Why is birth control considerd a sin?

[I_question_God]

I don’t know - that link is not working. But the Baltimore Catechism says that our purpose in life is to know and love God in this world, and to be happy with Him in the next. None of us is guaranteed to live a comfortable life, nor to live to old age. yea I noticed

So do I. I never thought that you were trying to “attack” - I realized that you just wanted to know the answer - I was just giving you something to think about.

good I didnt want to get off on the wrong foot

 

[carol_marie]

okay thanks for the quote so its a sin becues God wills it for us to fill the earth, I get that part I guess what I was trying to find was there is no special circumstances besides illness?

however what if the mairrage is having difficulties, or the living quarters are small?

well I guess same answer.

As Catholics, we are to believe that it is always a sin if the goal is to prevent pregnancy. Another poster mentioned that she needed the pill for other medical reasons… that is different.

So if the living quarters are small (welcome to my house!) it doesn’t really change things. People have always accepted as many children as God wanted to send their way… and they managed. It wasn’t until the past two generations or so that we’ve become so obsessed it seems with only having 2.5 kids. Also, regarding marriage problems… the people with the LOWEST divorce rate are those who practice natural family planning. My husband says that’s because we end up with so many kids, we can’t afford to divorce - lol!

These are good questions. I hope you don’t get beat up for asking… I can tell you are not trying to wage war… you’re just asking… which is totally what the forum is for.
(Welcome by the way! )
Blessings,
CM

 

[I_question_God]

As Catholics, we are to believe that it is always a sin if the goal is to prevent pregnancy. Another poster mentioned that she needed the pill for other medical reasons… that is different.

So if the living quarters are small (welcome to my house!) it doesn’t really change things. People have always accepted as many children as God wanted to send their way… and they managed. It wasn’t until the past two generations or so that we’ve become so obsessed it seems with only having 2.5 kids. Also, regarding marriage problems… the people with the LOWEST divorce rate are those who practice natural family planning. My husband says that’s because we end up with so many kids, we can’t afford to divorce - lol!

These are good questions. I hope you don’t get beat up for asking… I can tell you are not trying to wage war… you’re just asking… which is totally what the forum is for.
(Welcome by the way! )
Blessings,
CM

good thanks, yea the mexican side of my family has this saying “donde comen 2 comen 3” basically means where 2 eat, 3 eat made for the monetary issues and food issues with the very poor, who happen to be catholic now that I think of it. So i guess it goes with that.

Thanks for all the answers everyone

 

[itsjustdave1988]

okay thanks for the quote so its a sin becues God wills it for us to fill the earth, I get that part I guess what I was trying to find was there is no special circumstances besides illness?

however what if the mairrage is having difficulties, or the living quarters are small?

well I guess same answer.

While artificial birth control used to deliberately impede procreation within the marital act is always immoral, for serious reasons, the couple does have recourse to ***natural family planning.

Thus, abstaining from conjugal relations during natural fertile periods is licit.

---

Pope Paul VI, *Humanae Vitae:
*

With regard to physical, economic, psychological and social conditions, responsible parenthood is exercised by those who prudently and generously decide to have more children, and by those who, for serious reasons and with due respect to moral precepts, decide not to have additional children for either a certain or an indefinite period of time…

The sexual activity, in which husband and wife are intimately and chastely united with one another, through which human life is transmitted, is, as the recent Council recalled, "noble and worthy.’’ It does not, moreover, cease to be legitimate even when, for reasons independent of their will, it is foreseen to be infertile. For its natural adaptation to the expression and strengthening of the union of husband and wife is not thereby suppressed. The fact is, as experience shows, that new life is not the result of each and every act of sexual intercourse. God has wisely ordered laws of nature and the incidence of fertility in such a way that successive births are already naturally spaced through the inherent operation of these laws. The Church, nevertheless, in urging men to the observance of the precepts of the natural law, which it interprets by its constant doctrine, teaches that each and every marital act must of necessity retain its intrinsic relationship to the procreation of human life.

 

[deb1]

It helps sweety I was just saying take for example, okay let me get personal, I was 4 and a half months pg when my house burned and alongside it my soul and well different topic anyhow my daughter who was 7 years old and 4 days died due to smoke inhalation. So basically it was a sin for me, after she was born to be on bc at that time even though I was way more than depressed and on anti depressants?

that is a mitigating circumstance

If you didn’t know it was a sin or you were in such a state of mind that you couldn’t fully understand that you were sinning, then I think that you wouldn’t be considered sinning.(I hope that made sense) Ask a priest to be on the safe side, though.

I am deeply sorry for your loss. I have an eight year old daughter and my heart would break if she died. Do you mind if I say a prayer for you and her?

 

[itsjustdave1988]

there are many women who are placed on contraception pills to help with monthly periods…typically the hormone balance and pain. it is similiar to balancing hormones, when a woman is in her change of life. so, to say that a woman is committing evil who is using it for medicinal purposes is false. and i heard father pakwa talk about this very thing–bottom line, God knows what it is in our hearts, and if we are deliberately blocking life…and that is the goal of taking bc, then we are wrong.

Yes. If someone is taking a pill for medical reasons and they do not intend to contracept, then they are not contracepting. We often call such pills “BC” but if they are not intentionally used for that purpose, then it is not “BC” properly so-called.

Catholic teaching affirms, “the Church does not consider at all illicit the use of those therapeutic means necessary to cure bodily diseases, even if a foreseeable impediment to procreation should result there from—provided such impediment is not directly intended for any motive whatsoever.” (Humanae Vitae 15)

 

[I_question_God]

If you didn’t know it was a sin or you were in such a state of mind that you couldn’t fully understand that you were sinning, then I think that you wouldn’t be considered sinning.(I hope that made sense) Ask a priest to be on the safe side, though.

I am deeply sorry for your loss. I have an eight year old daughter and my heart would break if she died. Do you mind if I say a prayer for you and her?

no go ahead, I didnt mean for this to turn into a condolence thread or for you all to treat me any different, but go ahead if you want, thanks

 

[whatevergirl]

dave–thank you so much for that reply, because i truly up until 2 years ago…did not know that teaching. i was devout…following the faith, and didn’t know…so went off the pill when i did find out, and then went back on (after about 6-7 months of really trying my hardest) because truly…the pain and hormonal imbalance was horrendous. you know, why can’t the medical profession come up with something that can help women, hormonally speaking, without it coming in the form of bc? (like for women in their 30’s…there are hormonal meds for women who are going through menopause, etc…but my age…there is nothing to lessen and balance that out)

that would be a medical blessing, i think.

 

[itsjustdave1988]

This is a very good answer for Catholics, not so good for nonCatholics though.

An aspect of Catholicism that has always impressed me is that most Catholic beliefs are actually very logical and have explainable reasons behind them.

I agree. There are arguments by ethicist which conclude artificial birth control is immoral, and these arguments are from reason along. However, these reason alone arguments are quite complex. The argument from reason which ethicists present states that when we place a “will act” to have sex, we necessarily place a “will act” to procreate, which is the natural biological objective of sex. When we do so while also simultaneously and deliberately placing a contrary “will act,” an act which deliberately renders the conjugal act non-procreative, then we are simultaneously willing something and NOT willing something, which is irrational, and therefore an immoral human act. Such reasons are not normally intuitive obvious, and as such, even if valid logically speaking, they are not often compelling.

 

[TallyCatholic]

Another reason aside from the (blatent) its a sin aspect is we believe as Catholics that when we marry we are joining ourselves through Christ’s love as One flesh, husband and wife. We act out this marital vow of being One through the marital embrace. When we marry, we say to each other I love you totally and completely, and I want to give all of myself to you.

Just as Christ on the cross gave all of Himself for our sinfulness, we act out our Christ-like sacrifice when we give all of ourselves to our spouse through our marital embrace.

We believe that in using artificial birth control, no matter what kind, we are saying to our spouse that we want to give all of ourselves BUT our fertility to our spouse, and that we are SPECIFICALLY and DELIBERATELY blocking God out of our reltionship and out of one of the most important signs of marriage. Sex.

To put it in more everyday language, its like saying to your spouse “I love you so much, that I want to show you how much I love you. You can have all of me as a gift to you of my love. You can have whatever you want. But Tonight…you CAN’T have my sperm (egg, etc). I want to withold this from you.”

Sex is our way in marriage to be completely united in One to our spouse and to Christ at the same time, by participating in the marriage sacrament. By using ABC we are witholding our fertility and thus part of ourselves from our spouse inhibiting this sacrament to be fully carried out the way Christ intended.

That is why we as Catholics not only believe it is a sin for US to use ABC, but as stated in Humanae Vitae, it is an actin that is “intrinsically” evil. This means that no matter what the cirumstances, when used for THAT purpose (that of blocking God’s creative act out of marriage through an artificial means), it is always a sin.

Again let me reiterate what others have said that using the pill for medical purposes is a completely different topic and should be addressed in another topic.

Please idoubtgod, I am so sorry for your loss, but am very encouraged and feel very blessed that you have come here for answers, that is a great start. Not being Catholic you may never have heard of “The Theology of the Body” by Pope John Paul II. Is you’ve never heard of this please look it up. PM me and I will send you the book “Theology of the Body” for beginners by Christopher West for FREE. Just let me know if you want it. It is a very easy read and it may change your life, I know it has mine.

Please pray for me, and know that we are all praying for you, especially in this tough time of your life.

God Bless

 

[I_question_God]

Another reason aside from the (blatent) its a sin aspect is we believe as Catholics that when we marry we are joining ourselves through Christ’s love as One flesh, husband and wife. We act out this marital vow of being One through the marital embrace. When we marry, we say to each other I love you totally and completely, and I want to give all of myself to you.

Just as Christ on the cross gave all of Himself for our sinfulness, we act out our Christ-like sacrifice when we give all of ourselves to our spouse through our marital embrace.

We believe that in using artificial birth control, no matter what kind, we are saying to our spouse that we want to give all of ourselves BUT our fertility to our spouse, and that we are SPECIFICALLY and DELIBERATELY blocking God out of our reltionship and out of one of the most important signs of marriage. Sex.

To put it in more everyday language, its like saying to your spouse “I love you so much, that I want to show you how much I love you. You can have all of me as a gift to you of my love. You can have whatever you want. But Tonight…you CAN’T have my sperm (egg, etc). I want to withold this from you.” sorry but that was cute

Sex is our way in marriage to be completely united in One to our spouse and to Christ at the same time, by participating in the marriage sacrament. By using ABC we are witholding our fertility and thus part of ourselves from our spouse inhibiting this sacrament to be fully carried out the way Christ intended.

That is why we as Catholics not only believe it is a sin for US to use ABC, but as stated in Humanae Vitae, it is an actin that is “intrinsically” evil. This means that no matter what the cirumstances, when used for THAT purpose (that of blocking God’s creative act out of marriage through an artificial means), it is always a sin.

Again let me reiterate what others have said that using the pill for medical purposes is a completely different topic and should be addressed in another topic.

Please idoubtgod, I am so sorry for your loss thank you at least you are polite, but am very encouraged and feel very blessed that you have come here for answers, that is a great start. Not being Catholic you may never have heard of “The Theology of the Body” by Pope John Paul II. Is you’ve never heard of this please look it up. PM me and I will send you the book “Theology of the Body” for beginners by Christopher West for FREE. Just let me know if you want it. It is a very easy read and it may change your life, I know it has mine.

Please pray for me, and know that we are all praying for you, especially in this tough time of your life.

God Bless

whats the book about?

 

[deb1]

I agree. There are arguments by ethicist which conclude artificial birth control is immoral, and these arguments are from reason along. However, these reason alone arguments are quite complex. The argument from reason which ethicists present states that when we place a “will act” to have sex, we necessarily place a “will act” to procreate, which is the natural biological objective of sex. When we do so while also simultaneously and deliberately placing a contrary “will act,” an act which deliberately renders the conjugal act non-procreative, then we are simultaneously willing something and NOT willing something, which is irrational, and therefore an immoral human act. Such reasons are not normally intuitive obvious, and as such, even if valid logically speaking, they are not often compelling.

That was interesting, even if it took me a moment to absorb it.

 

[deb1]

I agree. There are arguments by ethicist which conclude artificial birth control is immoral, and these arguments are from reason along. However, these reason alone arguments are quite complex. The argument from reason which ethicists present states that when we place a “will act” to have sex, we necessarily place a “will act” to procreate, which is the natural biological objective of sex. When we do so while also simultaneously and deliberately placing a contrary “will act,” an act which deliberately renders the conjugal act non-procreative, then we are simultaneously willing something and NOT willing something, which is irrational, and therefore an immoral human act. Such reasons are not normally intuitive obvious, and as such, even if valid logically speaking, they are not often compelling.

That was interesting, Dave, even if it took me a second reading to absorb it.

 

[DailyBread]

dave–thank you so much for that reply, because i truly up until 2 years ago…did not know that teaching. i was devout…following the faith, and didn’t know…so went off the pill when i did find out, and then went back on (after about 6-7 months of really trying my hardest) because truly…the pain and hormonal imbalance was horrendous. you know, why can’t the medical profession come up with something that can help women, hormonally speaking, without it coming in the form of bc? (like for women in their 30’s…there are hormonal meds for women who are going through menopause, etc…but my age…there is nothing to lessen and balance that out)

that would be a medical blessing, i think.

Yes there is and it is sad that so many women do not know about the alternative because bcp create false cycles, they do not normalize them or treat underlying disease or hormonal imbalances (bcp are artificial hormones that can be 50 times stronger than natural estrogen or progesterone).
Dr. Hilgers, an internationally known Ob/Gyn, has developed Naprtotechnology at the Pope Paul Vi Institute, www.popepaulvi.com, and this technology uses Creighton Model NFP fertility care charts to track a woman’s cycle and discover the underlying hormonal imbalances and disease and then treat it through natural hormone replacement therapy and or surgery for things like endometriosous (which can cause infertility and increase risk of cancer, bcp will never help these things). It is safer, patient specific, will not prevent ovulation, and they work with women all over the country even though located in Omaha. So think about this and call them for more info.
Hope that helps you and other women reading this thread.

 

[deb1]

That was interesting, Dave, even if it took me a second reading to absorb it.

Sorry about the double post, I am having a lot of difficulty posting on this forum.

 

[DailyBread]

Also Naprotechnology does not prevent ovulation unlike bcp!

 

[TallyCatholic]

whats the book about?

Its very hard to say in a short paragraph about what the book is about, but “The Theology of the Body” is a series of teachings given by Pope John Paul II over a series of several years about what it means to be male and female and really goes into this idea that the body is actually God’s message to us. That within the body is a theology that governs our every action.

In a non-theological type of explanation, the Theology of the Body teaching when it comes to sex, birth control, marriage and everything in that realm talks about how God truely intended marriage and sex. Its hard to write about because its so dense.

Christopher West has spent his life studying these teachings and has written several books on this teaching in which he breaks it down into more everyday language that non-theologians can understand. It is incredibly powerful, and although mainly directed at Catholics is really intended for all people. There are many Catholic themes (obviously because the teaching came from the Pope), but like many others have posted on this site, the Church’s teaching is also based on reason, and many of these teachings are on reason and logic.

Anyways, please if you’re interested you can go to www.christopherwest.com or I will send you whatever you want from that site if you can’t afford it. They are truely powerful books, and his talks are even better.

“And you are Christ’s” is his talk directed at women, and is great. And he has one for men too, which I listen to all the time!

God Bless Have a great night!

 

[I_question_God]

thanks I will check it out good night you guys

 

[Joya]

Catholics have a very high regard for life. That is one of the reasons that Catholics do not practice artificial birthcontrol.

There are many Catholics who support the Church’s teaching on birth control, but are still mistaken on this point. The Church is not against artificial birth control because it is artificial, but rather because it is contraceptive. A couple can still commit a sin by using the withdrawal method, for example. The withdrawal method does not employ any artificial means, but is still considered an unacceptable form of birth control because it is contraceptive. In other words, the couple is still attempting to block life from being conceived, but in this case, it is by natural means rather than artifical means.

So, there are both natural and artificial birth control methods that exist that are considered sinful by the Church. Natural Family Planning is the only morally acceptable form of birth control because it is not contraceptive.

 

[I_question_God]

There are many Catholics who support the Church’s teaching on birth control, but are still mistaken on this point. The Church is not against artificial birth control because it is artificial, but rather because it is contraceptive. A couple can still commit a sin by using the withdrawal method, for example. The withdrawal method does not employ any artificial means, but is still considered an unacceptable form of birth control because it is contraceptive. In other words, the couple is still attempting to block life from being conceived, but in this case, it is by natural means rather than artifical means.

So, there are both natural and artificial birth control methods that exist that are considered sinful by the Church. Natural Family Planning is the only morally acceptable form of birth control because it is not contraceptive.

You know and I was just going to ask this. thanks