#12501 Was Jesus Born in a Barn? – Christmas Myths - Steve Ray

“How can I return to the Church?” This question is central for many facing addiction and recovery. In this episode, we also address concerns about balancing church attendance with recovery meetings, the role of the 12-step program in relation to Catholicism, and the nature of compulsions in alcoholism. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:00 – How does someone with addiction come back to Church? 12:30 – I have a sponsor who thinks I’m going to Church too much and not enough to attend meetings. What is your advice? 18:38 – I have a brother in recovery. Is the 12-step program a substitute for Catholicism? 23:08 – How common are compulsions in alcoholism? Can they eventually become an OCD problem? 30:35 – Why do AA meetings refer to God as high power? 37:23 – How do you stay sober? 41:40 – I’ve been to CIR meetings, I love the fact that it is Catholic! 45:20 – What’s your opinion on Anne Grace and the help she offers? 49:16 – I’m a recovering addict and am Catholic. What ways do you think we can build our community back in 12-step programs? 52:32 – Have you read Fulton Sheen’s description of alcoholism?

“Was Jesus born in a barn?” This question leads to a discussion about the circumstances of Christ’s birth, including the uncertainty surrounding the exact location. Other topics include the number of wise men mentioned in St. Matthew, the implications of December 25th for the nativity, and the significance of lambs wrapped in swaddling bands as a symbol of Jesus as the Lamb of God. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:00 – Jesus was born in a barn? 10:00 – We really have no idea where Jesus was born 14:45 – There were exactly three wise men in St. Matthew 17:00 – Can’t be Dec 25 because it is winter and no sheep are in the fields. 18:43 – We shouldn’t celebrate Christmas because it is based on a pagan festival. 22:36 – Pagans have denied the virgin birth — claiming Jesus was an illegitimate birth. 29:15 – Lambs were wrapped in swaddling bands — thus pointing to Jesus as the Lamb of God 33:30 – Angels were all hovering in the air above the Shepherds 36:42 – Did St. Francis get the idea of the Christmas nativity scene from German? 41:58 – Was the virgin birth actually in a house? 46:02 – Was Jesus already named Jesus prior to being born? 48:08 – How do we respond to the claim that Mary was not a virgin and was forced upon by a Roman soldier?

“Can God create evil?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of God and the existence of evil, alongside intriguing topics such as the implications of homeopathic medicine and the relationship between the 4th Lateran Council and Vatican II regarding religious freedom. Other questions include the ethics of AI-generated music and interpretations of Job 2:10. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 00:59 – The bible says there will be more people around the throne of God then there are grains of sand or dust or stars. My theory is that God can’t stop creating and continues to create humans everywhere. What are your thoughts on that theory? 15:15 – Is homeopathic medicine from God? 29:26 – Is there a conflict between the 4th Lateran Council and Vatican 2 Lateran promoting expelling heretics and Vatican 2 promoting religious freedom and being free from coercion? 37:11 – Is it ethical to make AI music and share it? 45:40 – Job 2:10. Are we supposed to assume that God creates evil? Is that how Job understood it?

“Is there such a thing as a just war?” This question opens a discussion on the moral implications of warfare, including whether actions taken during war can be justified. Other topics addressed include the interpretation of Genesis 49:10 prophecy and the validity of baptism for those from different Christian backgrounds. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:30 – Is there such a thing as a just war? If there is, does that mean once you’re in a war you can do whatever? Why do popes no longer tell us when wars are just? 17:43 – How do we interpret Gen 49:10 prophecy? 24:43 – I come from a Baptist background. Why is my baptism valid? 35:41 – Since the Roman Empire didn’t have a king when they gave Herod the title of King of the Jews did, they allow him to rule as absolute monarch? 45:30 – Why do some bible translations leave the word fasting out of Mt. 17:21? 50:14 – Is there a second soul in a person who has the chimera genetic disorder?

“Why Aren’t You CAtholic?” This question opens a discussion on various concerns, including the perception that the Church allows abortion and lacks discipline. Other topics include the challenges faced by those seeking to enter OCIA classes and the complexities of choosing between Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, particularly regarding the Council of Florence. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:00 – I’m not Catholic because the Catholic Church allows abortion and sexual perversion. The Church doesn’t discipline people. 10:40 – I’m not Catholic because I grew up in a very protestant area. 28:45 – My wife and I have been trying to get into OCIA classes but it’s been difficult. What other options are available? 36:28 – I’m in OCIA. Should I wait to become Catholic until my wife is ready? 45:41 – I’m considering either Catholicism or Eastern Orthodox. I’m told very different things about the Council of Florence. Was it a truly unifying council?

“Why Aren’t You Catholic?” addresses common concerns about Catholic beliefs, including the role of Mary and the saints. The discussion also touches on the significance of the Miraculous Medal, the challenges of baptism in the Catholic Church, and the differences between Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, providing a comprehensive look at these important topics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:56 – I’m Lutheran. What is the Miraculous Medal? How does it work? 12:12 – I’m not Catholic because of the idolization of Mary and the saints and the claim that Jesus founded Catholicism? 19:36 – How would you convince an LDS member why you think Mary is the Mother of God? 30:41 – Why is it so difficult to get baptized as a Catholic? 35:47 – My best friend is becoming Eastern Orthodox and I’m becoming Catholic. What are the reasons why I should become Catholic instead of EO? 44:03 – How would Mary and Jesus be different if they were both immaculately conceived? 50:28 – I’m not Catholic because I’ve been lied to about it all my life.

“What Would Happen to the Bible in A Catholic and Orthodox Reunion?” This episode explores the impact of a Catholic-Orthodox union on the canon of scripture, the church’s official teaching on predestination, and more. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 06:05  – What would happen to the canon of scripture if the Catholic and Orthodox Churches unite since the Orthodox canon contains more books? 13:27 – Who will win the upcoming UFC fight? Who is the G.O.A.T? LeBron or Jordan? 19:43 – Does the title of “Mary , Queen of the Universe” preclude the possibility of alien life? 28:50 – What makes a good Christian game?  39:30 – How do we reconcile Unam Sanctum which seems to sound like an infallible declaration of faith on salvation and current Catholicism which seem to contradict? 44:35 ·Hello Trent, Can you help me understand the church’s official teaching on Predestination? I understand that the church denies Calvinist’s view, thus everyone can be saved. However, is it true that the church also believes in the elect? 52:00 – Did Judas just follow God’s plan/will so why is he damned?

“Can Cafeteria Christians be saved?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of faith and morality, addressing the challenges faced by those who pick and choose their beliefs. Other topics include the moral implications of conformist and nonconformist attitudes, as well as the distinctions between various types of Christians and their approaches to morality. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:00 – Understanding the grid of extremes 14:45 – Cafeteria Christian conformist and morally lax 18:23 – Prog Christian Conformist and morally rigorous 31:35 – Barbaric Nonconformist and morally lax 45:35 – Fundamentalists nonconformist and morally rigorous

“Is there an obligation to kneel during the consecration?” This question opens a discussion on liturgical practices, alongside inquiries about whether individuals should approach for a blessing if not receiving communion, and the role of the sign of peace in the Novus Ordo. The episode addresses various aspects of Mass participation and the significance of different rituals. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:18 – Is there an obligation to kneel during the consecration? 07:45 – Should people go up to receive a blessing or stay in their pew if they are not disposed to receive communion? 12:20 – I’m in OCIA. Should I be going to Mass? 17:53 – The sign of peace throws me off in the current place in the Novus Ordo. What should I be doing? 21:08 – Why is the penitential act missing in these last couple of Sunday masses? 29:08 – Is it better to think about the sacrifice of the cross or of Jesus as the high priest during the Mass? 35:33 – Are choir members required to kneel like the rest of the congregation? 42:35 – Why would 1st century Christians recognize more, the Latin Mass or the Novus Ordo?

“Do I have to shake hands at the Sign of Peace?” This question opens a discussion on the Mass, addressing the significance of gestures during the liturgy. Other topics include the meaning behind “I am not worthy” and the appropriateness of kneeling when the host is present. Additionally, the differences between the Catholic and Orthodox Masses are explored, along with the practice of raising hands during the ‘Our Father.’ Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:16 – Do I have to shake hands at the kiss of peace? 11:55 – When we say, I am not worthy… What does it mean when it says, only say the word… What is the word? 14:09 – Is it correct to kneel when the host is out of the tabernacle? 17:48 – How does the Catholic Mass differ from the Orthodox Mass? 22:35 – Is raising your hands during the ‘Our Father’ encouraged? 28:48 – How do you handle explaining and wrapping peoples heads around the real presence without looking crazy? 36:53 – How is receiving communion in line vs at an altar rail viewed by the Church? 42:00 – What do all the hand movements after the consecration mean? 51:20 – My wife and I are in OCIA. What’s the reason for the dismissal of the candidates and catechumens during mass?