Catholic Answers Live

“How can we achieve perfection?” This question leads to a discussion on the steps we can take to avoid Purgatory, alongside insights on responding to Protestant challenges about Catholic doctrine. Other topics include the relationship between science and belief in God, the purpose of praying the Rosary, and the complexities of Church teachings on birth control.

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Questions Covered:

02:50 – What can we do to reach a level of perfection where we won’t have to go to Purgatory?

13:45 – How do we respond to Protestants when they challenge our Catholic doctrine?

22:10 – Is there a good book that addresses the scientific basis for God? My intelligent 22 year old grandson says science prohibits him from believing in God.

30:19 – I’ll be starting OCIA soon. Why pray the Rosary when we can go directly to God? And when would I pray the Rosary? It seems like if I just pray the Rosary I’d be giving up the fruitful prayer routine I already have. I wouldn’t want to give that up.

41:45 – The verbiage of CCC 2370 regarding birth control, “rendering procreation impossible” puzzles me. I’m not sure how it would apply because both artificial contraception and NFP have similar success rates.

48:29 – What are some of the sins that a regular priest can’t absolve? And what should a priest do if someone confesses something illegal?

“How is the Mass Christ’s sacrifice?” This question leads to a discussion on how Catholics view the Mass as the re-presentation of Christ’s single sacrifice, despite the experience of imperfection after attending. Other topics include the validity of saying “My Lord and My God” during consecration, and how to address challenges to the authenticity of Scripture.

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Questions Covered:

05:35 – Catholics believe that the Mass is the re-presentation of the single sacrifice of Christ, which Hebrews 10:14 says makes us perfect. But Catholics attend Mass and leave not perfected. Therefore, the Mass must not be the single sacrifice of Christ.

16:02 – A couple weeks ago I heard someone on CA say that you shouldn’t say “My Lord and My God” at the consecration. But my priest told me there is actually a partial indulgence for doing this. What’s true?

23:52 – How do you navigate the constant bombardment of people who deny the authenticity of scripture?

33:52 – Was Jesus always there from the beginning with God?

43:46 – The Hail Mary and the Hail Holy Queen seem like idolatry to me.

50:20 – What do Catholics believe about predestination? Is every event meant to be?

“How do I deal with being the only Catholic?” This question resonates with many, especially those navigating family dynamics. The discussion also touches on finding a Catholic community as a young adult, managing heated debates with family members, and approaching the sensitive topic of conversion without causing conflict.

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Questions Covered:

02:28 – How do you deal with being the only Catholic in the family?

20:50 – I’m 21 and the only Catholic in my family. How do I find a Catholic community?

29:56 – I’m the only Catholic in my family. How do I keep cool when having a heated debate with my brother?

34:24 – I’m converting and will be the only Catholic in my family. How do I break this news to my family without burning bridges?

“Is addictive personality real?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of addiction, including insights on how to recognize an addictive personality. Other topics include strategies for helping a son struggling with nicotine and vaping, the intersection of faith and recovery in programs like Al Anon, and the role of sacraments in overcoming addiction.

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Questions Covered:

06:10 – Is there Such a thing as an addictive personality and how do i know i have one?

13:46 – I think my son struggles with nicotine and vaping, possibly some ADD. I think he is self-medicating. Any suggestions on how to help him?

18:50 – I was part of Al Anon and I feel like it brought me back to my Catholic faith. Ultimately I stopped going because they seemed to shun my Catholicism. Yet, it is interesting that they say they are a God-centered program.

29:16 – I have been in a 12 step program for food addiction for almost 20 years. I have recently had the epiphany that I can continue those meetings, but also go to Catholic in Recovery meetings where I can feel more relaxed about being open about my faith.

35:01 – I think the sacraments were the force that pulled me out of addiction.

41:09 – I sobered up in AA. I found that most people there who were against talking about Catholic faith were people who grew up Catholic but were hurt in some way. I found after a meeting was a great time to do apologetics.

47:59 – My dad is elderly and an alcoholic. Now he is sick. If he stopped his drinking his medication would work better. I don’t know how to approach it. Sometimes I feel like I’m giving up on him.

52:38 – I was addicted to pornography and I’m wondering if I’m doing the right thing by staying away from it.

“Can you help me understand the Catholic focus on Mary?” This question opens a discussion on the role of Mary in Catholicism, addressing why Catholics pray to her rather than solely to God. The conversation also touches on the Catholic version of salvation compared to the Protestant Romans Road and explores the nuances of the Catholic view of heaven.

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Questions Covered:

00:59 – Can you help me understand the Catholic focus on Mary? Why not just pray to God in Jesus’ name?

23:03 – The Protestants have Romans Road. Is there a Catholic version of that — a list of quick bullet points on how to get saved?

29:15 – It seems like many Protestants have a kind of flat view of heaven — you are either in or you are out. Is the Catholic view more nuanced than that?

39:58 – I’m a new Catholic. Can you give me advice on how to hear God’s voice when we pray?