Does Periodic Continence Harm Spousal Love?: Pope John Paul II’s Response to the Pastoral Difficulties of Living Out Humanae Vitae

Abstract

The main reason for the widespread dissent from Humanae vitae is not primarily academic. Rather, dissent arises first on a practical level by couples themselves on account of the difficulty they experience in living out the teaching. More specifically, couples often feel that there is a “contradiction” between the responsible regulation of birth and the unity of their love. This essay addresses this pastoral objection head on through a candid appreciation of the “difficulties” couples experience and through demonstrating Pope John Paul II’s idea of cultivating a “conjugal spirituality,” which moves couples interiorly from merely following rules to fostering reverence both for one’s spouse and for God.

Summary:

This article provides a pastoral response to the difficulties of living out the teaching of Humanae vitae, by explaining the teaching of Humanae vitae through the lens of Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Specifically, I explain John Paul II’s exhortation to couples to develop a “conjugal spirituality” through the virtues, so that they will grow in reverence for their spouse and for God.