#12915 Is Doubt Normal in OCIA? Authority, Purgatory, and Prayer - Joe Heschmeyer

“What is clerical celibacy?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of this discipline within the Church. Additionally, the episode addresses the concerns of a new Catholic in the Air Force grappling with war participation and the Church’s teachings on conscientious objection and pacifism, providing a thoughtful examination of these important topics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:18 – What does it mean for clerical celibacy to be a discipline? 17:42 – I’m in active duty Air Force, and a new Catholic. I now struggle with participating in war. I have filed for conscientious objector status. What does the Church actually teach about this, and can a Catholic be a pacifist? 39:49 – I just became Catholic. My family is not happy about it. My boyfriend and I want to get married but my family would be against a Catholic wedding. Any advice? 50:08 – I’m in OCIA. I noticed that during Mass sometimes the priest goes to the tabernacle to get other hosts to give out in communion. Is that okay? Does that bread turn into Jesus at the same Mass? Also is there a good resource to help me understand the Catholic approach to scripture. I grew up Baptist and I just want to understand the Catholic approach.

“Can we pray to saints?” This question opens a discussion on the biblical basis for intercessory prayer, particularly in light of sola scriptura. The episode also addresses the implications of the Immaculate Conception on Christ’s incarnation and the complexities of understanding Catholic doctrine for those drawn to the faith. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:05 – Jimmy, I know in recent weeks you have taken several different approaches to refuting Gavin Ortlund’s position that Christians should not pray to saints. I’d like to focus on just one area: When Ortlund argues against praying to the saints because the Bible lacks any instruction to pray to them, is that a fair standard, even for someone who accepts sola scriptura? 16:30 – If the Immaculate Conception is true, how could Christ assume sinful flesh in the incarnation? 40:00 – I feel drawn to Catholicism, but If God wants us to become Catholic, why does it seem so complex to understand? I’m reading about the filioque and all these concepts. It just a little overwhelming and I don’t feel confident in my analysis of all these doctrinal arguments.

“Is God okay with abortion?” This question leads to a discussion on the moral implications of suffering, including a case of a child born with severe neurological disorders and the decisions made by parents and doctors. The conversation also touches on the role of state voting in abortion laws, highlighting the complexities surrounding this sensitive topic. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:30 – “God sacrificed His only Son, so obviously He is ok with abortion. What do you say to that? 14:40 – There was a child born in Amsterdam with a great deal of suffering and profound neurological disorder. Parents and doctors agreed, and killed the child. How do you address that? 21:50 – I think the states should be able to vote on abortion.

This episode delves into the significance of the Eucharist in Catholic faith, addressing questions about its role in adoration and the nature of belief. Additional topics include the importance of faith in daily life and how to approach doubts regarding the sacraments, providing a comprehensive view of these essential aspects of Catholicism. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com

“Why Not Call on Jesus Directly for Miracles??” This question opens a discussion on the role of Jesus in the context of miracles, as seen in the case of Fulton Sheen. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Church dogmas and their implications, as well as the challenges faced by those considering conversion to Catholicism, including practices like receiving Communion. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 00:30 – Joe’s visit to St Louis for the Beatification of Fulton Sheen 11:35 – You posted a short on Fulton Sheen and the miracle attributed to him. Why would those people not call on Jesus for that? 22:30 – There are dogmas that are binding now that weren’t in the early Church. How do we make that intellectual leap of that being ok? 35:38 – I’m looking to convert from Traditional Confessional Lutheranism. The Catholic churches in my are don’t allow the lay people to drink from the chalice. That’s what’s holding me back from Catholicism. 52:41 – is it intellectually honest to read the gospel into every other book of the bible?

“Is doubt normal in OCIA?” Many individuals experience uncertainty and anxiety during their faith journey. This episode also addresses the authority of the Church in determining the canon, the nature of purgatory in relation to earthly time, and the interpretation of the Old Testament in light of God’s love. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:40 – I’m in OCIA. I’m committed to joining but is it normal for doubts and anxiety to cloud the mind? 15:25 – How is the argument for the authority of the church in deciding the canon not circular? 29:00 – How does time in purgatory work in relation to time on earth? 41:45 – Do we take the Old Testament literally? My non-Catholic friend can’t believe that a loving God would allow those horrible things to happen? 51:06 – Is there a line where prayer to the saints can become sinful?

“How do Catholics worship?” This question opens a discussion on the role of statues, saints, and the God in Catholic practice. Other topics include addressing concerns about differing views of Jesus with Protestant influences, the relationship between Catholic priests and Protestant outreach, and the significance of praying to saints. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:01 – My family is protestant and my wife is being influenced by online protestant like TacoTalks who claim that Catholics preach a different Jesus. How do I respond? 15:10 – Why do most Catholics priests reject the idea of partnering with Protestants in reaching students in secular schools? 29:28 – Why do Catholics bow down and pray to statues? Is the pope infallible? 34:15 – I’m Protestant because I question the praying to saints. 50:20 – I’m in OCIA. I was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and had a hard time with images. How do I go about finding a rosary?

“Are we in partial communion with Protestants?” This question opens a discussion on the nuances of Catholic and Protestant relationships, including how to engage in conversations about Scripture with Protestants and the implications of Matthew 7:18 on the doctrine of Once Saved Always Saved. Other topics include the nature of communion with hostile Protestant groups and the understanding of the sacraments beyond Baptism and marriage. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:10 – Why do we say we are in partial communion with protestants? 14:15 – How do you converse with protestants regarding scripture? 21:27 – What are your thoughts using Matthew 7:18 as a refutation of Once Saved Always Saved? 29:07 – Is there communion with those protestants that are hostile to the Catholic faith like Ryan from NeedGod.Net, TacoTalks and others? 43:43 – I’ve heard the protestant object: How are the other 5 Sacraments apart from Baptism and marriage sacraments? What’s the answer to this? 49:15 – I’m Protestant and have been in the baptist church most of my life and have no reason to leave it. But I do love listening to CA Live! Though I do still have some reservations. Why do you honor Mary and the saints to much?

“What is Vatican II?” This episode clarifies the council’s significance, addressing questions like how to explain it simply and why some Catholics believe its directives aren’t mandatory. The discussion also touches on concerns about church closures, the decline in priest numbers, and the perceived lack of respect for the Eucharist following the council’s reforms. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:18 – Explain Vatican II to me like I’m a 10 year old. 16:18 – Why would Catholics believe that it doesn’t need to be followed? 29:15 – Vatican 1 and 2 were a total disaster. John XXIII. The fact that we no longer excommunicate people and desire to reason with them. That was a mistake. 45:12 – My experience is that lots of churches have closed, less priests and lack of respect for the Eucharist after Vatican 2. How is that the Church blossoming? I heard the cardinal responsible for liturgy and the secretary to the pope were both masons. Is that true?

“How do you talk about the Faith with people who just don’t care about religion?” This question opens a discussion on effective communication about beliefs, while also addressing the significance of Mary as “Full of Grace” and the perception that Catholic devotion to her overshadows Jesus. Additionally, the conversation touches on the belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:32 – How do you talk about the Faith with people who just don’t care about religion? 14:15 – How can we infer that Mary is sinless by the phrase, “Full of Grace”? 22:37 – The amount of attention Catholics place on Mary is over the top and sometimes seems to over shadow Jesus. 37:14 – I’m not Catholic because you believe there is real blood in the sacrament.