Tag Archives: Christianity

Christopher West in Pittsburgh

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Those reading and commenting on my series of posts about NFP might be interested in this.

God, Sex and the Meaning of Life: An Introduction to Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body

Christopher West
Wednesday, April 5, 2006 7:30 p.m.
Many think they understand what the church teaches about the body and the relationship between man and woman. However, the deeper reasons – the why of these teachings – are not well understood. The human body is meant to be a sign of God’s own life and love in the world. Join Christopher West for a thought provoking presentation that will enrich your understanding of human sexuality and the spiritual power it contains.

Christopher West teaches the theology of the body at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver and at the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Melbourne, Australia. He also serves as the Theology of the Body Staff Advisor for the GIFT Foundation. His books, extensive lecturing, numerous tapes, and his radio and TV appearances have sparked an international groundswell of interest in John Paul II’s theology of the body. He is married to Wendy and has three children.

Comments and Questions:  Diocese of Pittsburgh Department for Communications

Investigating NFP: Newman’s Prayer for Seekers

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Since my motives have been questioned on multiple occasions throughout this series, I’ve decided to post the following prayer by John Henry Newman for use by myself and anyone else who is struggling with the Church’s teachings regarding periodic abstinence.  (Fedora Tip: Pontifications)

O my God, I confess that Thou canst enlighten my darkness—confess that Thou only canst. I wish my darkness to be enlightened. I do not know whether Thou wilt; but that Thou canst, and that I wish, are sufficient reasons for me to ask what Thou at least hast not forbidden my asking. I hereby promise Thee that, by Thy grace which I am seeking, I will embrace whatever I at length feel certain is the truth, if ever I come to be certain. And by Thy grace I will guard against all self deceit which may lead me to take what nature would have, rather than what reason approves. Amen.

Investigating NFP: An Ob/Gyn’s Point of View

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If the following podcast had a text transcript I’d consider using it for the last post of this series.  Since it doesn’t, I’ll just point you folks to it so you can listen at your leisure.

Today we have a conversation with Dr Paddy Jim Baggot, MD. He is a Catholic Physician board certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Geneticist specializing in preconception health and NaProTechnology, which is a new reproductive science for assisting couples to conceive naturally without the use of artificial reproductive techniques.

He has studied at the Pope Paul VI Institute, a health science research insitution dedicated to following Catholic teaching in all aspects of Human reproduction.

Dr Baggot talks about Humanae Vitae, Donum Vitae, Pope Paul VI’s call for Doctors and Men of Science to "considerably advance the welfare of marriage and the family and also peace of conscience, if by pooling their efforts they strive to elucidate more thoroughly the conditions favorable to a proper regulation of births", the Church’s teaching on artificial contraception, In Vitro Fertilization, new ways to treat infertility, Natural Family Planning, etc….

Paddy Jim Baggot on Obstetrics/Gynecology and Catholic Teaching

Investigating NFP: Pius XI

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Click here to read the previous post in this series.

It’s time to get our hands dirty by digging into the writings of recent popes to find out what they had to say about contraceptive issues. Let’s start with Pius XI’s 1930 Casti Connubii, which was written in response to the Anglican Communion’s decision that year to permit artificial contraception within marriage (general acceptance came later).

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Investigating NFP: Sidebar on Definitions

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In response to a debate in the comments to my first investigative post about NFP, I’ve decided to query my readers for their opinions.  Please consider answering these surveys. I’d like Catholics and non-Catholics alike to participate.

Survey link: Do you believe that "birth control" and "contraceptive" are synonymous?
Survey link: Do you believe that NFP/FAM is a method of contraception?