contraception

[zorrox]

Why are there rumors in the media of an eventual change in the morality of the use of contraceptives, contraception was defined as intrinsically evil by JPII in Veritatis Splendor, how then could something that is intrinsically evil ever be morally allowed?
Is this just the old dissenters who are up to their antics again, spreading confusion among the people of God?

 

[puzzleannie]

If you are discussing a news story the proper forum is Catholic news, with a link to the story and a title that refers to the story. Nothing to go on in OP so no basis for discussion.

 

[zorrox]

In reference to the above post I should perhaps rephrase my question. is the teaching on the immorality of contraception irreformable or is it open to change? What would be the limit of the pope’s authority to change former teachings in the Church?
surely he cannot say that black is white?

 

[Malcolm_McLean]

In reference to the above post I should perhaps rephrase my question. is the teaching on the immorality of contraception irreformable or is it open to change? What would be the limit of the pope’s authority to change former teachings in the Church?
surely he cannot say that black is white?

Teachings normally develop gradually over many years. What tends to happen is that some circumstance or challenge arises which throws traditionally accepted ideas into question. The Church then examines the tradition to see what it really believes, what is essential and what was just prudent for the time.

Contraception is undergoing such a process. Prior to the twentieth century it was felt that contraception was fairly self-evidently immoral. The good couple had as many children as possible. Now that is being challenged.

It is obvious that the secular position that contraception is an unproblematic technical fix to the problem of unwanted pregnacy is inadequate. No Pope would break from his predessecors in so radical a fashion as to accept condom culture. However there is considerable uncertainty on what the church’s actual theological position is. Intuitively we know that contaceptives are debasing, but it is a lot harder to p(name removed by moderator)oint exactly why. The Pope also has a certain amount of flexibility in his pastoral response to contraception. For instance, Catholics are not currently banned from working in pubs with condom machines, though that would not be an unreasonable rule.

 

[zorrox]

I know of the development of doctrine but according to my understanding of it this can never imply a contradiction, just a deeper and more full understanding of the teaching.

 

[RyanL]

…there is considerable uncertainty on what the church’s actual theological position is. Intuitively we know that contaceptives are debasing, but it is a lot harder to p(name removed by moderator)oint exactly why…

Abortion is sexual bulimia.

Contraception is sexual anorexia.

The Church will never approve of either.

What’s so hard to understand?

Theologically, I though Humanae Vitae did a fairly good job of clearing up the contraception issue. Do you disagree?

God Bless,
RyanL

 

[BlestOne]

Why are there rumors in the media of an eventual change in the morality of the use of contraceptives, contraception was defined as intrinsically evil by JPII in Veritatis Splendor, how then could something that is intrinsically evil ever be morally allowed?
Is this just the old dissenters who are up to their antics again, spreading confusion among the people of God?

Wishful thinking to ease guilty consciences… They haven’t gotten the idea through their skulls yet that their opinion won’t change a darn thing. It is just like when they tried to influence the college of Cardinals when they were selecting a new pope…I personally thought it was humorous how they thought they could influence The Holy Catholic Church!!!

 

[CRW]

Why are there rumors in the media of an eventual change in the morality of the use of contraceptives, contraception was defined as intrinsically evil by JPII in Veritatis Splendor, how then could something that is intrinsically evil ever be morally allowed?
Is this just the old dissenters who are up to their antics again, spreading confusion among the people of God?

I did read an article concerning church review of condom use for married Catholic’s who have one partner positive for HIV/AIDS infection. Sorry I could not locate the source document. I normally save them in my Religious Document folder.

 

[manualman]

Impossible to analyze such a vague question. The only answer is: it depends.

If you are talking about buzz about AIDS and condoms, it just dissenters making noise. Hard to see how the church would decide it is aloving and giving thing to subject your spouse to a 10-25% risk of getting AIDS when abstinance is 100% effective in preventing transmission.

If you are talking about rape victims, on the other hand, it is worthy to note that ALL authentic explanations of why contraception is wrong in my lifetime, at least, have included the assumption that we are talking about married people. Contraception in married folks is wrong because it transforms their sexuality into mutual taking instead of mutual giving. A rape victim is a rather different situation! I think we would do better to think of contraception not as intrinsically morally wrong, but to think of using our sexuality as a means of purely selfish gratification as intrinsically wrong. Then understand that contraception always has that effect. This approach follows the principles instead of just following the rules that flow FROM the principles.

 

[Scottgun]

No change in contraception teaching is coming. “I want to be married and have sex, but not children” is simply not an adult position to take. And as everyone watches Europe die of infertility and get replaced by Muslim populations, it would be stupid to reverse this teaching rather than exhorting people to obey it.

 

[Veritas41]

I know of the development of doctrine but according to my understanding of it this can never imply a contradiction, just a deeper and more full understanding of the teaching.

you’re right. the Church has defined contraception as intrinsically evil, which mean it can never “rethink” its position on contraception. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” is a development of the Church’s teaching on marriage, and it categorically condemns contraception.