[uglyworld]

I'm not sure how Vatican II's responsible for the unfortunate rise in divorce. Don't you think the decline of religious and priestly vocations might be paving the way for a great role of the laity? Of course, only priests can celebrate eucharist and are the lowest one can go on the hierarchy for other functions and sacraments, but I know I'd personally like to get involved as much as possible. Even at the time of the council, most people approved of birth control, but the Church decided to go against the popular opinion. I've wondered whether about the Church's motivation behind this. Interestingly, my sponsor told me many of the consequences of birth control Pius VI enumerated in Humanae Vitae have proven themselves true.

[BlessedBeGod]

Even at the time of the council, most people approved of birth control, but the Church decided to go against the popular opinion. I've wondered whether about the Church's motivation behind this.

LOL! The Church isn't run by popular opinion -- it's run by the Holy Spirit. It doesn't change with the wind -- it's got a solid bedrock of teachings and Tradition that guides it through time, no matter what public opinion is. It's kind of nice to know that there's a rock to cling to that does not consist of reactions to changes in society. You always know what's right and what's wrong, which is something society as a whole doesn't (example: abortion).

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

Interestingly, my sponsor told me many of the consequences of birth control Pius VI enumerated in Humanae Vitae have proven themselves true.

You need a new sponsor. By the way, that was Paul VI who authored Humanae Vitae. Pius VI was Pope from 1775-1799.