“Catholic Answers: 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.
“NIHIL OBSTAT: I have concluded that the materials presented in this work are free of doctrinal or moral errors. — Bernadeane Carr, STL, Censor Librorum, August 10, 2004”
Anecdotally I would say that most American Catholics honor this dogma more in the breech (no pun intended) rather than the observation.
Putting aside the fact that new rules mandating the coverage of birth control will not apply to churches and their employees directly, I’m wondering what part of [Trey Hoffman’s] outrage should affect those of us who cringe at the idea of church controlling state.
I can imagine Trey’s outrage had he been a Mormon at the time Utah began applying for statehood and he faced the proposition of losing 10 or 12 wives.
I didn’t notice the same indignation from Trey when the Somalis were being fired for taking unpaid time to pray during the day. He undoubtedly does not agree with the honor killings which recently took place in Canada (the belief in which might be cultural as much as religious).
I propose to Mr. Hoffman that much mischief can be done in the name of religious freedom. The President is not interfering with Roman Catholic beliefs nor forcing anyone to use contraception.
However if the Roman Catholic Church intends to operate other institutions (hospitals, schools, charities, etc.), it needs to comply with the law. Any other view opens up the possibility of enormous mischief done in the name and under the guise of religious freedom.
Most of the people in the United States who are sexually active believe in contraception and most doctors would agree such a subject falls within the realm of public health. Every sperm is not precious, and every sperm is not great.
As far as his “recovery,” I don’t think President Obama nor any Democrat was counting on Hoffman’s or any other Republican’s vote.
And while this subject will provide ample fuel to the election year fire, even those of conservative persuasion should consider the ramifications of public policy and laws controlled by dogmatic and unswayable beliefs.
It is not what the founders envisioned nor in the end what we as a free people should accept.
Timothy J. Parker
Peachtree City, Ga.
