"Pulling Out" Vs. NFP

[awakingcatholic]

I have come to the understanding that NFP seems to be the only form of birth control that the Church teaces. I am unaware as to what makes this form of birth control different than the “pull out” method specificially. I understand that condoms, the pill, etc. are forbiden because going beyond natural means of letting God work within a relationship.Pulling out, however, still grants the natural ability for life to be created yet only limits the oportunity of life in the same sense that obstaining from sex during a woman’s ovulation period limits the oportunity for life.

Basically my question boils down to:
-what makes NFP different than “pulling out”?

 

[relstudent]

I suppose the beauty of NFP is that there is true sacrifice involved. One of the primary themes of birth control is “having your cake and eating it too” The same is true for pulling out. The man (and perhaps the woman) achieve the wanted goal of orgasm, but they separate the pleasure from the possibility of children. In NFP, the couple makes a decision to not have (or to have) a baby during the fertile period of the womans cycle. If they decide to abstain it is sacrificial in nature, and should be “offered up” to strengthen the marriage. Pulling out is not the same thing.

 

[1ke]

I have come to the understanding that NFP seems to be the only form of birth control that the Church teaces. I am unaware as to what makes this form of birth control different than the “pull out” method specificially.

the couple’s choice at any given time is to either have sexual intercourse, or not. If you do, it must be a completed act of intercourse.

NFP is information. With that information you decide whether to have sexual intimacy or abstain. If you decide to engage in intercourse, you cannot alter or otherwise frustrate the natural end. Withdrawing disorders the act and disrespects the way God designed the marital embrace.

I understand that condoms, the pill, etc. are forbiden because going beyond natural means of letting God work within a relationship.Pulling out, however, still grants the natural ability for life to be created yet only limits the oportunity of life

It’s effectiveness has no bearing on its morality. It is exactly the same as any other way in which you attempt to engage in intercourse and alter it.

in the same sense that obstaining from sex during a woman’s ovulation period limits the oportunity for life.

No, it is not the same. Engaging in disordered sex is not the same as abstaining.

-what makes NFP different than “pulling out”?

Engaging in sex and not engaging in sex are different.

 

[awakingcatholic]

Thank you, both replies do make sense. I appreciate the help and insight of this subject!
:thankyou:

 

[HandyAndy]

…or Contraceptives.

The topic of NFP and any form of contraceptive is one that causes much angst. If we hold strictly to the teachings of the church, then we come to understand why the church is unable to shift its position or opposition to the use of contraceptives. From our first creation…interference in the reproductive process was never part of the design.

The world for better or worse has however changed, and we all need to scratch out some kind of a living, doing the best we can with whatever we have. It will not be a success only journey and there will be struggles along the way. It can become all consuming. Stress is a large component of today’s modern world and many will testify of the health benefits of intimacy in strengthening a relationship with love and providing a spouse with that safe soft embrace…a stress free “time out” as it were.

We will all fail from time to time in our attempts to live a Christ like existence.

Even NFP comes with a great amount of calculated intimacy in order to avoid a pregnancy. Is this the most intimate form of unconditional loving for a couple to be engaged in?
In its truest form, it should be spontaneous and all giving. It can not be all giving if it is calculated and planned or apprehensive for fear of pregnancy.

A Priest who continually surrounds himself with their vices or perhaps bikini clad, half naked and really good looking women, would be in a constant struggle with their calling.
An overweight person who continually fills the fridge with junk food will be in a constant struggle to maintain any diet.
If you think your wife is the smartest, most beautiful and sexiest women you have ever had the good fortune to meet…you will struggle with NFP.
We must set our lives up so it pulls for the results we desire.
A Priest would not put temptation in his way. The overweight person will fill the fridge with celery or perhaps a salad or two. The desire to snack is diminished. Perhaps we should look to marry someone who…well…probably just doesn’t do it for us. If not…we will need a constant distraction…maybe work, hobbies or trips away with the boys etc.

The other point I would make is that if I take a child and tell him I will only hug that child for roughly a week each month…and sometimes circumstances may even limit these hugs…over time they will learn to avoid or harden toward the need for the hug.

The number one fear of all of us is rejection. We will avoid the need for anything that may result in rejection. Just a fact and a part of human nature.

A marriage that is continually in avoidance of each other will over time become simply a married couple in name only, who live at the same address.

I understand the teachings of the church in relation to this topic and each must choose what is possible or impossible to achieve in their own relationships. If NFP is achievable in your relationship and your marriage is full of intimacy, love and you still hold hands in public…you have greater resolve than most.

Of all the commandments…the most important is love.

 

[relstudent]

I understand the teachings of the church in relation to this topic and each must choose what is possible or impossible to achieve in their own relationships. If NFP is achievable in your relationship and your marriage is full of intimacy, love and you still hold hands in public…you have greater resolve than most.

Of all the commandments…the most important is love.

^ I find the above to not be entirely true. Given my experience with NFP and others I know who practice it. NFP is the road to a truely loving marriage. Also, once husband and wife get into to a rhythm it is fairly simple. Not easy, but not difficult either.