The Neverending Story (The Christian Chronicles)

Associated Press ^ | 3/24/01

[OLD REGGIE]

I think he objected to the legalistic approach and the laying on of burdens. There is nothign wrong with tradition and law, as long as it doesn't become an end unto itself and loses its compassion.

You couldn't be critizing the Canon and The Catechism could you?

[JohnnyM]

on this issue of contraception. It is one I have mulled over for a while. On the one hand I can see contraception as taking the sovereignty away from God and putting it into your own hands. Basically saying that I will have children when *I* want them. On the other hand I see no clear doctrine in the Bible that says contraception is forbidden. The Onan passages are ambiguous at best and is definitely not enough to make a case on its own. So I'm torn over the subject and I seek God's guidance on it. I am not married, so this issue has not come up yet, but if the Lord blesses me with a wife, I'm sure it will have to be deatl with.

Now, I don't see contraception as sodomy. When I hear the word sodomy, it brings to mind sexual perversion or butt lubbins. I don't consider having sex using a contraceptive sexual perversion.

Its a fascinating topic and one in which I have been watching the discussion closely, although it is getting fairly heated in here. I would like to hear the NC standpoint on this issue. I'm not necessarily a big fan of the "common sense" argument, so I would like to see some other NC viewpoints on the matter.

JM

[DouglasKC]

So when Jesus said to the penitent thief on the cross "This day you will be with me in Paradise?" what do you think that meant and where do you think that penitent thief is?

Go back and read post 2729....

[malakhi]

we believe a man can devote himself completely to God's service without the hassle of a family.

I thought a family was a blessing? ;o)

[JohnnyM]

I have a corallary to this question of the theif on the Cross. Are heaven and Paradise the same place???

JM

[al_c]

Go pray yourself.

Let's all take a little break here, shall we? It's getting ugly in here.

[al_c]

and you know how that worked out.

How's little Sara (is there an "h" on that?) doing, anyway?

[SoothingDave]

When does the womens health during pregnacy justify contraception, in your opinion, or do you just give it up entirely? Is it only in life or death situations that it is OK, what about when pregnanecy just make the women extremely ill, to where it is difficult to take care of her other children, but not ill enough to cause death?

Becky, that's a decision that a couple needs to make for themselves. You and I know that we aren't the enemy here, it is the recreational use of sex and birth control which allows people to live immoral lives while avoiding consequences. If a married couple feel that it is necessary to protect the life of the woman, then that is their decision to make. It should not be for frivolous reasons, but for serious ones.

Beyond that, I can't judge. All I know is that I consider the act to be evil, and to me a very good cause needs to exist.

SD

[IMRight]

Falling behind again Al? :)

[SoothingDave]

I thought a family was a blessing? ;o)

I knew that was coming. ;-)

SD

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

I am sorry you are uncomfortable with that.

I'm not uncomfortable, just my 2 cents.

BigMack

[DouglasKC]

I think he objected to the legalistic approach and the laying on of burdens. There is nothign wrong with tradition and law, as long as it doesn't become an end unto itself and loses its compassion.

I think what he really objected to was the fact that men made it up, not God. Whether it was legalistic or burdensome is another matter.

[SoothingDave]

You couldn't be critizing the Canon and The Catechism could you?

A common misconception, but no. If it were administered without love, yes. If I told nate "birth control is always wrong and you'll go to hell for it period" you would have a point. But that's not what I said. I know what the Church teaches, but I also know that mercy and understanding are big.

SD

[SoothingDave]

I think what he really objected to was the fact that men made it up, not God. Whether it was legalistic or burdensome is another matter.

Then why did he tell His followers to listen to obey what the Pharisees said, and to ignore how they acted? If He meant to destroy tradition, he had a great moment to do so. But He didnt.

SD

[OLD REGGIE]

Seriously, Reggie. Forget about me and forget about the Catholic church. Would you rather live in a society that had standards of behavior, even if they rarely were lived up to; or would you like to live in a society where standards are ever lowered in an attempt to make sure no one feels bad?

I would rather live in a society which set honest standards and "honestly" enforced those standards. Pious blather is just that - blather.

"This is what the Church says but wink wink nudge nudge, no one expects you to actually do it."

I have been told that I am the sole member of "my" Church. It looks like you will also be the sole member of "your" Church and, no, you can't join mine.

[ksen]

Good to here that you'll be back. When you get here would you mind addressing my #2877 where you and SD asked for responses? I gave one, I thought a pretty good one, and am still waiting for your responses.

Thanks.

-Kevin

[OLD REGGIE]

You forget about the binding and loosing, don't you? Not that you have to accept the idea, but that when we do accept it, it provides a basis for the Church to make such determinations.

But the apostles are all dead too.

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

"I'll Be Back!", Mack.

You couldn't get so lucky.

I've drained the cup of disappointment and pain

And gone many days without song,

But I've sipped enough nectar from the roses of life

To make me want to live on.

BigMack

[al_c]

When does the womens health during pregnacy justify contraception, in your opinion, or do you just give it up entirely? Is it only in life or death situations that it is OK, what about when pregnanecy just make the women extremely ill, to where it is difficult to take care of her other children, but not ill enough to cause death?

My wife and I choose to use NFP and we should be fine with that. But regarding your scenarios here, if NFP was not an option, then for the sake of my wife's health and well being ... yeah, I'd abstain.

Otherwise, if my wife was very ill during a pregnancy and couldn't take care of the other kids, then I'd find a way to help out with the other kids while she gets the rest she needs.

[ksen]

Good to here that you'll be back. When you get here would you mind addressing my #2877 where you and SD asked for responses? I gave one, I thought a pretty good one, and am still waiting for your responses.

Whoops, make that "Good to HEAR that you'll be back."

Sheesh, note to actually READ the preview before posting.

-Kevin