How Should Catholics Respond to Church Scandals?

[@mgvilaca]

There have been scandals inside the Church since the Church of Corinth, 20 years after Our Lord was raised. The actions of some bad people in our religion don't shake our Church that is built on love

[@susand3668]

Dear@ContriteBlackCatholic, I read this complaint in every comment section, and I myself have experienced "lost" comments as well. I do not think it is being done by the host. My comments tend to not be controversial. Maybe KZbin is flagging some word, or the length of the comment, or reference to a link? Or maybe it's just sunspots or some failure of the equipment. My advice is, try again. And try not to feel isolated or put-upon. We are all experiencing the same glitches.

[@crusaderACR]

​@@GizmoFromPizmo Totally agreed, Gizmo. Sometimes it cuts good debates short. If I recall right, you were one who disgrees with this host on nearly everything. Let me tell you something; I have no clue why you stick around in all these videos, but I must only suspect there's a sense (or hint) of curiosity. I read some time ago a quote of the effect that to be certain in your beliefs is not bigotry, but it is when you're not able to imagine where you might have gone wrong. I make sure to ask myself that for a variety of ideologies and religions. Wise, smart people have fallen into serious error. It's of Christian humility to assume you may have fallen as well. What I'm trying to say is that, even though we may strongly disagree on so much, I'm very impressed with your attitude. That is, if I got the right impression from you.

[@HAL9000-su1mz]

@@GizmoFromPizmo Truth is more important. Lack of harassment is more important. Civility is more important.

[@HAL9000-su1mz]

@@crusaderACR The internet makes being a sociopathic or psychopathic troll absolutely free. KZbin has almost no moderation, thus trolls are here because they have been banned on many other platforms. And rightfully so.

[@cbooth151]

Where in the Bible does it speak of scandals in the Corinth church?

[@josephc9963]

If I found myself in this sort of situation, I would probably start by saying something like this: "Are you asking out of genuine concern for those who were hurt, or as a means to attack a Church you already dislike?"

[@thomaswilliams3948]

Can you explain why it keeps happening again and again.

[@ToddJambon]

The Hesch! I know it's not always as easy as this; but when people ask why I don't leave the Church in time of scandal, I have often said something like, "The same reason I won't leave the US just because I don't like the president right now." I still feel it's the best place to be, despite the many flaws of its people.

[@SouthernFriedPap1st]

The Almighty has given Joe an incredible talent for apologetics and he's obviously cooperated with the graces he has been given. What a consistently solid, charitable approach to every subject.

[@terrykessinger4432]

Thank you for the reminder that regardless of the situation, we should be thoughtful and prepared to answer with wisdom and charity

[@pielisse007]

I have been moved to tears hearing "Jesus wept." For the past 3 days I have been asking from Our Lady and from God to help me with my suffering, as I have been in pain and overwhelmed. I wasn't even expecting it, but the explanation about the Lazarus situation and how Jesus reacts to the argument is exactly what I needed to hear. I have been sent a message today by God. Thank you. Jesus wept, because of love.

[@garyr.8116]

Amen! and that Love was so deep as Jesus knew that Lazarus life on earth would now be extra hard (after being raised back to life) because of those who deny Jesus.

[@HAL9000-su1mz]

Watch Bishop Sheen on suffering. He has helped me through 4 cancers and a stem cell transplant. Also: Fr. Benedict Groeschel, C.S.R. (†) has a great book "Arise from Darkenss"

[@Redwarfa]

Why would you speak to a dead woman when that is forbidden

[@pielisse007]

@@Redwarfa Because she is not dead, she is alive in Christ and is in heaven with God, other saints, and the angels. Also the prayer of the righteous is powerful, and our prayers are heard by those in heaven and brought to God - the Bible itself attests to this in several places.

[@Redwarfa]

@@pielisse007to whom did Paul address his letters ? The old testament says that consulting with the dead is an abomination and Jesus says the only way to the father is through him and that he sits at the right hand of the father I ask Jesus to direct his angels but I never pray to or through an angel,what would be the point?

[@timrichardson4018]

Joe, it was your book Pope Peter that gave me the final push to come into the Catholic Church. I've been Catholic just over a year, and the more time goes by, what used to feel so complicated about the Catholic Church now feels so simple. Practically all distinctively Catholic dogmas and doctrines are not additions to the faith. They are logical conclusions, expanded explanations, clarifications, and new articulations that stem from the very simple truth that Jesus Christ established a church and promised, by the Holy Spirit, to lead it into all truth and that it will not fail.

[@dallasbrat81]

That might be true if only in Church sad that 😊

[@RealSeanithan]

I just realized I owe Joe some money: a year ago, I asked Trent Horn for some book recommendations to assist in my conversion (my wife and I were confirmed and our children baptized on Palm Sunday of this year, by the way), and he responded by just sending me a big mess of digital copies of books. I thought they were all his and Akin's, but I went looking through them again, and one of them was Joe's. It turns out, I owe Joe whatever the cost of a digital copy of "The Early Church Was the Catholic Church" is.

[@shamelesspopery]

Welcome home! Consider it my confirmation gift. I hope it helped!

[@RealSeanithan]

@shamelesspopery Thank you. I'd like to say it helped a whole lot, but the memories of the spiritual battles that happened around the time I began my conversion seem to have taken the place of the memories of the what and when of the intellectual side of things, so I don't remember as well which books helped the most. I can say your book definitely played a role, but, even though it's only been a year since I read it, I can't remember how large of a role it played.

[@SomeCatholicGuy19]

Awesome book, isn't it

[@RealSeanithan]

@@SomeCatholicGuy19 I like it a good deal

[@janicecarl4180]

This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@chilenobarrucia]

He said then to his disciples, “It's impossible for scandals not to come, but woe to them by whom they come! [Lk 17:1]

[@OzCrusader]

Thank you Joe, for your master class in Catholic apologetics. I learnt MUCH from this episode. May God continue blessing you!

[@cherylschalk9106]

I’m open to discussion when I am on a Catholic page, but I am irked by the the non-Catholics who post hate for Mary, the saints, purgatory. They are not seeking truth.

[@OzCrusader]

I empathise with you on this problem. Joe however does give good pointers👍

[@HAL9000-su1mz]

It gets TIRING. And this from "Christians" - are they really?

[@OzCrusader]

@@HAL9000-su1mz What especially annoys me is the cathophobic hecklers and trolls accusing our Catholic Church of being demonic and pagan. In order to help me frame a response to the objector, I will ask, “What is your sect/denomination?” Curiously, 99% of the time the objector refuses to disclose the sect or denomination they represent. I will then respond with, “Are you embarrassed or ashamed of your sect or denomination?” Then I might receive the reply, “I’m nondenominational”, which cracks me up, because ALL schismatic groups breaking away from the Catholic Church are founded by men on the traditions of men! So, I then reply, “I am faithful to Our Lord Jesus Christ, by being faithful to His Church that He established on Simon Peter and the Apostles.” At this point the objector usually goes back to their grievances, to which I reply, “You are not honest or charitable enough to identify yourself, then I will not respond to your objections.”

[@AndrewDavis-te4hg]

Thankyou for the beautiful gift of discernment to help us to give true witness to our Glorious Lord. To speak truth ,lovingly, really listening to the hearts of others. Now that is Christian. Amen.

[@o.o.2255]

OUTSTANDING, @JoeHeshmeyer! Ephesians 4:16 (Speak in love) “People want to know that you care before they care about what you know.” Need to do both, though. Care and Share, not just care nor not just share. Just as “Faith Alone” without works is dead, so is works without Faith is dead. (James 2:17)

[@TheAuntMar-USA]

Thank you, Joe.

[@StringofPearls55]

This was great, Joe. Thank you so much.

[@alexanderkaufman3575]

I usually respond by saying something like "Yeah. It is bad. I pray all the time both for healing of the victims and for conversion/repentance of the perpetrators."

[@TrixRN]

Thank you, Joe. This has made me think about how I would respond if asked why I remain Catholic. It’s good to think about this before the situation presents itself.

[@sylviamignacca7663]

Thank you! You’ve helped me so much with the idea of keeping in mind where the other person is coming from with their comments ❤I’m learning to respond more appropriately and to be less defensive.

[@SarahChastain-ni2xs]

I thank God for you. You teach and encourage believers like me. You use your wisdom to help others understand God’s word!

[@charlesudoh6034]

We were not promised a good time. We were only promised victory regardless of the bad times. The church in all ages right from the apostolic time up until today has always been in some sort of crisis. We are the church militant, there is always a battle to be fought, both external and internal. We don’t claim to have tranquility, we only claim unity. The peace and tranquility comes in the hereafter. We are the Catholic Church.

[@piouspapist]

Another great video from Mr. Hesch.

[@janegildart7585]

I do lean in and say how awful it is that members of our own clergy could be so fallen to the Evil One, who as St. Peter said is always prowling around looking for someone to devour. Then I point out that leaving the Church founded by Jesus for our salvation would be letting the Evil One win. Like after 911 we'd say that cowering in our homes was letting the terrorists win.

[@gk3292]

Superb job Joe!!!

[@Catholiclady3]

Excellent talk!

[@jimmydavid1993]

Thanks, Joe is all I just want to say.

[@Vigula]

Thank you Joe - love your talks. God bless you too :)

[@Mortylicious_]

Needed this!!

[@Deuterocomical]

FYI it looks like the podcast version accidentally got uploaded to the Counsel of Trent (at least on Spotify)

[@shamelesspopery]

Oops fixing it now! - Zach (accident-prone editor)

[@jamesvogel5304]

Man, so much wisdom here, on a topic where many fear to tread.

[@benabaxter]

Applied to intra-Catholic disputes, this would be revolutionary. It would end the Second Liturgy War in a moment.

[@yossariandunbar2829]

It would be pretty suspect if the enemy didn't attack the church.

[@ll_Scholastica_ll]

Thank you. 🙏🏻🙌🏻🕊🌹💡

[@michaelogrady232]

"That the Church is divinely founded and upheld is seen in the fact no mere human institution could have survived 2000 years of such mismanagement and corruption." Chesterton

[@HillbillyBlack]

Pasting here. KZbin is so terrible im a greek guy, study greek and rely on greek interlinear almost always. Our English translations are not terrible but like most anything with English it’s just not accurate. It’s a failing of English itself I believe. Mortal Sin Definition- A grave action that is committed in full knowledge of its gravity and with the full consent of the sinner's will. Deliberate unrepentant. Can a believer saved by grace, born of God, commit practiced sin? Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; [2] but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. Mortal sin is obviously an unrepentant act of sin in a practiced behavior. 1 John 3:9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. Cannot- οὐ δύναμαι - not able John shows that the “seed” abiding in the redeemed has this causality result. Those born of God cannot or is unable/ not able to do certain things. 1 John 3:10 By this it is EVIDENT who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever DOES NOT practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. Evidence seems vital here, just as James said - “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” Evidence - If those redeemed are not able to practice sin, how do they commit mortal sin???? The redeemed behavior seems defined with behavioral restriction. Not by choice but by CLEAR inability. This dilemma comes around again in 5:18. Again those born of God do not practice sinning in direct contrast to 5:16. Sin unto death is declared as possible but then John says the redeemed do not commit that sin. In-fact, he declares confidence in those who can know they have ETERNAL LIFE in 5:13-14 1 John 5:13-14 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that YOU MAY KNOW that you have eternal life. [14] And this is the confidence that we have toward him,… This seems to line up with consistent christian behavior throughout scripture with other authors. Paul says - 1 Corinthians 12:3 ESV Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus is accursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except in the Holy Spirit. No ability to curse Christ. What else??? 1 John 5:19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. A contrast. The unredeemed lay in the power of Satan, unprotected and vulnerable. This means the redeemed are shielded, protected from the evil that consumes them. 1 John 5:18 We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. How do we KNOW who has this behavior? 1 John 5:1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God,… From the text the authors tell us the redeemed - Not able to practice sin unrepentantly. - Cannot curse God - Protected from the evil one. - The evil one does not touch him Those Born of God do not commit Mortal sin because Mortal sin imo is a missteps out of Context of 1 John 5:16. - John 8:12 ESV Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will NOT walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." In greek “whoever” is ὁ ἀκολουθῶν - “the one following”. Not whoever. Its an active verb, not an open ended choice. Those who are. “the one following WILL NOT walk in darkness” Just as John repeats in 1 john 3:9 that those born of God, Gods seed within them, (in the greek) are NOT ABLE to practice sin. Salvation comes with assurance because of the absence of sinful behavior carried out also reassures us of HE who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 1 John 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may KNOW that you have eternal life. Ephesians 1:13-14 ESV In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were SEALED with the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is the GUARANTEE of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. We should def discuss John 15 here if your willing.

[@michaelogrady232]

@HillbillyBlack That is very interesting. If I take it at face value that once saved a person will be unable to sin, then I am compelled to admit such verses speak of a time after death when the race has been run victoriously and the crown of glory has been received. I base that on the words of the Lord who promises that the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. Otherwise, I would conclude that no one is saved because no one is unable to sin. I know that once translated into heavenly glory there will be no sin, no temptation to sin, and no attachment to sin. But here in this mournful valley of tears, these things do, in fact, remain. How do you understand the meaning of those Texts?

[@HillbillyBlack]

@@michaelogrady232 oh no, I’m not talking about sin generalized. I apologize for the confusion. A lot of people read that and they think that I’m just categorically labeling sin in general. When John says unable to continue sinning or practice sin he’s not talking about sin categorically or sin its self labeled over everything. He’s not talking about all sin. He’s talking about two groups. The Catholic Church thinks of this as a venial and mortal but where the breakdown occurs I think is the miscommunication of the dichotomous grouping. I don’t see it as a venial or mortal. I see everyone, believing and unbelieving, able to commit the same sins but the believer commits them under struggle. The believer is not able to exist in the old pattern of unbelief committing repeated actions of sin unrepentantly. Repentance for us is a realization agreed? It’s a turning point. It’s realizing who God is and agreeing with God about sin. Repentance is turning from sin because we agree with God about sin. If we look at the cliché scripture of Ephesians 2:8-9 we see that salvation is a given outside of our acceptance or asking or belonging. It’s a gift so that we can’t boast of saying something like “I accepted Jesus”. John is simply saying that the redeemed born of God are unable to live a life as the unbelievers lived where they sin with enjoyment and glee dead and their trespasses. That’s what Paul means by people walking according to the prince of the power of the air according to this world. They are blinded by the god of this world to the truth of God and when one is awakened to new life in redemption and salvation it is all God that transforms them. It’s about genuine legitimate REAL salvation. I’ll put it another way I am a sinner who does not practice sin. I still sin but I do not mock God in repeated unrepentant sin. I still struggle with sin but the fact that I struggle is the mark of salvation. The unrepentant is unredeemed and lives a life loving their sin. The redeemed live a life in sin early on but under conviction as the spirit removes them from that sin. Hebrews 12:4-8 is an excellent example of this I think. There’s a new nature in the believer. Paul talks about this in Galatians 5:17. We sin, but because we are redeemed and in a repentant state, our attitude towards sin is no longer unrepentant. It’s no longer disinterest and uncaring. Repentance gives the Spirit of God and the Spirit of God turns the heart causing us to walk a certain way recognizing sin for what it is. We are guided and controlled by the Holy Spirit so that we walk in God’s rules and statutes however imperfectly. And the imperfect nature of following is the result of free will to resist God to appoint. I do not believe those dead in sin have unilateral free will. I think they have free will within the constructs of sin. they cannot escape their own sin and are incapable of choosing God from intellect. Even paragraph 35 of the Catholic catechism says that. By the intellect of the human mind as evident by Creation around them they know God created everything but they are incapable of choosing him without God choosing them. Ezekiel 36:26-27 is such a powerful prophecy of the church age salvation. Go read that sometime it’s so good man. I think John 15 mirrors that in the words of Jesus with God as the vine dresser and Jesus is the vine. And in John 6 Jesus says that God draws the sinner and Jesus saves them. The point I’m trying to make is salvation is so radical and so opposite to a sinful life that the person redeemed, however imperfect in the beginning is radically different in intention even if they fail over and over again. Not to say that they are once saved always saved where someone thinks they can pray a prayer and do whatever they want, but rather that someone repentance and follows Christ and believed and was redeemed and in struggle is trying to get away from the sin actively. That is the intention of john. In terms of understanding the meaning of those text, I have no good answer for that. I know that I’m truly redeemed in the same way as what I just described and I know I’m saved because of how sin left my life. Unrepentant sin that is. I’m an ex porn addict and a man who flirted with all girlfriends and hookers. From experience my life exiting in repentance lines up with the scripture above. I believe it is the Holy Spirit that reveals scriptures truth. And I think it’s a slow reveal not an absolute everything dumped on you in total perfect truth kind of thing but in this reveal of reading scripture I’ve done it without commentary help and when I do look at other peoples interpretations of the Scriptures, my interpretation lines up with them. And it’s not just protestant. It’s Catholic as well. I left a cracker and grape juice mentality for real presence and seriousness of the action.

[@michaelogrady232]

@@HillbillyBlack I agree with a lot of what you are saying. We define sin as a misguided good. That is to say, very rarely is evil done for it's own sake. When we sin it is usually in the pursuit of a perceived good, but, as Paul says, we miss the mark, and that is usually through stupidity or ignorance, not malice. To build upon what you have said here, I would further say that the repentant sinner is one whom God has made aware of this situation, and with the help of His grace is able to draw closer to the mark, even to hit the mark sometimes. The most important thing is the repentant sinner is now aware there is a mark he should be aiming for at all. He now distinguishes between the perceived good and the ultimate good, which is doing the will of God, for one cannot sin who is in the act of doing the will of God. To complete the verse from Ephesians, he now does the good works that God prepared beforehand that he should walk in. Still, it is a narrow and a rocky road upon which he is bound to stumble. We stumble, we get up, we keep going forward, we stumble, we get up, we keep going forward. We literally lurch our way to the heavenly kingdom and the crown of glory. As long as we stay on that path we will eventually arrive. The question is, how do we discern the right path? How do we have certainty the works we are doing are the works of God, and not our own works?

[@HillbillyBlack]

@@michaelogrady232 i would say the narrow aspect is perceived from the outside looking in. A co-worker told me “dude, you are narrow minded. Your Faith is too intolerant and unaccepting.” Matthew 7:13-14, Luke 13:24 Context is key. Matthew concluded the beatitudes, Luke concluded repentance and salvation with analogies of Israel. Both are intended towards the Jews who expected a political deliverer but instead received redeemer of sin. From their perspective, Jesus is a narrow path hard to accept. Jesus was speaking of the coming destruction of Jerusalem and general repentance. But,…Once the door is shut it is shut for good, not just with the annihilation of Jerusalem in 70ad but with those who apostate and wait too long before dying. Many often twist these verses in thinking “striving” or “entering” is effort to obtain Grace. The narrow way is narrow perceptually. The believers life is narrow minded. They reject unrepentant sin, universal inclusiveness and worldly expectance. For there is no peace in rampant inclusive tolerated sin. The narrow path satisfies the justice of God but the narrow path is only possible in those saved by God. And the better news is The believer does not consider their life narrow, but a gift, not a burden, but a blessing. Every dead spirit from the outside looking in sees a narrow way. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior to those who believe. The burden of belief is lite, but to the unredeemed it is a burden far too heavy. We have been saved by grace through faith, and not of works. No man has any cause for boasting. We are not saved by good works, but we are in fact saved to good works. We are created in Christ Jesus to good works, works that were ordained beforehand for us to walk in. As foreordained works, this means that they necessarily follow salvation by grace. And, as such, there is no inconsistency when God uses them as an infallible indicator that salvation by grace has in fact occurred. We are to work out our salvation, but this is only possible as we are working out what God is working in. And so it is that we are saved by works the work of Christ on the cross, and the works of the Spirit within us, which works are, from our perspective, entirely and utterly gracious. Jesus - “whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been CARRIED OUT in God." - John 3 The work of God is carried out through the redeemed. John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. Notice wrath is not reintroduced but a remaining factor indicating transformation is a full turn rather than a turn that loses.

[@Danny42759]

Today I passed a church with a big pride flag here in Germany, this is not even seen as a scandal here. Joe always helps me with his work to look in the future positively. Thanks Joe

[@dominicbacs8265]

God Bless Joe, I'm so happy you're out there posting all this great content.

[@tonyl3762]

Ever heard of Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP)/Welcome? That is where Catholic witnesses are being formed and sent out.

[@461weavile]

Joe, why you gotta make a man cry? Incredible episode, thanks.

[@mattcrisanti1121]

Always love your presentations! I hope you get through comments to read this: would you please do one on Jesus’ apparent contradictions - there are several (eg “I’ve come not to bring peace, but a sword” versus “my peace I leave, my peace I give you”) That example is probably an easy one for you, solved by addressing context, but there are others. Please consider. God bless!

[@MartinaStC]

Jesus is a healing surgeon, His Word and commandments are like a sword that heals...

[@crusaderACR]

That's a very good topic. You can do very deep on these matters, but what I do (and what one may notice at their very first read of the New Testament) is that Jesus only gives truths, but never simple truths. Think of the verse about hating your own family. Or the one where we appear to be called to turn the other cheek or, that when we're robbed we don't even passively resist, but enthusiastically hand over everything. It's never simple. It's multi-leveled. Prime example, Matthew 6:25-34. Very famous passage. There's first of all that multi level thing, first about the Father taking care of wild flowers, clothing them better than Kings, yet the flowers are just thrown and burned, as they matter nothing compared to us. See what I mean? Also that advice of not caring about food or clothes is insane. How is that even reasonable? "But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (v. 33) There's the answer. Still a bit enigmatic, but to put it in other words, it's telling us (for example) it's much healthier (mentally and physically) to make it your aim to climb the highest mountains than to get a doctor's appointment every week. You aim for good, honest work, and for a good life, and whatever you need will come along with it. It's a byproduct of Good, so it shouldn't be your goal. Turning the other cheek, etc. is an insane level of pacifism unpalatable even to the most pacifistic. But Christ wasn't a pacifist. He kicked moneylenders out of the Temple by knocking down tables and with a whip. Not to mention that he almost seemed to be more fond of soldiers than of other Jews. Again, there's levels. It's better a good peace than the best battle. But it's not good to stay still when it's a bad and unjust state of affairs. The "sword" is talking about division. Seek peace and unity in your family, but not if it's at the expense of forsaking eternal truth. This is surprisingly hard to carry over. Think of "overruling". Obey your parents commands, but God's commands go above. And so on.

[@mattcrisanti1121]

@@crusaderACRexcellent input. God first always. Thank you and God bless you.

[@simonewilliams7224]

Don’t react emotionally, and Pray. The faith does not change or the issue is not resolved by your emotional reaction or intervening with your own opinions. Pray.

[@crusaderACR]

What's wrong with emotions? Sometimes it's best to sympathize in love and compassion, to cry with your brother or sister.

[@tonyl3762]

I usually warn the trolls that no one wins a pissing contest, esp when both sides know their facts and history. I've heard others use the comparison of mudslinging fight where everyone gets dirty. Just another way to say sin affects everyone and no one can lean away from it.

[@michaelbaker2552]

The question to ask is: "Why is Satan throwing every weapon he has at the Catholic Church and leaving protestant religions alone or using those protestant religions as additional weapons against the Catholic Church?" Obviously the one true Church, the Catholic Church, is more of a threat.

[@LL-bl8hd]

Honestly, it's nearly impossible to persuade someone who doesn't have a robust belief in the supernatural that you're not crazy for staying in the Church. They see it as little more than a club, and most of us wouldn't belong to a club that has behaved the way the Church has. Comparing it to a nation might help a little, but they can argue that the US is a democracy, so it's rational to stay and try to change things, but the Church is a monarchy, and/or that they don't agree with the US government but it's not possible/practical to stop paying taxes or move away, but it's easy to leave a church. Telling them that you're willing to put up with any misbehavior because the Church has the truth will just make you sound like a cult victim to them. It just doesn't make sense unless you really believe God is in the Church.

[@Lya3588]

👍🙏

[@soteriology400]

I am no longer a Roman Catholic, but I think you made some good points how to handle tough situations. Kudos to you Joe. 👍

[@HAL9000-su1mz]

“IF” you have not already, please consider going to Adoration of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament (also known as “Holy Hour”). Call your local parish and find out when they offer it. Then, just go and sit in silence in Christ’s Presence. Take your bible. Read scripture, pray, contemplate. Tell the Lord of your search for truth, of your doubts, worries, even fears. Then, be as patient with Him as He has been with you. When you receive the grace to know that HE IS THERE, you will be forever changed. Miracles occur in Christ’s presence - of that I can personally attest.

[@benabaxter]

What actually constitutes bad faith? It would seem that it's possible to interrogate a person with an attempt to try to trap them as a means of leading them to the truth, without any intention of considering their view whatsoever. I think specifically of Mormon debates, where the questions at issue aren't even remotely truly at issue. It would seem that your definition is simply that to argue in good faith is to be as willing to answer questions as to ask them.

[@papuciowy1465]

There is nothing scandalous about the Crusades or the Inquisition. They are beautiful works of mercy.

[@HAL9000-su1mz]

They began well. Ended not so well. However, read up on the 1571 Battle of Lepanto! Pope Pius V and the Holy League saved Europe from Muslim conquest and freed 15,000 Christian slaves.

[@imankhandaker6103]

They subsidise them. Do they not REQUIRE an explanation? Do they assume that they are innocent?

[@Wildwest89]

The tares will be sorted from the wheat at the end of time. Expecting it before that is a grave error.

[@dynamic9016]

Sin is a human condition, so corruption can be found in all institutions..Roman Catholicism should be moreless judged by it's teachings like refuting what's in the Catechism of the Catholic Church..I stand for correction...Really appreciate this video..

[@ozoz2931]

Could acts 15:22 be interpreted as the Catholic church, meaning “ the whole church “?

[@NJWEBER18]

In Acts 9:31, "church throughout all" in greek is "ekklesia kath holes" and that is where we get the name Catholic(Kath holes) Church (Ekklesia).

[@NJWEBER18]

Acts 15:22 is "hole te ekklesia" so, while it refers to all the church, it is not the source of the name. But since 'kath holes' was used 6 chapters earlier, this verse is likely refering to that.

[@OrigenisAdamantios]

#AGAINSTJUSTINIAN -ism

[@tookie36]

I like to say these were and are horrors and I want to help the church heal, grow, and continue to walk with Christ. Never a fan of saying it’s just a few bad apples or yeah it was bad but that’s humans for you.

[@roddycavin4600]

My response to this is always the same. ' There will be plenty of catholic priests, bishops, cardinals nuns and even some popes in hell. Just make sure you're not standing beside them.'

[@dan_m7774]

Ironically I quit supporting Catholic Answers after their round table response at the Pope in their Fiducia Supplicans. I think they were extremely unprofessional.

[@shamelesspopery]

We know! You've told us a few dozen times. I'm sorry you feel that way!

[@dan_m7774]

@@shamelesspopery Would support you personally Joe as I think you do excellent work. I wish Tim Staples comments were allowed to be a balance view on the round-table. Prior comments from Chris Check's gave me the impression he has a dislike of the Pope and I wonder if this was to echo his irritation. . Karlo's and Cy's comments lacked charity. Catholic Answers itself notes in Donum Veritatis the serious harm done to the community of the Church by public opposition to the Magisterium of the Church. One can talk about the issue with charity, but it crossed the line to accusations. I would love to support Catholic Answers again, as they do a good job explaining even Humanae Vitae, but I lack confidence they can discuss current issues.

[@LibertadAhora]

Before telling someone their mouth stinks , I first smell my own 🤭. Most guys should read the book of Hosea and ask why he’s the only prophet GOD gave a wife and the narrative behind it . The church is Me and you … not the building 😊 I find funny talking of scandal but fear for my own coz no one knows

[@HAL9000-su1mz]

Satan attacks truth. Bob Tilton? He already HAS him...

[@susand3668]

There is always hope! Whenever someone irritates me, I figure that is someone I need to pray for!

[@HAL9000-su1mz]

@@susand3668 I look at most as victims. It helps. But not with all of them. Some are truly vile. Thus, we both pray.

[@philip7461]

"When I don't know if someone's being a troll or not. When I don't know if someone's question is in good faith. And on the internet it's very hard to know that " - Just remember, Joe, that on the internet nobody knows you're a cat.

[@HAL9000-su1mz]

OMG kitty?

[@JackHermanKikiraNyosy-oe9vo]

Others are saying the Church Jesus instituted is not Catholic. Jesus never called it Catholic. How can you help me see through this.

[@susand3668]

I have a friend who says he runs towards the places he sees Satan attacking the most. Some say the Catholic Church is too liberal. Some say she is too conservative. Some say she is too "New", too young, some say that she is too out-dated and old. The Catholic Church teaches just what she taught from the beginning. There is an unbroken line of anointed popes, and an unbroken line showing how we have come to the theological understandings that we have today based on those teachings from the Apostles. Jesus has never abandoned His Church at any time, ever. And the Holy Spirit has never stopped guiding the Church, though we cannot always see His guidance, because "the Wind blows where It wills" (John 3:8) As to Jesus not calling the Church "Catholic", that's okay. The word "Catholic" is descriptive, like "Holy" or "True". In the Bible, it is called, simply, the "Church."

[@JackHermanKikiraNyosy-oe9vo]

​@@susand3668Thanks. Need more as my wife doesn't submit to me but heading towards SDA whose evangelists are evangelising currently in PNG to which I believe they are doing that before our Popes visitation in September.

[@garyr.8116]

@JackHerman, In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus says to 'make disciples of ALL NATIONS' - If/when His church is in all nations, it would be 'UNIVERSAL' ! ( the word catholic means 'universal' !)

[@HAL9000-su1mz]

Ignatius of Antioch, in about the year 107 AT THE LATEST, referred to the newborn Church as "universal", in Greek, Katholikos, i.e. Catholic.

[@susand3668]

Dear@@JackHermanKikiraNyosy-oe9vo, Are you in Indonesia? You said that the pope is coming to visit in September! That is exciting! I will be praying for you and your wife! And yes, I can imagine that the forces against the Church are stirring up against the pope's visit!

[@erolhosdil3809]

The best way to respond is to encourage the Pope and the Cardinals to convert to the Catholic Faith.

[@dr.tafazzi]

It's uncatholic to believe you have a better understanding of what the Catholic Faith is than your superiors. God uses their authority to correct our course, that's the whole point of the Church.

[@erolhosdil3809]

@@dr.tafazzi How you figure vso?

[@dr.tafazzi]

@@erolhosdil3809 I don't understand what you mean...

[@HAL9000-su1mz]

@@erolhosdil3809 Humble yourself. You sound stupid.

[@AnthonyAnthony-tk4ye]

I prefer data dumping… there is nothing more annoying than a grown adult wearing their emotions on their sleeves and having a meltdown, I just can’t help but scold them with facts lol

[@thomaswilliams3948]

Why are you talking in circles, just get to the point.

[@dallasbrat81]

Too many Christian zombies

[@cbooth151]

How should Catholics respond to Church scandals? They shoul get out of the Church. As Rev. 18:4 says: “Come out, my people! Come out from her! You must not take part in her sins; you must not share in her punishment!"

[@AmusedBabyPenguin-yt3vs]

Too much rationalisation

[@HAL9000-su1mz]

OK. It's ALL your fault. We shall send constables to take you into custody!

[@velkyn1]

By realizing you are in a cult and leaving the lies, ignorance and hate in it.

[@dr.tafazzi]

you're not one to talk about lying

[@velkyn1]

@@dr.tafazzi So, if you want to accuse me of lying, do show where. If you can't, it seems you have a problem, and your god hates lies and liars.

[@HAL9000-su1mz]

Troll reported for hate speech.

[@lukeohanlon2960]

Love the audible Joe! I left the first review 😁 keep them coming! The early church was the Catholic Church would be amazing! Love Thursdays because we get a new episode of shameless popery. Check your email, and God bless 😅

[@iggyantioch]

Would sat come and sit down and watch the Mass. The Catholic Mass Come worship with all of us.