Jul 27 2008
Contraception of Our Own Humanity - What We Have Really Lost in Our Struggle to Secularize the Womb
The Catholic Church has become the center of attention aggression in the global discussion of, not just abortion, but birth control. To stand against birth control isn’t just unpopular in the secular world but also amongst modern day Christians and even many Catholics themselves. Considering the arguably more urgent concerns such as abortion, genetic engineering, and embryonic stem cells, birth control seems trivial by comparison. The stance against birth control seems futile, not because it is a petty concern, but because we have already lost so much. As the other boundaries of the sacred womb fall, what we are really loosing is our own humanity.
Our unchecked consumerism has led mankind to a place where we have to choose between our standard of living, and our families. In America, it is almost impossible for new families to live on one person’s income alone. The now old-fashioned idea of the stay-at-home mom is becoming nothing more than a fantasy or relic. We don’t raise our children ourselves anymore, the government does. Even in independent organizations like day-care, strict government regulation determines what we can or cannot teach children.
I think our point-of-no-return as a society was when children changed from being blessings, the center of joy in the family, to burdens and inconveniences. If you are well-off or middle class, children simply interrupt our careers and materialistic lifestyles. If you are poor, children are a source of desperation and panic (part of why most abortions are amongst the poor). We send our kids to day-care, school, sports, camp, and maybe, if we are lucky, see them a couple hours a day.
The most popular argument people have against the Catholic Church’s teaching on birth control is that it is “unrealistic”. And you know what.. they are right. Not using birth control in today’s world is unrealistic, but the not because it is naturally so, it is because we have made it so. Large families are a burden to our modern society. A woman can’t pursue a career if she is constantly pregnant or nursing. Plus, the financial strain of the medical industry’s cost of giving birth is nearly impossible for anyone without great insurance coverage to afford.
We have traded the natural blessings given to us by God for artificial ones. The joy of the family has been replaced by the stress of the commercialism. Birth control is our way of forcing our way of life to change in the way we think is best. We have told God that we prefer money and luxury to family. The problem is that it doesn’t stop there. We are now fighting against abortion, genetic engineering, and the harvesting of the unborn for stems cells.
Children are humanity’s constant chance for renewal. It has always been the role of the younger generation to take the reigns, and try in improve upon the generation before. However, instead of seeing our responsibility to the younger generation, the world is promoting a new mindset where the younger generation exclusively serves the older generation.
Right now, in our culture, this generational selfishness has already manifested itself in drastic ways. When a child comes along who interrupts a would-be parent’s plans for life, we kill it. When a child doesn’t learn the way we think they should, we medicate them. Now certain organizations are trying to make it legal to grow fetuses like crops to harvest for stems cells for our own use. This is only what is going on now too, I haven’t even gone into what some foresee in the future.
I say all this because birth control, not just contraception but all attempts to dominate the womb, is not an issue of theology, or even just morality, we are talking about losing our own dignity and freedom. To assume control over the womb is to assume control over, and potentially wipe-out, all God-given chances for renewal. Our children are here to fix our mistakes, improve on our successes, and challenge our ways. When the next generation has lost all power to change us, when we enslave our own children from birth for our own selfish wants, what hope is left for humanity.
This article has a much darker tone than I usually post, but I can’t think of anything funny about this. What I can say to end this on a lighter note, is that there are still many who have the faith to follow God at His word. I am proud of every family I meet that has chosen to live as God commanded. I experience great joy when I meet a family who still feels that every child is a blessing. Not only that, but the blessing of God are made obvious through their families. In today’s world, I believe those who leave the womb in God’s control are living saints.
It came out really well Chris.
This is not thought-provoking but straightforward fact. All one has to do is look around the concrete covered expanse of suburban existence and reflect on any newborn for any moment to get it.
Do you support abortion in *any* circumstances?
It has become common practice to argue a point by reducing it to an absurdity. For example - “What if the mother and child will both die, but an abortion could save the mother?” I am guessing that kind of thing is what you mean when you say “*any* circumstances.
It is like the kid in the classroom who responds to the teacher’s saying “no one can leave during this test” with “but what if I have to throw up?”. Right and wrong, or morality in general, is not about planning all possible (and improbable) circumstances, it is about forming our principles and worldview.
Besides, in a Godly, healthy world what mother wouldn’t give their life for the sake of their child? What mother wouldn’t give their life for their child, even if there is no promise of saving the child? And what kind of society would deny life to someone based on circumstances not of their own fault?
Even then, I know personally of many courageous woman who fought (often literally) with their doctors to preserve the life of their child, even with threats of death, and ended up with miraculously healthy births.
Hypothetically……………A woman becomes pregnant after being gang raped. Do you support her right to choose an abortion in these circumstances?
I have adressed that, and all other “hypotheticals” in my previous post. I try to avoid “going in circles” in all discussions but especially those online. If you wish to continue this discussion , I suggest re-reading my previous post and constructing a rebuttal.
In your first paragraph, there is nothing to rebut. For your reference, you did not address *all* hypotheticals in your statement, just because you say you did. Hypotheticals can be awkward, even ridiculous, but they also offer us the chance to ecplore the limits of what we believe. Avoiding them, makes me wonder why….
In the second paragraph, you make a claim about what morality is, and I take no issue with this claim.
In paragraph 3, you make some startling claims…
This one in particular left me staring at the screen…
YAHOLO SAYS: What mother wouldn’t give their life for their child, even if there is no promise of saving the child?
Can you clarify what you mean by that statement, and I will then evaluate if it needs a rebuttal? Thank you.
Despite your clear avoidance of my question, which is a simple one, I cannot help but pose it again. Will you answer, or will you tie things in knots, by claiming *you* don’t want to go in circles?
SEEKER OF TRUTH ASKS: Hypothetically……………A woman becomes pregnant after being gang raped. Do you support her right to choose an abortion in these circumstances?
If it helps us move on. Of course I don’t think abortion is acceptable under any circumstance. However, I think that is pretty obvious by just about everything I have written. I just thought we could move on as to why.
Part of the problem with your question is that it is what we call in debate a “loaded question”. To ask “Do you support her right…” means that you have already made the assumption that abortion is a right. It is like asking someone “do you cheat on your wife at home or wait till you are at work?”, when whichever way I answer I am admitting to cheating on my wife.
You phrased your question in such a way that I am saying “No, I don’t support her right.” or “yes, I support abortion”. Do you think abortion is a right? If you think abortion is a right, then it is always ok. If abortion is not a right, then we can talk about “hypothetical”.
I have made no assumptions…Abortion is a right, legally…This also negates your claim that the question was loaded.
The right to an abortion stands, independant of our respective views. “Do you support her legal right to an abortion” might be a better way of saying it perhaps…
I personally support her right to an abortion, in these and other circumstances also. In my opinion, the rights of a foetus, should never be given priority over the rights of an adult woman.
We can agree to disagree and move on…
or…we can continue this here or an alternative venue…
Is your position underpinned by this…?
Code of Canon Law (1983): “A person who actually procures an abortion incurs automatic excommunication” (Canon 1398).
When I ask “Do you think abortion is a right?” I am asking from a philosophical perspective, as in “Do you think abortion is a God-given right?”. However, I think you did answer that as well.
The reasons I believe abortion to be wrong are, again, discussed in this article as well as my first response. The cultural implications of abortion, contraception, genetic engineering, etc., are and will be disastrous.
In an atheistic world there is no reason to put the needs of the unborn, the weak, the old, or the helpless over the strong and the capable. They are just obstacles in the way of our “happiness”. But in a world with God, looking from a Christ-centered perspective, then it is the strong and the capable that work to protect and help the weak, the old, the helpless, and the unborn.
As far as the “is it a fetus or a human” debate… I go with Dr. Seuss on that one in saying “A person is a person, no matter how small.”
Thank you for your responses, you have given me much to chew on. This is a very tricky and emotionally charged subject, yet I applaud your sensitivity in dealing with it, whilst maintaining your own viewpoint.
Thank you.
Thank you as well. If anything we have at least produced a fairly civil discussion online. That is, in and of itself, is an accomplishment.
I am DWF-49 years- called to contemplation – Sorry- this is more than a comment…. Hope this provides nourishing “food for thought”.
I have come to see, that any disregard for/or attempts to circumvent God’s will- AKA the consequences of our own actions, or that of others upon us (the intentional or unintentional) is a “sin” (unhealthy). It is like skipping school, “Do not pass Go, do not collect $200.00”. It is working to remain ignorant and/or untouched (so as to claim in the future; “I did not know”). Thus, why most kids (1-101 yrs old); prefer a quick spank to a lecture. In this way they can remain rebellious, angry, and ignorant and continue along their self-serving, self-gratifying little way.
All the issues, contraception, abortion, when life begins, rights, circumstances- these are distractions/illusions (in my humble opinion).
There is one issue- living a natural life of following and accepting God’s ways, teachings, will, and plan for our life… or not.
The only reason for the need/demand and expense of “health-care” is to attempt to intercede (prior to knowing the outcome) to PREVENT (circumvent) God’s will, thereby showing our complete lack of faith, and preventing His moving in any profound way in our lives… unless He switches to “Plan B”… i.e. modern medicine does not help you, but makes you worse and the doctors leave you for dead…. so that you have to look to Him and let Him move in a profound way in your life for all to see. LOL!! Been there, done that!
Yes, His plan may include rape, sadistic abuse, betrayal, cancer, divorce, AIDS, flood, famine, fire, war, death, poverty… and with Him these “misfortunes/curses” can be miraculously turned to blessings for the recipient and for others who are affected by the event or the recipient’s life/actions thereafter. If living a “Godly” life were easy and filled only with earthly delights, ‘Satan” would have been out-of business centuries ago. The draw of a worldly life need not be wealth and fame, but simple comfort and security and a “sense” of control.
We all have free will and the “right” to not follow God’s wisdom, to not live up to our potential via avoiding the consequences, the hard lessons and work; and thereby avoid a deeply rewarding life. One CANNOT know and appreciate true JOY without pain and suffering. Hence, why the mystics/saints of every great religion were willing to embrace and cherished their suffering. It brings us deep into God’s love and caring for us, by which we come to know and share His caring for humanity.
This kind of meaning and purpose cannot be had through an easy, comfortable, well managed “modern” life, where we are “controlling” events; but acting as sheep following a master who is himself lost and without meaning and purpose.
It is a natural part of life that evil and/or unfortunate circumstances befall us- if we embrace those circumstances, and seek God’s guidance, and to understand His purpose- we grow to fulfill our purpose here on earth and step into what lies beyond. Like childbirth itself- unbearably painful and ecstatically joyful!
All other living pales in comparison and is a mere partial existence…
“Unwanted” babies have in many cases turned into great blessings for the parent(s) who did not want them , or the parents who adopted them, or born into homes unwanted, abused, grew up (because of their trials) to achieve great things and/or be great blessings in the lives of others. We puny humans have such a limited view, such a short time here on earth, unless we do seek God and to understand deeply His ways and purposes we cannot imagine the long-term effects of what is ‘visited” upon us or our own actions. What if Jesus, Gandhi, or your mother had been an unwanted and “legally terminated” pregnancy, and terminated???
Upon turning from my well managed worldly life, to follow His path for me, I have been dealt continuous “misfortune” illness, unemployment, isolation, debt, and 9 years of what any American would call misery and hell on earth. And 9 years of miraculous healing, windfalls, kindness from friends and strangers, deep relationship, teaching and consolation from God and His constant and abiding love. Al this as he removed that which does not serve and prepares me for my purpose/what is to come.
He promised me a life of comfort and ease. He has comforted me and eased my way… NOTHING compares… and “it ain’t over ‘til it’s over”… and then… it is not over.
Had abortion been legal, I would most certainly not be here. My parents lives woudl have been less inconvienced, and most certainly I, myself, could have been spared a great deal of pain.. but what would have been the affects on others???
Frank Capra was right.. “It’s A Wonderful Life”, George Bailey.
ppotter - very powerful, thank you.