Bex in Moz

A rare foray into religious controversy

Unusually, today I find myself in agreement with the Pope in his third encyclical:
"The conviction that the economy must be autonomous, that it must be shielded from "influences" of a moral character, has led man to abuse the economic process in a thoroughly destructive way," the pope said. "In the long term, these convictions have led to economic, social and political systems that trample upon personal and social freedom, and are therefore unable to deliver the justice that they promise."

But then he goes on to spoil it all by railing against agencies who promote contraception, especially in poor countries. God forbid that women should gain the right to choose how many children they have. My maid's sister has had 10, 6 survive, she looks a decade older than Paulina who has had five, all living.

I've never really understood this one. Once the Catholic church has accepted that it's OK to have sex for pleasure using the ever-reliable rhythm method, why is actual contraception so different? Is a pill or a little piece of rubber really enough to thwart the omnipotent one if he puts his mind to it?

posted by Rebecca @ 2:28 pm