In paragraph 14, Paul VI makes two important statements concerning scientists: they “considerably advance the welfare of marriage and the family and also peace of conscience, if by pooling their efforts they strive to elucidate more thoroughly the conditions favorable to a proper regulation of births”, but also “by their research establish the truth of the Church's claim that ‘there can be no contradiction between two divine laws—that which governs the transmitting of life and that which governs the fostering of married love.’ "
In other words, I believe Paul VI admits science has great influence over the human life (as demonstrated by our ability to assist or terminate births), but that scientists need to be careful to avoid overstepping boundaries. From Paul VI’s writings, it appears as if there are two realms, one in which humans may facilitate healthy births, and one in which God will actually create the possibility of birth; humans may not step into the realm of God and play “creator”. Even simpler yet, scientists, as based in Catholic faith, have no place in limiting or aborting pregnancies, or creating pregnancies (despite having the means to).
What would that ultimately mean for our society as a whole? No contraceptives (humans should only have sex with the objective of reproducing), no in vitro fertilization (it violates the rights of the child to be born directly as the result of marriage), and no research on embryos (unless there is no chance of harming the life of the unborn child). There is one catch to these stipulations, however: once a human life has begun (as recognized immediately upon the fertilization of the egg by the sperm), that life must be protected as they now have the rights as any other innocent person.
My stance on the issue of science and births? Mostly, I’m pro-science (despite my Catholic upbringing). I think sex can be used for more than just reproduction. I think science can help the sterile couples in conceiving a child. I think abortion, at times, can be the right choice (Do you disagree? Research Tay-Sach’s and tell me you really would want your child to be born with disease like that, having 100% certainty it would die well before it turned 10 years old).
Contraceptives, abortions, and lab-created fertilizations have their place. I believe science betters our society – we can now have fewer unwanted pregnancies (contraception and abortion), but also more desired pregnancies (in vitro fertilization).
I believe every life is important. I believe every life has integrity. Contraception, abortion, and in vitro fertilization – if applied to the correct situations – can make sure that happens.
You bring up great points Brittany and i agree with them. I also think that science betters our society but there are always set backs. I find it interesting the the Pope seems to counter himself in the quoted section you talked about. He describes how science helps but also makes things difficult. I feel he may be torn between some issues facing the church and science, but because he is the Pope his image may be more important? its an interesting concept: morals vs. image.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was an interesting statement from the Pope as well! (else I would have written about a different excerpt...)
ReplyDeleteI read this paragraph as a way for the Pope to admit there is conflict in our society over the roles science and religion should hold, but as an opportunity to give direction over which the Catholic church upholds.
I don't know if what he wrote necessarily replicates his exact beliefs, or if he wrote strictly from the Church's perspective. If only if only we could find out!