#12268 How to Start a Career in Catholic Apologetics, Plus Ad Orientem Mass and Exorcism Explained - Tim Staples

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, listeners ask thought-provoking questions on topics ranging from liturgy and Church history to spiritual warfare and vocational discernment. Questions include how to begin a career in Catholic apologetics, whether the Novus Ordo Mass assumes an ad orientem posture, and how exorcism practices differ between Catholics and non-Catholic Christians. Also discussed is the historical development of the priesthood and the formal distribution of Communion, tracing its evolution from house churches to today’s liturgical structure. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:50 – What are some practical suggestions and advice for someone considering a career in Catholic apologetics? How should one begin to pursue the “soul” of apologetics? 15:19 – Does the Novus Ordo rubric originally assume that the Mass is celebrated ad orientem, and has it changed over time to be commonly celebrated facing the congregation? 29:15 – How is it that non-Catholic Christians are able to cast out demons, while in the Catholic Church exorcism is ecclesiastically regulated and reserved for authorized exorcists? 49:00 – When and how did the Church transition from early Christian gatherings in homes to a more formal institution of the priesthood and structured distribution of Communion?  

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, listeners gain clear and insightful answers on key Catholic teachings and questions. Topics include whether St. Paul would recognize the doctrine of transubstantiation, reliable resources on liturgical changes since Vatican II, and the historical context of the Inquisition. The episode also clarifies misconceptions about the Bible and addresses claims of suppressed books. Discussion covers patristic sources on the Immaculate Conception, the nature of the Transfiguration, and why the NAB Bible is used in U.S. liturgy. Additionally, listeners learn about the Catholic view of justification versus Protestant faith alone, the acceptability of prostration in Latin Rite prayer, and the theological implications of worshipping a deceiving spirit. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:59 – Would St. Paul recognize the doctrine of transubstantiation? 08:26 – Where can reliable resources be found regarding changes to the liturgy post-Vatican II? 14:05 – What is the historical context and Church justification regarding the Inquisition? 18:40 – Is there any truth to the claim that the Catholic Church is hiding or suppressing 14 books of the Bible? Clarification needed on the Bible as a Catholic book. 21:56 – During the Transfiguration, when Moses talks with Jesus, is that an example of necromancy? 28:55 – Where can more patristic information about the Immaculate Conception be found? 35:05 – Why is the NAB Bible used as the basis for liturgy in the U.S.? What would be required to change to a different translation? 41:22 – If Satan or a demon tricks a group into worshipping him, is that group worshipping the same God as Christians? 48:53 – Is it acceptable in the Latin/Roman Rite to pray in a prostration style similar to Eastern Orthodox practice? 50:55 – What is the Catholic understanding of Justification compared to the Protestant doctrine of Faith alone?

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, listeners ask insightful questions on a variety of Catholic topics. Discussion includes the history and value of the Liturgy of the Hours for laypeople, Church teaching on keeping cremated ashes at home, and how miracles are evaluated in the canonization process when multiple saints are invoked. Other questions address the origin of John the Baptist’s baptism, the theological distinction between infant baptism and Old Covenant circumcision, and whether someone who doesn’t attend Mass may receive Communion during a hospice visit. Also covered are explanations of patron saints for Protestant audiences and concerns about receiving a Shinto omamori charm. A wide-ranging episode filled with clarity on Catholic doctrine, sacramental theology, and respectful interfaith dialogue. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 06:17 – What is the history of the Liturgy of the Hours and how can it benefit a layperson? 14:24 – What is the significance of receiving an omamori charm (Japanese Shinto) for marriage, and why is it advised not to hang it in a car? 19:09 – What is the origin of the baptism practiced and preached by John the Baptist? 22:51 – What is the Church’s teaching regarding keeping ashes at home? Additionally, is it permissible for a non-practicing Catholic to receive communion during a hospice visit? 34:10 – In the canonization process, how is a miracle attributed specifically to one saint when people praying may also ask for the intercession of other saints? 44:04 – How can patron saints be explained to Protestants? How is the practice of having a Mass said for someone communicated to those unfamiliar with Catholic traditions? 52:22 – If infant circumcision was used to bring people into the Old Covenant and infant baptism brings people into the New Covenant, why is infant baptism not condemned as a “work of the law” while circumcision is?

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, we tackle a wide range of thoughtful questions from callers of various faith backgrounds. Topics include the similarities and differences between Catholicism and Latter-day Saint beliefs, a clear explanation of purgatory, and why only the priest consumes the Precious Blood during Mass. We also discuss whether purgatory is purification or punishment, the role of baptism in Christian unity, and the theological significance of the 1,000 years after Armageddon. Additional questions explore the Catholic view on salvation versus universalism, the Greek wording in Scripture regarding Jesus’ “brothers,” and how to make sense of the brokenness in the world today—especially in children. 04:47 – Are there any similarities between Latter-day Saint (LDS) and Catholic beliefs? 08:20 – What is a simple explanation of purgatory for someone unfamiliar with Catholic teaching? 16:36 – Why is it only the priest who consumes the wine during Mass? 22:20 – Is purgatory meant to be purification or punishment? 25:13 – If baptism is the great unifying sacrament among Christians, why doesn’t it allow all baptized Christians to receive Communion? 31:41 – What is the meaning and significance of the 1,000 years after Armageddon, and how does it compare with the concept of purgatory? 35:29 – How does the Catholic view of salvation differ from Christian universalism? 43:37 – What does the Greek in Scripture indicate about Jesus’ brothers and whether Mary was their mother? 50:43 – Why does so much brokenness exist in the world, especially as seen in children?

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?