Catholics are against using birth control because they think women are just made to be pregnant, right?
Ok, so then... Catholics aren't allowed to use birth control because they think women don't need to have careers, right?
Maybe... Catholicism is an oppressive patriarchy?
Ok so then, why DO Catholics believe birth control is so harmful?Well, Pope Paul VI wrote an entire encyclical - that is, Vatican document - on it in 1965, called Humanae Vitae.But, I'm guessing you won't be browsing the Vatican website or Papal Archives anytime soon.
Well, I have good news! There's actually an organization - created specifically for women - that has broken down Humanae Vitae and other Church documents, lives of saints, and topics like "The meaning of suffering," into super easy-to-digest group study guides.
For real.
These studies are created by ENDOW, an organization that has been around for a while, but recently went through a total refresh - their website, studies, everything - in order to better reach women.
Learning in community makes a difference
ENDOW works to coordinate small groups for women doing their studies on different topics. You can join a virtual group, start a group, or search for in-person groups in your area.
Small groups usually meet weekly, and do the reading together so you have no outside reading! (YAS.) The ENDOW guides include discussion questions at the end of each section.
I've actually been part of an ENDOW group for the past three years. (I can't believe it's already been that long!)
The eight of us started out as total strangers, and now these women are some of the best friends I've made.
Doing these studies together has been so enlightening for me, because you get a chance to really discuss how these topics impact our lives as women, and you get to hear from the range of women's different experiences.
Honestly it's so easy to think you know "what people think" or "why they do or think this or that," but it takes the intimacy of a small group to really answer those questions.
It's so easy to think you know "what people think" or "why they do or think this or that," but it takes the intimacy of a small group to really answer those questions.
We all know birth control is a big deal
The Catholic teaching on birth control is probably one of - if not THE most controversial teaching of them all, and it seriously affects women.And I know you've probably heard plenty of Catholic speakers try to explain this teaching, maybe in ways that were really, really unhelpful.But have YOU ever taken the time to read up on this teaching, on exactly what the Pope even said?Fifty years after this teaching came out, maybe it's time you did. But don't do it alone! :)Start a group, or join a group, and hash this one out with other women.
Including your fertility.
Knowledge is power. So equip yourself with the knowledge of what your faith truly teaches on this issue, and why.You can learn more about ENDOW, and their Humanae Vitae study, here.
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