Wisdom Bytes Podcast: Recent Episodes
WisdomBytes
A Catholic Podcast for the students at Texas State University. (weekly episodes: Testament Tuesdays and Fr. Craig Fridays)
In today's episode of Father Craig Friday, Father Craig and David discuss the question:
"So let's say one of your friends gets the job they wanted working for a protestant organization or someone you love starts getting more into their faith but it's at a protestant church? What is the appropriate response or affirmation, if any? This is something I struggle with because I want to be charitable and celebrate the fact that they are trying to draw close to the Lord, but I don't want to encourage false belief. What do you think?"
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
In today's episode of Father Craig Friday, Father Craig and David discuss the question:
"What are indulgences? Did Jesus ever talk about them? Are they biblical? Do they have anything to do with Vatican II?"
Further Reading:
Indulgentiarum Doctrina - Pope Paul VI
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
In today's episode of Father Craig Friday, Father Craig and David discuss the question:
"In confession, God forgives my sins, then forgets them, as though they'd never been committed, but we still have to go to Purgatory, for those sins, WHY?"
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
In today's episode of Father Craig Friday, Father Craig and David discuss this month's Year of The Domestic Church Theme - Loving Your Neighbor.
-- Love Thy Neighbor Service Project: https://txstatecatholic.org/ltn
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
In today's episode of Father Craig Friday - wait...it's not Friday...April Fools!
In today's episode of Father Craig Friday, Father Craig and David discuss the Triduum and the Octave of Easter.
-- Com-test Rules: 1. Subscribe to Our Lady of Wisdom YouTube account. 2. Comment on Ep. 60 YouTube video with your favorite episode from Wisdom Bytes. 3. Go to Instagram and tag 3 friends on the com-test post.
You could win 1 of 3 Our Lady of Wisdom swag bags!
Links:
Instagram Post to Enter: https://www.instagram.com/p/CM5VaNpjRlr/
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
In today's episode of Father Craig Friday, Father Craig and David discuss authority, Holy Week, and The Com-test!
-- Com-test Rules: 1. Subscribe to Our Lady of Wisdom YouTube account. 2. Comment on the Father Craig Friday Episode 60 YouTube video with your favorite episode from Wisdom Bytes. 3. Go to Instagram and tag 3 friends on the com-test post.
You could win 1 of 3 Our Lady of Wisdom swag bags!
Links:
Instagram Post to Enter: https://www.instagram.com/p/CM5VaNpjRlr/
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
In today's episode of Father Craig Friday, Father Craig and David discuss Lent in the Domestic Church.
Send us your questions! podcast@txstatecatholic.org
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
In today's episode of Father Craig Friday, Father Craig and David discuss how they enjoyed this year's Aspire Conference, and God, Life, the Universe, and Everything conversations.
-- Further Reading:
Aspire Conference: Our Lady of Wisdom's yearly conference. We invite renowned Catholic speakers to San Marcos to inspire our community and surrounding communities.
Among The Lilies: Our Lady of Wisdom Texas State Episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/170-modesty-is-about-more-than-what-you-wear/id1149976656?i=1000508808567
Send us your questions! podcast@txstatecatholic.org
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
It's Father Craig Friday! This is a segment from our podcast Wisdom Bytes where a Catholic priest answers and talks about your questions!
Today Fr. Craig and David answer a question that was sent in: "What should I do if there is a church teaching I just cannot wrap my head around or that is very difficult or impossible to stand behind personally no matter how much I research it?"
-- Further Reading:
Magisterium: Teacher and Guardian of the Faith (Introductions to Catholic Doctrine) By: Avery Cardinal Dulles
Father Craig's Scheduler calendly.com/frcraig
Send us your questions! podcast@txstatecatholic.org
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
It's Father Craig Friday! This is a segment from our podcast Wisdom Bytes where a Catholic priest answers and talks about your questions!
Today Fr. Craig and David discuss The Year of The Domestic Church!
-- Further Reading:
The Year of the Domestic Church Diocese of Austin https://austindiocese.org/domestic-church
Pope Francis Proclaims, "Year of Saint Joseph" Vatican News https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/pope-francis-proclaims-year-of-st-joseph.html
Aspire LIVE! No in-person seats are available, but purchase your tickets to join us online! https://txstatecatholic.org/aspire
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
It's Father Craig Friday! This is a segment from our podcast Wisdom Bytes where a Catholic priest answers and talks about your questions!
Today Fr. Craig and David discuss:
1.What do we know about Heaven? What might it look like, what might the experience be like?
2.Is there a possibility we may be able to have friends/conversations in Heaven? Or will we just be with other people worshipping God forever?
- Will we continue to have personalities in Heaven or will we be like just bundles of pure joy because we’re finally with God?
-- Further Reading:
Origen Homily 7 on Leviticus
Book of Revelations
The Parable of the Ten Gold Coins https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/19 Luke 19 11-27
Catechism of The Catholic Church CCC 1023 Heaven
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
Amber Schanbarger joins us on Testimony Tuesday to share her story on discerning religious life.
It's Father Craig Friday! This is a segment from our podcast Wisdom Bytes where a Catholic priest answers and talks about your questions!
Today Fr. Craig and David discuss:
- How can I avoid becoming lukewarm?
- How can you follow a Church who hides evil doings? (In relation to McCarrick and other scandals.)
- Is Heaven watching us? Do Angels watch us? What is Heaven’s role in our life? (Do residents of Heaven know I exist and do they want good for me like God does?)
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
It's Father Craig Friday! This is a segment from our podcast Wisdom Bytes where a Catholic priest answers and talks about your questions!
Today Fr. Craig and David discuss:
- Should women wear a chapel veil?
- What is the scapular?
- Why do priests kiss the altar?
-- Further Reading from this episode:
Question 1: 1 Corinthians 11 2-16: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/11
Code of Canon Law 1917 Code of Canon Law 1983 Revised
Question 2:
Sacramental Theology Reference: Kenan B. Osborne (Author)
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
It's Father Craig Friday! This is a segment from our podcast Wisdom Bytes where a Catholic priest answers and talks about your questions!
Today Fr. Craig and David discuss:
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What do you use to wash the white towels that we use during communion? Is there something special you do or do you just use Tide?
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What are some daily practices that I can do to grow in faith and virtue?
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Why can’t I have a Catholic wedding at my favorite inn?
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
In this track John Paul Hernandez describes what it was like growing up Catholic and how he has been transformed by the love of Jesus throughout his life.
It's Father Craig Friday! This is a segment from our podcast Wisdom Bytes where a Catholic priest answers and talks about your questions!
Today Fr. Craig and David discuss:
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My grandson asked me this question. Can the souls in hell pray? If they do are they subject to greater torture?
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What is the church’s stand on Separation of Church and state? How do we as Catholics hold a moral view but isn’t projecting our faith on to others?
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What do the initials after a Priests name mean? Is it the type of degree they have or the order that they're in like Jesuit or Franciscan? Such as Ph.I, STL, VG, MSpS. I've seen it after some Priests names but not all of them.
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
It's Father Craig Friday! This is a segment from our podcast Wisdom Bytes where a Catholic priest answers and talks about your questions!
Today Fr. Craig and David discuss:
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How does intercessory prayer work? Like when we ask saints to pray for us and when we pray for others. I learned that prayer exists out of time and space, so can we pray for people from the past and future? Going deeper, can we pray for our family members/friends during their moment of judgement?
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I love home decorating and buying candles. Is it damaging to the spiritual life to live excessively? Not just in extreme situations like spending thousands on clothes/jewelry and material items but also things like buying unnecessary smaller things like candles (not religious candles, just ones to scent the home) when that money could go somewhere more charitable?
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Is there a minimum or maximum age for Holy Orders?
-- Further Reading from this episode:
Consoling the Heart of Jesus By Michael E. Gaitley
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
Chris Lee is back on Testament Tuesday to tell us all about becoming a Focus Missionary!
It's Father Craig Friday! This is a segment from our podcast Wisdom Bytes where a Catholic priest answers and talks about your questions!
Today Fr. Craig and David discuss:
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Is/should God be fair with everyone? (Materially, physically, health, geographically, financially)
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What should I do with the underlying fear that God is going to take away all the good things in my life? (Ex: health, family, girlfriend, etc..)
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When it comes to discerning marriage with my Catholic girlfriend, what are some good, "get to know her heart and mind" questions that should be asked before things get too serious?
-- Further Reading from this episode:
Saints Mentioned: St. Augustine St. Therese of Lisieux
The Parable of The Workers in The Vineyard Matthew 20:1-16 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/20
Be Healed: A Guide to Encountering the Powerful Love of Jesus in Your Life - Bob Schuchts https://jpiihealingcenter.org/product/be-healed-dr-bob-schuchts-copy/
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
Listen in on how Mike's parents retreat experience led him on his own spiritual journey.
It's Father Craig Friday! This is a segment from our podcast Wisdom Bytes where a Catholic priest answers and talks about your questions!
Today Fr. Craig and David discuss:
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What does it mean that priestly celibacy is a gift from God?
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Greg Gerhart said in his 3rd year of seminary, the most beautiful woman walked by him, and he prayed and prayed about whether he should leave seminary or not. God answered him, that even this woman could not make him as happy & satisfied as God could. Fr Craig, did you have a similar moment or moments of KNOWING you chose correctly in God?
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What are the rules with Priests and wearing their clerical shirts? And what's in Father Craig's wardrobe besides clerical shirts?
-- Further Reading from this episode:
Definition of replete: re·plete /rəˈplēt/ adjective: filled or well-supplied with something.
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
It's Father Craig Friday! This is a segment from our podcast Wisdom Bytes where a Catholic priest answers and talks about your questions!
Today Fr. Craig and David discuss:
- Could you talk about the preeminent evil of abortion and what that means in November for voting? Is a vote for Biden complicit in sin?
-- Further Reading from this episode:
USCCB: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship https://www.usccb.org/offices/justice-peace-human-development/forming-consciences-faithful-citizenship
EWTN: The Principle of Double Effect https://www.ewtn.com/vote/double-effect.asp
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship Paragraphs 27, 28, 29 https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/upload/forming-consciences-for-faithful-citizenship.pdf
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
It's Father Craig Friday! This is a segment from our podcast Wisdom Bytes where a Catholic priest answers and talks about your questions!
Today Fr. Craig and David discuss:
- How can I find community as a person in my mid-20s? It’s hard to make friends.
- Was Vatican II necessary? What was the purpose of it?
- Why should I be Catholic and not some other form of Christian?
-- Further Reading from this episode:
Question 2: Vatican II Documents https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/16-documents-of-the-second-vatican-council-1509
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7vLFGfoXe3doc6zuW?si=gOFrUw0gTwe7xTaR86f2iw
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-bytes-podcast/id1481136376
This Testament Tuesday we catch up with Our Lady of Wisdom's Evangelization Coordinator.
Listen to Josh Mitchener's Testament Tuesday here: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes/newfound-brothers-newfound-faith
It's Father Craig Friday! This is a segment from our podcast Wisdom Bytes where a Catholic priest answers and talks about your questions!
Today Fr. Craig and David discuss:
- Did the priesthood scare you during your conversion process? If so, what changed?
- Did Mary experience pain in childbirth?
- How do I find a Spiritual Director? What qualities should we be looking for?
-- Further Reading from this episode:
Question 2: Catholic Answers Was Mary Free from Labor Pain? - Tim Staples https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/was-mary-free-from-labor-pain
It's Father Craig Friday! This is a segment from our podcast Wisdom Bytes where a Catholic priest answers and talks about your questions!
Today Fr. Craig and David discuss: 1. Can Catholics celebrate Halloween? What about decor? Decorating our houses with witches, ghouls, mummies, and things associated with black magic. Are there spiritual consequences if we decorate our houses, social media, or wear clothing like this to celebrate Halloween? 2. What’s the difference between gossiping and venting? 3. Why does it seem like God changes his attitude from the Old Testament to the New Testament?
-- Further Reading from this episode:
Question 2: Catechism of the Catholic Church Paragraphs: 2488, 2489
Listen here: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wisdombytes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KOms7v...
iTunes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Today Fr. Craig and David discuss: 1. I want to grow in my prayer life, but I get bored sitting in silence. What can I do? 2. I am constantly worried about being in a state of mortal sin. I go to confession regularly, but how do I know if a sin is mortal or venial? What if I’ve committed a mortal sin and didn’t know it? 3. Why can’t women be priests?
-- Further Reading from this episode:
Maybe one day: Foibles: Faux Pas and Faith - Fr. Craig
Question 1: Pirate Prayer - ARRR! (Acknowledge, Relate, Receive, Respond)
Question 3: Once we find the book Fr. Craig mentioned we will update this question
Today Fr. Craig and David discuss: 1. How do we know that the Eucharist is real and not just bread and wine? 2. How can you tell if there is a demon present? How can you make it go away? 3. Is there any physical proof that God exists? Or is it all spiritual?
Further Reading from this episode:
Question 1: Jesus and The Jewish Roots of the Eucharist - Brant Pitre Justin Martyr, early church father Monsignor Jeffrey N. Steenson
Question 2: Deliverance from Evil Spirits: A Practical Manual - Francis MacNutt Be Healed: A Guide to Encountering the Powerful Love of Jesus in Your Life - Bob Schuchts
Question 3. Fides et ratio - Pope John Paul II
In this Episode of Fr. Craig Friday, David and Fr. Craig discuss:
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How do you keep the commandment of honor they father and mother when they are abusive to their child?
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What is the Catholic view on the rapture?
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Why is the family so under attack in this age?
In this very special episode of Wisdom Bytes, Nick and David discuss Salvation and Justification. They compare the Catholic view with common Protestant views and have a few pointers for entering into apologetics discussions.
In this Episode of Fr. Craig Friday, David and Fr. Craig discuss:
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Why can Byzantine Catholic Priests marry but Roman Catholic priests cannot?
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Father Craig, how do you pray?
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If God knows everything, why would God create someone if He knew they would go to Hell?
In this Episode of Fr. Craig Friday, David and Fr. Craig discuss:
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If friendship is bringing the other to holiness, how can I draw someone to God in a loving way when I see them living a sinful life?
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Why is Jesus portrayed as white when He is middle eastern?
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What does the church think about Aliens?
In this Episode of Fr. Craig Friday, Fr. Craig and David discuss: 1.) John 7:24 says “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” What does Jesus mean by judge with righteous judgement?
2.) What does the Bible say about weed?
3.) If I’m in a relationship and I just want to be loving and fun, but I don’t want to lust, how can I know the difference? How can I know the signs of love through God and not the ways of Lust?
Enjoy Fr. Craig's homily from the Sixteenth Sunday in ordinary time.
First Reading - Wisdom 12:13, 16-19 Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 86:5-6,9-10,15-16 Second Reading - Romans 8:26-27 Gospel - Matthew 13:24-43
In this episode, Fr. Craig and David discuss: 1.) Do good people who don't believe in God go to heaven? 2.) Why would anyone choose hell if heaven is clearly better? 3.) Are angels and demons still real? Or do people who see them just have mental illnesses?
Enjoy Fr. Craig's homily from the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time!
Readings: Isaiah 55:10-11 Psalm 65:10-14 Romans 8:18-23 Matthew 13:1-23
In this episode Fr. Craig and David discuss: 1.) Why does the Catholic Bible have more books? 2.) How do we know the Saints can hear our prayers? 3.) I can't go to Mass because of COVID, but I feel weird watching Mass on TV. What can I do?
1.) Do I have to pray the rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet in order to be considered a good Catholic? 2.) Do animals go to heaven? 3.) When Satan tempted Jesus in the desert, did he know Jesus was God? Or was he just tempting His human nature and human will?
1.) Why do priests wear black? 2.) What’s the deal with indulgences? 3.) Catholics say that the Pope is “infallible”. If only Jesus was perfect how can another man be considered infallible?
1.) What if you go to confession but leave out some sins? 2.) So were Dinosaurs created before or after Adam and Eve? 3.) Why do we call priests “father” if it says in the Bible not to?
1.) Why are verses different in different Bibles? Are Bible translations always correct? 2.) If an item like a scapula has been blessed and it accidentally gets washed, does it need to be blessed again? 3.) Can you receive communion more than once a day? If not, why?
1.) If you kill a million people and go to confession are you excused from your sins? 2.) If friendship is to bring the other to holiness, how can I draw someone to God in a loving way when I see them living a sinful life? 3.) What is time? Does it affect God or is it just a theory we (as humans) have created to put our reality into perspective?
1.) Does the Catholic Church recognize the book Genesis as figurative or literal? I have heard that recently the church has recognized the first 11 Chapters as figurative. If this is true, then why and how has that become a thing? 2.) As Catholics, we believe gods from other religions are evil spirits acting tempting man to worship (…I think). What does that mean about the Greek pantheon and Greek mythology? Should we be reading about the Greek gods if they are actually demons? 3.) Are we allowed to support people in the lgbtq+ community?
Sorry for the audio quality! We're trying this remotely. More on Mondays will feature a Saint and reflection. Tune in weekly!
1.) In Genesis, why did God "curse" man and woman to constantly be in a power struggle? 2.) Even though a person who committed suicide will never be with God, should we still pray for them? 3.) A question for Lent: Are we allowed to use chicken broth or beef stock for cooking on Fridays during Lent?
1.) Is it a sin to get a tattoo? 2.) When it is said that "Jesus will come again at the end, to judge the living and the dead", what does that really mean? 3.) When we refer to the Eucharist as "the living bread" do we believe that it is actually physically alive or just spiritually alive?
- Why can't Catholic girls use birth control even if it's not being used for having sex (such as, managing their menstrual cycle)?
- Where does anger come from? And if it's from the devil why did Jesus get angry in the temple (when they turned it in to a market)?
- Can I go to a wedding of someone that I know is going against the church teachings in their relationship? Or would that be congratulating them for living in sin?
1.) If mortal sin is the "separation from God", can you still pray in the state of mortal sin? 2.) Why can Byzantine priests be married, but Catholic priests cannot (except with special dispensation)? 3.) Do we as Catholics believe in ghosts? If so, what do we believe about them?
1.) Are there still saints? 2.) Why does God allow uncontrollable things such as disease and natural disasters to happen? 3.) Are people inherently good or inherently evil?
1.) Does God love murderers even if they don't return from evil and repent? 2.) Why does God want us to ask Him for something if He already knows what we need? 3.) In the Church, is there any acceptable reason for premarital sex?
1.) Is divorce a sin? 2.) Who put the Bible together and why do we trust them? 3.) Can demons turn good?
1.) Why do angels exist? 2.) How can I help my parents better understand my religion (Catholicism)? I pray everyday and it still isn't getting better, help. 3.) What does the Church think about putting someone on death row?
1.) What happens to an aborted baby? Do they go to hell since they were not baptized? It doesn't seem fair since they were innocent. 2.) What is the importance of the book of Revelations? 3.) Was Mass man-made?
1.) Can you go to confession if you aren't Catholic? 2.) How do we reconcile free will and God’s omniscience? 3.) What is the best way to explain to someone of another christian denomination that we don't worship icons (e.g. Mother Mary or Saints)?
1.) What's the difference between Eastern Orthodox and Catholicism? 2.) What’s the point of marriage? 3.) Why does God allow demons to enter into our body, or possess us when our body is a temple of God?
1.) Is it wrong to have a priest bless a backyard pool (making it holy water)? If so, why? 2.) What is the Catholic view on the creation of the world? Is it more Creationist or Evolutionist? 3.) Why does dressing “modestly” even matter? What if I just want to express myself a certain way?
1.) Is it against the Ten Commandments to kill if you're in the military? 2.) What does apostolic mean? 3.) What is the difference in prayers and closeness to God between a Priest (who is married to God's church & people) and a Deacon (who is not married to the church, but still chooses God as his most beloved)?
1.) Why do Catholics pick and choose what sin has more weight than others (mortal vs. venial)? 2.) Why is it still wrong to use birth control/condoms even when you're married? 3.) What does the bell in Mass stand for?
1.) Why is it wrong to watch porn? 2.) Are all sexualities accepted within the Church? 3.) How do I truly know if I'm doing the right things in Gods eyes? I hesitate sometimes knowing if my actions are ok or not.
1.) Why do we have to confess to a priest? 2.) Muslims, Jews, and Christians all believe in the same God (Abraham's God), so why do they have to convert? Will they be damned to hell or not given merit for believing in God? 3.) Is a Catholic supposed to vote Republican or Democrat?
1.) What is an EASY way to explain the difference between Catholicism and Christianity? 2.) In what case would you immediately go to hell? 3.) Why do we need the saints? Why do we pray to them??
1.) How do we know the Bible is authentic? 2.) How do I defend the Church/explain the Church's actions regarding the Crusades and Inquisition? 3.) Is there a clear difference between right and wrong?
1.) Why has there never been a young Pope? 2.) Why do some Catholics/Christians take some parts of the Bible literally and take other parts as "relative"? 3.) The word love is thrown around a lot, how do we know that God really loves us if we feel the opposite?
1.) If God is all loving, does he still love Lucifer? 2.) Can you still be Catholic is you disagree with certain parts of doctrine? 3.) What does it mean to forgive?
1.) How do we explain the Pope’s role to a non-catholic? 2.) Is cursing a sin? 3.) Why is it so hard to go to confession? How can I make it easier?
1.) If someone never knew that Christianity was a religion, will they go to hell? 2.) Why does God test us if He’s all-knowing? Wouldn’t He already know? 3.) Is it wrong in the eyes of the Church to listen to rap music?
1.) Why does God allow us to hurt ourselves or fall from faith? Wouldn't a parent take a knife away from a toddler? Why would God allow heretics, atheists, etc.? 2.) How did the seven deadly sins come to be and are they Biblical? 3.) Why can't priests get married?
1.) Is there a sin that cannot be forgiven? 2.) When is flirting acceptable, if at all? 3.) Why do Catholics pray to Saints?
1.) If Jesus died for us to go to heaven, what happened to the people who died before Jesus? 2.) Do you have to be at church to fully worship God or can you be at home and fully worship from afar? 3.) Is it a sin to get high?
1.) Is the Bible 100% accurate or does it have mistakes because it was written by man? 2.) Is there a wrong way to pray? 3.) Can divorce be part of God's plan?