conceived through the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. Doesn’t the bible say “the most high” overshadowed her? 12:30 – How can Mary be both the spouse of Joseph and the spouse of the Holy Spirit? It’s kind of uncomfortable to hear that. 17:14 – When CCC 674 says Jesus won’t come back until he is recognized by “all of Israel,” who are they talking about? 23:21 – How early on did the practice of making the sign of the cross happen? 28:39 – Why do we withhold the Eucharist from adults up until confirmation? 33:33 – If you forget to confess sins during confession are they absolved or is it a valid confession? 37:50 – When we are in heaven do we reflect on our lives on earth? 42:55 – What are your thoughts on children marrying someone who’s not Catholic? 46:31 – I’m Catholic but this is a question that I get from atheists: Why did God create us in the first place? 50:02 – How do I talk to a very combative protestant who demonizes everything the Church teaches?

Are we responsible for staying silent when others sin? We explore what Scripture says, plus why some parishes don’t offer the chalice, how to pray for a seriously ill loved one, and the meaning of “action follows being” in Thomistic philosophy. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered:

What exactly is a Pride Mass, and does it meet the requirements of a valid Catholic Mass? We break it down and also tackle topics like abstaining from meat, Mary’s need for a Savior, and the authority of Scripture in Catholic teaching. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: