Modernity Meets Ancient: Banning Condoms in the Catholic Church

In a recent news item in the newsobserver.com, there was this story about the Catholic diocese of NC that is promoting a ban on the use of condoms.

That's right: under the presumption that sex is really only about pro-creation--a line that most of my Catholic friends titter at, but don't tell the Bishop or the Pop--the Diocese of NC is sticking to its guns: no condoms.

Really?

Birth control and Catholics: Not going to happen...except for the rhythm method.

From the newsobserver.com:

The Catholic Church teaches that all forms of birth control, including condoms, are immoral because they prevent conception. Sex, the church teaches, is intended primarily for procreation, though it allows married couples to engage in sex during times when women are infertile.

Though the church opposes condom distribution, it has not said condoms may never be used as a form of disease prevention in instances where, for example, one married partner is infected with the virus and the other is not.

As a policy, though, the church frowns on condom use. During his trip to Africa last year, Pope Benedict XVI told reporters that using condoms might actually increase the incidence of HIV infection. "The traditional teaching of the church has proven to be the only fail-safe way to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS," Benedict said then, adding his endorsement of "Christian marriage and fidelity" and "chastity."

Regardless, many Catholics believe contraception is a matter of choice. Recent polls show 75 percent of U.S. Catholics say it's possible to disobey church teachings on contraception and remain a good Catholic.

"The vast majority of Catholics have weighed in," said David Gibson, a Catholic journalist who covers religion for the Web site politicsdaily.com. "For them, the use of condoms is a settled issue."

Four group members met with Burbidge last month. He informed them that Catholic teachings are divine truth that can never change. Group members said the discussion was respectful and polite but neither side succeeded in persuading the other.

True, for Catholics, this is Divine truth.

But Catholic teaching also changes and can be reformed. Just like at Vatican II.

I'm a Christian in the Reformed tradition, and I believe in the use of condoms.

Pace!

B