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Are Ouija boards really paranormal? Does God know what time it is? And is dark matter real — or is gravity wrong? Continuing his Christmas tradition of spending the holiday with those spending it alone, Jimmy Akin tackles these and many more questions posed by listeners with reason, faith, and curiosity. The post Alone Together for Christmas 2025 appeared first on StarQuest Media.
Are Ouija boards really paranormal? Does God know what time it is? And is dark matter real — or is gravity wrong? Continuing his Christmas tradition of spending the holiday with those spending it alone, Jimmy Akin tackles these and many more questions posed by listeners with reason, faith, and curiosity.
What happens when Time Lords become gods? A lost Gallifreyan student inspires Egyptian myth, fractures history, and forces the Doctor into an impossible judgment. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin unpack paradox, law, and tragic mercy in this story that guest stars Benedict Cumberbatch.
What happens when Time Lords become gods? A lost Gallifreyan student inspires Egyptian myth, fractures history, and forces the Doctor into an impossible judgment. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin unpack paradox, law, and tragic mercy in this story that guest stars Benedict Cumberbatch. The post False Gods appeared first on StarQuest Media.
A stolen "Soul" that prevents a galaxy-wide jihad—what could go wrong? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler weigh TAS "The Jihad": bold premise, shaky logic, and the eerie ethics of memory wipes and "healing" villains.
A stolen “Soul” that prevents a galaxy-wide jihad—what could go wrong? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler weigh TAS “The Jihad”: bold premise, shaky logic, and the eerie ethics of memory wipes and “healing” villains. The post The Jihad (TAS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.
For New Year's week, Jimmy Akin is answering more weird questions posed by Cy Kellett, including whether psychopaths who feel no remorse can be saved; what happened to the saints who rose at the Resurrection; who was Peter's wife; and more! The post Can Psychopaths Be Saved? And More Weird Questions appeared first on StarQuest Media.
Questions Covered: 18:15 – Kibeho 29:00 – Akita 40:43 – Fatima 44:29 – Zeitoun
For New Year's week, Jimmy Akin is answering more weird questions posed by Cy Kellett, including psychopaths who feel no remorse can be saved; what happened to the saints who rose at the Resurrection; who was Peter's wife; and more!
What if eternal life costs your humanity? This week, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler wrestle with love, consent, and immortality in Metamorphosis. Is Zefram Cochrane right to reject paradise—and who really pays the price?
What if eternal life costs your humanity? This week, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler wrestle with love, consent, and immortality in Metamorphosis. Is Zefram Cochrane right to reject paradise—and who really pays the price? The post Metamorphosis (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.
It's Christmas week so we're bringing you a special weird questions episode where Jimmy Akin answers questions like: Can identical twins share a soul? What happens if you're excommunicated unfairly? Could a living soul possess someone else? Are demons capable of repentance? Are we insignificant in a vast universe—or still uniquely special? The post How Many Souls Do Twins Have? And More Weird Questions appeared first on StarQuest Media.
It's Christmas week so we're bringing you a special weird questions episode where Jimmy Akin answers questions like: Can identical twins share a soul? What happens if you're excommunicated unfairly? Could a living soul possess someone else? Are demons capable of repentance? Are we insignificant in a vast universe—or still uniquely special?
When a bullied mining colony needs help, Archer steps in—but can a paint-by-numbers caper stand up to The Seven Samurai legacy? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler dissect "Marauders" andits clumsy caper.
When a bullied mining colony needs help, Archer steps in—but can a paint-by-numbers caper stand up to The Seven Samurai legacy? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler dissect “Marauders” andits clumsy caper. The post Marauders (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media.
“Why is Judas’s Death Different in Acts?” This episode addresses the differences in accounts of Judas’s death found in Matthew and Acts, while also delving into how a non-literal interpretation of the creation story affects the concept of original sin. Additional questions include the implications of kneeling at statues and why God sent Jesus long after Adam and Eve. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:39 – Can you clear up why Judas's death differs in Matthew 27 and Acts? 05:47 – Does Revelation 22:8-9 where John bows down and worships the angel prove kneeling at a statue can be considered worship? 19:40 – Can you explain how if the creation story is not literal how would this impact original sin? 31:43 – Why did God send Jesus long after Adam and Eve not right after? 34:42 – Did Jesus participate in the last supper? Did he eat the bread with his disciple? 39:00 – How could you explain Mary’s need for a cleansing in the bible when she was without sin? 46:15 – Are translations considered inspired? Was this protected by the Holy Spirit? 51:55 – When the angel appeared to Zachariah and Mary they both seem to show disbelief. Why did only Zachariah get punished?
Starting in 1960, comic books began advertising mail order pets known as sea monkeys, the brainchild of inventor Harold von Braunhut. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli investigate the whimsical creatures, their creator, and a series of disappointing revelations connected to them. The post The Amazing Sea-Monkeys! appeared first on StarQuest Media.
“Why Isn’t The Book of Enoch Canonical?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of scriptural authority, while also addressing varied topics such as the significance of Acts 27:34-36 in relation to the Mass, and whether intelligent life on other planets could receive the Sacraments. Additionally, the conversation touches on the implications of discovering ancient biblical documents and the concept of Divine Inspiration in scripture. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:35 – Should we consider the book of Enoch canonical? 22:51 – Can you explain if Act 27:34-36 storm of the sea, is considered the institution of the Mass. 32:45 – Is there any biblical direction on if another planet with intelligent life could they receive the Sacraments. 37:47 – Can the bible be added to if we found ancient documents? (Matthew's Gospel – in Hebrew) 45:50 – How many copies might there have been of Mark's gospel? 52:23 – What does the church mean by the text being Divinely Inspired? What does that entail?
Starting in 1960, comic books began advertising mail order pets known as sea monkeys, the brainchild of inventor Harold von Braunhut. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli investigate the whimsical creatures, their creator, and a series of disappointing revelations connected to them.
What if the best thing to do… is nothing at all? A collapsing void, enslaved lion-men, and cryptic mirrors challenge the Fourth Doctor and Romana. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli unpack this trippy farewell to Romana and the end of the E-space arc.
What if the best thing to do… is nothing at all? A collapsing void, enslaved lion-men, and cryptic mirrors challenge the Fourth Doctor and Romana. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli unpack this trippy farewell to Romana and the end of the E-space arc. The post Warrior’s Gate appeared first on StarQuest Media.
Are violent thoughts as dangerous as actions? A telepathic society says yes—and wants to erase B'Elanna's memories. Jimmy Akin, Fr. Jason Tyler, and Dom Bettinelli dissect moral justice, mental privacy, and Voyager's problematic First Contact policies.
Are violent thoughts as dangerous as actions? A telepathic society says yes—and wants to erase B'Elanna's memories. Jimmy Akin, Fr. Jason Tyler, and Dom Bettinelli dissect moral justice, mental privacy, and Voyager's problematic First Contact policies. The post Random Thoughts (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media.
“Can God create evil?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of God and the existence of evil, alongside intriguing topics such as the implications of homeopathic medicine and the relationship between the 4th Lateran Council and Vatican II regarding religious freedom. Other questions include the ethics of AI-generated music and interpretations of Job 2:10. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 00:59 – The bible says there will be more people around the throne of God then there are grains of sand or dust or stars. My theory is that God can't stop creating and continues to create humans everywhere. What are your thoughts on that theory? 15:15 – Is homeopathic medicine from God? 29:26 – Is there a conflict between the 4th Lateran Council and Vatican 2 Lateran promoting expelling heretics and Vatican 2 promoting religious freedom and being free from coercion? 37:11 – Is it ethical to make AI music and share it? 45:40 – Job 2:10. Are we supposed to assume that God creates evil? Is that how Job understood it?
In 1990, two men in Calvine, Scotland took photos of a strange object in the sky that would become the clearest UFO photos ever. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask what really happened in Calvine, what happened to the two men, and what was the flying object they photographed? The post The Calvine UFO Sighting appeared first on StarQuest Media.
“Is there such a thing as a just war?” This question opens a discussion on the moral implications of warfare, including whether actions taken during war can be justified. Other topics addressed include the interpretation of Genesis 49:10 prophecy and the validity of baptism for those from different Christian backgrounds. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:30 – Is there such a thing as a just war? If there is, does that mean once you're in a war you can do whatever? Why do popes no longer tell us when wars are just? 17:43 – How do we interpret Gen 49:10 prophecy? 24:43 – I come from a Baptist background. Why is my baptism valid? 35:41 – Since the Roman Empire didn’t have a king when they gave Herod the title of King of the Jews did, they allow him to rule as absolute monarch? 45:30 – Why do some bible translations leave the word fasting out of Mt. 17:21? 50:14 – Is there a second soul in a person who has the chimera genetic disorder?
In 1990, two men in Calvine, Scotland took photos of a strange object in the sky that would become the clearest UFO photos ever. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask what really happened in Calvine, what happened to the two men, and what was the flying object they photographed?
What happens when a medieval society joins a galactic superpower? The 3rd Doctor and Sarah Jane face war profiteers, fake gods, and class rebellion. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss faith, feminism, and odd-shaped aliens in Monster of Peladon.
What happens when a medieval society joins a galactic superpower? The 3rd Doctor and Sarah Jane face war profiteers, fake gods, and class rebellion. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss faith, feminism, and odd-shaped aliens in Monster of Peladon. The post The Monster of Peladon appeared first on StarQuest Media.
A school lesson turns explosive—literally—as Bajoran religious politics collide with Federation ideals. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler debate freedom, faith, and hypocrisy in DS9's powerful season one finale.
A school lesson turns explosive—literally—as Bajoran religious politics collide with Federation ideals. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler debate freedom, faith, and hypocrisy in DS9's powerful season one finale. The post In the Hands of the Prophets (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media.
“Why don't we remember being babies?” This question opens a fascinating discussion about memory and development, alongside intriguing inquiries about the implications of an infinite multiverse on God’s creation and redemption. Other topics include the possibility of witnessing historical events from afar and the nature of cryptids, exploring whether they could be demons in disguise. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 11:20 – My 8-year-old wants to know why we don't have memories from when we are babies? 29:40 – Greetings from Northern England, where we also eat dinner in the middle of the day! My question is this: If an infinite multiverse does indeed exist, does that mean that in each universe God would either have to 1) not create rational beings capable of falling or 2) when he does, incarnate in each universe to redeem it? If a third option is possible it would seem that the fall and the incarnation are not necessary, and if they aren't God wouldn't be perfectly good in allowing them. 43:26 – If we could quickly travel vast distances in space and also had extreme telescope technology. Would it be possible to travel thousands of light years away, then turn our amazing telescopes back on earth and watch the pyramids being built or travel 65 million light years and see what killed the dinosaurs etc.? 50:00 – Could some cryptids be demons in disguise?
Is lying ever moral? Why did God create Satan—and dinosaurs? What is the eye of Providence? From purgatory to AI ethics, Jimmy Akin fields more questions from fellow pilgrims during his recent Italy pilgrimage. The post The Eye of Providence and More Patrons' Questions appeared first on StarQuest Media.
“Can demons possess parasites?” This intriguing question opens a discussion on the nature of possession and its implications for smaller creatures. The conversation also touches on the validity of a civil marriage conducted under extreme circumstances, and the complexities of the law of attraction in relation to Catholic theology. Join us as we navigate these thought-provoking topics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:54 – If I were stranded on a desert island with a woman and we wanted to be married, could we exchange vows and consider ourselves married until we are rescued and finally have access to a priest? 05:38 – From the perspective of Catholic theology and canon law, how would the church view Adolf Hitler's marriage to Eva Braun—conducted in a civil ceremony in the Führerbunker shortly before suicide? Specifically, how would factors like lack of sacramental intent, possible impediments (e.g., public notoriety, consent, coercion, psychological state, lack of openness to children), and the lack of Catholic form (or emergency situation) affect its validity or liceity? 21:26 – How true is the law of attraction, and how much do we create our reality with our thoughts and feelings? 34:47 – Here’s a weird one. We know that demons can possess people and animals, but can demons possess creatures smaller than this? Say, Parasites, bacteria and viruses? Given the overwhelming role that the gut microbiome plays in mood, emotions, cravings etc., it would seem advantageous for a demon to possess these smaller creatures and manipulate man via biochemical means if they couldn’t possess him directly. If this is possible, would this be a case of possession or oppression? Additionally, might this be the reason that some demons can only be cast out by fasting? I.e fasting radically changes the gut microbiome and perhaps the creature they are possessing are killed off by the process of fasting. 45:42 – Is bilocation cloning, time travel, or doppelgängering (like something that's not the bilocated person taking the form of the person, like an angel or something)? In the first and second example, what's going on with the soul there? Is it two of the same soul in two places? Or two bodies one soul? Is that two different people? What happened when one of them goes away? What is going on?!
Is lying ever moral? Why did God create Satan—and dinosaurs? What is the eye of Providence? From purgatory to AI ethics, Jimmy Akin fields more questions from fellow pilgrims during his recent Italy pilgrimage.
Is coerced labor still virtuous if it saves the universe? Dorium Maldovar returns as the 11th Doctor faces a cosmic light imprisoned in a robotic lighthouse. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin dissect morality, capitalism, and Time Lord ethics in The Light Keepers.
Is coerced labor still virtuous if it saves the universe? Dorium Maldovar returns as the 11th Doctor faces a cosmic light imprisoned in a robotic lighthouse. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin dissect morality, capitalism, and Time Lord ethics in The Light Keepers. The post The Light Keepers (Big Finish) appeared first on StarQuest Media.
Is it arrogance or ignorance that leads to war with a microscopic lifeform? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack TNG's "Home Soil," its murky themes, awkward writing, and what truly makes something alive.
Is it arrogance or ignorance that leads to war with a microscopic lifeform? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack TNG's “Home Soil,” its murky themes, awkward writing, and what truly makes something alive. The post Home Soil (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media.
Advent is a season of anticipation—the Church preparing to receive the greatest gift. At StarQuest Media, we explore modern culture through the lens of faith and reason, offering more than 50 hours of programming each month that reaches hundreds of thousands of people. Each hour takes 10–15 hours of work—planning, recording, editing, show notes, art, and promotion—and patrons make it possible. This Advent, become a monthly patron at $10+ (or increase by $10). As our thank-you, the first 400 patrons will receive a Mysterious World sticker signed by Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli. Generous supporters will match every new or increased monthly gift up to $15,000 through Epiphany—doubling your impact. Prepare for Christmas by supporting media that brings faith and reason to today's world.
Advent is a season of anticipation—the Church preparing to receive the greatest gift. At StarQuest Media, we explore modern culture through the lens of faith and reason, offering more than 50 hours of programming each month that reaches hundreds of thousands of people, including Praystation Portable which has been bringing you the Liturgy of the Hours every day for nearly two decades! Each hour of programming takes 10–15 hours of work—planning, recording, editing, show notes, art, and promotion—and patrons make it possible. This Advent, become a monthly patron at $10+ (or increase by $10). As our thank-you, the first 400 patrons will receive a Mysterious World sticker signed by Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli. Generous supporters will match every new or increased monthly gift up to $15,000 through Epiphany—doubling your impact. Prepare for Christmas by supporting media that brings faith and reason to today's world.
It's our annual Thanksgiving Weird Questions episode, and this time Cy Kellett is asking Jimmy Akin questions about whether the Holy Spirit has chromosomes, what sacraments angels can perform (if any), whether Zoroaster was a savior before Jesus, and what to make of the sword of St. Michael. The post The Sword of St. Michael (and More Weird Questions) appeared first on StarQuest Media.
It's our annual Thanksgiving Weird Questions episode, and this time Cy Kellett is asking Jimmy Akin questions about whether the Holy Spirit has chromosomes, what sacraments angels can perform (if any), whether Zoroaster was a savior before Jesus, and what to make of the sword of St. Michael.
In this episode Trent reveals how good Christian practices can take a dark, irrational turn if they are abused. Can Catholics Follow Astrology? - Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGL_0wRKKIk To support this channel: https://www.patreon.com/counseloftrent [NEW] Counsel of Trent merch: https://shop.catholic.com/apologists-alley/trent-horn-resources/ Be sure to keep up with our socials! https://www.tiktok.com/@counseloftrent https://www.twitter.com/counseloftrent https://www.instagram.com/counseloftrentpodcast
A utopia built on exploitation. In The Savages, what happens when a society thrives by draining others' life force? Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin unpack the moral cost, lost social commentary, and Steven's powerful farewell from the TARDIS.
Super-intelligent elephant slugs who are telepathic zookeepers and vague off-screen resolutions—are humans just amusing pets? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack The Eye of the Beholder from The Animated Series.
“Must we forgive the unrepentant?” This question delves into the complexities of forgiveness as taught in Luke 17:3-4. Additionally, the discussion touches on the Church’s teaching regarding the “Sons of God” in Genesis 6, clarifies why the Eucharist is not cannibalism, and examines the tolerance of Old Testament polygamy compared to New Testament teachings. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:45 – Church teaching on the “Sons of God” in Genesis 6 11:58 – Must we forgive someone who is not repentant? (Luke 17:3-4) 20:35 -How to explain that the Eucharist is not cannibalism 29:10 -Why Old Testament polygamy was tolerated but not in the New Testament 40:04 -Recommendation for a good book for a 14-year-old interested in Catholicism 44:35 -Parallels between confession and the sin offering in Leviticus
Did the CIA kill JFK? A mysterious woman's testimony at 1985 libel trial apparently indicated CIA agents were in Dallas with operatives and weapons on the night before the assassination. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine the credibility of the claims and counter-claims. The post Marita Lorenz and the JFK Assassination appeared first on StarQuest Media.
“Why are Jehovah's Witnesses considered non-Christian?” This question leads to a discussion on the theological distinctions that set them apart from mainstream Christianity. Additionally, the conversation touches on the similarities and differences between angelic and ghost apparitions, the earliest evidence for the Assumption and the Immaculate Conception, and advice for new Catholics seeking community. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:40 – Similarities and differences between angelic and ghost apparitions 19:15 – Clarification on why Jehovah's Witnesses are considered non-Christian 29:30 – Earliest evidence for the Assumption and the Immaculate Conception 43:30 – If Jesus appears fully in both species, why does Scripture say “body” for bread and “blood” for wine? 49:55 – Advice for a new Catholic struggling to connect with other young adult Catholics
After President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, theories abounded and some accused CIA agent E. Howard Hunt. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at the 1985 lawsuit by Hunt against some of his accusers and what was revealed in the courtroom about the CIA's possible role. The post Howard Hunt & the JFK Assassination appeared first on StarQuest Media.