[VeritatisSplendor]

No, they're not opposed. It could be that using NFP not to conceive is moral, but that contracepting is immoral.

Or it could be that using NFP not to conceive is moral, and so is contracepting.

The following two conditional statements seem valid to me.

"Using NFP to not conceive is immoral" implies "Contracepting is immoral."

and

"Contracepting is moral" implies "Using NFP not to conceive is moral."

I believe that using NFP to not conceive is moral, but I have not been convinced by the arguments.

I am not sure whether contracepting is moral or immoral. The arguments for its possible morality when considering the total relationship have weight for me. The arguments against it are mystical, which does not invalidate them. But even when I consider the issue in a mystical light, they do not convince me. The traditions of the Church do have weight with me - rationally speaking, the Church is more likely to be right than I am. Still, I am unconvinced.

Mrs VS

[Scotswife]

Mrs VS

you seem to articulate some of my problems better than I can.

this statement stood out to me...


" The arguments against it are mystical, which does not invalidate them. "

when I read the arguments against it the language is lofty and theoretical but I find myself thinking..."most people don't talk to each other like this or think in this manner"

Which - like you say - doesn't invalidate the argument, and maybe it would be nice if more people did talk and think like this - but it just seem out of reach - out of touch.

Maybe my husband and I should get to a place where we say to each other "let us give our whole selves to each other in mutual total self giving accepting each others' fertility"
But that isn't happening right now.

Sort of like the difference between learning theoretical principles in textbooks, versus going out in the real world and living it.

"The arguments for its possible morality when considering the total relationship have weight for me."

yes - the relationship as a whole.
When I consider what is more harmful - contracepting? celibacy?

I imagine celibacy would be very harmful.

[klossg]

The arguments for its possible morality when considering the total relationship have weight for me.

What are the issues/parts of the total relationship that Contraception provides that NFP does not provide?

[old and tired]

Mrs. VS, I think you have done a tremendous job on this thread outlining why the average couple in the pew is not convinced by NFP is ok, but contraception is not. You've stated the only credible, really convincible argument: The traditions of the Church do have weight with me - rationally speaking, the Church is more likely to be right than I am.