Have you ever wondered why the Catholic Church condemns contraception? And if contracepting is immoral, why are couples allowed to use Natural Family Planning (NFP)?

This is a hot button issue for many modern Catholics. So, we've prepared a two-part series to help you understand the Catholic Church's teaching on marriage, contraception, and NFP.

In order to understand why contraception is immoral but NFP is allowed, you must first understand what the Catholic Church teaches about marriage. So, in this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet uses Humanae Vitae, Sacred Scripture, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church to reveal marriage as a free, total, faithful, and fruitful covenant.

In the following episode, Father will return to explain what the Catholic Church teaches about contraception and NFP, building upon the themes introduced in this conversation.

Topics in this episode:

• Why marriage reflects God’s love for His people
• The 4 aspects of marriage as found in Humanae Vitae (free, total, faithful, fruitful)
• How conjugal love renews the wedding vows
• Why fruitfulness matters in God’s design
• The link between marriage and understanding God’s love

👰🤵 Whether you’re newly engaged, married for decades, or simply seeking clarity, this episode provides timeless wisdom and encouragement.

👉 Don’t miss next week’s follow-up episode, where we dive into natural family planning and the Church’s teaching on contraception.

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Living the Culture of Life

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

02:30 What Does the Church Teach About Marriage?

05:41 Free Love

08:15 Total Love

12:14 Faithful Love

18:46 Marriage & Your Relationship with God

33:39 Why Cohabitation is Wrong

24:38 Fruitful Love

32:02 Sex Renews Marriage Vows

36:32 Types of Fruit

39:45 Our World Needs Models!

42:55 Are Catholics Called to Have as Many Children as Possible?

59:59 Send Us Your Questions!