#12170 Why Are There Twelve Stars on the Miraculous Medal? - Jimmy Akin

What’s the meaning behind the twelve stars on the Miraculous Medal? We explore the biblical symbolism connected to Mary, Revelation, and the Church, along with insights into papal elections, Christ in the Old Testament, and explaining Catholic beliefs to Mormons. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered:  04:19 – Why are there twelve stars on the Miraculous Medal?  10:26 – Why would the teaching that the dead donor rule not apply to the unborn?   18:11 – Who would elect the Pope if all the Cardinals died?   28:54 – How can I explain Psalm 82:6 in a Trinitarian way to a Mormon friend who believes it relates to them becoming gods?  44:33 – Can Revelation 21:12 be applied to the miraculous medal crown since it describes the image?  51:10 – Can the God that walked with Adam and Eve or came to visit Abraham be considered the pre-incarnate Jesus based on Colossians 1:15? 

Can Catholics believe in both a historical Adam and Eve and modern evolutionary theory? We explore how Church teaching reconciles faith and science, along with insights on Jesus’ divinity in the Gospels, the death of a pope, and Catholic relations with Protestants and Orthodox Christians. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered:  04:24 – Why in the debate with Bart Ehrmann, he had a disagreement about Jesus saying He was divine in the synoptic gospels? Why?  18:11 – I heard a claim that the Church wanted Luther dead, is this true?  24:11 – How should we treat the death of the Pope? Can we say he is already in heaven?   31:13 – How can the historical Adam and Eve fit in with modern evolutionary science?   44:24 – Was Jesus born in a cave or a house?   47:03 – Can I go to a Protestant service, if I still go to Mass?   49:18 – I heard there is a reentering of communion between Rome and Anglicans. Will this be on hold with the passing of Pope Francis?  52:16 – Can you explain the Orthodox claim that the church was originally beyond just Rome because Peter founded a church in Antioch?  

The Original airdate for this episode was Easter Monday but with the passing of Pope Francis, we pushed the episode back to Easter Wednesday Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here We also explore the challenges of living the faith in the modern world, including a call for more intentional discipleship, authentic masculinity, and a deeper commitment to both evangelization and the corporal works of mercy. The panel also weighs in on the alarming religious persecution in Nicaragua, highlighting how faithful Catholics can advocate for the oppressed through prayer and action. Whether you’re a convert, cradle Catholic, or someone exploring the faith, this lively episode offers encouragement, challenge, and practical takeaways for living the Resurrection all year long.

The Original airdate for this episode was Easter Monday but with the passing of Pope Francis, we pushed the episode back to Easter Wednesday Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Celebrate Easter Wednesday with the Flannel Panel on this special episode of Catholic Answers Live! Join host Cy Kellett, apologist Joe Heschmeyer, and Catholic Answers president Chris Check as they reflect on the joy of the Resurrection, the meaning of the Easter Octave, and the profound relevance of Jesus’ triumph over death. From theological insights on the empty tomb and the significance of liturgical traditions to real-world news of a remarkable resurgence in Catholicism—especially among young men in Great Britain—this conversation dives deep into the signs of hope across the global Church. Whether you’re a convert, cradle Catholic, or someone exploring the faith, this lively episode offers encouragement, challenge, and practical takeaways for living the Resurrection all year long.

Can we trust Scripture as divinely inspired? We look at the historical and theological reasons Catholics believe the Bible is the Word of God, plus tackle topics like the early Church’s view of the afterlife, confirmation saints, and what really happened in the Roman Inquisition. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: 03:20 – How does one properly incorporate my new confirmation saint into my prayer life? 13:43 – There’s a lot of pictures online of people in Spain with what look like KKK hoods. They are the Nazarene Brothers of the Holy Week of Seville. Are they Catholic? 19:31 – What is the early Church evidence for the state of the dead? Soul sleep vs entering heaven or hell? 30:45 – How do we make sense of 2 Maccabees 15 and it stating that taking one’s own life is an honorable thing? 34:27 – With the pope passing, what would happen if the east and west were to be united? Would we have to choose from the patriarchs to be the next pope? 37:28 – How do we know that the bible truly is the Word of God? 43:14 – I watched a video online that said Pope Francis is in hell. Is this true? 49:02 – I’m writing a series of articles debunking Chick Tracts. What actually happened during the Roman Inquisition?

If God’s will is inevitable, why pray at all? We explore how prayer fits into God’s providence, and also tackle questions on prudential judgment, understanding papal encyclicals, and the emotional hurdles people face when approaching full conversion. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: 06:56 – We just got confirmed this past weekend and I just want to say thank you!  15:16 – I’ve been praying the 7 Sorrows. One-line states something about suffering in silence. Should I not tell my husband when I’m having a bad day?  23:59 – What is the relationship between a prudential judgement and the justification for it? Can a bad reason undermine the judgment itself?  36:46 – If God’s Will will always be done, then what is the purpose of praying for things?  44:20 – What resources do you recommend to properly understand Papal encyclicals?  51:01 – How do I deal with the final hurdles to conversion? 

More than just a symbol, baptism is a sacrament with real spiritual power. We dive into what it accomplishes, who can receive it, and how early Christians—like the Church Fathers—understood it. Plus, we explore topics like baptism of desire, evangelical outreach, and infant baptism. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: 13:43 – Is it possible to apply baptism of desire to the good thief on the cross? 17:20 – I’m Protestant. Do Catholics have evangelical events where they give people an opportunity to respond to God and be saved? 20:30 – What is baptism and what does it do for us? 30:02 – I see salvific baptism in the Church Father but not a lot of infant baptism. Where do we hear about that in the Church Fathers? 38:17 – Does water have to touch the skin in order for the baptism to be valid? 42:48 – If baptism has a purifying effect, then why aren’t we being baptized on a regular basis? 51:19 – What if a person is baptized in a Baptist church in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit but doesn’t believe that it’s regenerative. Is it still valid?

Does Ephesians 2:8–9 contradict Catholic teaching on the role of works in salvation? We unpack this key verse and how Catholics interpret it, along with insights on baptism’s power, Mary and Adam, and resistance to Church reforms like those from the SSPX. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: 16:33 – What is the difference between Adam before the fall and a current person who needs to be baptized? 24:25 – How is baptism actually efficacious? How do I explain it to my Protestant friends? 38:22 – Was Mary the same as Adam in being full of grace? 44:31 – What are your thoughts on Baptism being used as an acronym? Best Actions Persons Take In Saving Mankind 47:09 – What are your thoughts on the people coming to the Church who don’t want to embrace the changes just like the SSPX? 51:01 – How are we to understand Eph. 2:8-9?

The Flannel Panel discusses the recent passing of Pope Francis and how the media has reacted to the news. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here

Trent Horn shares the story of meeting Pope Francis and reflects on what it meant for Francis to “lead with his heart.” JD Flynn explores Francis’ reforms—what was completed, what remains unfinished, and the role of mercy at the heart of his papacy. What’s next for the conclave? Could Africa rise? Jimmy Akin weighs in on the papal name and even touches on the Malachi prophecy. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Topic Covered: 03:10 – Trent shares a story of him and Laura meeting Pope Francis. 17:10 – JD Flynn talks about the conclave, what is likely to happen next 31:25 – What name the future pope may choose and the Malachi prophesy 43:50 – The Heart of Pope Francis’ papacy was that of mercy