Fr. Josh discusses what it means to become partakers of God’s divine nature, how Enoch and Elijah were taken up to heaven prior to the time of Christ, and how the Church looks at mental health when investigating apparitions and visions.

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Snippet from the Show

“Connection is more important than perfection.”

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Shownotes

“For the Son of God became man so that we might become God.”- St. Athanasius

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Shownotes

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Ascension is proud to partner with authentically Catholic institutions and organizations committed to spreading the Gospel. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode, Ave Maria University.

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Questions

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Union with God 

Hi Fr. Josh,

I have a lot of Mormon/LDS friends and one topic that has come up is deification – their belief that they can become gods and rule their own planet in the next life. They quoted St. Irenaeus, who said that God had “become what we are, that He might bring us to be even what He is Himself.” as well as other church fathers. I did some research, and it looks like Catholic teaching includes deification to a certain degree, but I’m confused. Do we, as Catholics, believe that we will become like God to a level that we’re equal with Him? Thanks for your help!

-Jane

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Enoch & Elijah

My question is regarding the Old Testament, the Bible says that Enoch was taken to heaven and a chariot took Elijah to heaven but I was taught that no one actually went to heaven before Jesus died and bridged that gap. Where were Enoch and Elijah when they were taken to heaven?

-Cristina 

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Visionary Saints

I’ve been reading a lot about marian apparitions and saints who have experienced miraculous visions. I was wondering how the church determines whether or not these visions are from God or if the person is simply experiencing psychosis. Many people with schizophrenia or other mental health disorders experience religious visions. How do we know visionary saints didn’t simply suffer with mental illness?

-Kaysie

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Resources

• Submit your questions and feedback to Fr. Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
• Broken and Blessed by Fr. Josh Johnson
• Pocket Guide to Adoration by Fr. Josh Johnson
• Pocket Guide to Reconciliation by Fr. Josh Johnson & Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings.

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Meet Fr. Josh Johnson

While Fr. Josh was raised Catholic, he didn’t like the Church growing up. Then, one day in adoration, he fell in love with Jesus and received the call to become a priest.

Now, Fr. Josh is the Vocations Director of the Diocese of Baton Rouge in Louisiana. He is a presenter in four of Ascension’s programs: Altaration, YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body, The 99, and Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation, as well as the author of Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation, Pocket Guide to Adoration, and co-author of Pocket Guide to Reconciliation.