Pope Benedict XVI says that condom use is acceptable "in certain cases." What do you think of his new stance?

Question

Pope Benedict XVI says that condom use is acceptable "in certain cases." What do you think of his new stance?

Answer 1

I think that condom usage should be the choice of human beings in general regardless of what certain religions stand on it. And I believe that in some way, what Pope Benedict XVI said in effect marks a turning point in the way they view these "scientifically-engineered artificial contraceptives" as they veer away from the issue of population growth to the issue of disease prevention. I do have to point out, his example pretty much sums up that he still regards the notion as totally inappropriate in general, and tries his best to emphasize prostitutes and not the common everyday being.



There are many controversies surrounding the Philippine shores in regards to the RH bill and condom usage, that I can't help but view this report quite timely. The issue of the RH bill seems to have a lot of people focusing on the population explosion, rather than the much scarier threat of STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), as STDs are now called. Natural methods are well and good if you can safely assume that your partner is faithful, but nowadays, that's not as easy to tell.



You do have to wonder whether this change in stand came from the clamor of pro-condom lobbying for a re-evaluation of the church's stance or the devastating reports of AIDS and HIV all over the world painting a very ugly picture of sexual ignorance fostered by the talk of reproductive health being a taboo subject in more cultures than you can imagine.

Answer 2

Aide: Benedict XVI Doesn't Justify Condom Use. Notes Pope's Ability to See Small Steps of Impoverished Humanity.

Father Lombardi noted that Benedict XVI answered the writer, German journalist Peter Seewald by insisting

"on the fact that focusing only on condoms is equivalent to banalizing

sexuality, which loses its meaning as an expression of love between

persons and becomes a 'drug.'"The spokesman affirmed that

"fighting against banalization of sexuality is 'part of the great effort

to help sexuality be valued positively and have a positive effect on

man in his totality.'"He added, "In the light of this broad and

profound vision of human sexuality and the contemporary discussion of

it, the Pope reaffirms that 'naturally the Church does not consider

condoms as the authentic and moral solution' to the problem of AIDS.""In this the Pope does not reform or change the Church's teaching, but reaffirms it," the priest stated."At

the same time the Pope considers an exceptional circumstance in which

the exercise of sexuality represents a real threat for the life of

another," the spokesman explained.

Answer 3

It may raise a confusion to our people especially to the mass. It's a fact that large number of people in our country (Philippines) are not that educated. The church should be specific on their stance and let the people absorb what is their point. For the church, it's a gutsy but very risky move to shift to another level of morality. This stance can really help the prevention of HIV if a person will really just use it for protection not for birth control. It also eliminates the "hiya" (shy) factor from Filipinos to buy condoms just to protect themselves. The down side of this is it may look like the church is allowing prostitutes to continue what their doing for a living. It may be an advantage for a person to commit adultery. But whatever you will perceive this stance or for whatever reason you will use these means of protection it will always be between you and God.

Answer 4

It's not a new stance. The problem with using condoms as a preventative measure against STD's is that, on a social level, it doesn't work. There is no evidence that it does. There is not one country where condom worship has been effective against the spread of AIDS. Harvard AIDS researcher Prof. Green agrees with the Pope on that issue. That has not changed.



Contraception is still evil, and homosexual acts are still intrinsically disordered. But suppose a man has AIDS and wants to have sex with his wife. The Church does not think it is moral NOT to use a condom which would result in the premature death of the wife. There is nothing humane about an AIDS victim killing his wife, or anybody else for that matter. Don't let the media twist what the Pope actually said.

Answer 5

His original stance was extremely detrimental

to Africa (and the rest of the world, as well).



This is like a band-aid which isn't sufficient

to stanch the flow of blood.



Being responsible is a huge step in the

right direction for ALL of humanity -

which means each of us must take on

responsibility individually.



Therefore, teaching others to NOT be

responsible, most especially when

your position in life is such that your

advice/comments is/are heard by

billions of people, is very irresponsible.



Edit - Apparently Illuminator didn't proof read his/her

post. If condoms reduce the chances of an AIDS / HIV

infected husband spreading the disease to his wife, why the hell wouldn't it work for others?

Besides, there ARE stats that completely negate his answer...



http://www.avert.org/condoms.htm

Answer 6

Among legally/legitimately married couples, where one party unfortunately contracted a disease, (whether due to personal indiscretion or by accidental transfusion of an infected blood) and knowing that the mode of transmission of such diseases as HIV/AIDS, siphilis, gonorrhea, etc. can happen through sexual intercourse, then indeed, the use of condom is a humane act towards the other healthy spouse who deserves love and respect more than secrecy and continuing infidelity.

Answer 7

The church did not and will never change her position as pro-life against pro choice. It's sad to say that things are being mixed up for the purpose of distorting the true meaning of truth and good. Condom is never the answer to our problem but will just worsen the scenario of our society and eventually will just open another series of problems in the social, ecclesial, personal, and moral aspect of our life. The statement "in certain cases" doesnt mean it is the main way, but in the instances were prostitute men, who are infected by HIV/AIDS, in order to prevent such cases to proliferate it is to accept its use but is never the ultimate means. The answer is abstinence! "Mag Tiis Tayo" as Manny P said. To those with HIV/AIDS please do not anymore engage into sexual immoralities because for all you know you are the main factor that affects the ever increasing number of victims who are now suffering beacuse of your irresponsibility. Respect the nature of Man and be the 'first step' to stop this problem.

Answer 8

The pope just noticed that using contraceptives had been accepted by the people.Maybe he's stance regarding this fact is a 50-50 basis.Though he is inclined to religious affairs but still he knew the nature of being human.What might be the world tommorow if population can never be controlled?

Answer 9

$$$$$$$ if 1 Catholic has 13 kids and they have 13 kids and they have 13 kids well you can see the Logic of the Church @ 10% of their income (no matter if they eat) the Church is able to Keep up its hundreds of years of Gold laden Statute silk robes and Jewels covered Crosses. Being one of the world’s Largest Land owners isn’t cheap.

I cannot see anywhere in the Bible that it states that the Pope or any religious fowler should be ordained with all knowing powers and wealth. Oh all Knowing if I remember is reserved for GOD, Christ if the stories are true not only didn’t have an ornate building to preach from but stated it was not what GOD wants. His robe didn’t cost more than his follower’s food bill for a month. I believe in GOD and Christ but not the massive multi-billion dollar businesses like the Catholic Church. With all this CEO has to worry about Like rape of young boys and pilfering of land and money from the masses, let the decision of child birth up to the one feeding them.

Answer 10

That's pretty good. I think its been century already had passed that the State is silent to the way the Church inculcate to the mind of his flocks regarding the natural method/s of contraceptive to protect the unwanted pregnancy and any sexual or dreaded diseases. I think its time for the Church to re-visit again the Church dogma in order that the same will be aligned to the present situation. " As Abraham asked the LORD..... why is it that there is need for a law for HIS people." "The Lord said that the Law was made because the people were stubborn." So from time immemorial.......the there is already a LAW for the stubbornness of the people. The artificial contraceptive....... I think is not contrary to the will of GOD. To plan how many siblings you may have in building your family is, I think, within the ambit of the will of GOD. Because the LORD GOD wants us to have the number of family that we can afford to support. The LORD GOD hates poverty and famine to the family. That is why HE created a wonderful world that is full of blessings, in order for us to live happily. But what had happened is that, increase in population and the uneven distributions of wealth causes a lot of trouble in this wonderful world that GOD creates for us. The Church must adopt what is good for the present, in-order for the Church flocks or people will feel that they were not left alone without a Shepherd.

Answer 11

The Pope's statement is not really a new Church teaching.



The experts say:



Last year, Edward C. Green, director of the AIDS Prevention Research Project at the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, wrote: "In every African country in which HIV infections declined, this decline has been associated with a decrease in the proportion of men and women reporting more than one sex partner over the course of a year—which is exactly what fidelity programs promote."



And: "Many countries that have not seen declines in HIV have seen increases in condom use, but in every country worldwide in which HIV has declined there have been increases in levels of faithfulness and usually abstinence as well." http://www.harvardaidsprp.org/index.html



Sam L. Ruteikara, co-chair of Uganda's National AIDS-Prevention Committee wrote: The proportion of Ugandans infected with HIV plunged from 21 percent in 1991 to 6 percent in 2002. Telling men and women to keep sex sacred -- to save sex for marriage and then remain faithful -- is telling them to love one another deeply with their whole hearts. Most HIV infections in Africa are spread by sex outside of marriage: casual sex and infidelity. The solution is faithful love. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/29/AR2008062901477.html?wpisrc=newsletter



See also:

+ The Washington Post, "The Pope May be Right", March 29, 2009: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/27/AR2009032702825.html

+ Science, "Reassessing HIV Prevention", May 9, 2008: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/320/5877/749?ck=nck



The Catholic Church has never asked unmarried people to have unprotected sex. Neither has she asked married couples with diseases to have unprotected sex.



Judeo-Christian tradition has taught for thousands of years:

1. Single people should be celibate.

2. Married people should be faithful to each other (adultery is wrong).

3. Married couples should welcome God's gift of children and, therefore, artificial birth control is against the will of God.



If the world is going to ignore teachings about chastity (1 & 2), then why is the world so upset about teaching artificial birth control (3)?



People who are already ignoring the more important teachings about chastity (1 and 2) should have no problem ignoring the less important teaching of artificial birth control (3).



Even if a person infected with AIDS was to use a condom to help protect his or her spouse, condoms are not 100% effective (read the box) and the spouse may be infected and die anyway. A person who truly loves their spouse would not endanger them in this way.



In regards to sex outside of marriage, the Church's practice is usually not to tell people how to sin. With or without a condom:

• Fornication is still fornication

• Adultery is still adultery

• Rape is still rape



Now in the new book “Light of the World,” the Pope repeated his argument that focusing exclusively on condoms damages human sexuality, making it “banal” and turning it into a kind of “drug.” But he went on to say that in specific single cases — like prostitutes — condom use may be justified as a first step toward taking moral responsibility for one’s actions. http://cnsblog.wordpress.com/2010/11/20/the-popes-comments-on-condoms/



With love in Christ.

Answer 12

the Pope is just echoing the voices of St.Agustine and St.Thomas Aquinas

regarding the harlots or prostitutes.





Summa Theologica: Part II of book II, question 10, article 11



I answer that, Human government is derived from the Divine government, and should imitate it. Now although God is all-powerful and supremely good, nevertheless He allows certain evils to take place in the universe, which He might prevent, lest, without them, greater goods might be forfeited, or greater evils ensue. Accordingly in human government also, those who are in authority, rightly tolerate certain evils, lest certain goods be lost, or certain greater evils be incurred: thus Augustine says (De Ordine ii, 4): "If you do away with harlots, the world will be convulsed with lust." Hence, though unbelievers sin in their rites, they may be tolerated, either on account of some good that ensues therefrom, or because of some evil avoided. Thus from the fact that the Jews observe their rites, which, of old, foreshadowed the truth of the faith which we hold, there follows this good--that our very enemies bear witness to our faith, and that our faith is represented in a figure, so to speak. For this reason they are tolerated in the observance of their rites.



Divine Providence and The Problem of Evil - St. Augustine

What can be mentioned more sordid, more bereft of decency, or more full of turpitude than prostitutes, procurers, and the other pests of that sort? Remove prostitutes from human affairs, and you will unsettle everything because of lusts; place them in the position of matrons, and you will dishonor these latter by disgrace and ignominy. This class of people is, therefore, by its own mode of life most unchaste in its morals; by the law of order, it is most vile in social condition.

Answer 13

Since contraceptives is believed to be anti-life-sin for christians. His words would probably aid the conscience of those who have used for some prudent reasons. Maybe, to prevent the transmission if HIV to their sex partner(s) regardless marital or not. However, I do not see any significant factor for it to be considered as "step to a more humane sexuality". Besides, if condoms can really prevent AIDS to spread, HIV cases would not grow in huge rate eveyday since it has long been used. For me, it only sounds like making an option between "abstenence" or "wear-ur-sack".

Answer 14

As one who is married I can live and make love with my wife without the use of condoms. I just really don't know why other people find it hard to do so without using condoms.



I think condom use is only for those who cannot control their sexual urges and so let things out with partners other than their wives (there goes the risk of spreading a disease of the worst type). The solution therefore is to go out and spend time doing meaningful activities like getting involved in sports and charitable works that enhance our value system. Lastly, don't get married if you are not sure of your feelings with the woman you are about to marry. It's as simple as that.

Answer 15

i don't agree with this. first and foremost, our church should be the one to help fight against this and shouldn't be sidestepped in any way. no matter what the circumstances are, we should follow what we've been fighting for and be firm about it. the thing is, the catholic church should actually help people realize the fault in using these contraceptives. it is as a matter of fact already killing a life, a human being if we use this method. i just hope that the people would think about it and that the church would again fight for what is right and what is wrong.

Answer 16

i think, giving a universal decision to all of the Christian community or country in general, it should be firm and could not be altered in time. it should not be with exception. because, some other countries followed the benediction of the church strictly without exception. but then the church itself altered its former decision. for instance in Philippines, a Christian country, the state cannot move on to pursue and combat the main problem of people, the increasingly and accelerating blooming population. the state is pursuing the use of contraceptives to prevent the accelerating booming of the population, but the church in Philippines is the major sect that stop the implementation of such laws. but then, with its realization of the issue of transmitted diseases, they are now withdrawing of such benedictions. this is NOT ACCEPTABLE.. PLEASE BE FIRM OF CHURCH DECISIONS.

Answer 17

Just as the "Book of Mormon" can be re-written at the whim of the "living prophet" with no mention of Jesus Christ; so then the "Pope", who the Roman Catholics say is the same as or instead of God

(vicarius Christi) can change his mind and re-write canon whenever he chooses.



Barclay Cap. XXVII, p. 218. cites Petrus Bertrandus, Pius V "The Pope and God are the same, so he has all power in heaven and earth."



"cites" =quotes, Petrus Bertrandus (latin)=Pierre Bertrand (french) in the medieval times, the transliteration of names into Latin was common in clergy. ^ Pierre Bertrand (cardinal) - Catholic Encyclopedia article

This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Herbermann, Charles, ed (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia. Robert Appleton Company.



his ideas (at wiki) seem to fit the general high middle ages "struggle for investiture" - whether popes should install the kings or vice versa..ie. the fight between the secular and clerical nobilities.

http://www.google.com/search?q=struggle+…



Please don't take my word for it Check these sites: Amazing Catholic claims regarding the Pope

http://www.lightministries.com/id523.htm

http://books.google.com/books?id=8oChtOS…

http://books.google.com/books?id=hr8sAAA…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Bert…



The origin of the Catholic Church is the tragic compromise of Christianity with the pagan religions that surrounded it. Instead of proclaiming the Gospel and converting the pagans, the Catholic Church “Christianized” the pagan religions, and “pagan-ized” Christianity. By blurring the differences and erasing the distinctions, yes, the Catholic Church made itself attractive to the people of the Roman Empire. One result was the Catholic Church becoming the supreme religion in the “Roman world” for centuries. However, another result was the most dominant form of Christianity apostatizing from the true Gospel of Jesus Christ and the true proclamation of God’s Word.



2 Timothy 4:3-4 declares, “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”



So if the Roman Catholic Pope is only blurring the differences and apostalysing the gospel to make the Church more appealing once more that can't be heresy surely?



Just my thoughts.

God bless.

Answer 18

"Where the intention is to reduce the risk of infection, it can nevertheless be a first step to a more humane sexuality."



This is taken out of context and DOES NOT show a new stance. And the Holy Father is NOT saying condom use is acceptable "in certain cases."



The Holy Father was ACTUALLY refering to people who have no sence of the proper use of sex. People who use other people as objects for sexual gratification....people who view sex as nothing more than a self serving physical pleasure separate from everything else.....a male prostitute as one extreme example. What the Holy Father was saying was that if a male prostitute uses a condom...he may be STARTING to act as if he is, in a very small way, moving toward THINKING OF OTHERS.



The Papal quote says "..this can be a FIRST step in the direction of a moralization, a FIRST assumption of responsibility ON THE WAY TOWARD recovering an awareness that not everything is allowed and that one cannot do whatever one wants." (emphasis added).... ..in other words.... this means...that using a condom is not ok...ever...but that a male prosititute using one may himself be showing the BEGINNING OF UNDERSTANDING...he may himself be "on the way toward" regaining an understanding that ONE CANNOT DO WHATEVER ONE WANTS wants all the time....



The condom is not being said to be ok at all. But rather in this specific example...condom use could be seen as EVIDENCE OF A VERY INCRIMENTAL SHIFT IN FOCUS OF THE PERSON USING THE CONDOM....a shift away from totally "using" another person as an object ...moving instead, ever so incrimentally, towards the understanding that one cannot do WHATEVER one wants...that not everything is allowed...and that one must be responsible for one's actions and how they can affect others.



THIS is what he means by a "first step to a more humane sexuality"....that in this specific case condom use can be seen as a first step by this male prostitute toward understanding that people are to be ALWAYS related to and ALWAYS treated as human beings and NOT EVER as mere objects.

Answer 19

Please take note of of this phrase "Where the intention is to reduce the risk of infection, it can nevertheless be a first step to a more humane sexuality. So meaning for infection only and not to prevent from unwanted pregnancy.

Answer 20

As scientific experts can let us know, the HIV virus is plenty smaller than the pores in latex that it quite is fairly much ludicrous for everyone to have self belief that a condom could paintings to sidestep the unfold of it. The information you quote purely make experience to me. If one would not % to contract the virus you may desire to sidestep close touch with it. this would not even point out the super emotional and non secular advantages of being chaste. Chastity is the only thank you to stay our lives. It brings plenty excitement.

Answer 21

I don't think the Pope must be involve in that kind of statement. He's the leader of the catholic church and must stand on morality. And morality means that you have to be loyal to your partner so that you will not be infected with this kind of diseases.

Answer 22

Huh? The Pope uses condom?

Answer 23

it was misunderstood by many, AIDS is an evil and the use of condom maybe justified to stop or minimize it. the Popes statement was taken out of context, it zero in on AIDS and not anything else.

Answer 24

Use of condom has been a NO-NO to the Catholic church, based on the Bible, as they say. The use of it is like doing an abortion. So why now say that, "Use of condom is now acceptable in certain cases"? It is like saying, "Abortion is acceptable in certain cases." Isn't it? Or i just have a wayward thinking.

Answer 25

I don't know enough to understand the situation concerning the all around aspects of the decision, I only hope it helps others to make good decisions in their lives.

Answer 26

The most hilarious part about his new position is that it is directed primarily, IN HIS WORDS, "to male prostitutes" because their line of work is not for the act of procreation.



Yeah, I'm thinking his priorities are right on track......

Answer 27

Logic and reason should prevail over antiquated "doctrines". It's unfortunate that some priests prefers to remain so.

Answer 28

The Church must do what is best for its flock....Catholic or not we are still but human beings....

The Church is doing but just te best if not the right thing....

Answer 29

The church should have taken this stance 20 years ago.

Answer 30

A step in the right direction. Not big enough, by far, ... but in the right direction.

Answer 31

i totally agree .. come on let's be practical .. nowadays its so hard to raise children ..so now is the right time to use this kind of contraceptives.

Answer 32

the world is changing even the catholic church is inclined to adapt to these changes.

Answer 33

For that decision is good for health reason

Answer 34

If it's good enough for the Pope then it's good enough for

Answer 35

some catholics accept the condomn during the marriage.

Answer 36

Jesus is the only authority.



The bible is the only inspired book that doesn't change and is always true.

Answer 37

I think AIDS is bad.