INTRODUCTION
The document Humanae Vitae (On Human Life) is an encyclical letter written by Pope Paul VI and issued on 25th July, 1968, which was subtitled: On the Regulation of Birth. It therefore re-affirms the traditional teaching of the Catholic Church regarding conjugal love, responsible parenthood, and the continued rejection of most forms of birth control. However, the encyclical was controversial primarily because of its prohibition of all forms of artificial birth control. In 2008, Pope Benedict XVI called this topic “controversial, yet so crucial for humanity’s future… The document very soon became a sign of contradiction. It constitutes a significant show of courage in reasserting the continuity of the Church’s doctrine and tradition… What was true yesterday is true also today”. It is perhaps the most controversial and misunderstood document of the church.
According to Paul VI in addressing married couples said that they should fulfill the duties of married at all times amidst difficulties, but that even with the present evolution in the society with its attendant changes, new questions which the church could not pay a blind eye to has arise; questions that has a direct bearing on the life and happiness of men and women. Nevertheless, Humanae Vitae can be divided into three parts which are: Problem and Competence of the Magisterium, Doctrinal Principle, and Pastoral Directives. Moreover, we shall attempt a detailed review of the encyclical, provide an evaluation for it and then conclude.
Part One: Problem and Competence of the Magisterium - In this Part of the document Paul VI notes the changes which have taken place, and these are: rapid demographic development, that is, the expression of fear by many over the rapid increase of world population more than the available resources; the manner of considering the person of woman and her place in the society, and in the value to be attributed to conjugal love in marriage and the appreciation of it; and the human person quest to extend domination on nature. On this, Paul VI observes that the new state of things gives rise to new questions such as revision of the ethical norms, control of birth and it regulation.
Responding to the above, the Pope notes the need for a deeper reflection on the on the part of the church concerning the teaching on marriage and the correct use of conjugal rights and duties of husband and wife. To this effect and for a proper interpretation of natural law, the commissions of experts were given the task of studying and providing answers to the new questions regarding conjugal life, and specifically on the regulation of births. However, though not satisfied with the conclusion of the commission as they are not considered to be definitive, nor was there a full concordance of judgments concerning the moral norms to be proposed or reached, and ultimately because certain criteria of solutions had emerged which are not in agreement with the moral teaching on marriage proposed by the teaching authority of the church. Thus, Paul VI maintains that after mature reflection and prayers, we now intend (Himself and some Bishops) by virtues of the mandate entrusted to us by Christ, to give our reply to these graves questions-hence, the doctrinal principles of the church regarding conjugal life and regulation of birth.
Part Two: Doctrinal Principles - Here Paul VI gave a total vision of man. According to him, the problem of birth, like every other problem regarding human life is to be considered beyond partial perspectives-whether of the biological or the psychological, demographic or sociological orders-in the light of an integral vision of man and of his vocation, not only his natural and earthly, but also supernatural and eternal vocation. To this, the Pope gave the characteristic marks of conjugal love which are: 1. Conjugal love as a fully human act intended to endure and to grow by means of joy and sorrow of daily life and together attain their human perfection. 2. Conjugal love is total, a special form of shearing between couples without undue reservation or selfish calculations. 3. Conjugal love is faithful and exclusive until death. 4. Conjugal love is fecund; it is not exhausted between couples but destined to continue rising up new lives. Thus, bringing about the connection between “Marriage and Conjugal love, that is, they by their nature ordained towards the begetting and education of children.
Children are really the supreme gift of marriage and contribute very substantially to the welfare of their parent. Also, in the task of transmitting life, husband and wife are not free to proceed completely at will, but they must conform their activity to the creative intention of God, expressed in the very nature of marriage and of its acts, and manifested by the constant teaching of the church. Nonetheless, he observes that circumstances often dictate that married couples should limit the number of children, and that the sexual act between them still worthy even if it can be foreseen not to result in procreation. Moreover, it is held that the sexual act must retain its intrinsic relationship to the procreation of human life. Every action specifically intending to prevent procreation is forbidden, except in medically necessary circumstances. To this effect the Pope went on to say that the method of artificial birth control will result to some grave consequences among which are: a general lowering of moral standard resulting from sex without consequences, the danger that men may reduce women to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of their own desires, and finally abuse of power by the public authorities, and a false sense of autonomy.
Part Three: Pastoral Directive - In this part in which the Pope gives pastoral directives, he first of all note that not strengthening people in the path of honest regulation of birth, even in the midst of the difficult conditions families and people find themselves, if, after having recalled people to the observance and respect of the divine law regarding matrimony, would make their words an inadequate expression of the thought and solicitude of the church, who is Mater et Magistra (Mother and Teacher). Thus, Paul VI maintains that firstly, for the honest practices of regulation of birth by husband and wife, it is demanded that they acquired and possess solid convictions concerning the true values of life and of the family, and that they tend towards securing perfect self-mastering. Also that there is the need of creating an atmosphere favorable to education in chastity, that is, to the triumph of healthy liberty over license by means of respect for the moral order by educators and those who contribute to the common good of human society.
Evaluation: By and large, as controversial as it appeared, Humanae Vitae is today regarded as prophetic. It prediction about the effects of contraceptives on society are seen today as accurate. Thus, according to Paul VI, artificial methods of birth control open the way of lowering moral standards for the young as well as leads marital infidelity. Again, the issue of contraceptive will lead to the lowering of respect for woman; husband will regard their wife as mere instrument to serve their own desires. Also, the Pope warned that the use of artificial methods of birth control will be dangerous tools in the hands of government or public authorities who care little about the moral law, and who may force the use of contraceptives on everyone. Truly seen in our environment today, is the realization of the warnings of Paul VI, and more. As he rightly indicated, marriage is disintegrating, with nearly fifty percent ending in divorce. Marital infidelity is almost expected in marriages. Sex is no longer a symbol of marital love, it’s now use to promote products and as entertainment. It has become a selfish self-centered pleasure overwhelming God’s intent that it be an integral and inseparable part of the sacrament of marriage. The unitive and procreative part of marriage has been separated – force apart by many. His admonishment to be concerned about the use of contraception by public authorities, imposing it on their populations has been evidenced in many developing nations and mostly in China (the one child policy).
It is evident that abortion has grown to be viewed by many as a “right to choose”, or as a “reproductive health” issue. Even marriage itself is not spear of this attack by many, same sex marriage increasingly viewed as a right and lifestyle choice. Our society today is permeated with immorality including promiscuity, pornography, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide etc. abortion on demand has grown not only in scope, but also to the point of acceptance where many view it as a “right”. However, one can hope that this is an indicator that at least some are still uncomfortable with the bare facts and that there might be hope in working to change the situation towards God’s divine will.
Conclusion: Paul VI acknowledges the reality that “not everyone will easily accept this particular teaching, which is no surprise to the church. The Pope predicts that future progress in social cultural and economical spheres will make marital and family life more joyful, provided that the design of God for the world is faithfully followed. At this point it is worthy to note that the teachings of the church on contraception are a true and infallible today as they have been, historically. What we are reaping to today are the comprehensive result of dissent and immorality in the disintegration of moral norms.
Fr law Sdv
The document Humanae Vitae (On Human Life) is an encyclical letter written by Pope Paul VI and issued on 25th July, 1968, which was subtitled: On the Regulation of Birth. It therefore re-affirms the traditional teaching of the Catholic Church regarding conjugal love, responsible parenthood, and the continued rejection of most forms of birth control. However, the encyclical was controversial primarily because of its prohibition of all forms of artificial birth control. In 2008, Pope Benedict XVI called this topic “controversial, yet so crucial for humanity’s future… The document very soon became a sign of contradiction. It constitutes a significant show of courage in reasserting the continuity of the Church’s doctrine and tradition… What was true yesterday is true also today”. It is perhaps the most controversial and misunderstood document of the church.
According to Paul VI in addressing married couples said that they should fulfill the duties of married at all times amidst difficulties, but that even with the present evolution in the society with its attendant changes, new questions which the church could not pay a blind eye to has arise; questions that has a direct bearing on the life and happiness of men and women. Nevertheless, Humanae Vitae can be divided into three parts which are: Problem and Competence of the Magisterium, Doctrinal Principle, and Pastoral Directives. Moreover, we shall attempt a detailed review of the encyclical, provide an evaluation for it and then conclude.
Part One: Problem and Competence of the Magisterium - In this Part of the document Paul VI notes the changes which have taken place, and these are: rapid demographic development, that is, the expression of fear by many over the rapid increase of world population more than the available resources; the manner of considering the person of woman and her place in the society, and in the value to be attributed to conjugal love in marriage and the appreciation of it; and the human person quest to extend domination on nature. On this, Paul VI observes that the new state of things gives rise to new questions such as revision of the ethical norms, control of birth and it regulation.
Responding to the above, the Pope notes the need for a deeper reflection on the on the part of the church concerning the teaching on marriage and the correct use of conjugal rights and duties of husband and wife. To this effect and for a proper interpretation of natural law, the commissions of experts were given the task of studying and providing answers to the new questions regarding conjugal life, and specifically on the regulation of births. However, though not satisfied with the conclusion of the commission as they are not considered to be definitive, nor was there a full concordance of judgments concerning the moral norms to be proposed or reached, and ultimately because certain criteria of solutions had emerged which are not in agreement with the moral teaching on marriage proposed by the teaching authority of the church. Thus, Paul VI maintains that after mature reflection and prayers, we now intend (Himself and some Bishops) by virtues of the mandate entrusted to us by Christ, to give our reply to these graves questions-hence, the doctrinal principles of the church regarding conjugal life and regulation of birth.
Part Two: Doctrinal Principles - Here Paul VI gave a total vision of man. According to him, the problem of birth, like every other problem regarding human life is to be considered beyond partial perspectives-whether of the biological or the psychological, demographic or sociological orders-in the light of an integral vision of man and of his vocation, not only his natural and earthly, but also supernatural and eternal vocation. To this, the Pope gave the characteristic marks of conjugal love which are: 1. Conjugal love as a fully human act intended to endure and to grow by means of joy and sorrow of daily life and together attain their human perfection. 2. Conjugal love is total, a special form of shearing between couples without undue reservation or selfish calculations. 3. Conjugal love is faithful and exclusive until death. 4. Conjugal love is fecund; it is not exhausted between couples but destined to continue rising up new lives. Thus, bringing about the connection between “Marriage and Conjugal love, that is, they by their nature ordained towards the begetting and education of children.
Children are really the supreme gift of marriage and contribute very substantially to the welfare of their parent. Also, in the task of transmitting life, husband and wife are not free to proceed completely at will, but they must conform their activity to the creative intention of God, expressed in the very nature of marriage and of its acts, and manifested by the constant teaching of the church. Nonetheless, he observes that circumstances often dictate that married couples should limit the number of children, and that the sexual act between them still worthy even if it can be foreseen not to result in procreation. Moreover, it is held that the sexual act must retain its intrinsic relationship to the procreation of human life. Every action specifically intending to prevent procreation is forbidden, except in medically necessary circumstances. To this effect the Pope went on to say that the method of artificial birth control will result to some grave consequences among which are: a general lowering of moral standard resulting from sex without consequences, the danger that men may reduce women to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of their own desires, and finally abuse of power by the public authorities, and a false sense of autonomy.
Part Three: Pastoral Directive - In this part in which the Pope gives pastoral directives, he first of all note that not strengthening people in the path of honest regulation of birth, even in the midst of the difficult conditions families and people find themselves, if, after having recalled people to the observance and respect of the divine law regarding matrimony, would make their words an inadequate expression of the thought and solicitude of the church, who is Mater et Magistra (Mother and Teacher). Thus, Paul VI maintains that firstly, for the honest practices of regulation of birth by husband and wife, it is demanded that they acquired and possess solid convictions concerning the true values of life and of the family, and that they tend towards securing perfect self-mastering. Also that there is the need of creating an atmosphere favorable to education in chastity, that is, to the triumph of healthy liberty over license by means of respect for the moral order by educators and those who contribute to the common good of human society.
Evaluation: By and large, as controversial as it appeared, Humanae Vitae is today regarded as prophetic. It prediction about the effects of contraceptives on society are seen today as accurate. Thus, according to Paul VI, artificial methods of birth control open the way of lowering moral standards for the young as well as leads marital infidelity. Again, the issue of contraceptive will lead to the lowering of respect for woman; husband will regard their wife as mere instrument to serve their own desires. Also, the Pope warned that the use of artificial methods of birth control will be dangerous tools in the hands of government or public authorities who care little about the moral law, and who may force the use of contraceptives on everyone. Truly seen in our environment today, is the realization of the warnings of Paul VI, and more. As he rightly indicated, marriage is disintegrating, with nearly fifty percent ending in divorce. Marital infidelity is almost expected in marriages. Sex is no longer a symbol of marital love, it’s now use to promote products and as entertainment. It has become a selfish self-centered pleasure overwhelming God’s intent that it be an integral and inseparable part of the sacrament of marriage. The unitive and procreative part of marriage has been separated – force apart by many. His admonishment to be concerned about the use of contraception by public authorities, imposing it on their populations has been evidenced in many developing nations and mostly in China (the one child policy).
It is evident that abortion has grown to be viewed by many as a “right to choose”, or as a “reproductive health” issue. Even marriage itself is not spear of this attack by many, same sex marriage increasingly viewed as a right and lifestyle choice. Our society today is permeated with immorality including promiscuity, pornography, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide etc. abortion on demand has grown not only in scope, but also to the point of acceptance where many view it as a “right”. However, one can hope that this is an indicator that at least some are still uncomfortable with the bare facts and that there might be hope in working to change the situation towards God’s divine will.
Conclusion: Paul VI acknowledges the reality that “not everyone will easily accept this particular teaching, which is no surprise to the church. The Pope predicts that future progress in social cultural and economical spheres will make marital and family life more joyful, provided that the design of God for the world is faithfully followed. At this point it is worthy to note that the teachings of the church on contraception are a true and infallible today as they have been, historically. What we are reaping to today are the comprehensive result of dissent and immorality in the disintegration of moral norms.
Fr law Sdv
The use of artificial contraceptive in the light of "Humanae vitae.
ReplyDeleteMy catechises project topic.
Thank you padre for a close scrutiny of this work.
I thought I was writing a thesis for a Master degree! Haha!!
I learnt a lot.
God bless your ministry
Yea
Delete