Catholic Church on contraceptives

[Renji]

Why is the RC church so against the use of contraceptives? In the Philippines for instance, the Catholic Church condemns the use of contraceptives and insists that natural family planning should be used instead. The Philippines has a big problem of over population and yet they do not allow it. The Phil Government wants to pass the reproductive health bill and the president supports it. However the Catholic church threatens the president of excommunication and invites the Catholic community of civil disobedience against the government. Also, in rural areas here, if they found out that you've bought any contraceptives, you will automatically be excommunicated. If they just realize that if our people are given the choice to use contraceptives, population problem will be solved and poverty will be diminished... So sad....

 

[Smoke]

Being excommunicated from the Catholic Church is a badge of honor. The president should go for it.

 

[Renji]

Being excommunicated from the Catholic Church is a badge of honor. The president should go for it.

Yeah and if the president is excommunicated, the citizens wouldn't care anymore if they will excommunicated too. If that happens, they will focus on planning of what's good for their family than giving too much attention in what the church says.

 

[The Neo Nerd]

You've got to understand the catholic perspective. Unlike a protestant the only connect a catholic has to god is through the clergy. When one gets excommunicated they also get cut off from god.

So excommunication is a truly horrible fate.

A very effective form of control invented by the catholic church.

-Q

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Why is the RC church so against the use of contraceptives?

Here's their rationale:

Humanae Vitae - Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Paul VI on the regulation of birth, 25 July 1968

Personally, I think that this argument works just as well for banning treadmills as it does for banning contraception.

 

[ZooGirl02]

Not that I endorse this site but Catholic Answers does a really good job of explaining why Catholics object to contraception:

Birth Control

 

[Renji]

Here's their rationale:

Humanae Vitae - Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Paul VI on the regulation of birth, 25 July 1968

Personally, I think that this argument works just as well for banning treadmills as it does for banning contraception.

I don't think their doing a good job about this. They should allow people to choose whether or not to use it...

 

[Renji]

You've got to understand the catholic perspective. Unlike a protestant the only connect a catholic has to god is through the clergy. When one gets excommunicated they also get cut off from god.

So excommunication is a truly horrible fate.

A very effective form of control invented by the catholic church.

-Q

I am also a catholic. I was quite surprised that I will turn against my faith because of this issue actually. hehe

If they ban the use of contraceptives then they are also contradicting the doctrine (catholic doctrine) of man having intellect and freewill, allowing man to choose on what to do because they keep on controlling what a person wants to do. And besides, if the reproductive health bill and the use of contraceptives could help the Filipino country and its citizens, why ban it and threat those who use it (even the president) of excommunication? Priests and bishops here on my country should realize on how much "stain" they are causing on the catholic faith.

 

[Looncall]

I am also a catholic. I was quite surprised that I will turn against my faith because of this issue actually. hehe

If they ban the use of contraceptives then they are also contradicting the doctrine (catholic doctrine) of man having intellect and freewill, allowing man to choose on what to do because they keep on controlling what a person wants to do. And besides, if the reproductive health bill and the use of contraceptives could help the Filipino country and its citizens, why ban it and threat those who use it (even the president) of excommunication? Priests and bishops here on my country should realize on how much "stain" they are causing on the catholic faith.

You should bear in mind that clergy maintain their power over their followers by making them feel guilty and fearful. A really easy way to do that is to declare very powerful human motivations to be sinful. The more obviously damaging the prohibitions, the more power the priests have.

Followers of religions need to wake up. They are being conned.

It is my considered opinion that the inhabitants of the vatican should be prosecuted for crimes against humanity for their policies on contraception and STD prevention.

 

[Renji]

You should bear in mind that clergy maintain their power over their followers by making them feel guilty and fearful. A really easy way to do that is to declare very powerful human motivations to be sinful. The more obviously damaging the prohibitions, the more power the priests have. Followers of religions need to wake up. They are being conned. It is my considered opinion that the inhabitants of the vatican should be prosecuted for crimes against humanity for their policies on contraception and STD prevention.

The RC church have a lot of explaining and reformations (in my opinion) to do regarding their doctrine on birth control and how they control people.

 

[Wotan]

"Contraception is wrong because it’s a deliberate violation of the design God built into the human race, often referred to as "natural law." The natural law purpose of sex is procreation. The pleasure that sexual intercourse provides is an additional blessing from God, intended to offer the possibility of new life while strengthening the bond of intimacy, respect, and love between husband and wife. The loving environment this bond creates is the perfect setting for nurturing children.

But sexual pleasure within marriage becomes unnatural, and even harmful to the spouses, when it is used in a way that deliberately excludes the basic purpose of sex, which is procreation. God’s gift of the sex act, along with its pleasure and intimacy, must not be abused by deliberately frustrating its natural end—procreation."

This is foolish and absurd - on its face.

We contradict "natural law" every time we prevent disease. Much of civilization consists of avoiding or overriding "natural law."

All the rest this defense of absurdity is just catholic dogma. It has no value or even relevance to anyone who doesn't first accept it.

As a rational argument is worthless.

 

[Mister Emu]

If they ban the use of contraceptives then they are also contradicting the doctrine (catholic doctrine) of man having intellect and freewill, allowing man to choose on what to do because they keep on controlling what a person wants to do.

Are you saying the Church should not proscribe any action?

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Are you saying the Church should not proscribe any action?

I think that's a bit of hyperbole. It doesn't logically flow from what Lawrence wrote.

If the Church was to actually recognize the intelligence and free will of its members, this would only imply that the Church should allow a variety of positions on issues where intelligent, free people can reasonably disagree.

Also, keep in mind that the OP described a situation where the Church was trying to use its influence to manipulate secular law.

 

[Renji]

Are you saying the Church should not proscribe any action?

They can always GIVE ADVICE or GIVE SUCH ALTERNATIVES but they should not impose themselves. And I think that excommunicating someone because of using condom is so inconsiderate. Also, threatening a politician of excommunication because of supporting contraceptive bill is crazy. First and foremost, here in the Philippines (and I think on most countries) there is a law stating that the church is separated from the state, so why excommunicate someone because of supporting a reproductive bill? It is his job as a president.

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

What is the connection between religion and " Natural Law" ?
I know of no teaching of Jesus which could be construed as saying contraception might be sinful.

I think the whole Catholic issue of Sex, is tied up with the sexual repression suffered by the Catholic clergy and their envy of those who might enjoy its blessings.
They see it as a necessary evil that should only be seen as a duty.

Sex is therefore used as a feature of control and power over their congregations as "sin full".
And as only their priests can intercede for the forgiveness of sins their position is reinforced.

 

[Renji]

"Contraception is wrong because it’s a deliberate violation of the design God built into the human race, often referred to as "natural law." The natural law purpose of sex is procreation. The pleasure that sexual intercourse provides is an additional blessing from God, intended to offer the possibility of new life while strengthening the bond of intimacy, respect, and love between husband and wife. The loving environment this bond creates is the perfect setting for nurturing children.

But sexual pleasure within marriage becomes unnatural, and even harmful to the spouses, when it is used in a way that deliberately excludes the basic purpose of sex, which is procreation. God’s gift of the sex act, along with its pleasure and intimacy, must not be abused by deliberately frustrating its natural end—procreation."

This is foolish and absurd - on its face.

We contradict "natural law" every time we prevent disease. Much of civilization consists of avoiding or overriding "natural law."

All the rest this defense of absurdity is just catholic dogma. It has no value or even relevance to anyone who doesn't first accept it.

As a rational argument is worthless.

Ok, the case here is that 90-95% of Filipinos are Christians. 80-85% are Catholics. Therefore what you said (It has no value or even relevance to anyone who doesn't first accept it.) does not apply in this situation (although I agree with that) . One of the biggest problems of the Philippines is over population (95 million over a small country). In rural areas, some parents have 6-12 children. And sadly, those families belong to the poverty line. Question, if you have that big family, wouldn't you consider using any contraceptives as a method of family planning? And yes, if contraceptives do stop STD's spread so why should they stop the use of it? And I really don't get the logic, why are they banning the reproductive health bill in the Philippines while in Vatican (the seat of Catholic church), the use of condoms and other contraceptives are allowed (as far as I know)?

 

[Renji]

What is the connection between religion and " Natural Law" ?
I know of no teaching of Jesus which could be construed as saying contraception might be sinful.

I think the whole Catholic issue of Sex, is tied up with the sexual repression suffered by the Catholic clergy and their envy of those who might enjoy its blessings.
They see it as a necessary evil that should only be seen as a duty.

Sex is therefore used as a feature of control and power over their congregations as "sin full".
And as only their priests can intercede for the forgiveness of sins their position is reinforced.

I actually get the logic why the clergy aren't allowed to get married/ have sex: so that they can focus on their services and (maybe) what is said in the Bible (forgot the verse): There will be those who will not get married (something like that) for the sake of heaven. "No sex" for priests is actually quite good (i think) if implemented properly and right people (not those pedophiles and molesters)are chosen to enter the order because it lets them focus on what they're doing. However, the doctrine on the use of contraceptives and imposing themselves to stop a national law (even threatening civil disobedience) makes me wanna go to Vatican and have a debate (or dialogue) with the clergy because they're not letting this people (with freewill and ability to think) to choose (or in other terms "thinking out of the box"). I think there should be a "third vatican council", revise their doctrine (especially on contraception) and kick the butts of the "devil" (priests that are pedophiles, molesters) in the church. They have a lot of explaining to do.

 

[ninerbuff]

Why is the RC church so against the use of contraceptives? In the Philippines for instance, the Catholic Church condemns the use of contraceptives and insists that natural family planning should be used instead. The Philippines has a big problem of over population and yet they do not allow it. The Phil Government wants to pass the reproductive health bill and the president supports it. However the Catholic church threatens the president of excommunication and invites the Catholic community of civil disobedience against the government. Also, in rural areas here, if they found out that you've bought any contraceptives, you will automatically be excommunicated. If they just realize that if our people are given the choice to use contraceptives, population problem will be solved and poverty will be diminished... So sad....

It's called controlling the masses with authority. And I'm also Filipino so I know exactly what you're referring to.

 

[Looncall]

But sexual pleasure within marriage becomes unnatural, and even harmful to the spouses, when it is used in a way that deliberately excludes the basic purpose of sex, which is procreation. God’s gift of the sex act, along with its pleasure and intimacy, must not be abused by deliberately frustrating its natural end—procreation."

This could only have been written by a senile celibate. It overlooks the fact that it takes time to raise children, and sexual pleasure helps to keep couples together to accomplish this. It also helps keep couples together and supporting each other beyond child-bearing age. This is just one of the many horrible cruelties of the catholic church.

 

[Renji]

This could only have been written by a senile celibate. It overlooks the fact that it takes time to raise children, and sexual pleasure helps to keep couples together to accomplish this. It also helps keep couples together and supporting each other beyond child-bearing age. This is just one of the many horrible cruelties of the catholic church.

And I think it's better to use contraceptives than have unprepared, unwanted pregnancy then end up aborting the child or not being able to support its needs (which will eventually end up on child's malnutrition, envy to other kids, and other factors that could make the child's life agonizing and miserable)