#12129 Could a Gorilla Be Saved If Evangelized Through Sign Language? - Jimmy Akin

Catholic Answers Live

If a gorilla could understand the Gospel through sign language, could it be saved? We explore this unusual but fascinating question, plus why St. Philomena’s feast was removed, the Church’s view on devotionals, and how to approach celibacy in unexpected life situations.

Questions Covered:

• 03:38 – How can I invite my college Newman Center to a seder dinner as part of an interfaith event?
• 08:32 – Why was St. Philomena’s feast day removed from the Roman Calendar?
• 12:38 – If a person could evangelize via sign language to a gorilla, could the gorilla be saved?
• 24:33 – Does the Church have a stance on devotionals that seem to put words in God’s mouth?
• 32:05 – How do I respond to the claim that situations like David and the bread of the temple or Jesus’ disciples eating on the sabbath should be applied to same-sex relationships?
• 42:46 – Catechism 1658 talks about single persons — not by choice, but by life circumstance–; is God calling them to celibacy? If God is all-knowing, why would He call people to a vocation they can’t fulfill?
• 49:00 – What is the threshold for the Church to make a public excommunication of an individual(s) spreading hatred explicitly or implicitly and claiming the Catholic faith informs their hateful worldview?
• 52:21 – Where does St. Veronica come from? Why are there three times Christ falls in the Stations when the Bible says he fell once?

Chapters

1. How can I invite my college Newman Center to a seder dinner as part of an interfaith event? (00:03:38)

2. Why was St. Philomena’s feast day removed from the Roman Calendar? (00:08:32)

3. If a person could evangelize via sign language to a gorilla, could the gorilla be saved? (00:12:38)

4. Does the Church have a stance on devotionals that seem to put words in God’s mouth? (00:24:33)

5. How do I respond to the claim that situations like David and the bread of the temple or Jesus’ disciples eating on the sabbath should be applied to same-sex relationships? (00:32:05)

6. Catechism 1658 talks about single persons — not by choice, but by life circumstance-; is God calling them to celibacy? If God is all-knowing, why would He call people to a vocation they can’t fulfill? (00:42:46)

7. What is the threshold for the Church to make a public excommunication of an individual(s) spreading hatred explicitly or implicitly and claiming the Catholic faith informs their hateful worldview? (00:49:00)

8. Where does St. Veronica come from? Why are there three times Christ falls in the Stations when the Bible says he fell once? (00:52:21)