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Church
Teachings on Human Life
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The
Catholic Church has issued several
encyclicals and documents on human life. The
following are the primary documents that may be of
interest to couples contemplating the use of
Natural Family Planning. |
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Arcanum (1880), On
Christian Marriage- http://www.papalencyclicals.net/Leo13/l13cmr.htm
Pope Leo XIII wrote on the original
intention of marriage, which was corrupted
by sin and restored by Christ.
Casti Connubii (1930), On
Christian Marriage - http://www.papalencyclicals.net/Pius11/P11CASTI.HTM
Pope Pius XI discusses the grounds for
marriage, procreation, children, limits of
civil law, divorce, and human freedom.
Lumen Gentium (1965), On
the Church – http://www.ewtn.com/library/COUNCILS/v2church.htm
Pope Paul VI writes on Christian couples
attaining holiness through their married
life and in the rearing and education of
their children.
Gaudium Et Spes (1965), On
the Church in the Modern World - http://www.ewtn.com/library/COUNCILS/v2modwor.htm
Pope Paul VI discusses how conjugal love is
central to Christian married life and serves
as the basis for healthy families. Couples
should cooperate with their Creator in the
creation of new life. From the moment of
conception, new life must be guarded.
Humanae Vitae (1968), On
the Regulation of Human Birth - http://www.papalencyclicals.net/Paul06/p6humana.htm
Pope Paul VI establishes the teaching
authority of the Church and writes on
marital love, responsible parenthood,
natural methods of family planning, a call
for clergy to teach this truth, a call to
“men of science” and a call to married
couples to share with other couples.
Familiaris Consortio
(1981), On the Christian Family in the
Modern World - http://www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/JP2FAMIL.HTM
Pope John Paul II discusses the family
today, God’s plan for marriage, the role
of the Christian family, and transmission of
life.
Donum Vitae (1987), Respect
for Human Life - http://www.ewtn.com/library/CURIA/CDFHUMAN.HTM
Pope John Paul II issues moral guidance for
Catholic hospitals and physicians on
procreation in the conjugal act, artificial
fertilization, and the Church’s concern
for infertile couples.
Veritatis Splendor (1993),
The Splendor of Truth - http://www.ewtn.com/library/ENCYC/JP2VER.HTM
Pope John Paul II responds to the question
of dissent on the Church’s moral
teachings. This encyclical provides
principles of moral judgment grounded in
scripture and tradition.
Evangelium Vitae (1995),
The Gospel of Life - http://www.ewtn.com/library/encyc/jp2evang.htm
Pope John Paul II issues a pro-life document
that addresses issues from fertilization to
natural death.
Of Human Life (1998) -
http://www.ewtn.com/library/BISHOPS/CHAPUTHV.HTM
Archbishop Chaput, of
Colorado
, issues a pastoral letter to the people of God the truth and meaning
of married love.
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