If you're pro-artificial contraception

[Catholic4aReasn]

Hi everyone!

I’m interested in how proponants of artificial contraception square their belief with psalm 127 3-5:

Children too are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children born in one’s youth. Blessed are they whose quivers are full. They will never be shamed contending with foes at the gate.

Wouldn’t it be true that, where children are concerned, God’s decisions and timing are perfect, even if it’s not what we personally would choose for ourselves?

Artificial contraception seems to me a way of saying to God, “I know it may be your will for me to have a child right now, but that’s not my will so I’m going to try to stop your will from being done so that my will will be done.”

In Christ,
Nancy

 

[javelin]

Catholic4aReasn:

Wouldn’t it be true that, where children are concerned, God’s decisions and timing are perfect, even if it’s not what we personally would choose for ourselves?

First off, I agree with the Church’s stance on artificial contraception.

I want to ask a clarification of your question, though. I believe (and I think the Church supports this) that we are called to be good stewards of all God’s gifts to us, including our sexuality and (especially) the gift of participation in the creation of new life. I also believe that good stewardship is not fatalism – the belief that if we simply “let go and let God” (to quote a popular phrase), everything will turn out according to His will.

I believe this especially applies to having children. In relation to your quote above, it is difficult to draw the line between what seems to be expressed in your words and pure fatalism with regard to procreation. I believe the line between good stewardship and fatalism when it comes to children is so difficult to determine that the Church wisely leaves it to the couple to discern before God. I don’t think that one is being a good steward if they simply have intercourse whenever there is the urge, absent from careful discernment about the possibility of creating a new life (which doesn’t need to happen before every union, but should be an ongoing aspect of the sexual relationship). That seems to me tantamount to tempting God unneccessarily.

That said, I also think people in this nation are way too conservative, in general, about the number of children they think they can support. People too often cite financial or quality of life issues that are more a product of society’s increasing standards of living than they are out of concern for those treasures in heaven that truly bring happiness.

Also, even if a child does come to be from a “reckless” (poor stewardship) union, the child is absolutely and completely a beautiful and good creation of God. But that does not mean it is a perfect reflection of His will for that child.

Peace,
javelin

P.S. If this is way off subject, sorry!

 

[renee1258]

I don’t think anyone is pro-artifical contraception. I just think they don’t know any alternatives. The contraceptive companies are very agressive in their marketing to every target audience. Whether it be single women still in college or women who just had their second or third child. These marketing ads do not disclose that conception could occur or I’ve seen them deceptively combine fertility awareness methods with calendar/rhythym methods success rates.

 

[Catholic4aReasn]

javelin:

First off, I agree with the Church’s stance on artificial contraception.

I want to ask a clarification of your question, though. I believe (and I think the Church supports this) that we are called to be good stewards of all God’s gifts to us, including our sexuality and (especially) the gift of participation in the creation of new life. I also believe that good stewardship is not fatalism – the belief that if we simply “let go and let God” (to quote a popular phrase), everything will turn out according to His will.

I believe this especially applies to having children. In relation to your quote above, it is difficult to draw the line between what seems to be expressed in your words and pure fatalism with regard to procreation. I believe the line between good stewardship and fatalism when it comes to children is so difficult to determine that the Church wisely leaves it to the couple to discern before God. I don’t think that one is being a good steward if they simply have intercourse whenever there is the urge, absent from careful discernment about the possibility of creating a new life (which doesn’t need to happen before every union, but should be an ongoing aspect of the sexual relationship). That seems to me tantamount to tempting God unneccessarily.

That said, I also think people in this nation are way too conservative, in general, about the number of children they think they can support. People too often cite financial or quality of life issues that are more a product of society’s increasing standards of living than they are out of concern for those treasures in heaven that truly bring happiness.

Also, even if a child does come to be from a “reckless” (poor stewardship) union, the child is absolutely and completely a beautiful and good creation of God. But that does not mean it is a perfect reflection of His will for that child.

Peace,
javelin

P.S. If this is way off subject, sorry!

I once had someone admit to me that we can actually create children against God’s will, therefore artificial conception is a good thing. Still tryin’ to find that one in the bible.

Does being a responsible steward of our sexuality mean not having children or being open to children? Since each and every person is willed into existence by God it would seem to me to be the latter.

In Christ,
Nancy

 

[izziebee]

While I can understand the reasons why couples use artificial contraception, I do believe that natural family planning is the only right alternative and it is a pity that we hear nothing about it in the media, except perhaps for Catholic Newspapers or occasional leaflets at the back of our Churches.

When I was engaged to be married there was a course run by our diocese and which included information about the Billings Method of Family Planning. I am not aware of such courses being offered now, but if you know different then do tell.

naomi.ie/billbackf.htm

 

[javelin]

Catholic4aReasn:

Does being a responsible steward of our sexuality mean not having children or being open to children? Since each and every person is willed into existence by God it would seem to me to be the latter.

I believe that being a responsible steward means keeping an awareness of God and His plans for your family in the midst of your sexual relationship. Being open to children in general (but maybe not right now) is important for every marriage, and certainly a couple needs to be open to life during intercourse itself. The prudence comes in the decision on whether to have intercourse to begin with, or abstain in faith.

You can certainly live uninhibited in your passion with your spouse, conceiving as many children as your body is able. But I don’t believe that this is God’s will for all married couples (it is for some, certainly), nor do I believe all married couples would be acting responsibly, as good stewards of their sexuality, if they lived that way.

But that’s just what I think.

Peace,
javelin

 

[Apologia100]

Artifical Contraception is simply a way of trying to dictate to God how you want to be blessed. Its tantamount to praying, “Please God, bless my life, just not that way.” If that is the way God was intending to bless you, and oyu are blocking it, don’t complain to God that He isn’t blessing you. YOu are the one trying to undo what He has in store for you.

 

[jrabs]

Oh simple. When I was using ABC - I was not intertested in psalm 127 - or any other psalm for that matter. Or going to confession, or even if I missed church occasionally.

It’s easier to rationalize or just not think about when you are a cafeteria Catholic.

 

[Catholic4aReasn]

izziebee:

While I can understand the reasons why couples use artificial contraception, I do believe that natural family planning is the only right alternative and it is a pity that we hear nothing about it in the media, except perhaps for Catholic Newspapers or occasional leaflets at the back of our Churches.

When I was engaged to be married there was a course run by our diocese and which included information about the Billings Method of Family Planning. I am not aware of such courses being offered now, but if you know different then do tell.

naomi.ie/billbackf.htm

When I was living in LaCrosse, WI there were NFP classes held all the time at the Catholic Hospital.

In Christ,
Nancy