Scandals … contraception, homosexuality, etc

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Peter_J said:
Now here’s the thing: the modern world is a lot worse in some regards then past ages. For example, most married couples contracept, and even those who do not will likely be assumed to contracept by their neighbors. Likewise, most gay (homosexual) people engage in homosexual sex, and even those who do not will likely be assumed to do so by their neighbors. And, for that matter, most engaged couples have sex, and even those who do not will likely be assumed to do so by their neighbors. And any other examples that I’ve missed.

So I think the question is, what’s to be done?

(Catholics and Non-Catholics are both welcome to answer, but I’m mainly interested in Christian viewpoints.)
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I read you’re more interested in Christian viewpoints…of course being a Baha’i I’m both non-Christian and Non-Catholic…

In the Baha’i Faith sexual relations outside marriage are forbidden… If there arises a situation where a Baha’i behaves in such a manner as to become a poor example to the community. We (meaning the elected Assembly having jurisdiction) first consult with the person to ascertain what occurred… given that is the case the Assembly can recommend to our National Assembly that the individual be sanctioned and that means losing their voting rights and the right to serve as an officer. It also means they are no longer considered a Baha’i in good standing. Now the Assembly can recommend therapy to the person to perhaps assist them.

In time if the person in question has demonstrated they have overcome this behavior they can apply to be reinstated in the community… that’s usually how it works in our community.

As far as “contraception” is concerned our Institutions have not taken a position:

“As to birth control methods, the House of Justice does not wish to comment on the effectiveness or possible hazards of present-day contraceptive agents, and leaves it to individuals to decide what course of action they will take in light of the teachings and the best medical advice available…”

(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, March 4, 1981: From a compilation entitled, Birth Control and Related Subjects, p. 3)
(Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 348)
 
I have an IUD (recent) and 7 kids close in age. I know people assume we don’t use birth control. And we did not in the past.
I have no answers. I try not to judge other. And to be honest, I don’t even know anyone with 7 + kids, and it’s not…easy. On the body, or in any other way. And if the husband won’t abstain, then, since marriage is 2 people…well, that’s just where I am at. With an IUD. Not judging anyone else. I understand the teaching and am not following it currently, I know.
 
NM505StKate said:
I am not understanding the question. What is to be done about what?
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Well in part I’m trying to understand the variety of views. For example, someone here said that two unmarried persons cannot walk in an empty house together, but I don’t know whether others here (Protestant or Catholic) agree or disagree with that except for myself, and I don’t know how to apply the same principle to a person walking in a store that sells contraceptives. E.g. Is it okay but just stay away from the aisle with contraceptives?
 
I think some people seem to look for scandal wherever they go and I honestly think it’s a sign of lack of charity. It shouldn’t scandalous for two single people to walk alone in a house together, someone who walks by the family planning section isn’t necessarily using contraception, a person disclosing their same sex attractions isn’t necessarily sexually active. Yet in each case, it is often assume sinning until proven otherwise ad I don’t think that is a healthy attitude to have
 
Peter_J said:
Well in part I’m trying to understand the variety of views. For example, someone here said that two unmarried persons cannot walk in an empty house together, but I don’t know whether others here (Protestant or Catholic) agree or disagree with that except for myself, and I don’t know how to apply the same principle to a person walking in a store that sells contraceptives. E.g. Is it okay but just stay away from the aisle with contraceptives?
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Personally, just walk in the house. As for the going into a store that sells contraceptives, avoid the isle unless you need something from that isle. It is odd for me to avoid an isle.
 
Peter_J said:
Well in part I’m trying to understand the variety of views. For example, someone here said that two unmarried persons cannot walk in an empty house together, but I don’t know whether others here (Protestant or Catholic) agree or disagree with that except for myself, and I don’t know how to apply the same principle to a person walking in a store that sells contraceptives. E.g. Is it okay but just stay away from the aisle with contraceptives?
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I find it funny that all the condoms and stuff are usually plunked next to the pregnancy tests. I freely admit it makes me feel awkward when I have to go there for the pregnancy tests. I can’t help if other people speculate.
 
TCEL said:
I find it funny that all the condoms and stuff are usually plunked next to the pregnancy tests. I freely admit it makes me feel awkward when I have to go there for the pregnancy tests. I can’t help if other people speculate.
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Why would they? If I saw a young couple buying condoms I would be happy they are practicing safe sex. They are put there because it is family planning.
 
NM505StKate said:
Why would they? If I saw a young couple buying condoms I would be happy they are practicing safe sex. They are put there because it is family planning.
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Yes, that’s why I feel awkward. I can’t control what others think, though.
 
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