Drawn to God's design Cath converts share how Church’s teaching on contraception led them to Faith

OSV ^ | January 22, 2015 | Anamaria Scaperlanda Biddick

[goodwithagun]

We live in Steubenville, home of Franciscan University, and it's quite common to see families of 10+. The lines at drop offs and pick ups at the Catholic schools are dominated by conversion vans, third row seating SUVs, and the ultra mod Dodge Sprinters. Our former babysitter was number six of eleven. They range from early thirties to elementary school. Our current sitter is number two of ten. She's 17 and the youngest is eight months. There are multiple whole pew families at every service. This is completely anecdotal, of course. When we visit the in-laws, there are fewer examples of this. What I have noticed is that those from these big families want to have many children also. This gives me hope for our Christian nation.

[babygene]

“Not true.”

Sterilization works, trust me...

[goodwithagun]

The “rhythm method” is no longer used. NPF is not this.

[goodwithagun]

*NFP

[metmom]

Well, 99% effective sounds pretty good... if you only have sex 12 times a year.

Yeah, like that's any kind of marriage to be in.....

[babygene]

“The “rhythm method” is no longer used. NPF is not this.”

Sorry, I’m old (pushing seventy)... I have no clue what NPF is.

[moonhawk]

Since “millegan” didn’t post this thread, what evidence do you have that it’s the same Millegan in the article?

Not like it’s an uncommon name

[babygene]

“When did raising your replacements become a bad thing?”

It’s not, but my spouse has been in a wheelchair since the mid seventies. I’m OK with the two I have.

[babygene]

“Yeah, like that’s any kind of marriage to be in.....”

I know what you mean.

[terycarl]

The best choice for a Catholic family is sterilization rather than birth control. Also a sin, but a one time deal rather than every week for years.

You seem to be really at easy encouraging OTHER people to sin...what's with that???

[DuncanWaring]

The “millegan” who posts here links to the “churchpop” blog he is credited in this article with authoring.

[humblegunner]

Since “millegan” didn’t post this thread, what evidence do you have that it’s the same Millegan in the article?

The direct association with the poorly-crafted and obscure blog "churchpop"
is pretty much a dead giveaway for me. How about you?

[terycarl]

Haven’t met any Catholic families that large in a long time. Matter of fact, the usual number is 3.

My wife is the oldest of 15....My sister has 9

[babygene]

“You seem to be really at easy encouraging OTHER people to sin...what’s with that???”

Everybody’s situation is different. In mine, and this was more than forty years ago... My spouse was disabled and in a wheelchair. Her doctors said she could not have any more kids. She talked to the priest about having her tubes tied and he said “go for it”.

[goodwithagun]

The rhythm method is counting days and assuming fertile time. Women's true cycles are not 28 days, and they fluctuate depending on many variables. NFP involves charting basal temperature, cervical mucus, and cervical opening size to determine precise ovulation. After very simple training, most women can figure out fertile days based on mucus alone. At this point the married couple can have sex knowing that pregnancy could occur and then lovingly accept the baby, or choose to abstain from sex. It really is a way for husband and wife to show the ultimate respect for one another. Interestingly, the method is so accurate that obgyns recommend it for couples struggling to conceive. This pinpoints the exact day so that they have the best chance.

[moonhawk]

Now I know. Thank you for the courteous response.

[metmom]

And they’re how old at this point?

Find me some younger ones.

[Salvation]

But it is against God's plan....do you have a Bible? Does it have th book of Genesis in it?

Genesis 1

 

26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth."

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

28 And God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth."

29 And God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food.

30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food." And it was so.

31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, a sixth day.

[terycarl]

Well, 99% effective sounds pretty good... if you only have sex 12 times a year. Yeah, like that's any kind of marriage to be in.....

Until the 20th century, ALL protestant denominations taught against artificial contraceptives, but you know how those protestant churches...they just change the rules as they go along to suit their needs......

[terycarl]

And they’re how old at this point? Find me some younger ones.,/i>

If you count Hispanic Catholics, our parish is FULL of them...however, NFP worked very well for younger Catholics and we certainly aren't ashamed of anything....I don't think most Protestants accepted NFP and rely more on the pill,IUD, condom, and worse...the morning after pill....sad.