September 12, 2025

#12369 Can Excommunicated Catholics Be Saved? IVF, the Trinity, and Sacramentals - Jimmy Akin

55 minutes

“Can excommunicated Catholics be saved?” This episode explores the complexities of salvation and excommunication, while also addressing the morality of IVF and the Church’s perspective on good deeds in different faiths. Additionally, we delve into the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives and clarify the role of sacramentals versus talismans. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on these important topics.

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Questions Covered:

02:30 – I understand IVF is immoral even if there is only one child created and implanted, but should it also be illegal? Where is that line?

13:41 – How would the church differentiate between a work a saved person does versus a non-saved one. (context: good deeds in Islam vs works in Catholicism.)

28:40 – How does the Holy Spirit work in our daily lives? After confirmation, why do so many youths lose the guidance of the Holy Spirit?

33:25 – Can a baptismal candle be used for everyday purposes (like when the power goes out)?

36:28 – James IV of Scotland was excommunicated by Pope Julius II for breaking the Treaty of Perpetual Peace with England in favor of the much older “Auld Alliance” with France when Henry VIII of England participated in the “Holy League” against France via a military invasion. James IV of Scotland later perished in the Battle of Flodden field against England and his excommunication had never been rescinded. Did James (or any excommunicate for that matter) have any hope for salvation after dying while formally excommunicated? Are there distinctions between spiritual vs. politically motivated excommunications? I understand this requires context provided by James’ private conscience, which we can only speculate on.

45:00 – How do we think about the Trinity when directing our prayers? Should I be developing a prayer rapport with each person of the Trinity or am I overthinking this?

51:31 – How do you explain sacramentals to someone when they say it’s basically like having a magic talisman? I’ve understood it as God’s grace working through the sacramental, but how can we make a better distinction between sacramentals and talismans?

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