Church Issues by Althouse https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7 Contraceptives and the Catholic Church en-us 2019-02-05 21:58:18 UTC 2026-01-24 18:33:01 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Apple.png How the Catholic Church Came to Oppose Birth Control Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328042896 In Lisa McClain’s article (2018), she opens the discussion regarding the Catholic church’s stance on contraceptives. Pope Paul VI banned contraception for Catholics in the 1968 encyclical, “Humanae Vitae”, which was in reaction to the development of the birth-control pill. Although the conservative Catholics at the time praised Pope Paul VI for what they considered a ‘confirmation of traditional teachings’, his remarks shocked many priests and the Catholic community. ]]> 2019-02-05 22:02:37 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328042896 Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328044864 McClain states; “As a scholar specializing in both the history of the Catholic Church and gender studies, I can attest that for almost 2,000 years, the Catholic Church’s stance on contraception has been one of constant change and development. And although Catholic moral theology has consistently condemned contraception, it has not always been the church battleground that it is today.” ]]> 2019-02-05 22:10:37 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328044864 Implications Regarding Early Church Practice Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328045019
  • It is apparent that early Christians knew about contraception and likely practiced it.  
  • “Egyptian, Hebrew, Greek and Roman texts, for example, discuss well-known contraceptive practices, ranging from the withdrawal method to the use of crocodile dung, dates and honey to block or kill semen.” 
  • Although Judeo-Christian scripture encourages humans to “be fruitful and multiply”, McClain argues there is nothing in Scripture which explicitly prohibits contraception. 
  • “The purpose of marriage, they believed, was producing offspring. While sex within marriage was not itself considered a sin, pleasure in sex was. The fourth-century Christian theologian Augustine characterized the sexual act between spouses as immoral self-indulgence if the couple tried to prevent conception.” 

    • ]]>     2019-02-05 22:11:12 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328045019     Not a Church Priority... Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328045332
  • “The church, however, had little to say about contraception for many centuries. For example, after the decline of the Roman Empire, the church did little to explicitly prohibit contraception, teach against it, or stop it, though people undoubtedly practiced it. Most penitence manuals from the Middle Ages, which directed priests what types of sins to ask parishioners about, did not even mention contraception.” 
  • “It was only in 1588 that Pope Sixtus V took the strongest conservative stance against contraception in Catholic history. With his papal bull “Effraenatam,” he ordered all church and civil penalties for homicide to be brought against those who practiced contraception. However, both church and civil authorities refused to enforce his orders, and laypeople virtually ignored them. In fact, three years after Sixtus’s death, the next pope repealed most of the sanctions and told Christians to treat “Effraenatam” “as if it had never been issued.” 
  • With advancements in technology and scientific knowledge about the human reproductive system during the 19th century, new discussion was needed to progress as a society. However Victorian sensibility made it very difficult to vocalize issues regarding sex and contraception. 
  • It was only around the 20th century that we see an increase in the use of contraception and a need to discuss this issue regarding Catholic practice. It is around this time that is issue became a ‘visible priority’ for the church. 
  • Regarding his frank 1930 pronouncement on birth control, “Casti Connubii,” Pope Pius XI declared that contraception was inherently evil and any spouse practicing any act of contraception “violates the law of God and nature” and was “stained by a great and mortal flaw.” 
  • Condoms, diaphragms, the rhythm method and even the withdrawal method were forbidden. Only abstinence was permissible to prevent conception. Priests were to teach this so clearly and so often that no Catholic could claim ignorance of the Church’s prohibition of contraception. Many theologians presumed this to be an “infallible statement” and taught it thus to Catholic laypersons for decades. Other theologians saw it as binding but “subject to future reconsideration.” 
  • 1951, there was a modification to the church’s stance regarding contraception. “Pius XI’s successor, Pius XII, deviated from its intent. He approved the rhythm method for couples who had “morally valid reasons for avoiding procreation,” defining such situations quite broadly.” 

    • ]]>     2019-02-05 22:12:34 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328045332     The Pill and the Church Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328045701
  • Devout Catholics in the 1950’s demanded explicit permission to use contraception. 
  • The question was left for consideration by the Pontifical Commission on Birth Control, held between 1963 to 1966. This commission by an overwhelming majority – a reported 80 percent – recommended the church expand its teaching to accept artificial contraception. 

    • ]]>     2019-02-05 22:14:10 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328045701     Brief History of the "birth control pill" Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328046474 2019-02-05 22:17:01 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328046474 CONTRACEPTIVES AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328046799 EDUC 5445
    Church Issues]]>     2019-02-05 22:18:35 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328046799     ‘Humanae Vitae’ Ignored? Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328047103 Although the church has changed its views regarding sex, the 1968 encyclical, “Humanae Vitae” remains. However, many Catholics around the world choose to ignore this fact. This then puts into question, is this an ethics issue if contraceptive pills are still considered a sin in the eyes of Catholic reform? ]]> 2019-02-05 22:20:06 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328047103 Methods of Contraceptives Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328047531 2019-02-05 22:21:53 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328047531 Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328047843 2019-02-05 22:23:06 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328047843 Types of Contraceptives & Side Effects Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328048255 2019-02-05 22:24:43 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328048255 What is the Church's Teaching on Contraception? Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328048533 2019-02-05 22:25:47 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328048533 Humanae Vitae' (1968) Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328049040 “Each and every marriage act must remain open to the transmission of life (#11).  The Holy Father continued, “This particular doctrine, expounded on numerous occasions by the Magisterium, is based on the inseparable connection, established by God, which man on his own initiative may not break, between the unitive significance and the procreative significance which are both inherent to the marriage pact” (Humanae Vitae, #12). ]]> 2019-02-05 22:27:48 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328049040 Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328049409 “With the introduction of a contraceptive means (artificial or not) to the marital act, the procreative dimension is purposefully suppressed and ignored.  The unitive dimension, therefore, is separated from the procreative.  Just as a forced act of physical love by one spouse upon the other violates the unitive dimension of marital love, the impairment of the capacity to transmit human life violates the procreative dimension.  Here note that contraception involves an impairment or a suppression of one inherent dimension of an action as God has designed it.  Essentially, God has designed marital love to be both unitive and procreative; to suppress or to violate either one contradicts the design of God.” ]]> 2019-02-05 22:29:32 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328049409 Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328050353 “Contraception is "any action which, either in anticipation of the conjugal act [sexual intercourse], or in its accomplishment, or in the development of its natural consequences, proposes, whether as an end or as a means, to render procreation impossible" (Humanae Vitae 14). This includes sterilization, condoms and other barrier methods, spermicides, coitus interruptus (withdrawal method), the Pill, and all other such methods."]]> 2019-02-05 22:34:07 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328050353 Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328050469 Great video discussing world issues regarding the sin of using ‘bith control’, as well, a clearly defined timeline from 300AD to present day regarding the Catholic Church’s views on the matter. ]]> 2019-02-05 22:34:41 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328050469 Catholic Hospitals and Contraceptives Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328050900 An additional resource outlining Catholic hospitals around the world. This article not only outlines the difference of treatment for non-Catholic patients, but also the training of Catholic and non-Catholic doctors and they systematic issues which arise when Catholic hospitals merge with secular hospitals.]]> 2019-02-05 22:36:34 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328050900 Pope Francis’s reaction to the matter. Contraceptives could be permissible regarding the spread of Zika. Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328051415 2019-02-05 22:38:41 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328051415 Cross Curricular Connections for Junior/Intermediate Grade-Level: Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328051699
  • Religion: Church Issues of the 21st Century. What are the teachings regarding contraception? 
  • Social Studies: Human Rights and Ethics, Women’s Right to Proper Health Care, Abortion, Access to Use Contraceptives. 
  • History: How Catholics Came to Oppose Contraceptives. 
  • Geography: Overpopulation and Diseases like Zika on the population. 
  • Science and Technology: Human Reproductive System and the Invention/Development of Artificial Contraceptives.

    • ]]>     2019-02-05 22:40:04 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328051699     How this church issue of the 21st Century can be incorporated into a lesson/unit plan: Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328051942 2019-02-05 22:41:14 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328051942 Introductory video in response to contraceptive use and the Catholic Church. Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328052127 6-minute-long video defining ‘contraception’ as any act before, during or after sexual intercourse that renders it sterile. The person in the video claims that any act that prevents conception happening as a result of the sexual act is immoral. He claims, “....it is not right to engage in the gift of sexuality without receiving all of its gifts (I.e., childbirth), without receiving all the purposes for which it is intended.” ]]> 2019-02-05 22:41:54 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328052127 Reasons for which the Church Opposes Contraception: Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328052478
  • 1. The unitive dimension of the conjugal act: Genesis=when God created Adam and Eve, “The two shall become one flesh”. 
  • 2. The procreative act: Genesis= God gave the blessing of fertility to Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and multiply” 
  • Marriage and to “give oneself without reservation” 

    • ]]>     2019-02-05 22:43:20 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328052478     Ideas for a Class Debate... Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328052718 2019-02-05 22:44:29 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328052718 Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328052949 Perhaps it might be worthwhile to have the class divide into groups (Pro-contraceptive and con-contraceptive). Students will have the opportunity to develop a thesis/ voice their assigned stance on the current issue regarding contraception and support their argument with research acquired throughout class time.  ]]> 2019-02-05 22:45:26 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328052949 Additional Thoughts Regarding a Unit/Lesson Plan on this Church Issue: Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328053224
  • As an exit ticket, it might be beneficial for the class to give a definition of what the Catholic church teaches about contraception and perhaps the implications of this teaching in a modern-world context. 
  • Ideally this lesson/unit is best suited for the Intermediate level, although due to the rapid development/earlier onset of puberty within youth, it is more acceptable to introduce discussion in the Junior Grades. 
  • Another activity may be to have the students develop their own timeline regarding the Catholic Church and the wavering views regarding the birth control pill/use of contraceptives. 
  • As well, it might be beneficial to have the class review an article/case studies outlining some of the implications of Catholic hospitals and beliefs on women’s health. This could also cover the issue regarding abortion, and when the Catholic faith accepts ‘indirect’ abortion (I.e., ectopic abortion). 
    •  

    ]]>     2019-02-05 22:46:32 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328053224     Formal/Summative Assessment Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328053483 Class Debate!!
    At the end of the class activity, have students engage in class discussion regarding how the debate ran, key points raised from both parties. As well I would have the class complete a self-evaluation, notating: their level of engagement and effort in preparing for the debate, what they feel went well, what they learned from this experience and how that impacts their faith, and what areas they could improve on for future debates!]]>     2019-02-05 22:47:40 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328053483     Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328056299 2019-02-05 23:00:44 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328056299 Adam and Eve Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328056596 Genesis]]> 2019-02-05 23:01:46 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328056596 Pope Paul VI Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328056808 2019-02-05 23:02:45 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328056808 How Do We Respond to the Catholic Teachings in the Post-Modernist World? Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328057113 Is there a need for revisions to the Catholic teachings regarding contraceptives?
    Should the Church have a say in the matter? Or is this obsolete?
    How does this not impede on women's rights?
    How is this not an ethical concern/affect those in third-world countries?]]>     2019-02-05 23:04:03 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328057113     Pope Francis Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328060823 2019-02-05 23:24:46 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328060823 Althouse_bae https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328061017 2019-02-05 23:26:06 UTC https://padlet.com/Althouse_bae/9e8bgjcrvtu7/wish/328061017