Cooperation in Sin - Contraception

[Elf01]

Continuing the discussion from "forced to commit adultery":

Conversation takes place from the linked post to post 112.

Lets generalise the discussion from cooperation in a spouse using contraception to cooperation in general.

From http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01100a.htm

Formal cooperation involves sharing the intent of the sin.

I will accept that it is possible that the cooperation is not formal. One spouse may want a child that the other has vetoed or there may be serious health concerns and the intent is maintaining your health or that of your spouse.

Material cooperation may be allowed if the act is good and there is sufficient reason.

Preserving your marriage is of course a very good reason, especially if there are children involved.

Is the act simply sex with your spouse (good/neutral) or contracepted sex (bad so never justified)?

Lets assume that the act is just sex with your spouse.

There are some conditions given that require a more powerful justification:

a greater likelihood that the sin would not be committed without the act of material cooperation;
a closer relationship between the two; and
a greater heinousness in the sin, especially in regard to harm done either to the common weal or some unoffending third party.

Condition 3 is not satisfied.

Condition 2 is and condition 1 almost certainly is. The only way I can see condition 1 not being met was if the contracepting spouse would leave and find someone else. Even then, while it may be an argument to agree to relations if initiated by the contracepting spouse (still doubtful) I don’t see any justification for the non contracepting spouse to initiate relations.

 

[1Lord1Faith]

Wow, I am totally lost. Is life really that complicated?

ETA: I must be tired.

 

[BlackFriar]

1. … This cooperation can be licit when the three following conditions are jointly met:…

There must therefore be some situations then where cooperation is legitimate.
Though what they are gets grey very quickly…

And,as usual, the Church imposes public laws rigidly buts applies them on the side of mercy when ascertained in individual cases.

 

[rcwitness]

1. … This cooperation can be licit when the three following conditions are jointly met:…

The Church doesn’t “impose public laws”, such as the prohibition of contraception, so much as conveys, Teaches and declares the moral Truths regarding them. Mercy should always be offered (even as it is in Teaching), but never at the exclusion of God’s justice.

In other words, man cannot manipulate a moral law with a pretense of mercy.

 

[1ke]

Lets generalise the discussion from cooperation in a spouse using contraception to cooperation in general.

Your post is not in line with Church teaching on the matter. I urge you to read Vademecum for Confessors which addresses this topic. Note this is directed to confessors, so this is something the innocent spouse needs to take to their confessor for direction.

 

[BlackFriar]

You completely misunderstand the point.
As Pope Francis says of the individualised discernment process, it makes possible tailored solutions not possible by the generic application of rules that a blunt Tribunal process must necessarily follow. Confession is the same, hence your inability to understand the Vademecum for Confessors.