I've got a question that I'd like the posters and readers of this blog to comment upon.
I know a good number of people who are passionate and excited about JPII's Theology of the Body and Christopher West's "popularization" thereof, and in many ways, I share that passion. But there's one particular argument which is attributed to Chris West (I cannot say I've personally heard it from him myself, and hence "attributed to") that peaks my curiosity...
In brief, the argument is that contraception, by virtue of what it is, "stops up" the flow of grace in a marriage; that is, it prevents the full graces of matrimony from freely flowing, and hence inhibits the growth in holiness of the couple and -- indirectly -- their family. Relatedly, the selfishness intrinsic to contraception "boils over" to other areas of life, and prevents each person from freely giving themselves to one another and others, in innumerable ways. To focus upon one of those ways, the contracepting person is unable to give their assent of faith to the Church. In other words, their contraception intensifies their disobedience to the Magisterium.
The conclusion that is drawn is that contraception is essentially the primary obstacle to the full flowering of the Catholic faith among the faithful, and therefore the primary duty in catechetical activity and indeed ministry in general must be help the faithful see and understand the truth of human sexuality, that is, the theology of the body (although TOTB is broader than sexuality).
What do you think? Is contraception among the faithful the primary obstacle to the faith in our time? In my case, I see the logic of the argument, but I'm not completely convinced that it is the case. But because I do see its plausibility, I'm wondering what the take of posters and readers here is.
5 comments:
Is contraception among the faithful the primary obstacle to the faith in our time? Well if this is true it should make Christopher West, Janet Smith and others rich. I'm sure C.W. hopes it is true. Heck if I were him I might claim this as well. I happened to be at one of his presentations (which was very good by the way) where his books/audios/videos failed to arrive on time therefore he couldn't sell his products. He was visibly angry b/c of this fact. I thought to myself what's wrong with this picture? I'll allow you to make your own judgment on this matter. (I am not judging the salvation of C.W. We can and should judge his and other actions though. If fraternal correction is needed, we should give it with charity and not envy.)
I wonder how Dr. Janet Smith would answer this question. I shall ask her. But in the meantime I shall give you my feeble answer. Is not making ourselves to be God our "primary obstacle" to faith? Is this not the original sin? Contraception can be an effective means to follow along this path where we desire to be our own God which leads to further sin, but it's not primary. That's my two cents worth from a simple hillbilly.
There was a good article in Communio . . .
Crawford, David S. "Humanae Vitae and the Perfection of Love." 25, no. 3 (1998): 414-438.
I haven't found my copy of it, but I remember liking it.
Patriotism, particularly in George W. Bush's post-9/11 America, so often causes Christians to identify with land within arbitrary humanly constructed borders rather than with discipleship of Christ and living as catholically as the Body of Christ.
National allegiances, and patriotic pride, have existed long before the reign of George Bush. Actually, they appeared a few minutes after Adam and Eve left the garden. I think Mr Matt doesn't know the difference between the City of God and the City of Man, and is immanentizing the eschaton, just a little bit.
XC
In my personal opinion, I would say that contraception is never the main problem in a marriage. Yet, the disposition that leads people into practicing contraception may be the biggest problem in a marriage. To be honest, I think when that happens it is already a relatively good sign. I do believe that in many marriages there are much more serious problems: unfaithfulness, selfishness, lust, violence, lack of love, image concerns, etc...
But when a couple is made of two people who really love each other, and especially when these people have a relationship with God, this may become a key question.
First of all, contraception increases tremendously the temptation to treat the spouse as a source of sexual pleasure, as someone that I use in order to get pleasure. If a couple decides that they will not use contraception, then as a consequence they implicitly give their selves over to each other in every sexual act, including their ability to become parents. They are putting themselves more completely into the hands of each other and also into the hands of God. I honestly think most of us common people don't reach the subtle difference there is there. I believe it is mostly a matter of trust, of abdicating a certain degree of control over one's life and family.
I believe it is absurd, in today's world, to consider that contraception is essentially the primary obstacle to the full flowering of the Catholic faith among the faithful (get a life, people!, wake up to the huge variety of bigger problems in everyday's life). But I also believe it is an obstacle to living the marriage in full, and one that is ignored by most people, in the sense that they don't even realise it.
I've no interest of not turning this into another indictment of Catholic apologists reminiscent of the Scott Hahn discussion which appeared earlier, but inasmuch as West's books and tapes are an effective tool for communicating his message (JPII's message) beyond the conference itself, I'd be disappointed not to have the materials on hand as well.
Chris, I'm not really familiar with Christopher West's direct work, coming to an appreciation of JPII's 'tob' by way of his works -- although he comes recommended by people I trust as an effective communicator of JPII's thought on this topic to a Catholic audience. (My father has recommended his books).
Is contraception the paramount problem? -- I do think that we reside in a sexualized culture that is openly contrary to the faith, and the 'contraceptive mentality' -- where sexual gratification is pursued and its natural ends of sex are forcibly separated and ignored -- is prevalent; inasmuch as other evils are encouraged by this same pursuit of gratification uber alles and a erroneous conception of sexuality (objectification of the other in pornography, for instance; or the casual tolerance/encouragement of sexual promiscuity; endorsement of "gay marriage", etc.) I would emphasize the importance of communicating "the truth of human sexuality, that is, the theology of the body."
I also get the sense that this is not effectively been conveyed (if at all) in premarriage instruction or addressed from the pulpit. When was the last time you recall this issue discussed by your priest?
But I'm not so sure I would regard the practice of contraception as THE paramount obstacle to faith as it is one symptom among others of the disintegration of the West.
On the other hand, we could also run with Matt's comment and make a case that George W. Bush is THE primary obstacle to faith in our time, likewise the need to chuck these ethereal and problematic concepts of "nation-state" and "borders" that separate us from our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
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