Bible Trivia

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Biblical Foundations

What Does the Bible
Say About...?

Discover the scriptural foundation for Catholic teachings. From infant baptism to the Eucharist, explore what Scripture and the early Church believed.

Common Questions

The most searched Church teachings explained

Why do Catholics baptize babies?

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Is the Eucharist really Jesus' body?

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Why confess to a priest?

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Was Peter the first Pope?

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Why pray to saints?

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Browse by Category

The Sacraments

The seven sacraments instituted by Christ for our salvation

Infant Baptism

"Where does the Bible say to baptize babies?"

The Catholic Church baptizes infants because baptism removes original sin and incorporates the child into Christ's Body, the Church. This practice dates to the apostolic era and has strong biblical support through household baptisms and the parallel with circumcision.

4 Bible passages2 objections answered

The Real Presence in the Eucharist

"Does the Catholic Church really believe the Eucharist is Jesus' actual body and blood?"

Catholics believe that during Mass, the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. This is not merely symbolic—it is a real, substantial change while the appearances of bread and wine remain.

4 Bible passages2 objections answered

Confession to a Priest

"Why do Catholics confess to a priest instead of directly to God?"

The Sacrament of Confession was instituted by Christ when He gave the apostles power to forgive sins. Catholics confess to priests because Jesus entrusted this ministry to His apostles, who passed it to their successors.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

The Priesthood (Holy Orders)

"Why do Catholics have priests? Doesn't the Bible say all Christians are priests?"

Catholic priests are ordained ministers who act 'in persona Christi' (in the person of Christ) to offer the sacrifice of the Mass, forgive sins, and shepherd God's people. The New Testament priesthood fulfills and transforms the Old Testament priesthood.

4 Bible passages2 objections answered

Anointing of the Sick

"Where does the Bible talk about anointing the sick?"

The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament for those seriously ill or facing surgery, giving spiritual strength, peace, and sometimes physical healing. It's not just 'last rites'—it can be received multiple times and offers comfort at any serious illness.

2 Bible passages2 objections answered

The Mass as Sacrifice

"Isn't Christ's sacrifice 'once for all'? Why do Catholics offer Mass?"

The Mass is not a new sacrifice but makes present the one sacrifice of Christ on Calvary. Catholics believe that at every Mass, we are brought to the foot of the cross—Christ's offering is made present across time and space.

4 Bible passages2 objections answered

The Sacrament of Confirmation

"Is Confirmation in the Bible?"

Confirmation completes baptismal grace and strengthens the recipient with the gifts of the Holy Spirit for witness and service. It is the sacrament of Christian maturity and mission.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Marriage as a Sacrament

"Is marriage really a sacrament?"

Marriage between a baptized man and woman is a sacrament that signifies Christ's union with His Church. It confers grace to live out the marriage covenant faithfully.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Baptismal Regeneration

"Does baptism actually save us?"

Baptism is not merely symbolic but actually regenerates the soul, washing away sin and making the person a new creation in Christ.

4 Bible passages2 objections answered

Mary & The Saints

Catholic teachings on the Blessed Virgin Mary and the communion of saints

Intercession of the Saints

"Why do Catholics pray to saints instead of going directly to Jesus?"

Catholics ask saints in heaven to pray for us, just as we ask friends on earth to pray for us. The saints are alive in Christ, and their prayers are powerful. This is not worship (which belongs to God alone) but a request for intercession.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Mary, Mother of God

"How can Mary be the 'Mother of God'? God has no mother."

Catholics call Mary 'Mother of God' (Theotokos) because she is the mother of Jesus, who is God. This title protects the truth that Jesus is fully God and fully man, one divine Person with two natures. Denying Mary is Mother of God means denying Christ's divinity.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Perpetual Virginity of Mary

"Didn't Jesus have brothers and sisters? How was Mary always a virgin?"

The Catholic Church teaches that Mary remained a virgin her entire life—before, during, and after the birth of Jesus. The 'brothers of Jesus' mentioned in Scripture were relatives (cousins or step-brothers), not children of Mary.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

The Immaculate Conception

"Was Mary born without original sin?"

Mary was preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception by a singular grace of God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

The Assumption of Mary

"Did Mary go straight to heaven?"

At the end of her earthly life, Mary was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. Her body did not see corruption but was glorified.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

The Rosary

"Is praying the Rosary biblical?"

The Rosary is a Scripture-based prayer that meditates on the life of Christ through the eyes of Mary. It combines vocal prayer with contemplation of Gospel mysteries.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Mary, Queen of Heaven

"Is Mary really a queen?"

Mary is honored as Queen of Heaven because she is the Mother of Christ the King. In the Davidic kingdom, the queen was the king's mother, not his wife.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Church Authority

The structure and teaching authority of Christ's Church

The Papacy (Peter's Primacy)

"Where in the Bible does it say Peter was the first Pope?"

Catholics believe Jesus established Peter as chief apostle and visible head of His Church. This office continues through Peter's successors, the Bishops of Rome. The Pope serves as Christ's Vicar, ensuring unity and guarding the faith.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Apostolic Succession

"Where in the Bible does it say bishops succeed the apostles?"

Catholic bishops are successors of the apostles, receiving authority through an unbroken chain of ordinations back to Christ. This ensures the faith passed down is the same faith the apostles taught. The Church is built on the apostles' foundation.

4 Bible passages2 objections answered

Sacred Tradition

"Isn't the Bible alone our authority? Why do Catholics follow 'tradition'?"

Catholics believe God's revelation comes through both Scripture AND Sacred Tradition—the living transmission of the apostles' teaching. Tradition isn't 'man-made rules' but the authentic handing down of what Christ taught, preserved by the Church.

4 Bible passages2 objections answered

Papal Infallibility

"Can the Pope make mistakes?"

When the Pope speaks ex cathedra (from the chair) on matters of faith and morals, he is preserved from error by the Holy Spirit. This does not mean the Pope is impeccable or always right.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

The Magisterium

"Who has authority to interpret the Bible?"

The Magisterium is the teaching authority of the Church, exercised by the Pope and bishops in communion with him. It authentically interprets Scripture and Tradition.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

The Canon of Scripture

"Who decided which books are in the Bible?"

The Catholic Church determined which books belong in the Bible. The 73-book canon was settled by Church councils in the 4th century, guided by the Holy Spirit.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Development of Doctrine

"Can Church teaching change?"

Catholic doctrine develops like a seed grows into a tree—the same substance unfolds more clearly over time. Development is not change but deeper understanding.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Salvation & Grace

How we are saved and sanctified by God's grace

Faith and Works

"Are Catholics saved by faith or by works?"

Catholics believe we are saved by grace through faith, but genuine faith produces good works. Faith and works are not opposed—they work together. We are not saved BY works, but saving faith is never alone; it is always accompanied by works of love.

5 Bible passages2 objections answered

Purgatory

"Where is Purgatory in the Bible?"

Purgatory is a state of purification after death for those who die in God's grace but still need cleansing from the effects of sin. It is not a 'second chance' or place of punishment, but preparation to enter the perfect holiness of heaven.

4 Bible passages2 objections answered

Praying for the Dead

"Does the Bible say to pray for the dead?"

Catholics pray for those who have died, asking God to purify them and bring them to heaven. This practice dates to ancient Judaism and was continued by the early Church. It reflects belief in the communion of saints and the possibility of purification after death.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Original Sin

"What is original sin?"

Original sin is the fallen state inherited from Adam and Eve's first disobedience. We are born without sanctifying grace and inclined toward sin, though not personally guilty of Adam's act.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Mortal and Venial Sin

"Are all sins equal?"

Not all sins are equal. Mortal sin kills the life of grace in the soul; venial sin wounds it. Mortal sin requires grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Indulgences

"What are indulgences?"

An indulgence removes temporal punishment for sin that has already been forgiven. It draws on the treasury of merits of Christ and the saints.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Merit

"Can we earn rewards from God?"

We can truly merit eternal life and increase in grace through good works done in Christ. This merit is itself a gift of grace, not opposed to grace.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Justification

"How are we made right with God?"

Justification is not merely a legal declaration but a real transformation. God doesn't just declare us righteous—He makes us righteous by infusing grace into our souls.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Sacred Practices

Catholic traditions, devotions, and liturgical practices

Veneration of Images and Statues

"Doesn't the Bible forbid statues and images? Aren't Catholics breaking the commandments?"

Catholics use statues and images as aids to prayer, not as objects of worship. We venerate (honor) what images represent—just as you might kiss a photo of a loved one without worshipping the paper. God Himself commanded images in the Old Testament.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Holy Water

"Is holy water biblical or just a Catholic invention?"

Holy water is water blessed by a priest for spiritual use. Catholics use it to recall their baptism, bless themselves, and ask for God's protection. The Bible shows water used for spiritual purification throughout salvation history.

4 Bible passages2 objections answered

The Sign of the Cross

"Why do Catholics cross themselves? Is this in the Bible?"

Catholics make the sign of the cross to profess faith in the Trinity and in Christ's saving death. This ancient gesture dates to the earliest Christians and is a powerful prayer in itself—invoking Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

4 Bible passages2 objections answered

Fasting and Abstinence

"Is fasting still required?"

Fasting and abstinence are ancient Christian practices that discipline the body, express repentance, and open us to God's grace. They are required on certain days.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Relics

"Is venerating relics biblical?"

Relics are physical objects connected to saints—their bodies or belongings. Venerating relics honors the saint and can be occasions of miraculous healing.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Sacramentals

"What are sacramentals?"

Sacramentals are sacred signs that dispose us to receive grace and sanctify different circumstances of life. They include blessings, holy water, medals, and scapulars.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Priestly Celibacy

"Must priests be celibate?"

Priests in the Latin Rite choose celibacy to serve Christ with undivided hearts. This is a discipline, not a doctrine, with deep biblical and apostolic roots.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Religious Life and Vows

"Are religious orders biblical?"

Monks, nuns, and religious take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to follow Christ more closely. This radical lifestyle has deep biblical roots.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Last Things

Death, judgment, heaven, hell, and the end times

Heaven

"What is heaven like?"

Heaven is eternal communion with God—seeing Him face to face and sharing in His divine life forever. It is the ultimate goal of human existence.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Hell

"Is hell real and eternal?"

Hell is eternal separation from God, chosen by those who die in mortal sin without repentance. It is real, eternal, and a consequence of free will rejecting God's love.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Particular Judgment

"What happens when we die?"

At death, each soul immediately faces particular judgment, receiving eternal reward (heaven), eternal punishment (hell), or purification (purgatory).

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

The General Judgment

"What is the final judgment?"

At Christ's second coming, all people will be judged publicly. The hidden things of history will be revealed, and Christ's justice will be made manifest to all.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Moral Teachings

Catholic ethics on life, society, and human dignity

The Sanctity of Human Life

"Why is abortion wrong?"

Human life is sacred from conception to natural death because we are made in God's image. Abortion, euthanasia, and murder are grave sins against human dignity.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Social Justice and the Poor

"What does the Church teach about the poor?"

Christians are called to serve the poor and work for a just society. Catholic social teaching emphasizes the dignity of workers, care for the vulnerable, and the common good.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Just War Doctrine

"When is war justified?"

War is always evil, but sometimes necessary to defend the innocent. The Church has developed criteria to determine when armed force may be morally justified.

3 Bible passages2 objections answered

Want to See the Scriptures Yourself?

Read the Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible and discover the biblical foundations of the faith.