A question, not just for you, but for everyone: Is there really any moral difference between NFP and "artificial" birth control?
NFP can be described as an attempt to greatly reduce the possibility of pregnancy, without entirely removing the procreative aspect of sex. After all, NFP isn't absolutely 100% effective.
Social conservatives point out that most "artificial" methods of birth control are not 100% effective at preventing contraception.
If that's the case, couldn't one claim that using an imperfect, "artificial" form of birth control is morally equivalent to using an imperfect, natural method? In both cases, people are trying to reduce the chances of pregnancy. In both, there is still some chance of pregnancy, so they can't be said to be completely severing the possibility of creating life. It's just that the "artifical" method is better at meeting the couple's needs.
Agree, or disagree?
(I'll set aside for a moment the distinction between "artificial" and "natural," as both use science and technology not available to primitive man.)
Oops. I meant to say "conception."
Well stated. I must concur with your assessment, 'rhythm' and 'artificial' are contraceptive practices. Personally, I had a vasectomy to settle the issue.
The distinction between "artificial" and "natural" is bogus. As Robert Heinlein once put it, Hoover Dam is every bit as "natural" as a beaver dam.
Yes. Artificial birth control is the intentional separation of the conjugal act from the procreative act. It's an attempt to "have your cake and eat it" and fundamentally distorts the nature of sex and the relationship between man and woman.
There are valid, prudential reasons for wishing to avoid the birth of a child. None of those reasons justify the sin of contraception (in Catholic theology), but simple abstinence within marriage is not contraception, is not a sin, and is even encouraged in the bible.
NFP can become tainted by the contraceptive mentality and be used for illicit reasons, but this is a completely different sin than that of using artificial contraception, by reason that it does not interfere with the nature of the sexual act.