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Cardinal favours condoms to stop AIDS (leading candidates to succeed Pope John Paul)
The Guardian via SMH ^ | January 14, 2004 | John Hooper in Rome and Andrew Osborn in Brussels

Posted on 01/13/2004 6:30:40 AM PST by dead

A Belgian cardinal who is among the leading candidates to succeed Pope John Paul has broken the Catholic church's taboo on the use of condoms, declaring that, in certain circumstances, they should be used to prevent the spread of AIDS.

Godfried Danneels was careful to say he preferred abstinence as a means of prevention, but added that if someone who was HIV-positive did have sex, failing to use a condom would break the sixth commandment, thou shalt not kill.

His comments are a further sign that the ailing Pope may be losing some grip on the more liberal wing of his immense church. Shortly after being named a "prince of the church" last September, Cardinal Keith O'Brien, of Scotland, said the ban on contraception should be debated, along with such issues as priestly celibacy and homosexual clergy.

In an interview with the Dutch Catholic broadcaster RKK, Cardinal Danneels said: "When someone is HIV-positive and his partner says, 'I want to have sexual relations with you', he doesn't have to do that . . . But when he does, he has to use a condom."

He added: "This comes down to protecting yourself in a preventive manner against a disease or death. [It] cannot be entirely morally judged in the same manner as a pure method of birth control."

The cardinal's argument emphasises the importance of human life, the very factor that Pope John Paul has long evinced as justification for a ban on all forms of contraception.

The Catholic church teaches that abstinence, including between married couples, is the only morally acceptable way to prevent the spread of AIDS.

Cardinal Danneels's views clash with those aired last year by Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, the Vatican's top adviser on family questions. The Colombian cardinal claimed that condoms could not halt HIV because it was small enough to pass through them. He said relying on them to prevent infection was like "betting on your own death".

Those remarks were condemned by, among others, the World Health Organisation, which said condoms reduced the risk of infection by 90 per cent.

In 2000, Cardinal Danneels caused consternation in the Vatican by suggesting that popes should not remain in office until they died but have limited terms.

Cardinal Danneels, 70, and Archbishop of Brussels and Mechelen,

has also called for flexibility and leniency for Catholics who divorce and then remarry without obtaining a church-sanctioned annulment, and has said he advocates women playing a larger role in the church.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: aids; catholic; godfrieddanneels; vatican
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To: CAtholic Family Association
For my part, I have yet to see the word "Trinity" in Scripture. Must be a concept made up out of whole cloth by the early Church ;-) Oh yeah, I haven't found the words "sola scriptura" yet either. I'll keep looking, it MUST be in there, right?

I think 'sola scriptura' is right there next to the words 'faith alone'.

341 posted on 01/14/2004 1:07:43 PM PST by lrslattery (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam - http://slatts.blogspot.com)
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To: lrslattery
I think 'sola scriptura' is right there next to the words 'faith alone'.

Since James is an "Epistle of Straw," according to Luther, I guess we can dismiss the proof text proving the opposite of "faith alone," even if we still haven't found "faith alone"?

342 posted on 01/14/2004 1:15:14 PM PST by Polycarp IV (http://www.cathfam.org/)
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To: biblewonk
I believe your sincerity.

But, whether you consider us "unsaved" or not, you must admit that the Pope's highest authority in the matters of faith and morals makes things very simple. We don't have to worry too much about splitting of the Church in half over some openly screwy bishop - as our Anglican brethren do.

The authority of St. Peter is a great gift to the Church. And because we Catholics know what the authentic teachings of the Church are, we can agree in this thread that what our Belgian cardinal said about condoms was not Catholic. We can joyfully mock the heathen media who hope the next Pope would condone condoms.

343 posted on 01/14/2004 2:59:15 PM PST by heyheyhey
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To: CAtholic Family Association
Jorge;"Wrong. I posted his exact words. I didn't add or take anything away from his post."

BS. You ADDED to his exact words that "he'd rather a woman die from AIDS."

I never presented that statement as a "QUOTE"; from john, nor did I ever claim he used those "exact words".

That was MY STATEMENT. It was clearly presented as my interpretation of his post.

And I stand by it.
When asked if use of condoms would be permissible in the case of a married couple where one had AIDS, he responded NO..that it would be wrong to commit this evil EVEN "if some limited good may come from it."

The "limited good" being nothing but the protection of one spouse from contracting AIDS, a terminal disease.

He DID NOT dispute the effectiveness of condoms in preventing the transmission of AIDS as you have done.

He just said flat out that it was wrong to use them EVEN if it was to save the life of the wife.

So once again, there is nothing unreasonable in my interpreting that "he'd rather a woman die from AIDS." than to use condoms.

In fact I fail to see any other plausible interpretation.

If he didn't mean this he is always free to clarify his statement.

344 posted on 01/14/2004 6:41:19 PM PST by Jorge
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To: CAtholic Family Association
Since condoms DO NOT PREVENT THE SPREAD OF AIDS it would be immoral to counsel the woman to engage in suicidal acts.

Your "god" and my God are definitely two different entities.

Oh, since I challenge your opinion on the effectiveness of condoms in preventing the transmission of AIDS, you feel this gives you the right to judge my faith as being in a false "god" compared to your faith in the real "God".

Notice that NOWHERE have I made such a damning judgement of your personal faith simply because I disagree with you.
And we haven't even discussed Biblical doctrine yet.
Incredible.

345 posted on 01/14/2004 6:58:06 PM PST by Jorge
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To: Jorge
So once again, there is nothing unreasonable in my interpreting that "he'd rather a woman die from AIDS." than to use condoms.

The author of the statement has already stated that your interpretation is not only unreasonable but also a lie, ruinous of his good name.

Spin your sin however you deem necessary. You ain't fooling us, and you sure as heck ain't fooling Him.

346 posted on 01/14/2004 7:34:48 PM PST by Polycarp IV (http://www.cathfam.org/)
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To: Deo volente
Jorge "I posted his exact words"

Yes, you did. But he never used the word "prefer".

No, I USED the word "prefer" in my interpretation of what he posted.
I never presented that word as a quote from him.

This is great, so I'm going include your entire quote, and then respond;

He only said that it would be wrong to commit an intrinsically evil act, even if some limited good resulted.

The Catholic position has always been that sin is the only real evil. Sickness or death is not an evil in the strict sense of the word. There is only MORAL evil. Sickness and death are inevitable outcomes of the fallen state of mankind. An individual is not culpable for the fact that he gets sick and dies. It remains true that one can NEVER commit a sin in order to avoid physical suffering or death. It's a hard doctrine, but so is the Cross.

Beautiful. So you are admitting that johnb2004's position was that it would be BETTER for the wife to catch AIDS (and die) RATHER than commit the sin of using condoms.

While your statement above shows you have more understanding of Biblical doctrine than most on this board, my disagreement is with your application of it.

The idea that we should do nothing to protect people from consequences of sin because there is nothing sinful about intrinsically "sickeness and death" and it is an inevitable outcome of sin is not only a horrible distortion of God's laws, but distorts the very nature and character of God.

It reminds me of the Pharisees who condemned Jesus for "violating the Sabbath" by healing people and allowed his disciples to pick corn(work on the Sabbath).

Jesus rebuked them with the statement "the Sabbath was made for man, man was not made for the Sabbath".

Jesus wasn't rejecting the law but was setting priorities when it came to the law that reflected God's true intentions and good will toward man.

We do the same thing when we allow ambulances to ignore red lights and other traffic laws in order to get a patient to the hospital and save a life.
Because just like Jesus said, we know our laws are made for people, not the other way around.

Therefore I disagree with your assertion that it is better, or that God prefers to see people die from AIDS rather than use condoms.

347 posted on 01/14/2004 7:42:40 PM PST by Jorge
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To: lrslattery
Override of Gov's veto of concealed carry is scheduled for 1/21. Oremus. This will be VERY tight.
348 posted on 01/14/2004 7:52:35 PM PST by ninenot (So many cats, so few recipes)
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To: CAtholic Family Association
Jorge"So once again, there is nothing unreasonable in my interpreting that "he'd rather a woman die from AIDS." than to use condoms."

The author of the statement has already stated that your interpretation is not only unreasonable but also a lie, ruinous of his good name.

Really? Where is it? I've seen no post by john2004 disputing my interpretation of what he said.

I more than welcome his right to clarify what he posted and to correct me if I have misrepresented anything he said, but he has NOT responded or challenged anything I've said.

Besides, another poster who AGREES with john2004's statement has defended it as correct..that it is better to get sick and die than commit the sin of using condoms.

So this poster who disagrees with me when it comes to Biblical doctrine, agrees with my interpretation of john2004's post.

So much for your claim that I have misrepresented john2004's post.

349 posted on 01/14/2004 7:56:18 PM PST by Jorge
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To: Jorge
Where is it? I've seen no post by john2004 disputing my interpretation of what he said.

So much for your claim that I have misrepresented john2004's post.

You are so pathetic a debater, its not even fun any more shooting down all your lies and errors. Its downright boring:


To: CAtholic Family Association
To: cajungirl
Yes. The act of contraception is intrinsically evil One may never commit an intrinsically evil act even if some limited good may come from it.

10 posted on 01/13/2004 11:10:17 AM EST by johnb2004

The above is my original post. Jorge is a liar and murderer of reputations. CFA has correctly represented my post and my intentions. Contraceptive devices are intrinsically EVIL and are always wrong. Using one with full knowledge, consent would be committing a mortal sin. That is not my teaching it is Christ's and I bind myself to Him.

The post from Fr. Torracco of EWTN fame should settle this discussion. Too many do not except that there exists an eternal Truth.
263 posted on 01/14/2004 8:55:34 AM EST by johnb2004
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350 posted on 01/14/2004 8:20:20 PM PST by Polycarp IV (http://www.cathfam.org/)
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To: Deo volente
Ping to my last post. Jorge is not worth your time nor mine.
351 posted on 01/14/2004 8:22:24 PM PST by Polycarp IV (http://www.cathfam.org/)
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To: CAtholic Family Association
Jorge"Where is it? I've seen no post by john2004 disputing my interpretation of what he said. So much for your claim that I have misrepresented john2004's post."

You are so pathetic a debater, its not even fun any more shooting down all your lies and errors. Its downright boring:

Right. I guess that's why you've spent more time and posts responding to me than any other poster in this entire thread. LOL! I'm still waiting for you to show me ONE lie or error that I've posted. Where are they? I must have missed them

Now let's address the post from john2004 you quote; --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To: CAtholic Family Association To: cajungirl Yes. The act of contraception is intrinsically evil One may never commit an intrinsically evil act even if some limited good may come from it.

10 posted on 01/13/2004 11:10:17 AM EST by johnb2004

The above is my original post. Jorge is CFA has correctly represented my post and my intentions. Contraceptive devices are intrinsically EVIL and are always wrong. Using one with full knowledge, consent would be committing a mortal sin. That is not my teaching it is Christ's and I bind myself to Him. The post from Fr. Torracco of EWTN fame should settle this discussion. Too many do not except that there exists an eternal Truth. 263 posted on 01/14/2004 8:55:34 AM EST by johnb2004

-------------------------------------------

So john2004 posted the EXACT statement that I quoted him stating.

How is does this make me "a liar and murderer of reputations."?

Neither you nor John2004 have shown me where I have misrepresented a single thing he said. John2004 says that it is better not to commit the sin of using condoms, EVEN if it means saving lives.
And that is EXACTLY what I claimed he said FROM THE BEGINNING.

The truth is, neither you nor John2004 can present a coherent response to my challenge, and are afraid to admit where you really stand on this issue, so you resort to shrieking wild accusation and personal insults instead.

I'll pray for you.

352 posted on 01/14/2004 8:46:47 PM PST by Jorge
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To: johnb2004
Jorge is a liar and murderer of reputations.

Where have I lied about you or attempted to damage your reputation john?

I would gladly apologize if you can show me where I have done either of these things.

But unfortunately you prefer to make these accusations to others and not challenge me directly.

If somebody posted lies about me and attempted to "murder" my reputation I wouldn't hesitate to challenge them.

Let's be honest here, you have not challenged me because you know you can't back up these accusations you have made about me nor shown anything I have posted to justify your claims.

And the fact is, you know I am right.

353 posted on 01/14/2004 8:58:24 PM PST by Jorge
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To: sinkspur
"There might be some applicability of the principle of double effect here: the woman uses the condom to save her life. That is the primary use. The fact that it also serves as a contraceptive is a secondary effect."



sinky, I agree with you on this issue. Life is the highest value. Spouses with AIDS should be allowed an exception.

I do not approve of condoms solely as contaceptives or for use by unmarried persons.

Homosexuals should use them at all times.
354 posted on 01/14/2004 9:05:50 PM PST by Palladin (Proud to be a FReeper!)
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To: CAtholic Family Association
To;Deo volente
"Ping to my last post. Jorge is not worth your time nor mine."
posted by CAtholic Family Association

That's right Deo. Take it from "CAtholic Family Association"...who has posted a dozen responses to me in the past 24 hrs. I'm not worth your time. Too funny!

Let's face it,"CAtholic Family Association" is really jealous because you posted a challenge to me that reflected a theological and doctrinal aspect of this debate that he/she/it just doesn't comprehend.

355 posted on 01/14/2004 9:14:54 PM PST by Jorge
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To: Palladin
sinky, I agree with you on this issue. Life is the highest value. Spouses with AIDS should be allowed an exception.
I do not approve of condoms solely as contaceptives or for use by unmarried persons.
Homosexuals should use them at all times.

Wow, this is one of the most reasonable posts I've read in this thread.

I believe it recognizes the true heart of God when it comes to balanced priorities as to moral laws and God's intentions.

Well said!

356 posted on 01/14/2004 9:29:53 PM PST by Jorge
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To: Palladin
Well, if you're read the wrath that's rained down on those who advocate as you do, you're a strong man.

I suspect many priests are giving your sage advice to their penitents, and God will not be harsh with them for doing so.

God does not condemn men and women to eternal death through no fault of their own.

But, you'll likely join me on the list of heretics here.

357 posted on 01/14/2004 9:35:43 PM PST by sinkspur (Adopt a shelter dog or cat! You'll save one life, and maybe two!)
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To: sinkspur
But, you'll likely join me on the list of heretics here.

Sup heretic? What it is?

358 posted on 01/14/2004 10:00:45 PM PST by Jorge
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To: CAtholic Family Association
You are so pathetic a debater, its not even fun any more shooting down all your lies and errors. Its downright boring

You like me. You really like me!

359 posted on 01/14/2004 10:04:02 PM PST by Jorge
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To: johnb2004
Jorge is a liar and murderer of reputations.

But I like you. Why don't you like me?

360 posted on 01/14/2004 10:13:43 PM PST by Jorge
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