The Church Stands for the Truth as Indicated by Humanae Vitae

Throughout history, there are many instances in which it is shown that there are times in which it is necessary for the Church to show that she holds fast to her teachings, even when world views change.  In 1968, Pope Paul VI did just that when he wrote the encyclical Humanae Vitae.  In it, the Pope addresses issues that married couples face when it comes to child bearing in the modern world.  He shows that the Church recognizes the many ways that people and societies are changing their views on matters such as the way women were being viewed at that point in time as opposed to the past.  Also, he wrote about the many difficulties that couples face when it comes to having children, including health and economic problems.  With all of this noted, he still maintains the Church stands firm in her understanding of human sexuality.

                In this writing, the Holy Father expresses that the teaching on marriage is “founded on natural law, illuminated and enriched by divine revelation” (Humanae Vitae, 4).  The significance of this is while many in the world, particularly in the US, believe that they are entitled to control their body by any means that they wish, and that relationships can be defined according to any inclination one may have, there remains truths that can never be altered. 

                While considering the nature of the human body, he writes that “responsible parenthood means the knowledge and respect of their functions; human intellect discovers in the power of giving life biological laws which are part of the human person” (10).  Today, it seems as though to take away this “power of giving life” through artificial means is a way of “progressing” or “evolving” the human race.  However, when one considers the functions of the body, it still produces the same results when healthy and unaltered by unnatural devices.  What does this say?  It says that nature does not conform to the opinions of people and so doesn’t natural law.  And if these do not change, it cannot be a right for someone to adjust it to their opinions. 

                Pope Paul VI also says that “man, growing used to the employment of anticonceptive practices, may finally lose respect for the woman and…may come to the point of considering her as a mere instrument of selfish enjoyment, and no longer as his respected and beloved companion” (17).  This has been considered to be prophetic as it has been proven to be correct since standards for morality have been lowered after the increase of birth control usage increased. 

                He emphasizes the “two meanings of the conjugal act:  the unitive…and the procreative” (12) and that “to use this divine gift destroying…its meaning and its purpose is to contradict the nature both of man and woman…and therefore it is to contradict …the plan of God and His will” (13).  In this, he is stressing where the Church truly stands on the issue, regardless of pressures from the world to change her position on it. 

                So, is this a huge, dramatic event in the history of the Church?  Not seemingly so, however, it is an inspiring example of how she remains true to her teachings and is unwavering even in the midst of the ever changing world. 

Work Cited

Pope Paul VI, Encyclical Letter, Humanae Vitae.  1968.  Pauline Books & Media.  Print.