Catholic Answers Live

Is it a sin to change your surname? Can Mary hear our silent prayers? In this episode, we explore unique and thought-provoking questions about Catholic belief and morality. Learn the difference between the minimal and maximal facts approaches to defending the Resurrection of Jesus, and discover the Church’s perspective on “reality shifting”—a concept involving altered states of consciousness. We also address whether it’s morally acceptable to own and use firearms, especially in cases of self-defense. Finally, we examine Genesis 1:30 and whether it truly suggests that all animals were originally vegetarian. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

Can Catholics name their Guardian Angels? Will receiving both the Body and Blood of Christ return as a regular practice? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, we dive into intriguing theological and scriptural questions. Learn the difference between hermeneutics and exegesis, the Church’s view on the gift of tongues, and whether drone technology could ever be used to deliver the Eucharist. We also explore Jesus’ question to Peter—“Do you love me more than these?”—and what it reveals about love and leadership among the apostles. Finally, we address the idea that the elect are always a remnant and what that means for salvation. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:30 – Can the faithful receive both the Body and Blood of Christ at Communion? Will this practice return universally? 06:03 – How should Catholics respond to the idea that the elect are always a remnant, implying only a small portion of humanity—including Christians—are saved? 14:51 – What is the difference between the terms hermeneutics and exegesis in biblical interpretation? 17:40 – Could drone technology ever be used to deliver the Eucharist to those unable to attend Mass? 31:55 – What is the Catholic position on the gift of tongues? Must it involve unintelligible sounds, real languages, or can there be differing views? 43:42 – Are Catholics permitted to name their Guardian Angels? 49:15 – Why did Jesus ask Peter if he loved Him more than the others? What is the meaning behind that specific comparison?

Can a pope change infallible doctrine? What does the Church teach about receiving the entire Trinity in Holy Communion? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, we explore key theological topics and respond to common questions about the Catholic faith. Learn how to respond to Calvinist interpretations of key Scripture passages, understand why the Eucharist is more than just Christ’s flesh and blood, and dive into the origins of the doctrine of receiving Christ’s body, blood, soul, and divinity. We also examine why the Catholic Church typically uses pouring rather than full immersion for Baptism. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

Is the Eucharist cannibalism? Why is the Precious Blood sometimes withheld from the laity? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, we respond to common misunderstandings and explore the deep theology behind Catholic beliefs. Learn how to explain the Eucharist to skeptics, understand the Church’s teaching on the Sacrifice of the Mass despite Christ’s once-for-all death, and explore the scriptural, theological, and historical support for the Assumption of Mary. We also tackle the question of whether God calls all Christians to become Catholic. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

How can Catholics respond to Sedevacantist claims and Jehovah’s Witness interpretations of Scripture? Why does the Bishop of Rome hold primacy over the Bishop of Antioch? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, we tackle these challenging apologetics questions, explore how to clearly defend the Catholic doctrine of the Trinity, and offer strategies for helping LGBT youth remain connected to the Church. We also discuss the spiritual significance of choosing a saint’s name at Confirmation and how to distinguish authentic Magisterial teaching from personal theological opinion. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

What does Scripture say about Mary’s perpetual virginity and sinlessness? Is an annulment needed if a spouse dies after a civil divorce? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, we explore these and other challenging questions about Catholic teaching and Scripture. Discover the meaning behind Jesus’ command to “take up your cross,” learn how to recognize mortal sin before receiving Communion, and understand the Church’s view on praying for those who die by suicide. We also discuss key Church Fathers to reference in conversations with Calvinists and explore the importance of forgiveness in light of Matthew 5:21–26. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

What do the sermons in Acts reveal about the early Church’s belief in the Resurrection? Where was Tabitha before her resurrection in Acts 9:40? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, we explore deep theological questions about Christ’s human nature during His death, how to explain Original Sin to students, and what good—if any—can come from eternal suffering in Hell. We also address how to explain the mystery of the Trinity to someone from a Latter-day Saints background. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

Can Catholics attend 12-step recovery programs? Are we less spiritually zealous today than the early Church? What’s the proper posture for laity during the Our Father at Mass? And how do ancient texts like the Book of Jubilees align with Catholic tradition on Adam’s burial? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, we dive into these thoughtful questions from listeners across the country. Discover what the Church teaches about appropriate behavior during Mass, explore how Catholic spirituality has changed over time, and examine intriguing connections between biblical traditions and apocryphal writings. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, listeners ask deep and thought-provoking questions about Scripture, the sacraments, and God’s love. Why is exact language so essential when administering the sacraments? How can we dispose ourselves to receive God’s love rather than trying to earn it? We also explore the powerful Old Testament moment when Jacob wrestles with the angel—what does it mean, and why is it significant? Join us for a rich conversation that blends theology, spiritual insight, and biblical understanding, helping Catholics and seekers alike grow in knowledge and faith. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, guest Alex Jurado from “Voice of Reason” tackles thoughtful and challenging questions from callers exploring Catholic teaching and doctrine. Topics include the true meaning of the word anathema, biblical support for confession to a priest, and how to explain the seal of confession in difficult moral situations. Alex also addresses concerns about biblical contradictions, the authority of the Magisterium, and how to interpret Matthew 16:18 in Protestant-Catholic dialogue. Listeners ask about papal authority in light of the Pope Vigilius controversy, proper church etiquette for seekers, and what the Church means by salvation through “faith working through love.” Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Cy Kellett is joined by Catholic apologist Joe Heschmeyer and Catholic Answers President Chris Check to unpack what’s fueling a renewed interest in Catholicism today. From cultural instability and gender confusion to the peace and stability found in the sacramental life, they explore why more people—especially young men—are finding their way to the Catholic Church. They discuss the popular Shameless Popery podcast, a surprising CNN episode titled “Catholicism Is So Hot Right Now,” and how truth, tradition, and meaning are attracting a new generation of seekers.

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, join Cy Kellett, Chris Check, and Joe Heschmeyer for the always-entertaining “Flannel Panel,” where they dive into world events and moral issues through a Catholic lens. Topics include the ethics of war, the phrase “unconditional surrender,” nuclear weapons, and how Catholic just war teaching applies to modern conflicts. They also discuss the sonic boom from a recent SpaceX rocket launch, the moral challenges of technology, and reflections on recent Supreme Court decisions.

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Karlo Broussard answers a range of insightful questions about Scripture, Church teaching, and Catholic doctrine. He explains how Matthew 25 supports the Catholic view that good works are essential for salvation, addresses why the Church typically welcomes converts at the Easter Vigil, and points to biblical evidence for purgatory. Karlo also clarifies how annulments work, discusses the value of formal theological study versus self-education, and offers guidance on teaching the origins of Adam and Eve alongside Church teaching on evolution. Finally, he shares the Catholic perspective on the teachings of John MacArthur. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:49 – How does Matthew 25 support the Catholic view that good works play a role in salvation, in contrast to the Protestant view of faith alone? 12:30 – Why does the Catholic Church typically receive converts during one specific time of the year, such as at the Easter Vigil? 17:54 – Where can the doctrine of purgatory be found in Scripture? 31:02 – When an annulment is granted by the Church, is it effective immediately or does it apply retroactively to the original marriage date? 37:03 – For someone deepening their faith later in life, is it better to pursue formal theological education or engage in structured self-study? 44:10 – What is the Church’s teaching on the origins of Adam and Eve and how can it be effectively taught alongside the theory of evolution? 52:07 – What is the Catholic Church’s perspective on the teachings of Protestant pastor John MacArthur?

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Karlo Broussard answers questions on Catholic doctrine, Church history, and theological distinctions. Why does the Church teach the difference between mortal and venial sin? What is the Catholic response to the idea of ordaining women in the Eastern Orthodox Church? Karlo also clarifies the requirements for conditional baptism and confirmation, explores the similarities and differences between Catholic and Lutheran views on justification, and discusses the traditional order of the sacraments in the Latin Rite. Plus, learn how the early Church understood purgatory and when belief in it began to fade. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 00:59 – Why does the Catholic Church teach the distinction between mortal and venial sin? 16:43 – If the Eastern Orthodox Church were to ordain women, would such ordinations be considered sacramentally valid? 21:49 – What are the conditions under which conditional baptism or confirmation may be granted, and why might one be approved while the other is not? 31:56 – What are the key differences and similarities between the Catholic and Lutheran views on justification? Are they closer than commonly believed? 46:45 – Is there any movement within the Latin Rite to restore the traditional sacramental order—Baptism, Confirmation, then Eucharist—especially for infants? 51:43 – When and why did belief in purgatory begin to decline, and how was it understood in the early Church?

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Dr. Matthew Bunson of EWTN joins us to discuss the historic election of Pope Leo XIV—the first American Pope. Dr. Bunson shares behind-the-scenes insights from his front-row seat at the Vatican during the conclave, including the dramatic moment white smoke signaled a new pontiff. Learn how the voting process unfolded, why the election moved faster than expected, and how the Church and media reacted. Dr. Bunson also discusses his new book, Pope Leo XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope, published by EWTN Publishing. From spiritual significance to journalistic intensity, this episode captures a powerful moment in Church history as experienced by a leading Catholic voice. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Fr. Paul Keller joins us to tackle a wide range of questions from Catholics seeking clarity and guidance. Can saints in Heaven and souls in purgatory communicate with us on earth? What can someone do to help a loved one return to the Catholic faith? For those new to the Church, Fr. Keller explains what to expect during Eucharistic adoration and how to participate with reverence. We also explore whether assurance of salvation is possible, especially during life’s trials. What does it mean that the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father and the Son”? How can one support a vocation to the priesthood? Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 09:19 – What are the spiritual capabilities of the saints in Heaven and the souls in purgatory when it comes to communicating with people on earth? 20:31 – What guidance can be given to someone who wants to support a loved one in returning to active participation in the Catholic faith? 28:55 – What should someone new to the Church know about Eucharistic adoration—what to do during it, and any particular postures or gestures to observe? 34:13 – Can a person have any assurance of salvation, especially when facing life’s hardships and uncertainties? 42:49 – What does the phrase “proceeds from the Father and the Son” mean in the context of the Holy Spirit as stated in the Nicene Creed? 48:55 – How can someone support and encourage a family member who is discerning a vocation to the priesthood? 52:19 – What is meant by the term “Catholic guilt,” and how should it be understood within the context of the faith?

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, we explore key questions about Catholic doctrine and Scripture. Topics include the Church’s teaching on Purgatory, the meaning of “under the earth” in Scripture, and Pope St. John Paul II’s quote on free will and the greater good. Jimmy discusses who the Church Fathers are and how to read them, how doctrinal development fits with the end of public revelation, and biblical support for the resurrection of the dead and Christ’s second coming. He also addresses whether a priest can deny communion to someone kneeling and whether baptism removes both sin and attachment to sin. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:00 – What is the Catholic teaching on Purgatory, and is there a “middle space” between Heaven and Hell for souls? 12:52 – In the verse “every knee shall bend… under the earth,” what does “under the earth” refer to—could it mean Hell? 20:49 – How should one understand Pope St. John Paul II’s quote: “The greater good is maintained when someone uses his freedom wrongly than when he is forced to do what is good”? 28:45 – Who are the Church Fathers, and how can someone begin reading them alongside Scripture for deeper understanding? 32:30 – How can the Church’s claim that public revelation has ceased be reconciled with the idea that doctrine continues to develop? 41:58 – What Bible verses support the Catholic teachings on the resurrection of the dead and the second coming of Christ? 49:26 – Is it within a priest’s authority to deny communion to someone who chooses to receive kneeling? 52:51 – Does the sacrament of baptism remove not only sin but also attachment to sin?

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Jimmy Akin and Cy discuss what someone in the annulment process must do before entering the Church through OCIA, and examine how Sola Scriptura and a priori syllogisms relate to Anglican apologetics. They explore how to discern messages from angels, and whether Spock’s sacrifice in Star Trek reflects John 15:13. Other questions include whether Martin Luther sought self-justification, and how to respond to criticisms of Catholic parish events like gambling nights. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:15 – What must someone do regarding their current marriage if they are in the annulment process, remarried, and preparing to enter the Church through OCIA? 15:25 – How does Sola Scriptura relate to a priori syllogisms in the context of Anglican apologetics? 23:07 – What is the proper way to discern signs and messages from angels according to Catholic teaching? 35:10 – In Star Trek, Spock sacrifices his life for Captain Pike. Is this an example of John 15:13 in action? 40:38 – Was Martin Luther ultimately motivated by a desire for self-justification? 47:49 – How should Catholics respond to criticism about past parish events like gambling or casino nights being seen as hypocritical?

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Tim Staples answers questions about Catholic teaching and practice. Topics include the Church’s position on dividing ashes, relics, and organ donation, and the meaning of a line from the “Golden Arrow” prayer. A caller asks why some OCIA participants still struggle with Marian dogmas. We also explore whether Jesus had a middle or last name, what to do during Eucharistic adoration if the fire alarm goes off, and whether downloading copyrighted material is morally acceptable. Finally, he explains the Church’s view of The Mystical City of God by Mary of Ágreda. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 3:29 – What is the Church’s teaching on the dividing up and spreading of ashes as to the distribution of relics or organ donation? 19:44 – The “Golden Arrow” prayer has a line spoken from the Lord, which states, “Be careful to utilize this grace because I demand an account of it from you.” What is meant by this? 29:40 – My friend completed OCIA and still will not accept Marian dogmas. 40:35 – Did Jesus have a middle and last name? 43:44 – What to do during adoration if the fire alarm sounds? 45:29 – Is copyright morally binding. If I find a pdf / video / music online but cannot find it anywhere else, can I download it? 51:20 – Is the book Mystical City of God by Mary Jesus of Agreda Catholic?

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Adrian Lawson from the YouTube channel Sips with Serra, joins CY to discuss the growing appeal of the Catholic Church among young people—has the Church changed, or has the culture shifted? A caller enrolled in OCIA asks why we receive the Eucharist by eating it, and how that connects us to Christ’s sacrifice. They also address the Eucharistic Congress and recent protests surrounding it, offering a Catholic perspective on public witness and reverence for the Blessed Sacrament. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 30:19 – What has changed to make the Catholic Church more appealing to young people? Has the church changed or American culture? 34:23 – I’m signed up for OCIA, and I am curious to why we eat the Eucharist as the mode of receiving and participating in Christ’s sacrifice? 47:10 – What are your thoughts on the Eucharistic congress and the disruptive protesters following it?