It's not Catholics who have the problem with sex

Date published: 11/18/2003

Regarding the letter written by Jean Fourcade of Spotsylvania and printed on Nov. 1 ["Roman church's dogmas are killing the Third World"]:

I'm always amazed by the beliefs and practices of Catholics as interpreted by non-Catholics. I've been a practicing Catholic for 33 of my 37 years. I can't begin to recall the number of times I've been asked about the "how" or "why" of a particular belief or practice by someone who was "curious." Much to their amazement, my practice or belief as a Catholic was nothing like what they had predetermined it to be.

I am so tired of hearing about the church's "problems with sexuality." In fact, Catholics don't have a "problem" with sex.

Christians in general should have a problem with the exploitation of sexuality in today's society. Sex was and is a gift meant to be enjoyed--the ultimate pleasure of intimacy with one's spouse. Catholics may engage in sexual intercourse as often as they like, but must leave themselves open to procreation. This has nothing to do with Catholic clergymen, but rather with God's teachings. If a couple wishes to avoid a pregnancy, they simply avoid intercourse during those couple of days in which the wife is ovulating.

AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases plague the world because so many people indulge in sex with multiple and same-sex partners.

Explain this to me again. How have Catholics caused this epidemic? A lack of morals has caused this epidemic. In other words, living outside of God's laws (sex outside of marriage, sharing needles for the use of illegal drugs, etc.).

Fourcade asked, "But what of prevention?" Simple; instead of getting rid of the Ten Commandments the Lord set before us, we should try living by them. If Jesus didn't do it, then neither should we. As for a cure to the diseases we have provoked, prayer is the answer.

In Catholicism, any kind of birth control is considered a sin. "Why?" some might ask. Because God is the creator of all life. If you trust in the Lord, and have a strong and true faith, you accept whatever plan the Lord chooses for you.

Michelle P. Davidson

Stafford

Date published: 11/18/2003