In this section you can write a comment with any question you may have about Christianity, and we, within our capabilities, will give you an answer.
If you are a Catholic but need clarification, if you are a Protestant and you think you must correct a Catholic error, if you are an agnostic who has not give up in your search for the truth, or if you are simply a Christian but have questions or want to dig deeper, do not be afraid and ask.
When Thomas saw Jesus and still doubted, Jesus did not just reproach him for his lack of faith; he took his hand and asked him to put his finger into his wound. This is how faith problems are resolved, addressing them directly instead of trying to ignore it for fear of losing faith… or discovering it.
Leave your question below (it will be published after review):
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previous users’ questions
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Can a widowed or divorced woman with children be a nun?
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Yes, a widowed or divorced woman with children can become a nun, but there are certain conditions and considerations.
Widows: Widowed women are generally welcome to pursue religious life. However, they must be free of any legal or financial obligations to their children. If the children are still young or dependent, most religious orders require that they are cared for until adulthood before the woman enters the order.
Divorced Women: If a woman is divorced, she can consider becoming a nun, but only if her marriage has been annulled by the Catholic Church. An annulment is a declaration that the marriage was not sacramentally valid according to Church laws. A civil divorce alone is not sufficient, as the Church considers a sacramental marriage to be indissoluble.
Children: In both cases (widowed or divorced), if the woman has children, they need to be independent or otherwise well-provided for before she enters a religious order. The reason is that religious life usually requires full dedication to the community and the mission, without ongoing responsibilities to family.
Suitability for the Order: Different religious orders have different rules and charisms, and some may have specific requirements or preferences. A woman in these situations would need to find a community that is open to receiving someone with her background.
In summary, while it is possible, the woman would need to ensure that her family responsibilities are resolved, and if divorced, an annulment is required. Each religious order would need to evaluate her situation individually.
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If the third temple of Jerusalem is rebuilt, would it be the end of Christianity?
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The rebuilding of the third temple shouldn’t be a concern for Christianity but rather for Judaism. Some Evangelicals who believe in the Rapture—a modern doctrine with little Biblical support—argue that the Temple of Jerusalem must be rebuilt because they interpret its appearance in the Book of Revelation as a sign of the end times. However, the temple described in Revelation is not a future third temple but rather the second temple before its destruction. Therefore, the rebuilding of a physical temple today does not change anything for us as Christians.
According to Christian teaching, the end of time will come, but no one knows the day or the hour, as Jesus said. When that day arrives, and Jesus returns to earth in a visible way, it will not be for a “rapture” as some envision but to judge all people. He will take the righteous with Him to heaven. This will not mark the end of Christianity; rather, it will be the end of human history as we know it and the beginning of the triumph of Christianity through Jesus forever. That day will mark the full establishment of the Kingdom of God, which has been present on earth since Jesus began His teaching.
But I’m curious—what makes you think that the rebuilding of the temple would mean the end of Christianity?
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If the third temple in Jerusalem were rebuilt, would this not mean that the prophecy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 24:2, “Behold, not one stone shall be left upon another,” is false and that therefore he was not the Messiah?
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No, the prophecy in Matthew 24:2 was fulfilled when the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D. If a Third Temple were built, it would not invalidate Jesus’ prophecy because He was specifically referring to the temple of His time. Any future reconstruction would be a completely new structure, not the original one He spoke of.
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In Luke 1:24 it says that Elizabeth remained hidden for five months after becoming pregnant. Why did she do this?
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Luke 1:24 states, “After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying…” The text itself does not explicitly give a reason for Elizabeth’s seclusion, but various interpretations exist within biblical scholarship and tradition. Here are a few possibilities:
1- Cultural and Religious Customs: It was customary for women to remain somewhat secluded in the early stages of pregnancy. This could be due to cultural modesty, health concerns, or to ensure the pregnancy’s safety, especially in older women like Elizabeth.
2- Time for Spiritual Reflection: Elizabeth may have withdrawn to reflect on the miraculous nature of her pregnancy. She was barren and advanced in age, making this event particularly significant and miraculous. This seclusion could have been a time of prayer, thanksgiving, and preparation for the birth of John the Baptist, who would play a crucial role in God’s plan.
3- Avoiding Premature Publicity: Elizabeth’s pregnancy was unusual, both because of her age and her long history of barrenness. Remaining hidden might have allowed her to avoid gossip, disbelief, or judgment until her pregnancy was more visible and undeniable.
4- Parallel with Mary’s Seclusion: Just as Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus, spent time away from public view (in Elizabeth’s own house, for that matter), Elizabeth’s seclusion can be seen as a time of awaiting God’s unfolding plan, away from the distractions and pressures of daily life.
In my opinion, poing 3 is the most probable, that’s how I’ve always understood that passage.
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Do you think that the Legionaries of Christ congregation founded by the Mexican priest Marcial Maciel, who was a child sexual abuser, should be dissolved?
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Should a human organization be dissolved or banned based on the virtues or flaws of its members or the virtues of flaws of its founder? I am not in a position to decide such matters, which are administrative, not doctrinal, but I can offer a few reflections.
Marcial Maciel’s crimes were serious and condemned by the Church. However, the Church distinguishes between the sins of an individual and the value of the institution. After thorough investigation, the Vatican chose to reform the Legionaries of Christ rather than dissolve it. The congregation has undergone significant changes and continues its work. Ultimately, it’s up to the Pope and the Vatican to decide its fate, and their decision will be respected.
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Since Pope Francis dissolved the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae due to the sexual abuse scandal there, I don’t see why he shouldn’t also dissolve the Legionaries of Christ.
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I cannot answer for the Pole, but here is my guess:
In January 2025, Pope Francis dissolved the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV), a Peru-based Catholic movement, following a Vatican investigation that uncovered extensive sexual, financial, and spiritual abuses by its founder and leaders.
In contrast, the Legionaries of Christ, despite facing similar scandals involving their founder, have undergone significant reforms under Vatican supervision since 2010. These reforms included appointing a papal delegate, revising their constitutions, and implementing measures to prevent future abuses. The Vatican has continued to monitor their progress, emphasizing the need for “continuous conversion.”
The decision to dissolve a religious organization is complex and considers various factors, including the severity of abuses, the effectiveness of implemented reforms, and the organization’s cooperation with ecclesiastical authorities. In the case of the SCV, persistent issues and insufficient reforms led to its dissolution. Conversely, the Legionaries of Christ have demonstrated a commitment to reform, influencing the Vatican’s decision to allow their continued operation under strict supervision.
It’s important to note that the Vatican continues to closely monitor the Legionaries of Christ, assessing their adherence to reforms and efforts to prevent future abuses.
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Did the wine at the wedding in Cana have alcohol?
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Yes, the wine at the wedding in Cana contained alcohol. Wine in biblical times, including the wine mentioned in the account of the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11), was generally fermented and contained alcohol. This is supported by historical and cultural context:
- Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Jewish culture, wine was a common part of daily life and used in celebrations, religious rituals, and meals. It was almost always fermented, as fermentation was a natural process that began soon after grape juice was pressed. Non-fermented grape juice, as we know it today, wasn’t available because refrigeration and modern preservation methods didn’t exist.
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The Miracle of Cana: In John 2:1-11, Jesus transforms water into wine at a wedding feast. The steward, after tasting the wine, comments that it was of high quality, implying that it was comparable to, or better than, typical wine served at such events. The quality of the wine is often associated with its flavor and strength, which further suggests that it was alcoholic. Also, he comments:
John 2:10 (KJV): “And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.” A more direct translation from the Greek would be “when people are drunk”, so he is saying that people are the wedding were already a bit or a lot drunk and there was no need for good wine at that moment.
- In the Bible, wine is often associated with the possibility of drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18, Proverbs 20:1), which indicates that wine typically contained alcohol.
So yes, wine at Cana was wine, not grape juice.
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Did Jesus approve of drunkenness by providing more wine for the wedding?
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No, Jesus did not approve of drunkenness by providing more wine at the wedding at Cana. While it’s true that Jesus miraculously turned water into wine during the wedding (John 2:1-11), this action should not be interpreted as promoting excess or drunkenness. The context of the miracle emphasizes hospitality and generosity rather than indulgence. In fact, drunkenness is condemned in several parts of the Bible (e.g., Ephesians 5:18, Proverbs 20:1).
The miracle at Cana symbolized abundance and joy, and wine in biblical times was often seen as a symbol of blessings. However, the Bible consistently teaches moderation and self-control, and this miracle aligns with that broader message rather than contradicting it.
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Why don’t Jews accept Jesus as the Messiah?
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Jews do not accept Jesus as the Messiah because they had different expectations of who the Messiah would be. They anticipated a political leader who would liberate Israel from Roman rule and restore the kingdom to its former glory. Jesus came as a spiritual savior, emphasizing repentance and the kingdom of God within, which did not align with their expectations. Additionally, some Jewish authorities misunderstood His teachings and miracles, leading them to reject Him despite the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
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Is it true that Pope Pius XII supported the Holocaust and that Pope John Paul II covered up pedophile priests?
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No, it is not true that Pope Pius XII supported the Holocaust. Pope Pius XII, who led the Catholic Church during World War II, has been a subject of historical debate regarding his actions during that time. While some critics argue that he did not speak out forcefully enough against the atrocities, there is evidence that he worked behind the scenes to help save Jewish lives. The Vatican, under his leadership, provided shelter to Jews and others persecuted by the Nazis, and he directed churches and monasteries to do the same.
We have a full article dealing with that issue. It’s in Spanish but I’ll provide an automatic translation as well:
– Spanish: https://apologia21.com/2013/02/20/pio-xii-el-papa-de-hitler-santo-o-demonio/
– English: https://apologia21-com.translate.goog/2013/02/20/pio-xii-el-papa-de-hitler-santo-o-demonio/?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wappRegarding Pope John Paul II, there is no evidence to suggest that he personally covered up cases of pedophile priests. During his papacy, the Catholic Church began to face increasing scrutiny over clerical sexual abuse scandals. While some critics feel that the measures taken were not sufficient or timely enough, Pope John Paul II did acknowledge the gravity of the issue and implemented initial steps to address it, including the establishment of policies to protect minors and discipline offending clergy.
These are complex historical topics, and it’s important to rely on well-researched sources for accurate information.
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Is sex just for pleasure within marriage a sin or should it only be for having children?
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According to Catholic teaching, sex within marriage is both unitive and procreative—it serves to deepen the loving bond between spouses and is open to the possibility of creating new life. Engaging in sexual relations purely for pleasure is not considered sinful as long as it respects these two purposes. The pleasure experienced is seen as a natural and good part of God’s design for marital love. Therefore, marital sex is not solely for having children; it also strengthens the emotional and spiritual connection between husband and wife.
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What should a Christian do if his or her son or daughter feels same-sex attraction?
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Not easy to answer, especially in present times, you know what I mean. But let’s try:
When a Christian parent learns that their son or daughter feels same-sex attraction, it is essential to approach the situation with love, compassion, and understanding, while staying grounded in faith. Here are some principles to guide a Christian response:
- Show unconditional love: Regardless of the situation, parents are called to love their children unconditionally, just as God loves us. This includes affirming their dignity as individuals made in the image of God, regardless of their sexual orientation.
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Listen and communicate: It’s important to create an open and supportive environment where your child feels safe to share their feelings and struggles. Avoid being judgmental or dismissive, and seek to understand their experiences.
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Remain rooted in your faith: While showing love, it’s also important for Christian parents to remain faithful to their beliefs. The Catholic Church distinguishes between same-sex attraction and acting upon that attraction. It teaches that while same-sex attraction is not sinful, acting on it in ways that contradict the Church’s teachings on sexual morality is considered sinful.
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Encourage a life of virtue: Encourage your child to live a life that is consistent with Christian teachings. The Church calls all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, to live lives of chastity and holiness.
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Seek spiritual and emotional support: This situation can be emotionally challenging for both the parent and the child. Seeking guidance from a pastor, a spiritual director, or a trusted counselor can help both you and your child navigate this journey in a way that aligns with your faith and promotes healing and understanding.
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Avoid rejection or condemnation: It’s crucial to avoid behaviors or attitudes that could alienate or harm your relationship with your child. Rejection can lead to feelings of isolation and may damage their faith and well-being. Instead, offer ongoing support, prayer, and guidance.
So show all your love for them but don’t hide the spiritual truth about the situation, make a clear difference between feeling that way and acting upon it. Also, make clear that God also loves them just the same.
God gives each of us a cross to bear, our own unique one (which often seems heavier than anyone else’s), and that cross is not our condemnation but our tool for learning to grow and to love. What we do with it will ultimately become either our redemption or our condemnation.
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When did the church begin to venerate images?
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The veneration of images in the Church began to develop in the early centuries of Christianity, though it became more formally established over time. Here’s an overview of its evolution:
- Early Christianity (1st–3rd centuries): Early Christians were cautious about using images due to the Jewish prohibition against idolatry and the pagan use of images in worship. However, as Christianity spread, symbols like the cross, the fish (Ichthys), and images of Christ as the Good Shepherd began to appear in Christian art, especially in the catacombs. From the last part of the second century on, images of Mary, as well as martyrs, also make a start.
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4th century: After Christianity was legalized by Emperor Constantine in the Edict of Milan (313 AD), the use of images in churches became more common. Depictions of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and saints started to appear in Christian places of worship, particularly as frescoes, mosaics, and carvings.
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The Iconoclast Controversy (8th–9th centuries): The formal theological debate about the use of religious images arose in the 8th century during the Iconoclast Controversy in the Byzantine Empire. Iconoclasts (those opposing images) argued that the veneration of icons (religious images) was a form of idolatry, while Iconodules (those supporting images) defended their use as a means to honor, not worship, the figures they represented.
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Second Council of Nicaea (787 AD): The veneration of images was definitively affirmed by the Church at the Second Council of Nicaea in 787 AD. The council declared that icons of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints were to be venerated (not worshiped, which is reserved for God alone). It emphasized that veneration given to an image passes on to its prototype (the one depicted), and this was a legitimate form of honoring those represented in the images.
Since then, the veneration of sacred images has been a central part of Christian practice, particularly in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, where icons and statues are used to inspire devotion and aid in worship.
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Did Jesus speak Hebrew or Aramaic?
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Jesus primarily spoke Aramaic, the common language of the Jewish people in Palestine during His time. Aramaic was widely spoken throughout the region, especially among the common people, and would have been the language used in daily life and teaching.
However, Jesus likely also knew Hebrew, as it was the liturgical language used in Jewish religious texts and prayers, especially in the synagogue. Hebrew was used in religious contexts, and Jesus would have been familiar with it due to His Jewish upbringing and knowledge of the Scriptures.
It’s also possible that Jesus had some knowledge of Greek, which was commonly spoken in the eastern parts of the Roman Empire, including Palestine, particularly in interactions with non-Jews. Jesus lived next to a Hellenistic city, Sephoris, and probably worked there a lot as a builder-carpenter, so he would probably use Greek there. However, Aramaic would have been His main spoken language.
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the early church condemned the use of incense?
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No, the early Church did not condemn the use of incense. How could that be if the Bible is often talking about the use of incense in the temple (where there was a specific “incense altar”), both in the Old and the New Testament? For example:
Malachi 1:11 (KJV):
“For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place INCENSE shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering”.However, there was some initial hesitation or caution around the use of incense in Christian worship in the very early centuries because, for the gentiles, incense was also heavily associated with pagan rituals and emperor worship in the Roman Empire. That’s why its use in Christian contexts may have been avoided or regarded with suspicion by SOME early communities.
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Apologia 2.1 in English 
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