Is there a place for me?

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That is a touchy issue with alot of people, Catholic or not. I am very much pro-life and NOT because the Church teaches us to be, I have my own story.
I am adopted. My birth mother had me when she was only 16 years old. The guy (my biological father) wanted nothing to do with her or me, after he found out she was pregnant. He even moved with his family right after graduation to get away.
Instead of an abortion, she chose life, even at such a young age. My parents today adopted me 24 and half years ago and I’ve had the best life, really, no complaints compared to lots of others.
My mother couldn’t have kids so her being able to adopt me was a miracle because she could have her baby, which is me. And then three years later, they adopted my brother who came from a similar situation.
There are lots of parents out there who want kids and just can’t have them for whatever reason. This is why I’m pro-life. Abortion snatches the life of an unborn baby who did NOTHING wrong. I don’t understand how ANYONE can support that.
The only circumstance that abortion should even be administered is when the mother’s life is in danger due to pregnancy. These are rare circumstances these days so it would be next to none.
You say you love Jesus and revere Mary? Did Mary abort Jesus? Would she have today if she was around now?
I want to know how you can be pro-choice and support the murdering of innocent children just because they’re not wanted?
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Sara99:
Hi, I’m new here and I have to anyone out there who might be able to help. I don’t have a crisis of faith. I do, however, feel I have a crisis in dogma. Let me explain. I love GOD, Jesus and totally believe in the Holy trinity. I also revere our holiest of mothers, Mary and I believes she interceeds on my behalf to our Lord. It is beacuse of this importance in things like the Holy trinity, Our holy mother, saints, and sacraments that I LIKE the catholic religion and want to consider myself one. I have been baptized, received first comunion and did my confirmation too. I don’t wan’t to belong to any other church. I believe all religions have problems and so does catholicsm, (we are human, afterall) but of everything out there, I choose catholiscm as the way to express my love for God.
My problem is I am pro-choice, I can’t make myself agree with the idea of deciding for someone else. I am also pro death penalty, pro euthanasia. and pro stem cell research. Oh and that any responsible adult in a sexual relationship should use a condom. and here lies my problem. I have stopped going to church because i feel like i don’t belong. and I don’t think is fair because I love God. I haven’t stopped praying. but i don’t know what to do. part of me wants to go to church and not care what other people think and just be part of the celebration of our lord. and the other part feels like a hypocrite because my mere presence goes against what i believe. can anyone out there relate? what do i do? what if one day I am approached by a priest whao assumes that I agree with everything he is saying and then he finds out the truth? What should I do? How do other people cope with this. I don’t want to go “shopping” for a new religion but I don’t think there’s a place for me in catholicsm, either. :confused:
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mrs_abbott:
That is a touchy issue with alot of people, Catholic or not. I am very much pro-life and NOT because the Church teaches us to be, I have my own story.
I am adopted. My birth mother had me when she was only 16 years old. The guy (my biological father) wanted nothing to do with her or me, after he found out she was pregnant. He even moved with his family right after graduation to get away.
Instead of an abortion, she chose life, even at such a young age. My parents today adopted me 24 and half years ago and I’ve had the best life, really, no complaints compared to lots of others.
My mother couldn’t have kids so her being able to adopt me was a miracle because she could have her baby, which is me. And then three years later, they adopted my brother who came from a similar situation.
There are lots of parents out there who want kids and just can’t have them for whatever reason. This is why I’m pro-life. Abortion snatches the life of an unborn baby who did NOTHING wrong. I don’t understand how ANYONE can support that.
The only circumstance that abortion should even be administered is when the mother’s life is in danger due to pregnancy. These are rare circumstances these days so it would be next to none.
You say you love Jesus and revere Mary? Did Mary abort Jesus? Would she have today if she was around now?
I want to know how you can be pro-choice and support the murdering of innocent children just because they’re not wanted?
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I said a prayer for your “birth mom” - that God would bless that dear woman who loved you so much that she was willing to give you LIFE and then trust you to a family that could raise you when she obviously felt she couldn’t. YOU are the reason that abortion is ALWAYS wrong. YOU - who were created in the image of God - deserved to live. It’s not someone else’s “choice” - it’s YOUR life. And I praise God that you were given that chance.

Thanks for your story. 🙂
Blessings,
CM
 
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mercygate:
Refuse? Did Sara refuse? Seems to me she was actually seeking some kind of resolution.

Chances are the people sitting in the pew to your right and left on Sundary morning share Sara’s views. You would be well advised to brush up on your understanding of these matters so that the next person who poses such a question to you will receive helpful information rather than a condescending dismissal.
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Im not one to judge, but if you had read her statement properly its pretty clear that she refuses to believe that pro-choice and sex protection is sinful. Her last paragraphs state her resolution is not to change her beliefs but to try and go to church and hope no one notices. That may be a “resolution” but personally i dont think its the right one but i could be wrong
 
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melbourne_guy:
Im not one to judge, but if you had read her statement properly its pretty clear that she refuses to believe that pro-choice and sex protection is sinful. Her last paragraphs state her resolution is not to change her beliefs but to try and go to church and hope no one notices. That may be a “resolution” but personally i dont think its the right one but i could be wrong
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Since Sara seems to have left the building, it would seem that you might be correct but I hope not.
 
Thank you all for your oppinions. After I posted my entry I went searching on other formus and came accross the term “cafeteria catholic” I guess that is what I am and I also guess that there many more of us outthere strugling with these issues that some people in this post would like. I stand for what I believe all of it. And no I have never aborted but I had an aunt who died do to getting the procedure done in some dirty back room with a drunk woman and a hanger. I don’t agree with abortion being used as a method of birth control but she didn’t have to die like that and although some of you might smuggly think that she had what was comming to her, I believe that as long as there is medical help available no woman should have to go through that. I am sure that God is more than cappable of dealing with the sinner one on one. And if I am that sinner and more than ready to take my lumps, but I still have to stand by how I feel. But I digress. I didn’t make this post trying to convince anyone of my beliefs, I just was wondering if the catholic church could be a welcoming home for me. I guess I got my answer. You know, a nun once told me (yes, I went to catholic school my whole life) that mass was like a party in celebration of our greatest gift. Jesus. and when we partake of the holly comunion is like eating the cake at a celebration. Now, who goes to a party and refuses cake? But I also know I don’t want to be where I’m not wanted or accepted. Never mind loved. Once again, Thank you.
 
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Sara99:
Thank you all for your oppinions. After I posted my entry I went searching on other formus and came accross the term “cafeteria catholic” I guess that is what I am and I also guess that there many more of us outthere strugling with these issues that some people in this post would like. I stand for what I believe all of it. And no I have never aborted but I had an aunt who died do to getting the procedure done in some dirty back room with a drunk woman and a hanger. I don’t agree with abortion being used as a method of birth control but she didn’t have to die like that and although some of you might smuggly think that she had what was comming to her, I believe that as long as there is medical help available no woman should have to go through that. I am sure that God is more than cappable of dealing with the sinner one on one. And if I am that sinner and more than ready to take my lumps, but I still have to stand by how I feel. But I digress. I didn’t make this post trying to convince anyone of my beliefs, I just was wondering if the catholic church could be a welcoming home for me. I guess I got my answer. You know, a nun once told me (yes, I went to catholic school my whole life) that mass was like a party in celebration of our greatest gift. Jesus. and when we partake of the holly comunion is like eating the cake at a celebration. Now, who goes to a party and refuses cake? But I also know I don’t want to be where I’m not wanted or accepted. Never mind loved. Once again, Thank you.
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I don’t think you read all replies carefully…As I said, I once believed how you did, until I started going into myself and thinking ‘Why do I believe that? Am I just taking the easy way out? Why does the church teach this/that?’ You ARE welcome in the Catholic Church, but you have to actually study her teachings and pray about it with an open mind. You seem to say ‘This is what I believe’ without wanting to consider that your opinions might change as you get older. I sense you are in your early 20s? Between now and when you get to my age, a LOT of water will flow under the bridge, experiences will change you and challenge you. Or…you may be like my MIL: 70 and in favour of everything you document, although 50 years ago she was a very traditional Catholic and even spent a few years in a convent before she married. I don’t think any one of us has a right to ‘judge’ you or to tell you you are not ‘welcome’ I strongly dislike the term cafeteria Catholic, you’re either Catholic or you’re not! But don’t be so quick to say ‘this is who I am FOR LIFE’, because you’ll find that NOTHING is cast in stone and if you follow God, all things are possible 😉

Anna x
 
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Sara99:
Thank you all for your oppinions. After I posted my entry I went searching on other formus and came accross the term “cafeteria catholic” I guess that is what I am and I also guess that there many more of us outthere strugling with these issues that some people in this post would like. I stand for what I believe all of it. And no I have never aborted but I had an aunt who died do to getting the procedure done in some dirty back room with a drunk woman and a hanger. I don’t agree with abortion being used as a method of birth control but she didn’t have to die like that and although some of you might smuggly think that she had what was comming to her, I believe that as long as there is medical help available no woman should have to go through that. I am sure that God is more than cappable of dealing with the sinner one on one. And if I am that sinner and more than ready to take my lumps, but I still have to stand by how I feel. But I digress. I didn’t make this post trying to convince anyone of my beliefs, I just was wondering if the catholic church could be a welcoming home for me. I guess I got my answer. You know, a nun once told me (yes, I went to catholic school my whole life) that mass was like a party in celebration of our greatest gift. Jesus. and when we partake of the holly comunion is like eating the cake at a celebration. Now, who goes to a party and refuses cake? But I also know I don’t want to be where I’m not wanted or accepted. Never mind loved. Once again, Thank you.
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The journey to the cross is not a journey of acceptance. The journey consists of pefecting ourselves in the Truth.

The real question is - are you ready to start the journey?

Catholicism is a proposition. It does accept all sinners regardless of the sin. However, it is not a club that one gets to vote their ideas.

Have you read this yet?

why can’t we love them both?
Code: 
   **By Dr. & Mrs. J.C. Willke**
By Dr. & Mrs. J.C. Willke
A Right-to-Life question and answer book
Code: 
    **CHAPTER 26**

      **CHOICE?**
 
Sara,

I have been raised with Catholic values all my life, but am just now joining the Church. In the past, I have, somewhat, shared your views on abortion, the death penalty and stem cell research. I wouldn’t say that I was pro-choice, but abortion was for other people (don’t get me started), but not for me. With regard to stem-cell research, if we are going to have abortion, then let’s try to have something good come out of it by saving or improving another life. I don’t believe it will encourage more abortions. As a Texan, I haven’t had a problem with the death penalty.

Since becoming, more closely involved with the Church, I’m learning to have a greater appreciation for God’s will and the value of life. It’s a work in progress. Everyday that I come to value God’s love more and more, the closer I come to the Church’s teachings on abortion, the death penalty and stem-cell research. I look up to the grace of the spiritual world, rather than eye-level to the evils of the secular world.

I’ll have to agree with the people who say that “cafeteria Catholics” are not true Catholics. Don’t cheat yourself by settling on being a “cafeteria Catholic”. Be the BEST you can be.

Please don’t give up and don’t turn away because of this difference with the Church. Pray that God will lead you to the Truth and help you understand His teachings.

Good luck.
 
Sara,

Hi. I would echo all of the posts here, well - almost all of them anyway 😛 . I am a convert to Catholicism, and I can assure you that actually getting into what the Church teaches will reward you beyond your wildest dreams. Even if your stance doesn’t change on these issues - you may be the catalyst for change within the church, rather than just another dissenter with half-truths and opinions about the Churchs position. (Sorry if that sounds harsh)

That being said - Christ tells us to pick up our cross and follow Him. That statement leaves little room for doubt that the road will be painful, and we - like Him, will not want to travel down it. But if we do go, we have the promise of eternal life with Him.

All this depends on obediance, and honest searching. Question the Church - she can take it believe me 😃 . Learn not only what is taught and what we believe, but WHY. WHY is the heart of the matter - otherwise it’s all just a bunch of words.

Also - you and anyone else are welcome within the Church. Always. Mass is open to all - great and small, rich and poor, healthy and sick, free and bond. We all are one in Christ Jesus.

Just a quick thought - even the disciples who were following Jesus didn’t understand everything he said and did - how can we expect to do any better today - 2000 years later? Question, learn, research, and pray. Answers will come - trust them.

My prayers are with you

Peace

John
 
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mrs_abbott:
That is a touchy issue with alot of people, Catholic or not. I am very much pro-life and NOT because the Church teaches us to be, I have my own story.
I am adopted. My birth mother had me when she was only 16 years old. The guy (my biological father) wanted nothing to do with her or me, after he found out she was pregnant. He even moved with his family right after graduation to get away.
Instead of an abortion, she chose life, even at such a young age. My parents today adopted me 24 and half years ago and I’ve had the best life, really, no complaints compared to lots of others.
My mother couldn’t have kids so her being able to adopt me was a miracle because she could have her baby, which is me. And then three years later, they adopted my brother who came from a similar situation.
There are lots of parents out there who want kids and just can’t have them for whatever reason. This is why I’m pro-life. Abortion snatches the life of an unborn baby who did NOTHING wrong. I don’t understand how ANYONE can support that.
The only circumstance that abortion should even be administered is when the mother’s life is in danger due to pregnancy. These are rare circumstances these days so it would be next to none.
You say you love Jesus and revere Mary? Did Mary abort Jesus? Would she have today if she was around now?
I want to know how you can be pro-choice and support the murdering of innocent children just because they’re not wanted?
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WOW! I love to hear someone endorse adoption. On another forum, I mentioned adoption as an alternative to abortion. I had never married women with illegitimate children coming out of the woodword to jump my case. It was hard for me to grow up having divorced parents and rarely having my father around. I can’t imagine what it would be like not having a “birth” mother who would intentionally deprive me of a father.

DISCLAIMER: The above is my opinion from my perspective. I’m not trying to paint with a broad brush and understand that each situation has it’s own unique considerations.
 
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Sara99:
And no I have never aborted but I had an aunt who died do to getting the procedure done in some dirty back room with a drunk woman and a hanger. I don’t agree with abortion being used as a method of birth control but she didn’t have to die like that and although some of you might smuggly think that she had what was comming to her,
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Sara,

Why did your aunt HAVE to get an abortion?
 
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Sara99:
Thank you all for your oppinions. After I posted my entry I went searching on other formus and came accross the term “cafeteria catholic” I guess that is what I am and I also guess that there many more of us outthere strugling with these issues that some people in this post would like.
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Glad to hear you are struggling. That means there is still hope.
I stand for what I believe all of it. And no I have never aborted but I had an aunt who died do to getting the procedure done in some dirty back room with a drunk woman and a hanger. I don’t agree with abortion being used as a method of birth control but she didn’t have to die like that and although some of you might smuggly think that she had what was comming to her, I believe that as long as there is medical help available no woman should have to go through that.
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Choices, choices, choices. No woman must go through that. Abortion is not the only option for an unplanned/unwanted pregnancy. It was a needless tragedy that two people had to die needlessly.
I am sure that God is more than cappable of dealing with the sinner one on one. And if I am that sinner and more than ready to take my lumps, but I still have to stand by how I feel.
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No you don’t. You can work through the issues in a clear-headed and adult way. Feelings are just that: feelings. They are fickle: they come, they go, they change. But feelings are a start.

The fact that you asked your question on a serious forum is a step. But “standing by how you feel” isn’t the same as actually doing the research. I hope you do look into some of the resources, starting with Christopher West.
But I digress. I didn’t make this post trying to convince anyone of my beliefs, I just was wondering if the catholic church could be a welcoming home for me.
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Of course the Church is a welcoming home. But it will not change its position to suit you. Ask me! I’m a convert. Once you figure out Who the Church IS, her implacability becomes a source of strength.
I guess I got my answer. You know, a nun once told me (yes, I went to catholic school my whole life) that mass was like a party in celebration of our greatest gift. Jesus. and when we partake of the holly comunion is like eating the cake at a celebration. Now, who goes to a party and refuses cake? But I also know I don’t want to be where I’m not wanted or accepted. Never mind loved. Once again, Thank you.
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Hmm. This sounds awfly like a pout. Your teacher’s description of the Eucharist might have been great for an 8-year-old but hardly for an adult Christian. Actually, to give her credit, one could say that the birthday cake analogy includes eating the rest of the dinner: i.e., accepting the teachings of the Church because doing so loves God and serves our own good.

Some posters here have been needlessly huffy with you. Your question was serious. However, the fact that many other people share your feelings may seem to give you some support in your views, these forums are inhabited largely by people who have come to full acceptance of the Catholic position through rigorous study and discipline, often at great personal cost. So you didn’t land in the land of marshmallow Christianity or the land of God-loves-you-as-you-are-and-you-don’t-ever-need-to-change.

The first word out of Jesus’ mouth when he emerged from the desert was: REPENT. This means all of us, every day. There are no exemptions.

You have been drawn (by the Holy Spirit, if you ask me) to a position where you have been asked to step up to the plate and take responsibility for a mature view of the faith you claim to love. Go for it, Sara. Jesus won’t let you down.
 
Hey Sara,

I completely sympathise with you here, I too have some issues with particular dogmas and teachings of the church.

I also know how you feel, you don’t want to koin another church, the RCC feels like family, when you see the Vatican and huge crowds gathering etc you think I am glad to be a part of that.

I really don’t know what to say in advice however, I would say that if you feel uncomfortable about church, then go, but do not receive the Eucharist.

Also, on one topic, there are a number of Catholics who are pro death penalty, I thought the church claimed that it was okay (despite the USCBC)

Note, the church will always love you, but they shall not agree with you/ us.

You are not alone. 🙂
 
Sara,

You are right about the celebration and the cake. And if you leave the Church, you will never be able to celebrate so wonderfully again.

Jesus is the Bread of Life. “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life” “Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood you have no life”.

You don’t want to leave. You don’t want to miss having cake again.

Have you studied the Church’s teachings on abortion and contraception? I mean really studied? If you haven’t, then continue receiving communion and start studying. Once you *know *why it teaches what it does, and if you then decide to stand your ground on your beliefs, you will need to stop receiving communion. I don’t think you’ve gotten to that point yet.

Keep going to church. Keep receiving communion. Do some research and stay “home”. You are right where you belong. The Church is not only for the perfect and sinless. You need Jesus, the Bread and the Church.

Peace,
~donna
 
Hi Sarah99,

Thank you for your post. Just a few thoughts…

First of all–don’t go away from the Church! There’s great spiritual value in the struggle, if you will just inform yourself of the Church’s teaching and engage the struggle. Don’t be afraid of it. People who genuinely struggle with difficult teachings, grow tremendously from it.

I appreciate your honesty. Intellectually, you believe what you believe. We’re all immersed in society and influenced by secular social forces. For some people, perhaps for many, issues that are seen as primarily social, seem to be “out there” and not necessarily closely connected to spiritual teachings, despite the visibility with which the Church touts them.

However, as Catholics, we truely believe–and I hope you do too–that the Holy Spirit guides the Church’s teaching authority. If you believe this, then, even if you don’t intellectually accept the Church’s teaching, you will at least “assent” to the Church’s teaching. To assent means that you presume that the Church’s teaching is correct–even if you can’t intellectually accept it–if only because the Church teaches it and the Church is guided by the Holy Spirit.

Canon Law says: 'While the assent of faith is not required, a religious submission of intellect and will is to be given to any doctrine which either the Supreme Pontiff or the The Church 's Magisterium College of Bishops, exercising their authentic Magisterium, declare upon a matter of faith or morals, even though they do not intend to proclaim that doctrine by a definitive act (Canon 752).

In this way, even if you can’t yet believe a teaching with conviction, you will at least not advance a practice that is contrary to the church’s teaching or cite others to do so.

We’re all in unique places in our journeies of discipleship. There is a place for you in the Church, Sarah. My thought is that honestly giving assent, and desiring to move in the direction of the church’s teaching while being prudent in what you disclose are virtues that can benefit you where you are now.

My two cents! 😃
 
I doubt you are going to get anyone on here that is going to admit to being a cafeteria cathoilc and probably most of us try with best efforts not to be so. However, I don’t think I would be worng in assuming that a large and growing population of Catholics especially in the younger gerneration like myself are such people like yourself and while it may be wrong to do so, keep silent and pretend all is well and contin ue going to mass and recieving communon as if they are good Catholics. Do what you feel is best in your heart. If you choose to reamin the so called cafeteria Catholic, keep your beleifs to yourself so not to corrupt or basically say stuff that goes against church teaching, but be a good Catholic in any way you feel is best. Perhaps this is lieing to yourslef still though, I don’t know. I myself really don’t know what to do on a lot of issues because I am part of the youngert generation where it is becoming more and more eaiser to justify sin but I try to do waht is best.
 
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wjp984:
I doubt you are going to get anyone on here that is going to admit to being a cafeteria cathoilc and probably most of us try with best efforts not to be so. However, I don’t think I would be worng in assuming that a large and growing population of Catholics especially in the younger gerneration like myself are such people like yourself and while it may be wrong to do so, keep silent and pretend all is well and contin ue going to mass and recieving communon as if they are good Catholics. Do what you feel is best in your heart. If you choose to reamin the so called cafeteria Catholic, keep your beleifs to yourself so not to corrupt or basically say stuff that goes against church teaching, but be a good Catholic in any way you feel is best. Perhaps this is lieing to yourslef still though, I don’t know. I myself really don’t know what to do on a lot of issues because I am part of the youngert generation where it is becoming more and more eaiser to justify sin but I try to do waht is best.
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The fact that you are on these forums and on this thread shows that you are at least aware that the Church might actually have something to say for herself on these matters. Good for you. Let your prayer be: “Lord, increase my faith. Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.”

You are correct that your generation has a lot to overcome – you are the third generation to have been formed by the Hugh Hefner school of interpersonal ethics. It all sounds so reasonable on the surface. But it is, in fact, sub-human according to the Christian view of what humanity is, and who we belong to.

God love you and Sara99 and everyone facing these difficult issues.
 
Is it truly possible to love God, and simultaneously to love wickedness and evil?

Can one genuinely love God the Life-Giver, and at the same time love that which destroys the life which is His gift?

Yes, there is a place for you!
As there is for all those who repent.
Even those who have killed.
Like me.
 
Thank you. I want you all to know that I appreciate your wishes, prayers and comments. I feel a little better, and I am giving everything a lot of thought. I want to be a good catholic so badly. but I feel very stongly about how I feel and I guess I am affraid of being or feeling judged or unwelcomed. I feel better knowing that there are others out there going thru the same thing. i just have one question. Is it ok to go to church when the sunday circular is promoting a pro-life rally and pretty much that is a mortal sin not to participate? If you are not for us you are against us kind of thing. is that being hyprocitical? is it ok to be hypocritical in the house of the Lord? What if a priest asks me about my beliefs. Is he going to kick me out? Ok, I guess is more than one question.
But like I said, I want to find a place. I want my children to be raised in this faith.
Well, Thank you again.
 
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Sara99:
Thank you. I want you all to know that I appreciate your wishes, prayers and comments. I feel a little better, and I am giving everything a lot of thought. I want to be a good catholic so badly. but I feel very stongly about how I feel and I guess I am affraid of being or feeling judged or unwelcomed. I feel better knowing that there are others out there going thru the same thing. i just have one question. Is it ok to go to church when the sunday circular is promoting a pro-life rally and pretty much that is a mortal sin not to participate? If you are not for us you are against us kind of thing. is that being hyprocitical? is it ok to be hypocritical in the house of the Lord? What if a priest asks me about my beliefs. Is he going to kick me out? Ok, I guess is more than one question.
But like I said, I want to find a place. I want my children to be raised in this faith.
Well, Thank you again.
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Sara99 – you are on a quest that I hope will become for you a wonderful adventure of discovery.

Sara – you are where you are. You are genuinely seeking. Your desire to be a “good” Catholic (I would rather call it a “complete” Catholic) is a movement of the Holy Spirit.

Darlin’ there are many pro-life rallies I have not attended, and never once did I ask myself whether this was a mortal sin! You are not a hypocrite: you are making your way toward a fuller appreciation of your faith.

If a priest asks you about your beliefs, tell him the truth: “I want to believe everything the Catholic Church believes and teaches, but I haven’t made my way to the finish line yet. I’m working on it.”

If you are not actively promoting abortion, contraception, extra-marital sex and such, you are far from a hypocrite. I wish more people were as intent as you are to come into a deeper respect for these beautiful teachings of the Church rather than just blowing them off – as many do.

I think (and this is just me “thinking”), if I were in your position, I might refrain from receiving the Eucharist. I would bring my doubts to Confession – be sure you get a Priest who is both orthodox and sympathetic to someone who has doubts.

Keep praying: Lord, increase my faith. Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.

Have you bought or sent for a copy of Christopher West’s Good News about Sex and Marriage yet? You might also read Paul VI’s compelling encylical Humanae vitae*. *It’s short and will give you a platform to work from. Another great source of insight on life issues is a famous talk by Janet E. Smith, *Contraception: Why Not. *

Stay tuned, Sara99. I have a feeling you are going to be a formidable pro-life apologist when you begin to explore these issues honestly. So much of what you say in your original post seems reasonable and rational until you peel off the externals and get down to the core issues. I can hardly wait for you to take the plunge.
 
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