A common objection to Jesus and the resurrection is that the disciples lied about what Jesus even existing and about his resurrection.  Jesus is mentioned many times outside of the Gospels by such historians as Tacitus, Josephus, and Pliny the Younger.  If the story was a lie 11 of the 12 disciples would not have died as martyrs for what they saw.

The Church is apostolic because the apostles were given the authority from Christ to establish it.  The catechism in Paragraph 857 states, “the Church was built on the foundation of the Apostles, with the help of the Holy Spirit, the Church keeps and hands on the teaching, she continues to be taught, sanctified, and guided by Christ through their successors” (Catechism 247).  The Catholic Church is made up of bishops along with the Pope.  This group of men have the great honor of carrying on the teaching of the apostles.  This is known as the teaching office of the Magisterium.  Contrary to what some think, scripture is not self-interpreting and interpretation can change based on one’s presupposition.  The Church is apostolic because the teaching office of the Church, the Magisterium, was given the divine task to interpret scripture.

In using this word, St. Ignatius tells his readers that the Church is universal.  It is a Church not just for the Jews or gentiles, but for all people.  It is for the rich, the poor, slave, or free because we are all children of God, and his message is to be taught to everyone.  The Church is also Catholic because the full deposit of faith, which consist of sacred scripture and sacred tradition, have been given to her.  Through these deposits she can fulfill the final command of Christ laid out in Matthew 28:19-20.

The second mark of the Church is that it is holy.  The Church is holy based on Jesus Christ who is its founder.  This can be seen in the salutation of Saint Paul to the Corinthians where he writes, “to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints” (1 Corinthians, 1:2, RSV).  The Church is sanctified, or made holy, by its call and mission.  The Church is made up of sinners, who by the grace of God, carry out the great commission of teaching and baptizing.  The Church acknowledges that the people within are not perfect, but need God’s saving grace.

The first mark of the Church is that it is one.  One is more than a number, but conveys unity.  This unity comes from her source which is the eternal Godhead itself.

One of the titles used for Mary is "Mother of God", but why?  Doesn't this elevate Mary to a place she shouldn't be?  Not at all.  The title is actually about a proper understanding of who Jesus is than anything else.

In today's episode I answer a common objection to the perpetual virginity of Mary.  I look at several scriptures and give examples to show that she did not.

A standard argument against sacred tradition is Matthew 15:3.  What is Jesus discussing here?  Are all traditions bad?  In today's episode I discuss the difference between upper case Traditions and lower case traditions.  Also how the canon in an example of Sacred Tradition in action.

One thing that separates Catholics and Protestants is Sola Scriptura, or Scripture alone.  What is it and is it logical?  The church teaches Scripture and Tradition, and the New Testament itself springs from Tradition.

I received an email over the weekend from a listener who had a good question.  Her question:  Any tips on growing in faith?  In today's episode I give three tips we can all do.  God bless.