Dr. Matthew Dugandzic and the hosts discuss NFP, contraception, and the contraceptive mentality. They explore the difference between contraception and NFP, the primary and secondary ends of marriage, seeking pleasure in the conjugal act, and the perspectives of celibate theologians on women and sexual morality. They also express gratitude towards Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II for their teachings on marriage.
Natural family planning respects the procreative nature of the marital act while contraception directly opposes it.
Celibate theologians approach spousal love and sexual morality with caution, focused more on the negative aspects.
Throughout history, the understanding of marriage has developed to appreciate the unity aspect while recognizing the primary end of procreation.
Deep dives
Natural family planning defined
Natural family planning is a method of using awareness of a person's fertility, typically a woman's, to make strategic plans regarding procreation. It can be used both to increase or decrease the likelihood of conceiving and involves various methods like charting temperature, mucus observation, and hormone concentration.
Distinguishing natural family planning from contraception
Contraception involves changing the nature of the marital act to prevent procreation, interfering through human artifice. Natural family planning, on the other hand, does not change the act itself but may involve abstaining from the act during certain times. The intention and object of the two differ, with contraception directly opposing the procreative nature of the act, while natural family planning respects the act while abstaining from it.
Understanding spousal love and celibate perspectives
Celibate theologians, like St. Thomas Aquinas, often approach the topic of spousal love and sexual morality cautiously. Celibate individuals are more familiar with the depths of human depravity and sexual temptations through hearing confessions. However, their knowledge is generally focused on the negative rather than the positive aspects of sexual experiences in marriage. The prohibition against engaging in sex for pleasure alone is consistent across theological perspectives.
Considering the historical context of sexual morality
Sexual morality and perspectives on spousal love have varied throughout history based on cultural, social, and religious factors. In ancient Rome, for instance, the age gap between men and women in relationships influenced the perception of spousal roles. The understanding of spousal love as fostering partnership and virtue has developed over time, with the appreciation for the unity aspect of marriage growing more prominent.
Development of understanding on primary and secondary ends
The understanding of the primary and secondary ends of marriage has undergone development throughout history. The specific terms used to describe these ends may have changed, but the essence of their meanings remains consistent. The primary end refers to procreation and preservation of the human race, while the secondary ends include mutual support and the development of virtue. These ends are interrelated and serve each other in fostering marital love and the good of the offspring.
Dr. Matthew Dugandzic, Dr. Taylor Patrick O'Neill, P. Edmund Waldstein, O.Cist., and Dr. James Stroud discuss NFP, contraception, and the contraceptive mentality.
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