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THE CHURCH EDICT ON HUMAN SEXUALITY

Apr 26, 2016 Editorial, Features / Columnists

Sometimes when it comes to one’s personal life, friends, family members and even strangers find it necessary to comment on specific aspects of how that person should or should not live. However, not too many people care to know or are concerned with the views of others about their lives.
In general, people, especially Christians, prefer to accept the guidelines or teachings issued by the church that generally relate to their lives because they believe that such instructions are blessings from the Almighty.
Others are more likely to browse the Internet for expert advice related to love, dating, relationships, and family life, because they do not see the church as an expert on these issues. Christians are of the view that the church encourages all to search for the truth, happiness and for the restoration of their dignity.
They believe that the position of the church on human sexuality is very clear, but it has often been misunderstood and rejected by those who cannot separate the unitive meaning of sex from its procreative meaning. While some may not want to accept this reality which they consider to be outdated, at least they ought to know that sex has a greater meaning than simply pleasure-seeking behaviour between two consenting adults. There should be some level of commitment and affection among consenting adults.
In his writings on human sexuality, Pope John Paul II stated that love cannot be love without responsibility and commitment, and adults should recognize that to love someone means to also will one’s actions, thoughts and deeds for the better of that person rather than for self, or for selfish gains.
Those who separate sex from the responsibility of love are undermining the dignity of the other person by placing their momentary desires above the good of that person. As regards the level of commitment, the church teaches that it can only be expressed in the bonds of marriage.
In terms of sexual behaviour and the use of contraception, Pope Francis told thousands in the Philippines that they should not reproduce like rabbits, but must enter into the mutual act of self-giving in a natural and mature way.
They should not use artificial contraceptive devices to separate the unitive and procreative meaning of sex. Instead, they should use natural family planning which allows for procreation through the natural processes of the body. Natural family planning methods have been found to be just as, if not more, effective for couples than artificial contraceptives.
This approach allows couples to better understand the human body, and reinforces their sense of love, respect and admiration for the natural reproductive process of the body. Contraceptives act as medicine to treat the condition of fertility, whereas natural family planning provides the means through which couples see the beauty of their fertile and infertile periods in their planning of pregnancies.
Pope John Paul II wrote: Contraception violates the very purpose and nature of the human sexual act, and therefore violates the dignity of the persons, while natural family planning promotes the gradual acceptance of their natural dignity.
The World Health Organization has disclosed that the long-term use of contraceptives has been linked to the growth of different types of cancer among women at an early age. Contraceptives have also been known to develop blood clots in different parts of the body and its long term usage have negatively impacted women’s fertility and reduces their mensuration (periods) to only two to three times a year. Although not consciously stated, contraceptives treat fertility like a medical condition until its usage is terminated by those who use them.
Contrary to popular belief, the Church agrees with the idea that sexuality and reproductive health are beautiful and must be cherished. While the church does not necessarily involve itself in the daily lives of people, it continues to offer them advice and guidance, promote truth and goodness and the dignity of life.

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