[RobbyS]

Forty years ago, I also could see no difference between NFP and the use of contraceptives, and logically the case is hard to make. But in terms of consequence, the matter is clear. "Contraceptive Mentality" is not a mere rhetoric: It describes a world view in which charity is replayed by sentiment, duty by royal whim. Few who use NFP will, in the end, resort to abortion; the same is not true of those who use contraceptives, to whom a pregnancy is a "problem"to be fixed, an abortion a final solution. For the latter, every sex act is open to a death.

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

Forty years ago, I also could see no difference between NFP and the use of contraceptives, and logically the case is hard to make. But in terms of consequence, the matter is clear. "Contraceptive Mentality" is not a mere rhetoric: It describes a world view in which charity is replayed by sentiment, duty by royal whim. Few who use NFP will, in the end, resort to abortion; the same is not true of those who use contraceptives, to whom a pregnancy is a "problem"to be fixed, an abortion a final solution. For the latter, every sex act is open to a death.

Look, Robby, unlike most Protestants I will freely stipulate that the Contraceptive Mentality is in and of itself a sinful attitude.

My arguments simply attend to the assertion that NFP is somehow more "procedurally ethical" than non-abortifacient mechanical contraception. I don't buy it. Both NFP or non-abortifacient Mechanical contraception can be used to service a sinful Contraceptive Mentality; that should be obvious, if you think about it. But neither NFP nor Mechanical methodology is necessarily employed to service a Contraceptive Mentality, in certain "stewardship"-type cases of Family Poverty and lack of economic means; and I do not at this time buy the argument that in such cases NFP is somehow more "procedurally ethical" than non-abortifacient Mechanical contraception.

At present, I am content to be uncompromising in my opposition to all forms of chemical contraception in all cases, because contrary to Reverend Dobson, I know that all abortifacients violate the Sixth Commandment. I am genuinely interested in the NFP-vs-Mechanical contraceptive procedural question, but am electing to table my critiques on that subject at this time.

Polycarp may direct a specific thread on that subject to my attention any time he likes; on a dedicated thread, I will gladly (and as best I can, humbly) offer him my personal mumblings on the subject anytime he should request.