Today, after dusting the blinds but before bathroom cleaning, I got to pull out my acrylic paints.
This morning I was interviewed about trad beliefs by an audio journalism masters student. The premise of the assignment was to interview someone you don’t agree with. She promised it wouldn’t be confrontational, and she kept her promise. We had a very pleasant conversation, and she asked me some very good questions for me to reflect on. One of them was about my stance on being perpetually sexually available to your husband. Catholicism does not teach that. Mary and Joseph lived in purity as a married couple. Each act of sexual union between Catholics needs to be open to life. Although I adore large families, and I think people need to have more children, I don’t think we all can handle our own version of 19 Kids and Counting. This means abstaining from sex may be necessary. Catholics use natural family planning. Though I have strong doubts as to its efficacy, it is the only form of family planning allowed by the Catholic Church. It requires several days of abstaining a month. If a man can’t provide for another child or his wife’s health can’t handle it, they should aim to avoid pregnancy. So in fact, if the Holy Spirit convicts me that the Catholic Church is true, I will no longer be able to advise total sexual availability. I’ve been wrestling with that issue already, but what her question really brought home to me was as follows (and this I had not grappled with yet).
Most Protestants may not have a reason to deny their husbands, as their churches allow contraception. However, I hesitate to differ in what I say to Catholics and Protestants because either the Catholic Church is true, or it isn’t. If it is, truth is universal and applies to all. I can’t in good conscience say that Protestant women should be available all the time because they can use contraception if I believe contraception is wrong. I either will be a catholic or I won’t. If I’m going to be one, I will endeavor to be a good one. There is no sense wasting my time, or worse, God’s.
So as I pray and research and study scripture and attend OCIA, it is possible that some of my new posts will come from a new perspective. Scripture still says wives must submit to their husbands, but constant sexual availability may not be what I advocate for. There may be other changes as well. I must pray and discern. I need the Holy Spirit to guide me. Scripture says that if we ask God for wisdom He will not turn us away. My page may become a catholic one. We will see around Easter, at which time I’m supposed to either be confirmed or decide not to be. Wish me wisdom.
It was a very nice conversation and the interviewer was kind in spite of our differing views. I hope I was helpful for her assignment. She definitely asked great questions and gave me things to think about that I am now pondering deeply.
Life at Home 