The article “The Purpose of Sex is Reproduction” discusses the issue of birth

control, from a Roman Catholic viewpoint.

The author attempts to relay his perspective on the sexual guidelines of the
Church, citing Pope Paul VI’s Humanae vitae. In accord with this document, he believes
that contraception by any means other than purely natural ones is sinful and immoral,
because, as he states, it removes from the “conjugal act” the potential for creating new
life, which, as he believes, is the purpose of sex.
Furthermore, he says, methods such as “the pill”, spermicides, condoms, etc.,
allow the attitude that sexual relations may occur without consequence – and it is this
attitude, he says, which allows for the myriad problems which our society has begun to
encounter much more frequently, such as the objectification of women, the populace’s
reckless attitude towards sex, and the increasing rate of teenage pregnancies.
The article contains a great deal of interesting information. Firstly, it discusses
the religious aspect of the debate over sex education / proper sexual conduct. The
author’s reliance on Humanae vitae and other Catholic doctrine to validate his arguments
may either lend credence to his points, or take it away, depending on the views of his
audience. Personally, although others with differing religious backgrounds may not think
so, I find his article credible and well supported; however, because his proof is based on
dogma some consider false or inapplicable to themselves, this opinion will no doubt be
subject to dispute.
Also, the author mentions natural methods of counter-conception, which are
mainly attempts to avoid creating children without taking any steps to prevent any aspect
of intercourse from occurring. One such method cited in the article concerns “periodic
abstinence” – the couple does not abstain from sex entirely, but merely waits to have sex
until the female is hopefully in the least fertile stages of ovulation. This practice requires
discipline and self-denial, which can be very helpful in building character both morally
and “spiritually,” he says. While many may debate the effectiveness of this abstinence
concerning prevention of pregnancy, it is no doubt still a beneficial strategy for its impact
on self-restraint alone. This approach is news to me, and it will no doubt prove helpful if
I enter a sexually active relationship.
Finally, the author’s assessment of our culture’s sexual deviance is definitely food
for thought. The notion is by no means novel, but the extent of his diagnosis is worrying,
especially if it is correct. This is one part of his article that I have real issue with – it
seems that the author makes several connections that are ill supported at best, and
inflammatory propaganda at worst. Still, the information given merits researching, and
peaks my interest, to say the least.
Overall, I believe that the author of the article does an excellent job of remaining
relevant, comprehendible, and factual, if one can accept his religious assumptions, which
are key to the article. The content provided is interesting and, if not controversial, at least
worth discussing. My personal religious background being the same as the author’s, I am
particularly interested in the article, as I share his assumptions; however, the article
should prove just as interesting to someone of another faith, because of the unusual
viewpoint expressed. The article is informative, well-supported (in general), and of
interest, and I would recommend that anyone who can should read it.