Posted on 02/18/2016 9:34:13 AM PST by rdl6989
With the mosquito-borne Zika virus continuing to spread through Central and South America, Pope Francis said today that contraception could be seen as "the lesser of two evils" if women are concerned about having children with the birth defect microcephaly.
The Zika virus is usually mild, but has been associated with a rise of the alarming birth defect, characterized by an abnormally small head and brain, often leading to significant developmental delays.
The pope compared the situation to a decree issued by Pope Paul VI, which said nuns in Africa could use contraception due to the threat of rape.
(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...
Don’t stop him he’s apparently on a roll right now undermining an entire faith...
This is the most naive pope I’ve ever witnessed. He believes any and all propaganda (perhaps he originates it.)
I’ve never understood the “contraception is evil” crowd. What a ridiculous position.
Why do I need a Pope when I can get my ethics and theology direct from HuffPo?
Seems like the Vatican, at some point in the past, said that “iffin’ y’all don’t want AIDS, don’t engage in sodomy.”
How’d that work?
How is it ridiculous?
I’m Catholic and I can honestly say this Francis is right from the breeding of Francis the talking Mule...
In order not to get sexually contacted diseases, we are taught we do not have sexually relations of any kind before we are married....
Honestly, the Cardinals that elected Francis must have had something other than wine in the cup....
Uh...perhaps we could get off of the environmentalist’s bag lies and start using DDT?!?!?!
Then we don’t have to choose among Evils!!!
It's ridiculous to maintain the only purpose for intercourse should be pregnancy.
This might help:
Consequences of Artificial Methods
17. Responsible men can become more deeply convinced of the truth of the doctrine laid down by the Church on this issue if they reflect on the consequences of methods and plans for artificial birth control. Let them first consider how easily this course of action could open wide the way for marital infidelity and a general lowering of moral standards. Not much experience is needed to be fully aware of human weakness and to understand that human beings—and especially the young, who are so exposed to temptation—need incentives to keep the moral law, and it is an evil thing to make it easy for them to break that law. Another effect that gives cause for alarm is that a man who grows accustomed to the use of contraceptive methods may forget the reverence due to a woman, and, disregarding her physical and emotional equilibrium, reduce her to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of his own desires, no longer considering her as his partner whom he should surround with care and affection.
Finally, careful consideration should be given to the danger of this power passing into the hands of those public authorities who care little for the precepts of the moral law. Who will blame a government which in its attempt to resolve the problems affecting an entire country resorts to the same measures as are regarded as lawful by married people in the solution of a particular family difficulty? Who will prevent public authorities from favoring those contraceptive methods which they consider more effective? Should they regard this as necessary, they may even impose their use on everyone. It could well happen, therefore, that when people, either individually or in family or social life, experience the inherent difficulties of the divine law and are determined to avoid them, they may give into the hands of public authorities the power to intervene in the most personal and intimate responsibility of husband and wife.
You just have to wonder about that conclave.
And if contraception doesn't work and the baby has a horrible birth defect, maybe aborting it would be the lesser of two evils. I mean, hey, who is he to judge?
So he’s a Medical Doctor now? Must have stayed in a Holiday Inn Express recently.
If you have an hour or so, read Pius IX’s 1930 Papal Encyclical Casti Connubi. It talks about Catholic’s view of life, procreation and marriage, of which birth control is just one topic, as well as divorce, eugenics, abortion, etc...
I’m not even Catholic but its logic and defense of the person as more than just a biological or sexual organism I found quite uplifting. You will then see the threads of their logic on contraception.
Zika is more an issue for married couples, who may wind up giving birth to a handicapped child.
That being said, the Pope has one foot on six docks and the other in nine boats here.
‘contraception not allowed’ = MORE Catholics = MORE Catholic churches = MORE donations!
Not too many people remember those movies. I've got them all. The voice of Chill Wills was perfect for the mule.
It’s ridiculous to maintain the only purpose for intercourse should be pregnancy.
I agree.
Don't think it's naivete.
He is no more naive in his willful destruction of the Church than is Obama in his undermining of all that is honorable in the U.S.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.