#12262 Mortal Sin, Confession, Miracles, Fairies, and the Role of the Cantor at Mass - Joe Heschmeyer

In This episode of Catholic Answers Live we cover questions on: Catholic-Muslim views on God, early Church writings, Arian heresies, salvation through the Church, Marian apparitions, explaining the Eucharist to Protestants, creation timeline in Genesis, Jesus’ agony in the Garden, and proper handling of cremated ashes. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:05 – What is a succinct apologetics response to the claim that Catholics worship the same God as Muslims? How can this be explained clearly to Protestants? 12:35 – Is there a book or collection of theological documents from the first to third centuries? 21:29 – How can one refute an Arian-type heresy when discussing with others? 29:15 – What does it mean that salvation comes through the Catholic Church, especially in light of the alleged Marian apparition above a Coptic church in Zeitoun, Egypt? 36:03 – How can the Catholic teaching on the Eucharist be explained to Protestants who claim it resembles cannibalism? 46:37 – Why did God wait until the fourth day to create the sun, moon, and stars when He said “let there be light” on the first day? Follow-up – Why did Jesus agonize in the Garden of Gethsemane if He knew His Passion was necessary? 51:15 – If a family cannot afford cemetery entombment, is it permissible to spread a loved one’s ashes on cemetery grounds?  

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, we tackle some of the most thought-provoking and commonly asked questions about the Catholic faith. Topics include the biblical basis for Mary’s sinlessness and the Assumption, as well as how to explain the word “Catholic” despite it not appearing in Scripture. We also explore the Church’s teaching on the respectful handling of cremated ashes versus the veneration of saints’ relics. Listeners ask how to understand Acts 2:38–39 in relation to infant baptism and seek guidance on restoring hope during spiritual dryness and doubt in the power of prayer. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 19:15 – Where in the Bible is the idea of Mary’s sinlessness found? 24:20 – What is the distinction between the Church’s prohibition on scattering cremated ashes and the distribution of saints’ relics? 33:20 – Why do Catholics believe in the Assumption of Mary? 44:41 – How can one restore hope and faith when doubting the efficacy of prayer? 51:22 – How can Catholics explain the term “Catholic” being Biblical when the word itself is not in the Bible?

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, listeners ask thoughtful and wide-ranging questions on Catholic doctrine and spirituality. Topics include whether a cantor’s lifestyle affects the Mass, how to discern mystical experiences from coincidences, and the potential impact of Ecumenical Councils on doctrine and liturgy. Other questions touch on miracles in non-Catholic churches, the meaning of Matthew 11:27, the history of the Sacrament of Confession, and how to address disruptive chatter before Mass. The show also delves into more unusual inquiries, such as whether the Church has any stance on fairies, and how to understand the eternal consequences of dying in mortal sin. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:27 – Does a cantor living a homosexual lifestyle diminish the value of the Mass? 08:59 – Will there be more Catholic-Orthodox apologetics content in the future? 17:00 – How can one discern whether an experience is mystical or merely coincidence? 22:21 – Can an Ecumenical Council change doctrine in a way that leads to liturgical abuse, or is this an application of Matthew 18? 27:44 – Why do miracles occur in Orthodox and Protestant churches if they are outside the Catholic Church? 33:44 – What is the proper understanding of Matthew 11:27? 39:00 – What is the historical development of the Sacrament of Confession? 46:32 – How should pre-Mass chatter in church be addressed? 49:52 – Does the Church have any official teaching or view on fairies? 52:22 – If someone dies in mortal sin, why isn’t it appropriate to conclude they are in Hell?

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, we tackle some of the most thought-provoking and practical questions about the Catholic faith. Topics include tips for bringing toddlers to Mass, a deep dive into Exodus 21:7-11, and the moral implications of marrying for an inheritance. We also explore why so much of world history has unfolded outside the visible boundaries of the Catholic Church, whether Catholics and Muslims worship the same God, and how to reconcile evolution with the Genesis account. This episode is packed with Catholic apologetics, biblical insight, and guidance for living out your faith in everyday situations. Whether you’re a parent, a student of Scripture, or just seeking clarity, this episode offers something for every Catholic thinker and believer. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 14:34 – Do you have tips for bringing toddlers to Mass? 23:13 – What is the explanation behind Exodus 21:7-11? 28:10 – What are the moral implications of marrying someone for an inheritance? 31:44 – Why has so much history and civilization occurred outside the universal church? 45:19 – Does the Catholic church consider Allah from Islam the same as our God? 49:29 – How do I navigate evolution when referencing Genesis?

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, we dive into one of the most debated topics in the modern Church: Why was the Novus Ordo Mass introduced after Vatican II, and how should Catholics view it alongside the Traditional Latin Mass? We explore the historical context, theological intent, and the call for reverence and unity across both forms. Whether you’re attached to the TLM or attend the Novus Ordo, this episode emphasizes mutual respect and liturgical richness. Help support the work we do by donating! Catholicanswersradio.com Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 13:22 – If Mary was born without original sin, why can’t everyone else?  16:33 – Is there any strong case (theological, biblical and/or historical) for women deacons? It seems there isn’t any case, but as it gets brought up so often, what could be a strong man case for it?  35:02 – Hello from the UK, Jimmy. What exactly is a Doctor of the Church, and why are their views held in higher esteem compared to any other theologian or apologist? Thanks.  40:54 – What’s a good way to explain why the Novus Ordo was introduced? How would you address critics of either the Novus Ordo or the Traditional Latin Mass that both forms should be respected?  49:10 – If after the resurrection we will be more like the angels, does this imply we will be genderless as well?  52:33 – Recently in one livestream, someone was saying Christianity spread with Bible in one hand and bullet in other. What should be my response as a Christian? 

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, we explore a fascinating question about Gospel authorship: When St. John wrote his Gospel, was he aware of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and the Acts of the Apostles? We examine historical evidence, early Church tradition, and scholarly insight into how the Gospel of John fits into the broader New Testament timeline. Help support the work we do by donating! Catholicanswersradio.com Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:12 – What does it mean in 1 Peter 2:24 from a Catholic perspective that Jesus “bore our sins in His body?”  10:21 – Where did the boy Jesus sleep when he was missing for three days?  19:33 – If an entity is currently traveling forward through time (ie progressing from the present to the future) then does it follow that it must have begun traveling through time?  29:02 – How would you reply to someone who says it was the Holy Spirit only who led the church in the first 4 centuries and not the Catholic Church, etc.  37:52 – I’m in a Catholic parish choir and the hymnal has a lot of songs of Protestant origin with lines like this: Till on that cross as Jesus died. The wrath of God was satisfied. Am I right to find this a distorted view of Jesus’s sacrifice of himself? It seems to show God the Father as a vengeance-hungry idiot happy to hurt the most innocent Victim possible.  45:25 – When John wrote his Gospel, was he aware of the three synoptic Gospels Matthew, Mark, and Luke plus the book of Acts?  Is there any Church tradition or research that confirms he was aware of their existence? 

Join Cy Kellett on Catholic Answers Live as he welcomes Eucharistic pilgrims Leslie Reyes Hernandez and Jonathan Hernandez, two vibrant young Catholics journeying across the country to share Christ’s love through the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. From Indianapolis to Los Angeles, they’re visiting churches, hospitals, and schools—bringing the Eucharist and a powerful message of faith, healing, and joy. Hear Jonathan’s incredible testimony of transformation from anger to peace through Eucharistic Adoration and how both he and Leslie are witnessing to the Real Presence with every step. Their passion, humility, and surrender to God’s will are deeply moving. Get inspired by their faith, their stories, and their call to evangelization on the road—an uplifting reminder of the power of Christ in the Eucharist. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com

In this inspiring episode of Catholic Answers Live, Bishop Earl Fernandes of Columbus, Ohio, shares his powerful family story of immigration, perseverance, and vocation—from the son of Indian immigrants to Catholic bishop. Hear how Catholic education, hard work, and faith helped his family rise from poverty, and why he believes Catholic schools remain a vital force for evangelization and community renewal. Bishop Fernandes discusses universal school vouchers in Ohio, how Catholic schools transform lives, and the Church’s role in serving the common good—through education, healthcare, housing, and workforce development. He also reflects on the lasting impact of Catholic formation and why authentically Catholic education must form the whole person.

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: 11:42 – Which is more effective in defending the Resurrection of Jesus: the minimal facts approach or the maximal facts approach? 19:14 – What is the Catholic perspective on the morality of “reality shifting,” or shifting consciousness to an alternate version of reality? 29:00 – How should someone discern whether changing their surname dishonors their father, and whether they should change it back out of respect? 40:35 – Is it morally acceptable to own and use guns, particularly for self-defense and situations involving lethal force? 46:12 – Can Mary hear our silent prayers and thoughts, such as when praying the Rosary silently rather than aloud? 50:20 – Does Genesis 1:30 support the claim that all animals were originally vegetarian, as some fundamentalists suggest?

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?