Catholic Answers Live

By Catholic AnswersReligion & Spirituality Christianity

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Catholic Answers Live episodes

August 14 #12849 Can You Force Someone to Convert to Christianity With Mind Control? Weird Questions - Jimmy Akin
If it were possible to control another person telepathically or psychokinetically, could you force them to convert to Christianity—and would that conversion even be valid? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Jimmy Akin tackles unusual questions at the intersection of Catholic theology, science, history, and pop culture. He examines whether baptisms performed by the character Mr. Eko on Lost would be valid, whether Jesus received DNA from Mary, and how Catholics should respond to ancient-alien theories that reinterpret God, angels, and biblical events as extraterrestrial encounters. Jimmy also discusses the credibility of controversial claims made by Malachi Martin and breaks down the differences between Newtonian physics, special relativity, and general relativity.
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Questions Covered:
05:34 – Let’s suppose for a moment here that it is possible to either telepathically or psychokinetically link up to another person to the point of being able affect their bodily motions or in other words, let’s suppose that possessing other humans can be done. Let’s suppose the host is a non-Christian and the possessor a Christian. If the possessor, while inside of the host’s body, pilots them into going to confession and declares Christ as Lord and Savior, is this a conversion and additionally would this be permitted? Why or why not?
17:10 – On the show LOST: are the baptisms performed on the island by “Father Eko” valid? The usual “desert island scenario” does not quite cover it. Eko is not a priest but is only impersonating one. And neither of the baptized was in imminent danger of death (although Charlie thought so on the basis of a dream) but survived at least into Season 5.
21:01 – I know this will be speculation, but do we have any proof one or the other whether the Holy Spirit used one of Mary’s eggs so there would be a DNA connection between them? Or is the general understanding that the Holy Spirit implanted an embryo in her, independent of her DNA?
28:42 – I saw an interview with Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, the ancient alien theorist on National Georgraphy YouTube… He claimed dozens of alien species have been with humanity for millions of years… Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed not by the Wrath of God but by a UFO. Tsukalos and other co-working theorists hold to the idea that we were visited by aliens during the pyramid era. For example, Tsukalos says that the Aztecs have carvings saying they saw huge giant snakes flying thousands of years ago (flying planes)… or floating turtles hovering over them (flying UFO discs) he claims it simply came down to misinterpreted technology from aliens for their lack of better words and explanations of what they saw… and therefore calling them Gods. This makes a lot of sense to me. Is it blasphemous to think or call God (the father) and his angels… aliens? What do you think about this misinterpreted technology?
44:34 – Malachi Martin made some weird complaints about things allegedly happening in the Vatican. How credible was he?
49:11 – What does the theory of relativity add or detract from the galelei-Newton system of coordinates? Was it just factoring in light speed? I’m reading through the theory now and I don’t even get the difference between general and special (specific?) relativity.
56 min
August 14#12848 Are Catholics Misled by Leftist Groups? Sunday Shopping and Trials - Joe Heschmeyer
“Are Catholics misled by leftist groups?” This question opens a discussion on the naivety some Catholics may have regarding social justice issues. The conversation also touches on the positive impact of refraining from Sunday shopping and draws parallels between personal trials and those faced by Christ, highlighting the diverse challenges and reflections within the faith.
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Questions Covered:
02:00 – I think Catholics have to understand they are being coopted by these leftist organizations. A lot of Catholics are very naive about social justice issues.
07:40 – We stopped going to businesses to do any shopping on Sundays and it has been a good change.
17:30 – Joan’s trial tracks very closely with that of our Lord.
22:00 – I’ve been a widow for 11 years. Before he died my favorite gift to give him was flannel shirts (he was a logger). I still wear his shirts. It has meant so much to me to watch Catholic Answers and the Flannel Panel.
29:40 – Why are companies open on Sundays anyway when they know they won’t get business from a lot of Christians?
56 min
August 13#12847 Mark Twain’s Joan of Arc? Mark Twain and Abortion Issues - Joe Heschmeyer
Mark Twain’s Joan of Arc? This question leads to a discussion about her life and legacy, alongside insights into Mark Twain’s views and the role of Isabelle Romée. The conversation also touches on contemporary issues, including Amnesty International’s stance on abortion, providing a rich exploration of faith and morality.
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Questions Covered:
06:00 – Mark Twain’s Joan of Arc
16:50 – Mark Twain
21:50 – Isabelle Romée
28:00 – CA books translated
36:50 – Amnesty International and abortion
56 min
August 13#12846 Every Questions on Confession Answered Part 2 - Karlo Broussard
Does the thief on the cross prove that Confession and the entire sacramental system are optional? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists respond to major objections to the Sacrament of Confession, including whether private confession is a medieval invention and whether the seal of confession dangerously protects criminals. The discussion examines whether penance amounts to works-righteousness, whether Confession encourages a cycle of “sin, confess, repeat,” and why receiving absolution is not an attempt to earn forgiveness. They also address concerns about women confessing sexual sins to celibate male priests, explain why Confession should be understood as good news rather than a burden, and explore what Catholics receive in the confessional that they would miss by simply asking God for forgiveness privately.
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Questions Covered:
01:20 – Doesn’t the thief on the cross prove the whole sacramental system is optional? So why should any of us bother with the sacrament?
06:16 – Isn’t private confession a medieval invention, not something apostolic? (Doesn’t history show the confessional isn’t apostolic at all?)
15:01 – Isn’t the seal of confession a dangerous rule that shields criminals? (How is that not dangerous — protecting criminals and endangering the public?)
22:37 – Isn’t assigning penance works-righteousness that denies ‘Christ paid it all’? (Isn’t penance just topping up a payment Jesus already made in full?)
41:51 – But confession, penance, absolution sounds like works you perform to earn your way back. Isn’t that the opposite of the gospel?
34:05 – Doesn’t confession give a license to sin — sin, confess, repeat? (If it’s that easy to reset, why would anyone take sin seriously?)
44:49 – Is it appropriate for a woman to confess sexual sins to a celibate man? (Is it even against God’s design to have a woman confess her sexual sins to a man — and a celibate one at that? Doesn’t that put her in a humiliating position?)
47:00 – Why is confession good news, not a burden?
50:20 – For the person who says ‘I can just tell God I’m sorry from my kitchen table’ — what does the Catholic receive in that confessional that they’d otherwise miss?
0 min
August 12#12845 Every Questions on Confession Answered Part 1 - Karlo Broussard
Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest instead of going directly to Jesus? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists respond to major Protestant objections to the Sacrament of Confession. They explain how a priest can say “I absolve you” without claiming to be God, why the priesthood of all believers does not eliminate the ministerial priesthood, and whether John 20 gives the apostles the authority to actually forgive sins or merely announce God’s forgiveness. The discussion also examines how this authority was passed on after the apostles, what the Bible means when it commands Christians to confess their sins, and whether perfect contrition makes sacramental confession unnecessary.
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Questions Covered:
01:51 – Why do I have to confess to a priest — can’t I go straight to Jesus?
5:00 – Because priests are not God, when a priest says ‘I absolve you,’ how is that not the blasphemy the scribes accused Jesus of?
07:45 – Why a special priest at all — aren’t all believers priests? (The priesthood of all believers — doesn’t that make every Christian a priest, with no need for an absolving clergy-caste?)
18:30 – Doesn’t John 20 just mean the apostles announce forgiveness, not absolve? (Couldn’t that just mean they PROCLAIM God’s forgiveness — preach it — rather than personally absolve?)
24:50 – Even if it’s real absolution power God gave the Apostles, why think it passed on after the apostles died? (Where does Scripture say it passes on, instead of dying with the Twelve?)
38:38 – When the Bible instructs us to confess our sins isn’t that a reference to mutual accountability among believers — not kneeling before an ordained man?
49:31 – If perfect contrition already forgives, isn’t the sacrament unnecessary?
56 min
August 12#12844 Whats the Best Defense for Catholicism? Bible and Sola Scriptura - Joe Heschmeyer
“What’s the best defense for Catholicism?” This episode addresses key arguments, including the best argument for the Catholic Bible and how a Protestant can reconcile objections while exploring Catholicism. Other topics include the Church’s stance on heretics, tips for evangelizing secular friends, and navigating challenging biblical passages.
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Questions Covered:
02:00 – What’s the Best Argument for the Catholic Bible?
10:20 – As a protestant, how can I bridge the gap in my objection on the assumption with my interest in Catholicism?
22:00 – Prop 33 from papal bull Exsurge Domine regarding heretics being burned. Does God want heretics to be burned?
29:08 – What tips do you have for a college student majoring in psych on how to evangelize my secular friend?
34:58 – How do we defend against Sola Scriptura rather than solo scriptura?
44:55 – My fiance has several painful chronic conditions. Would having a surgery to relieve her pain go against God’s will for her?
50:15 – Sirach seems to be very anti-woman. Sirach 25:19 seems like a contradiction on the Church’s understanding of women. How do I sort through verses like this?
56 min
August 11#12843 How Can You Become an Apologist? Tips and Stories - Trent Horn
“How can you become an apologist?” This episode shares practical tips and personal stories, including Trent Horn’s own journey into apologetics and insights on how Matt Fradd found his path. Additionally, discover valuable advice on building a supportive team and the importance of engaging directly with the community.
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Questions Covered:
02:00 – Trent Horn’s origin story
29:00 – How Matt Fradd became an apologist
35:00 – Tips for becoming an apologist
40:00 – How Trent met Laura
42:50 – Tip Two: Build a team around you
49:10 – Tip 3: Get in the trenches
56 min
August 11#12842 Why Does It Take So Long to Become Catholic? Faith and Apologetics - Emily Dinneny
“Why Does It Take So Long to Become Catholic?” This question opens a discussion on the intricacies of the Catholic initiation process. Other topics include the concerns of a Jewish individual raised atheist who loves Jesus but hesitates to join the Church, and how Catholics can defend their faith without being apologists.
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Questions Covered:
02:29 – Why is the process to become Catholic so long?
14:13 – I’m Jewish but I was raised atheist. I love Jesus but I’m afraid to go to the Church.
29:14 – I struggle with defending the faith. How should a Catholic defend the faith without needing to be an apologist?
42:01 – Regarding Papal Infallibility in Vatican 1. What historical documents affirm this doctrine?
47:45 – I’m joining OCIA because of the Church fathers and apostolic succession. Do Episcopalian have apostolic succession?
49:58 – I’m reading the Early Church Father and I’m not Catholic because I’m trying to figure what my next step is.
56 min
August 10#12841 What Keeps Young People From Mass? Vatican II and Community - Emily Dinneny
“What keeps young people from going to Mass?” This question opens a discussion on the challenges faced by the younger generation in engaging with their faith. Other topics include the need for Vatican II, concerns about social dynamics in church communities, and the experiences of recent converts starting young adult groups.
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Questions Covered:
06:09 – What keeps young people from going to Mass?
17:14 – What was the need for Vatican 2?
29:05 – I’ve been trying to go to Mass but the people are weird and lack social awareness. Will I have friends if I join?
40:02 – I’m non-Denom. How can I be sure the Catholic faith didn’t make a change that led it off track?
49:23 – Recent convert. I started a YA group at my parish.
56 min
August 08#12840 Is Raphael Lying to Tobias? Keys to Peter and Vatican II - Jimmy Akin
“Is Raphael lying to Tobias?” This question delves into the intriguing moment in Tobit where Raphael identifies himself in a way that raises doubts about honesty. Additionally, the discussion touches on the unique role of Peter in relation to the keys of the kingdom, the Ethiopian Bible, and the biblical foundations for Vatican II, showcasing a rich exploration of faith and scripture.
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Questions Covered:
04:13 – I was reading Tobit 5 where Raphael appears to Tobias and Tobias doesn’t recognize him as an angel. In v11 he asks what tribe he’s from, and Raphael replies saying he’s one of Tobias’ relatives. What’s going on here? It sounds like an angel is lying to Tobias.
16:14 – I’m a catechumen and kind of between Orthodoxy and Catholicism right now. When Jesus gives the keys to Peter, later in that chapter he gave the rest of the apostles to ability to bind and loose. Catholics say that they keys give the pope the ability to bind and loose, but if the rest of the apostles have that, what makes Peter unique?
28:43 – What do you know about the Ethiopian bible and the books of Enoch?
33:08 – What recommendations do you have to get a Catholic typological understanding of the bible?
42:23 – Is the scripture materially sufficient for salvation?
52:45 – What are the biblical bases for Vatican II and becoming modern?
56 min