Speaking out against contraceptives

[mjdprod]

When speaking to other pro-life christians, I point out the discrepancy of using contraceptives and being pro-life, since contraception literally means “against life” ( the prefex contra- means against and suffix -ception means life). That gets them thinking.
As far as sin goes. Sin is not subjective - left up to our interpretation, but an objective reality of Gods laws that we, no matter what opinion is, can change. Our sinful tendencies can get us to do some amazing mental gymnastics to feel o.k. about sin - - and the devil promotes this as much as possible. Now, as far as the gravity of the sin goes. That depends on our knowledge at the time and whether or not we are being knowingly defiant - telling God “Not Your will, but my will be done”
I know this very well personally, because I was the one, at the begining of our marriage who insisted on using contraception - I think fear was the biggist motivating factor and I wasn’t ready to “buck the system” - being counter cultural - yet. And I really didn’t know the gravity of this sin (since the priest that married us, said it was up to concience whether or not to use contraception - NOT) and the watered down Catecesis I recieved in the 70’s &
80’s. (DH never like using contraceptives, but was raised to believe it was up to the woman to decide). But, thanks to a local Catholic radio station and the grace of God, I learned the truth of the sin.
Since then we have refused to use any form of contraception - natural or artificial (it is very difficult in this culture not to have a contraceptive mentality when using NFP and since we do not have a serious reason to avoid getting pregnant, we don’t) We, dh and I, want to shout it from the roof tops how in incredibly freeing it is - to let God be God and to let Him have complete control over when we will have another child and how many we will have. And its not only the freedom that this brings, but how incredibly much more satisfying our love life has been since.
Of course, almost everyone we tell this, looks at us as if we are completely insane - and those are the nice ones - or they tell us we are being irresponsible. As if we know better that God.

 

[st_lucy]

It’;s mainly just the period that is inconvient. Not actually being a woman. And well yeah a person shouldn;t just take the pill to stop her period or make it less sucky, at least without looking into other options and talking with her doctor first. I do know that I felt much better much healther when I was on the pill not just when it was that time of the month either.

Well if one where to go to an NFP Dr who is trend to read a chart the Dr can p(name removed by moderator)oint an actual cause for the heaver periods and than proscribe the right medication for the problem. The pill is used as a cure all for what ever ales you. I was tired of being offered the pill for everything from dizziness, heavy periods, long periods, and yes get this not being able to conceive. After being on a period for three months with many other problems and only finding dr.s who would only offer the pill, a friend of mine gave me a name of Dr. in another town who studied NFP. I went to him and after three months of charting, he found and addressed almost all of my problems and get this not once did he offer the pill.

 

[TMC]

This is very difficult to do. I believe most Catholics disagree with the Church’s teaching in this area, and nearly all non-Catholics disagree. To be open - I also disagree with it.

The problem with defending the teaching is that, to be convincing, I think one is pretty much restricted to defending it on the same basis that it was put forward – on Humanae Vitae’s conclusion that all sex acts involving contraception are repugnant and in direct opposition to God, but that deliberately non procreative sex that does not involve contraceptives is fine. If the justification starts reaching for other reasons, whether health reasons or societal effects or whatever, the listener will often take that as a tacit admission that the reasons set forth in Humanae Vitae are not persuasive. I know that when I tried to reconcile myself with the Church’s teaching on this (and I really tried), I noticed that very few people try to defend the actual theology, and instead resort to these second effect rationalizations. That simply convinced me that the person arguing didn’t really believe it either.

I realize that my view is colored by the fact that I don’t agree with the Church on this, but I am sincere in my advice – whatever teaching you try to defend (this or any other) defend it based on the theology or you won’t get anywhere.

 

[Calliso]

Well if one where to go to an NFP Dr who is trend to read a chart the Dr can p(name removed by moderator)oint an actual cause for the heaver periods and than proscribe the right medication for the problem. The pill is used as a cure all for what ever ales you. I was tired of being offered the pill for everything from dizziness, heavy periods, long periods, and yes get this not being able to conceive. After being on a period for three months with many other problems and only finding dr.s who would only offer the pill, a friend of mine gave me a name of Dr. in another town who studied NFP. I went to him and after three months of charting, he found and addressed almost all of my problems and get this not once did he offer the pill.

Yeah I guess I can’t argue against that…I admit though for me personally it probably wouldn;t work cause I would probably A. forget to chart B. screw up the charting… but that;s just me otherwise I can;t say you donlt make a good point.

 

[rpp]

The conscience is not formed by a set of man made rules. The conscience is formed by one’s relationship with God through prayer and a growing knowledge of His Word. I have obeyed God’s Word…not man made rules.

This is not a complete way to form you conscience. You must also study and learn what the Church teaches. AND you must be humble enough to actually apply it. Your conscience must be formed such that it is in complete agreement with Church teachings on faith and morals. The Church received these through divine revelation and theological scrutiny.

If your conscience and Church teachings are in conflict, then it is you who are in error, not the Church.

The whole idea of “man-made rules” is nothing less than a cop-out.

 

[Biggie]

This is very difficult to do. I believe most Catholics disagree with the Church’s teaching in this area, and nearly all non-Catholics disagree. To be open - I also disagree with it.

The problem with defending the teaching is that, to be convincing, I think one is pretty much restricted to defending it on the same basis that it was put forward – on Humanae Vitae’s conclusion that all sex acts involving contraception are repugnant and in direct opposition to God, but that deliberately non procreative sex that does not involve contraceptives is fine. .

I think the last phrase is a reduction to absurdity.

The teaching clearly recognizes that human coitus is distinct from animal coitus where the one and only purpose is regeneration.

Respecting the dignity of the human being by recognizing the emotional and spiritual complexity of the being, the teaching is that the union should be a full union.

Inherent in the prophylactic is the assertion, “I will not accept a child from you.” or, to put it another way, “I want you for me, but not what becomes of us.” The distinction between that and the formed intention of self gratification is merely semantic and unconvincing.

The difference between the latent truth of fertility in the body as opposed to the prediciton of fertility in NFP is accepted by both parties. That difference is precisely what makes it unacceptable to those seeking prophylaxis.

 

[mark_a]

People’s consciences will always vary…unless, of course, you would like to take away people’s ability to think and reason.

Oh. OK. Thanks.

 

[mark_a]

. . . .and yes get this not being able to conceive.

Just curious, how was the pill supposed to help?

 

[Nickkname]

How do you speak out against contraception other than just saying that it is a mortal sin. Most people (catholics) who I speak to on this subject are very ambivalent about it.

Specifically, I would like to know what blessings (other than children ) a married couple would have if they do not use contraceptives in their marriage and what disadvantages they would have to suffer in their marriage if they do use contraceptives.

I don’t use them. That’s how I speak out

 

[Nickkname]

This is very difficult to do. I believe most Catholics disagree with the Church’s teaching in this area, and nearly all non-Catholics disagree. To be open - I also disagree with it.

The problem with defending the teaching is that, to be convincing, I think one is pretty much restricted to defending it on the same basis that it was put forward – on Humanae Vitae’s conclusion that all sex acts involving contraception are repugnant and in direct opposition to God, but that deliberately non procreative sex that does not involve contraceptives is fine. If the justification starts reaching for other reasons, whether health reasons or societal effects or whatever, the listener will often take that as a tacit admission that the reasons set forth in Humanae Vitae are not persuasive. I know that when I tried to reconcile myself with the Church’s teaching on this (and I really tried), I noticed that very few people try to defend the actual theology, and instead resort to these second effect rationalizations. That simply convinced me that the person arguing didn’t really believe it either.

I realize that my view is colored by the fact that I don’t agree with the Church on this, but I am sincere in my advice – whatever teaching you try to defend (this or any other) defend it based on the theology or you won’t get anywhere.

Here’s why I don’t approve of contraception: Sex is a marital act and marriage has two ends: the good of the spouses and the transmission of life. Hence, sex has two ends: the good of the spouses and the transmission of life. Since contraceptives don’t allow the transmission of life, they destroy the goodness of sex.

 

[st_lucy]

Just curious, how was the pill supposed to help?

Well the explanation he gave me was that if I got on the pill for three months and than got off I would be highly fertile. Surprisingly he was shocked when I said no thanks.

 

[StarPaintedBlue]

Well, another point I always bring up to my female friends about “the pill” is that there is a definite health risk to it. My cousin died because of a blood clot that the doctors believed came from years of using BC pills. She had had a daugther very young and out of wedlock, and I feel sorry for her that she must have been scared and confused about her life and sought control.

The thing is…is it really a good idea to disrupt the female body’s natural cycles? I honestly don’t think it is. Our bodies have their rhythms and cycles for a reason and I can’t help but think that women are setting themselves up for problems down the road after years of BC pill use.

I tell my friends that aren’t Catholic that obviously they won’t believe me on the reason I don’t use BC pills…because I am a Catholic. But I ask them to just do a little research and really know what they’re putting into their bodies and what the side effects can be.

(And btw…condoms are only 97% effective. And there’s always a chance of a break. I had a brief pregnancy when I was 17 (ended in miscarriage in the first trimester, still makes me sad to think my child would be eight years old now) when a condom broke. I was with my now ex-fiance at the time and he was the first and subsequently only man I’ve slept with. For the past nine years, I’ve been celibate and I plan on staying that way until marriage)

 

[TMC]

I think the last phrase is a reduction to absurdity.

The teaching clearly recognizes that human coitus is distinct from animal coitus where the one and only purpose is regeneration.

Respecting the dignity of the human being by recognizing the emotional and spiritual complexity of the being, the teaching is that the union should be a full union.

Inherent in the prophylactic is the assertion, “I will not accept a child from you.” or, to put it another way, “I want you for me, but not what becomes of us.” The distinction between that and the formed intention of self gratification is merely semantic and unconvincing.

The difference between the latent truth of fertility in the body as opposed to the prediciton of fertility in NFP is accepted by both parties. That difference is precisely what makes it unacceptable to those seeking prophylaxis.

This makes no sense to me. The difference between NFP and other forms of contraception is what I find to be semantic. When a couple tracks temperatures and mucous production, and does whatever else is part of modern NFP, and boasts a 95%+ confidence level that they can have sex without pregnancy, how is that different from taking other steps to have sex without getting pregnant? How can it be “accepting” of a child when so much effort is put into avoiding having one?

 

[wanner47]

This makes no sense to me. The difference between NFP and other forms of contraception is what I find to be semantic. When a couple tracks temperatures and mucous production, and does whatever else is part of modern NFP, and boasts a 95%+ confidence level that they can have sex without pregnancy, how is that different from taking other steps to have sex without getting pregnant? How can it be “accepting” of a child when so much effort is put into avoiding having one?

As one who is currently using NFP to avoid pregnancy, perhaps I can offer my perspective.

Right now I wouldn’t say we’re avoiding pregnancy so much as trying to space our children.

I have a 3-year-old daughter and a 6-month-old son, and my husband is currently a full-time college student. We would like to avoid getting pregnant until my husband graduates, given that he could not afford to attend school if we had another child (it’s tight as it is, but we’re making it work). However, if I do get pregnant, we’ll accept that it’s God’s perfect timing and not ours.

So while we are taking steps using God’s design of our fertility to space our children, if God has plans that are different than ours, we are wholly accepting of that.

My experience is that those who contracept using artificial methods (e.g., methods that work against God’s design of our fertility as opposed to with it) are not nearly as open to God’s plan for their lives (also making those who contracept much more prone to abortion if their contraception fails).

 

[newbetx]

Excuse me, but you know nothing about our consience or our relationship with God. To say otherwise is simply untrue.

Well, you did give us the following glimse. I mean no disrespect, I assure you. I once thought similar to this. Please bear with me.

I hate to blow your theory, but birth control does not always harm a marriage. My husband and I have been married for 25 years. During those years, there have been times when we used contraception and times when we did not… Our level of love, trust, commitment and unity did not change or depend on whether or not we used birth control. (I will say that we never used the birth control pill, but relied on other methods instead.)
It’s great that it did not harm yours. Others are not so “lucky.” A rather large percentage, I’m afraid. The keyword above is Trust. More on this later.
I have never been divorced or had an abortion; neither one of us has ever been unfaithful to the other. Is this all? Sounds like a lot these days, I understand. But it’s like… “I go to church every Sunday and think I’m a really good person” doesn’t get us to heaven either. There is more to this discussion than divorce/abortion/adultery rate.

I never felt that I was “rendered a means to achieve pleasure.” The pleasure is mutal and something that a couple gives to each other. That is part of the unitive aspect of marriage.
Wonderful! This is where many fail over time. I’m happy you did not suffer from some of the trappings of Contraception.
Whether or not to use contraception is a decision between a couple and God…no one else.
Really? Who said this? And if true, why would the Church say it’s not? I didn’t check your religious affiliation. Sorry. Maybe you don’t think this concept is applicable to you.
It is a decision that is as individual as the people and circumstances involved. My husband and I have always been in agreement and at peace with God in the choices we made. I guess God intended us for each other. What a blessing that has been!

I guess you are happy and that is important, but many of us think there is something more required. Something that was missing when using ABC. I encourage you to look into Theology of the Body for a better understanding of “what the heck” we are talking about.

Peace!

 

[newbetx]

This makes no sense to me. The difference between NFP and other forms of contraception is what I find to be semantic. When a couple tracks temperatures and mucous production, and does whatever else is part of modern NFP, and boasts a 95%+ confidence level that they can have sex without pregnancy, how is that different from taking other steps to have sex without getting pregnant? How can it be “accepting” of a child when so much effort is put into avoiding having one?

You make a very good point. Many have this same issue. If one has a contraceptive focus anyway, what you say is true. However the methods of NFP have positive impacts, generally, on the couple’s relationship that ABC can never promote. It boils down to what “sex” really means to people. For a different perspective on the subject, I highly suggest you look into Theology of the Body. (TOB)

 

[mdgspencer]

I would think this a disadvantage. Pope Paul repeatedly said that using contraceptives is a barrier to communion. That is it is great enough of a sin so that the couple should not go to communion.

 

[Priscilla_Ann]

Well, you did give us the following glimse. I mean no disrespect, I assure you. I once thought similar to this. Please bear with me.

I guess you are happy and that is important, but many of us think there is something more required. Something that was missing when using ABC. I encourage you to look into Theology of the Body for a better understanding of “what the heck” we are talking about.

Peace!

I have read Theology of the Body… Sorry, but I still don’t get “what the heck” you are talking about!

 

[newbetx]

I have read Theology of the Body… Sorry, but I still don’t get “what the heck” you are talking about!

Well I’m sorry, too. I made a 180 on the contraception belief because of TOB. May I assume you weren’t impressed with it?

 

[Priscilla_Ann]

Well I’m sorry, too. I made a 180 on the contraception belief because of TOB. May I assume you weren’t impressed with it?

You assume correctly.