Contraception

[tghockett1]

A catholic friend recently told me that the churches teaching against contraception was not infallible therefore we do not have to abide by it.  This person also told me that the church was wrong to persecute galileo and those who said that the earth was not the center of the universe, the church was wrong for the spanish inquisition  even if they were not directly responsible they didn't speak out against it.  Myself and this person understand the churches rationale but if it is not infallible are we required to abide by it? Not only that but what else can I say/use to help this person and anyone else.  Contraception is very difficult to explainto "practicing" catholics but does anyone have anything in general that would help.  Thanks

[Theoketos]

The Church's teaching on contraception is infallible and morally binding requiring religious submission. The teaching on the moral law is found in the universal ordinary episcopal magisterium. It is also accessible through natural law and human reason. 

 

Perhaps where your friend is confused is here: The teaching of the Church on the matter of contraceptives is indeed not an ex cathedra statement. Nor will the pope ever likely declare it matter from his chair of Peter's office to the universal church as a matter of faith and morals. (An example of this kind of statement can be found in the Popes' teaching on the Immaculate Conception and on the Assumption.) This is to say that the popes have not used their charism of infalibility as described by Vatican I in this regard. They do not have to for it is pretty clear unless your mind has been to addled by the T.V. 

 

For help on explaining these matters go to https://www.facebook.com/1flesh