# Apologetics **URL:** https://forum.catholictalk.net/c/apologetics/5.md [Latest](https://forum.catholictalk.net/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.catholictalk.net/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.catholictalk.net/tags.md) --- ## [About the Apologetics category](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/about-the-apologetics-category/14)
**Author:** [@jcs](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/jcs)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2026, 1:04am UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/about-the-apologetics-category/14 "2026-06-29T01:04:07Z")
Defense of the Faith, doctrines & dogma, historical controversies. --- ## [Can you prove that God exists? And if you cannot, why do you believe?](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/can-you-prove-that-god-exists-and-if-you-cannot-why-do-you-believe/4111)
**Author:** [@actualevidence](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/actualevidence)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2026, 1:18pm UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/can-you-prove-that-god-exists-and-if-you-cannot-why-do-you-believe/4111 "2026-10-12T13:18:24Z")
Genuinely respectful question. I was raised both Catholic and Southern Baptist and never developed an affinity for either, which led to me rejecting the idea of religion altogether after much thought. That doesn’t mean … --- ## [Harm Reduction: Yea or Nay?](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/harm-reduction-yea-or-nay/4276)
**Author:** [@scrupulous\_revert](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/scrupulous_revert)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2026, 1:17pm UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/harm-reduction-yea-or-nay/4276 "2026-10-08T13:17:52Z")
As objectively evil as the illicit use of drugs is, one has to wonder if it’s moral to reduce the harm the use of drugs causes knowing that it can foster more drug use. Is it theoretically morally/civilly permissible to … --- ## ["No Salvation Outside The Catholic Church"](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/no-salvation-outside-the-catholic-church/3087)
**Author:** [@Cade\_One](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/Cade_One)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2026, 9:36am UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/no-salvation-outside-the-catholic-church/3087 "2026-10-07T09:36:52Z")
Both Protestants and some Catholics misinterpret what this means and where this teaching comes from. The phrase “No salvation outside the Catholic Church” comes from Cyprian of Carthage (a third-century Bishop and Chris… --- ## [Did the Gospel of Mark do St. Joseph dirty?](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/did-the-gospel-of-mark-do-st-joseph-dirty/1055)
**Author:** [@Cade\_One](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/Cade_One)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2026, 4:41pm UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/did-the-gospel-of-mark-do-st-joseph-dirty/1055 "2026-10-03T16:41:05Z")
Joseph, the husband of Mary, is never named in Mark’s Gospel at all. Too bad for Joe? poll --- ## [Receiving Holy Communion in the Hand](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/receiving-holy-communion-in-the-hand/785)
**Author:** [@Matt](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/Matt)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2026, 7:54pm UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/receiving-holy-communion-in-the-hand/785 "2026-10-01T19:54:51Z")
What do you all think about the practice of receiving Holy Communion in the hand? --- ## [Genesis 3: Questions for Apologetics](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/genesis-3-questions-for-apologetics/4224)
**Author:** [@actualevidence](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/actualevidence)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2026, 2:48am UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/genesis-3-questions-for-apologetics/4224 "2026-09-30T02:48:14Z")
1. The serpent isn’t described as Satan. Why would God create an animal that would lead his creations astray? What’s in it for the serpent? Weren’t the first man and women supposed to rule over all the animals on the ear… --- ## [Genesis 1: Questions for Apologetics](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/genesis-1-questions-for-apologetics/4188)
**Author:** [@actualevidence](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/actualevidence)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2026, 1:42pm UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/genesis-1-questions-for-apologetics/4188 "2026-09-29T13:42:14Z")
It recently occurred to me that, even if I were to express doubt in the existence of the Catholic interpretation of God, I would be doing so without the knowledge or understanding of any scripture. I’ve never read throug… --- ## [Genesis 4: Questions for Apologetics](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/genesis-4-questions-for-apologetics/4231)
**Author:** [@actualevidence](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/actualevidence)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2026, 12:35am UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/genesis-4-questions-for-apologetics/4231 "2026-09-22T00:35:00Z")
1. The Bible says, “5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard.” Why didn’t God accept Cain’s offering? Considering Adam’s curse, it would’ve been difficult work to grow anything from the earth. Not only that, but … --- ## [Christian Answers: Why does God allow suffering?](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/christian-answers-why-does-god-allow-suffering/4170)
**Author:** [@PhilosophicalLogic](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/PhilosophicalLogic)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2026, 11:02pm UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/christian-answers-why-does-god-allow-suffering/4170 "2026-09-20T23:02:12Z")
This is a perennial topic, and I think it can’t be discussed too often. We need answers. Why does God allow such horrible suffering in our world? Check out the video, and share your thoughts here. --- ## [Are we living in the end times?](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/are-we-living-in-the-end-times/4028)
**Author:** [@Cade\_One](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/Cade_One)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2026, 11:19pm UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/are-we-living-in-the-end-times/4028 "2026-09-19T23:19:53Z")
Catholic Christians believe we are living in the end times. But, the day or hour when the Heaven and Earth will pass away, we do not know (Matthew 24:35-36). Only God the Father knows (Acts 1:7). “The Day of the Lord wi… --- ## [Genesis 2: Questions for Apologetics](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/genesis-2-questions-for-apologetics/4216)
**Author:** [@actualevidence](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/actualevidence)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2026, 3:35am UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/genesis-2-questions-for-apologetics/4216 "2026-09-18T03:35:23Z")
2 “And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done.” Why does God need to rest after doing anything? Isn’t he all-powerful? Resting is … --- ## [The Trinity = 3 Gods](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/the-trinity-3-gods/2558)
**Author:** [@Question](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/Question)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 10:00am UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/the-trinity-3-gods/2558 "2026-09-15T10:00:41Z")
Simple, despite the explantion! --- ## [The Catholic teachings on passions is in contradiction](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/the-catholic-teachings-on-passions-is-in-contradiction/4191)
**Author:** [@mbortas\_55](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/mbortas_55)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 7:06pm UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/the-catholic-teachings-on-passions-is-in-contradiction/4191 "2026-09-06T19:06:47Z")
It says that passions (including arousal) are „christian patrimony“ (CCC 1763) and „natural components of the human psyche“ (CCC 1764) and they are neutral until they engange in some act (CCC 1767-177), but if you feel a… --- ## [What Does the Catholic Church Have to Say About Her Own Infallibility?](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/what-does-the-catholic-church-have-to-say-about-her-own-infallibility/4183)
**Author:** [@JethroHiggins](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/JethroHiggins)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 6:13pm UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/what-does-the-catholic-church-have-to-say-about-her-own-infallibility/4183 "2026-09-05T18:13:17Z")
The Infallibility of the Church. Is the Pope Infallible? Is the Church Infallible? Are Catholic Bishops Infallible? What are the Limits of Infallibility? Is it true that the Church is infallible when it comes to her teac… --- ## [Theological Question: If there is no God, can there be such a thing as "Justice"?](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/theological-question-if-there-is-no-god-can-there-be-such-a-thing-as-justice/1884)
**Author:** [@Cade\_One](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/Cade_One)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 5:30am UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/theological-question-if-there-is-no-god-can-there-be-such-a-thing-as-justice/1884 "2026-09-04T05:30:29Z")
I’m listening to the latest Season of Someone Knows Something and David Ridgen respectfully says that he is an athiest, but believes in the adage, “the truth will set you free.” I guess my theological question would be, … --- ## [What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Grace?](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/what-does-the-catholic-church-teach-about-grace/4182)
**Author:** [@JethroHiggins](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/JethroHiggins)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 5:12am UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/what-does-the-catholic-church-teach-about-grace/4182 "2026-09-04T05:12:27Z")
Is Grace Necessary? What is the Role of Grace in the Catholic Church? What Does the Catholic Church Have to Say About Grace? Is it true that the Catholic Church teaches that grace is necessary for salvation, and if so, w… --- ## [𝐸𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑚 is a distinctly different religion than Christianity](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/is-a-distinctly-different-religion-than-christianity/2805)
**Author:** [@Cade\_One](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/Cade_One)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2026, 8:24pm UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/is-a-distinctly-different-religion-than-christianity/2805 "2026-09-01T20:24:58Z")
Dear Pope Leo (or dare I say Francis 2.0), please stop this duplicity (Matthew 6:24). You can talk about how Christians are called to be respectful of God’s gift of creation (stewards even), and not worship on the altar… --- ## [When Christian "Patriots" Sound Like Catholic Christians](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/when-christian-patriots-sound-like-catholic-christians/4027)
**Author:** [@Cade\_One](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/Cade_One)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2026, 1:23pm UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/when-christian-patriots-sound-like-catholic-christians/4027 "2026-07-28T13:23:52Z")
In recent news, an elderly man slapped a kid for not standing for the National Anthem. What if you think worshiping a flag is idolatry (which was not this kids argument)? How quickly Christian “patriots” begin to sound… --- ## [Mary worship in the Catholic Church](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/mary-worship-in-the-catholic-church/3236)
**Author:** [@Quantum1982](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/Quantum1982)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2026, 10:15pm UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/mary-worship-in-the-catholic-church/3236 "2026-07-14T22:15:24Z")
Hi I want to know where Jesus said that we should pray to Mary or ask her to forgive our sins? --- ## [Gospels that contradict each other](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/gospels-that-contradict-each-other/2925)
**Author:** [@rlwood711](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/rlwood711)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2026, 10:13am UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/gospels-that-contradict-each-other/2925 "2026-07-10T10:13:31Z")
Why is there a difference between the number of loaves and fish between the gospels? Is the number 5 and 2 or 7 and 2? Also the leftover baskets 7 or 12? This definitely in my mind blows Sola Scriptura out of the Mark 8… --- ## [Good Friday Question](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/good-friday-question/2007)
**Author:** [@rstrats](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/rstrats)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2026, 11:17pm UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/good-friday-question/2007 "2026-07-09T23:17:58Z")
Is the idea of a Friday crucifixion an official position of the Catholic Church? --- ## [What Catholic teaching or doctrine do you find most challenging or difficult to understand and why?](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/what-catholic-teaching-or-doctrine-do-you-find-most-challenging-or-difficult-to-understand-and-why/25)
**Author:** [@jcs](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/jcs)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 6:04am UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/what-catholic-teaching-or-doctrine-do-you-find-most-challenging-or-difficult-to-understand-and-why/25 "2026-07-01T06:04:27Z")
What Catholic teaching or doctrine do you find most challenging or difficult to understand and why? --- ## [Jesus Died for All Sin — Past, Present, and Future](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/jesus-died-for-all-sin-past-present-and-future/3910)
**Author:** [@Cade\_One](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/Cade_One)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 1:35am UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/jesus-died-for-all-sin-past-present-and-future/3910 "2026-07-01T01:35:21Z")
Christ died once and for all sins, correct. And we receive His sanctifying grace, which flows from His Sacrifice on Calvary. This is where some Christians differ from the Historical Christian Church. Some believe the pa… --- ## [What do you think of this video on St. Thomas' Five Ways to Prove God Exists?](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/what-do-you-think-of-this-video-on-st-thomas-five-ways-to-prove-god-exists/1763)
**Author:** [@PhilosophicalLogic](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/PhilosophicalLogic)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 5:56pm UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/what-do-you-think-of-this-video-on-st-thomas-five-ways-to-prove-god-exists/1763 "2026-06-30T17:56:54Z")
I’m curious what people think of this great video from The Thomistic Institute. Do you find the Five Ways convincing? Why or why not? --- ## [Visiting Protestant Son - Defending my Catholic Faith](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/visiting-protestant-son-defending-my-catholic-faith/3550)
**Author:** [@Julie](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/Julie)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2026, 10:58pm UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/visiting-protestant-son-defending-my-catholic-faith/3550 "2026-06-29T22:58:49Z")
How I defend my faith to my Protestant relatives? --- ## [Call No Man Father? (Matthew 23:9)](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/call-no-man-father-matthew-23-9/2218)
**Author:** [@Cade\_One](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/Cade_One)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2026, 1:56pm UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/call-no-man-father-matthew-23-9/2218 "2026-06-29T13:56:12Z")
St. Paul (who was not Married) wrote the following in Corinthians 4:14-15, “I am writing you this not to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. Even if you should have countless guides to Christ, yet you … --- ## [The Teachings on Mary](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/the-teachings-on-mary/2927)
**Author:** [@Mazrocon](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/Mazrocon)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2026, 10:58pm UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/the-teachings-on-mary/2927 "2026-06-26T22:58:48Z")
Growing up around Protestants and non-denominational Christians, Mary was someone that never got brought up in sermons (unless it’s Christmas time and you happen to believe in Christmas … a large amount don’t). I’m lear… --- ## [Bible Study (Which Book Would You Most Like to Study?)](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/bible-study-which-book-would-you-most-like-to-study/1239)
**Author:** [@CanadianPriest](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/CanadianPriest)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2026, 4:20pm UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/bible-study-which-book-would-you-most-like-to-study/1239 "2026-06-25T16:20:02Z")
If your parish offered a Bible study, which book of the Holy Bible would you most like to study first? --- ## [What is the scientific evidence for intelligent design?](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/what-is-the-scientific-evidence-for-intelligent-design/1787)
**Author:** [@PhilosophicalLogic](https://forum.catholictalk.net/u/PhilosophicalLogic)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 4:33am UTC](https://forum.catholictalk.net/t/what-is-the-scientific-evidence-for-intelligent-design/1787 "2026-06-22T04:33:13Z")
I remember learning about the idea that unguided evolution created all of the life on earth. It was a real attack on my faith, because it seemed like there was no room for God to be our creator. Then I learned about the … [Next page](https://forum.catholictalk.net/c/apologetics/5.md?page=1)