Catholic Answers Live – Episode #12133

Why Do Catholics Follow the Pope If It's Not in the Bible? And More
Guest: Dr. Karlo Broussard
Host: Cy Kellett
Date: April 1, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Catholic Answers Live centers on the “whys” behind core Catholic beliefs, focusing especially on controversial questions posed by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Dr. Karlo Broussard joins Cy Kellett to answer callers’ questions, addressing the rationale for Catholic doctrines such as papal authority, scripture and tradition, baptism, and the Eucharist. The tone is friendly, accessible, and intellectually rigorous, with an emphasis on scriptural and historical support for Catholic positions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Role of Philosophy in Catholic Theology

Timestamp: 02:56–06:39

• Why does philosophy matter when we have the Bible?
  • Dr. Broussard: Philosophy serves as theology’s “handmaid,” helping to articulate, defend, and make sense of revealed truths. It allows the faith to be communicated effectively to different cultures and to counter objections (03:05).
  • Philosophy also provides foundations, or “preambles of faith,” such as basic proofs for God’s existence and attributes, priming us to receive divine revelation.
• Notable Quote:

  "Philosophy allows for us to provide conceptual frameworks, certain language that would allow for us to expound upon and communicate that divinely revealed truth." – Broussard (03:05)

2. Why Do Catholics Follow the Pope if It's Not in the Bible?

Timestamp: 07:02–15:52

Caller: Joshua (San Antonio, TX)

A Protestant who recently became Catholic asks why Catholics must obey papal orders, especially ones not found directly in the Bible.

• Distinguishing "orders":
  • The Church distinguishes between doctrinal (teaching) and disciplinary (practical) instructions from the pope.
  • Doctrinal teachings may be infallible; if so, Catholics must assent because the pope holds the office given to Peter by Christ (based on Matthew 16:18–19, Luke 22:32).
  • Notable Quote:

    "He is just a man, but he is a man with authority insofar as he's the successor to St Peter as the leader of the Church." – Broussard (09:51)

• Papal disciplinary authority:
  • The Church sees the pope as the universal shepherd, with judicial authority to “bind and loose” (cf. Matthew 16:18, 18:18). This includes governance over how Mass is celebrated or other Church practices.
  • Precedents: Acts 15, where early Church leaders imposed binding practices on Gentile Christians.
  • Analogy: Obedience to the pope is akin to honoring one's father/mother—he is our spiritual "father," the Church our "mother."
• On the necessity of obedience for Catholics:
  • To be Catholic is to accept the authority of the bishop of Rome, in both doctrinal and disciplinary matters. Persistent, public refusal constitutes schism.
  • Notable Quote:

    "If they're not willing to submit to the legitimate authority of the Pope, then they need to reconsider whether they should become Catholic or not." – Broussard (15:22)

3. Scripture and Tradition: Why Not Sola Scriptura?

Timestamp: 19:20–36:44

Caller: Cynthia (Austin, TX)

Mother concerned about her son converting to Catholicism, struggles with the Catholic rejection of "sola scriptura" (Scripture alone).

• Scripture and tradition as equal authorities:

  • Broussard points to 2 Thessalonians 2:15, where Paul commands holding to traditions taught “either by word of mouth or by letter.” Both are presented as binding.
  • The apostolic preaching included truths not written down, and there is no indication this oral tradition was meant to end with the apostles.
  • Epistles to Timothy/Titus show Paul envisioning successors to the apostles who would preserve and transmit both written and oral teaching.
  • Example of non-scriptural apostolic tradition: There will be no new apostles; no further public revelation; no new inspired Scriptures.

• Nature of sacred tradition vs. scripture:

  • Catholicism teaches that both are equally sources of divine revelation, though Scripture has the unique property of "verbal inspiration" (the exact wording inspired by the Holy Spirit).
  • Notable Quotes:

    • "Sacred tradition and sola scriptura are equal in value...both contain God's divine revelation." – Broussard (33:50)

    • "The uniqueness of Sacred Scripture [is] verbal inspiration...but not a superiority over sacred tradition." – Broussard (34:17)

  • Discusses "prima scriptura"—Catholics affirm Scripture's uniqueness, but not primacy as the sole or highest authority.

• Philosophical argument:

  • If apostolic authority continued in bishops, then sola scriptura is false. Since Catholics argue that it did, sola scriptura cannot be sustained.

4. Rebaptism: Should a Catholic Be Re-baptized in Another Church?

Timestamp: 37:21–42:45

Caller: Amanda (Dallas, TX)

Raised Catholic, left the Church, now in a program that encourages rebaptism. Wonders if she should be baptized again.

• Catholic teaching:
  • Baptism in the Catholic Church (with water, in the Trinitarian formula) is valid and unrepeatable.
  • Rebaptism implies the first was invalid or insufficient, which is not the case if it fulfilled the Church's criteria.
  • Baptism is not merely symbolic; it's a real, grace-conferring act (John 3:5, 1 Peter 3:21, Romans 6:3–4).
  • Protestants may challenge the validity of infant baptism or Catholic baptism, but Catholics defend it on biblical and historical grounds.
  • Notable Quote:

    "That first baptism was valid. There is no need for you to get re-baptized because that first baptism was valid." – Broussard (41:37)

5. Who Can Take Communion? The Eucharist and Protestant Participation

Timestamp: 47:18–54:11

Caller: Regina (Arizona)

Her Protestant friend insists on taking Communion at a Catholic Mass. How should she respond?

• Receiving Communion is a public act of unity:
  • By coming forward, communicants publicly profess unity of belief with the Catholic Church.
  • For a non-Catholic to receive Communion is, in effect, to "bear false witness"—it is a visible, communal act stating “I believe what the Church believes” (even if she does not).
  • Historical precedent: Justin Martyr (AD 150) specified that Communion is only for those baptized and who believe all that the Church believes.
• Addressing confession:
  • Cites John 20:23, where Jesus gives the apostles authority to forgive or retain sins. This necessitates verbal confession, so that the apostle can discern true repentance.
  • Resources for further reading recommended at Catholic.com.
  • Notable Quote:

    “Coming up for Holy Communion is a visible gesture that communicates a certain meaning...if [your friend] doesn’t have that communion with the Church, well, then she would be bearing false witness.” – Broussard (50:07)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On papal authority and tradition:

  "He is just a man, but he is a man with authority insofar as he's the successor to St Peter as the leader of the Church." – Karlo Broussard (09:51)

  "If they're not willing to submit to the legitimate authority of the Pope, then they need to reconsider whether they should become Catholic or not." (15:22)

• Sola Scriptura and tradition:

  "Sacred tradition and sola scriptura are equal in value concerning both, being that concerning the idea that both contain God's divine revelation." (33:50)
  "The uniqueness of Sacred Scripture [is] verbal inspiration...but not a superiority over sacred tradition." (34:17)

• On rebaptism:

  "There is no need for you to get re-baptized because that first baptism was valid." (41:37)

• On the Eucharist as public witness:

  “Coming up for Holy Communion is a visible gesture that communicates a certain meaning...if [your friend] doesn’t have that communion with the Church, well, then she would be bearing false witness.” (50:07)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:56 – The role of philosophy in theology
• 07:02 – Why do Catholics follow papal orders not found in the Bible? (Joshua)
• 19:20 – Why Catholics don't accept sola scriptura (Cynthia)
• 37:21 – Should a Catholic be re-baptized? (Amanda)
• 47:18 – Why Protestants can't commune at Catholic Mass (Regina)

Episode Tone and Final Thoughts

The episode maintains a charitable, thoughtful, and engaging tone, blending scripture, philosophy, and practical examples. Dr. Broussard prioritizes clarity, using analogies and scriptural references, and repeatedly directs listeners to further Catholic resources, showing openness to ongoing dialogue.

This episode is especially valuable for anyone—Catholic or non-Catholic—wrestling with issues of authority, tradition, sacraments, and ecumenical respect.

Resources Mentioned

• Catholic.com (search: sola scriptura, baptism, confession, Eucharist)
• Books referenced: Why We're Catholic (Trent Horn), Meeting the Protestant Challenge (Karlo Broussard)
• Podcast: The Sunday Catholic Word