Why did the Pharisees and Sadducees fiercely disagree about the resurrection, and why is the resurrection so central to Catholic belief? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists explain the theological importance of bodily resurrection before tackling questions about the Protestant and Jewish biblical canons, including why Maccabees is missing despite its connection to Hanukkah. The discussion also explores common misunderstandings about Catholic teaching on salvation, including accusations of “works-based salvation,” how justification can grow even while Christians still commit venial sins, and the connection between the Bread of Life discourse and Christ’s Passion. The episode concludes with pastoral advice for someone in OCIA facing family conflict about becoming Catholic and attending Mass.

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Questions Covered:

04:22 – Why was there a dispute between the Pharisees and Sadducees on resurrection, and why is it so central to Catholic teaching?
11:14 – Is the protestant bible based off of the Jewish translation of the bible? Why doesn’t the Jewish bible have Maccabees, since those books contain the origin of Hanukkah?
20:10 – How would we respond to someone who pushes back when we say don’t believe in a works-based salvation? They say that we would claim someone loses their salvation if they miss Mass.
30:20 – How do we reconcile a justification that progresses and still commit venial sin?
37:01 – How close in time was the bread of life discourse to the Passion of Christ?
51:30 – I’m in OCIA and my husband doesn’t agree with my decision. If I were to become Catholic and I can’t make it to mass because of issues at home, will I be in mortal sin?