There is a ‘difference, both anthropological and moral, between contraception and recourse to the rhythm of the cycle: it is a difference which is much wider and deeper than is usually thought, one which involves in the final analysis two irreconcilable concepts of the human person and human sexuality’ (St. John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio, 32).
Human Nature: Moral Norm wades through a cultural mixture of challenging ideas which are either turning to sludge or starting to make sense, as if coming into clear water, enabling the whole book to find its central focus: Is it true that the human being is so well woven that the precept, “be open to life”, is inherent in the very psychosomatic language of a spousal love? In other words, although at times it is almost impossible to summarize or simplify the question under investigation, it nevertheless emerges that it is truly necessary “to be open to life” even when it is deliberately intended to avoid the conception of a child; and, at the same time, that this is a discovery of the content of the human inclinations, psychological structure and spiritual reality of the “one flesh” of marriage. Thus, in a word, the moral norm which is entailed in the reciprocal gift of self in marriage is neither foreign to “being-in-relationship” nor an imposition upon it; rather, “being open to life” is as natural to spousal love as the breath is to breathing. Indeed, the moral norm of being open to life is as integral to human nature as heat is to a flame – as the flame of life and love is to the divine spark which ignites it.
Paperback: $29.95 | Audible: $14.99 | Kindle: $9.99
Mr. Francis Etheredge is married with eight children, plus three in heaven.
A convert from Greek Orthodoxy, James Likoudis is an internationally known apologist, one who has dedicated his life to reconciling his Eastern Orthodox brethren with the Catholic Church Jesus Christ founded. He excels in analyzing the key issues that separate Catholics and Orthodox, including regarding papal and conciliar history, and he cherishes all we hold in common in Christ.
A convert from Greek Orthodoxy, James Likoudis is an internationally known apologist, one who has dedicated his life to reconciling his Eastern Orthodox brethren with the Catholic Church Jesus Christ founded. He excels in analyzing the key issues that separate Catholics and Orthodox, including regarding papal and conciliar history, and he cherishes all we hold in common in Christ.
Rafael Xavier Gonzalez studied Theology, Philosophy, Latin and Greek in two seminaries, one in Spain and another in Peru, specializing in Thomism, Suárism, and Molinism. He has lectured at varied parishes and centers on approved Marian apparitions. Rafael is also a veteran of the Iraq war. He is currently a teacher in a classic liberal arts high school and an adjunct professor of philosophy.