Question: What is the “prosperity gospel” I keep hearing about? Is it true to what the Bible says? Answer: The prosperity gospel is the teaching that what God wants more than anything is for you to be happy, and He establishes this happiness in your life by blessing you with monetary wealth, bodily health, peace of mind, and positive relationships. If you have faith in … Continue reading
Question: Did Jesus come to abolish religion? Answer: Well, it depends on how one defines “religion”. Everyone has their own definition, and ample connotations as well. The glossary from the Catechism of the Catholic Church defines religion as: “A set of beliefs and practices followed by those committed to the service and worship of God. The first commandment requires us to believe in God, … Continue reading
Question: How do I respond to someone who says that religion is the most divisive, destructive, and deadly force in the world? Answer: The first thing I would do is establish the positive impact that religion has had on the growth of civilizations and the general wellbeing of mankind. The sciences have been especially nurtured by religious people, especially Catholics. The scientific fields with important … Continue reading
Question: What is Pentecost? Answer: Most people only know Pentecost as a Christian holiday, one that commemorates the day when the Holy Spirit fell on the apostles and disciples of Christ as they gathered in the Upper Room after the Ascension (cf. Acts 2:1-4). While the apostles and disciples remained in Jerusalem out of obedience to Christ (cf. Acts 1:4-5), Scripture tells us that Jews … Continue reading
Question: Are the Jews still God’s chosen people? Answer: Yes, “for the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable” (Rom 11:29) and He said of the Jewish people: “Now therefore, if you will obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my own possession among all peoples; for all the earth is mine, and you shall be to me a kingdom of … Continue reading
Question: Where are deacons found in Scripture? Answer: First, it may be helpful to define what a deacon is. Scott Hahn’s Catholic Bible Dictionary defines a deacon as: “An ordained assistant to priests responsible for such ministerial duties as preaching, baptizing, witnessing marriages, distributing Communion, and presiding at funerals (but not saying the funeral Mass). In the modern Church there are two forms of the … Continue reading
Question: While Jesus was carrying His Cross, He stopped and spoke to the “Daughters of Jerusalem,” but what He said to them was difficult to understand. What did He mean? Answer: This scene is found in Lk 23:27-31: And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning to them said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, … Continue reading