Two Edge Talk

What's the Deal with Catholics and Birth Control?

Warning:  This show may make you squirm.  It may make you mad.  You may think we've gone too far.  In this podcast, Deacon Tim lays out why contraception is not God's plan for marriage (even for non-Catholics!), and even if you think you will disagree with him, it's worth a listen - with an open mind and spirit.

Actually, there's a pretty strong precedent for this viewpoint.....for the first 1930 years of Christianity, all Christians believed birth control was immoral.  Whether you buy these views or not, we think they are worth thinking about - after all, is there any more important issue than the creation of life?

In case you're getting tired of us asking you to examine your own life :), next week we'll place some of these marriage and family issues in a cultural context.  So, if this show left you squirmy and mad, next week you'll be off the hook - don't give up on us!

To download, Right-click and save this link:
Download 031_contraception.mp3

To play now, click HERE and go to "031 Contraception".

The Birds & Bees- Part 2

In this podcast, Deacon Tim digs deeper into the Theology of the Body, the series of talks and writings by Pope John Paul II.  Last week, we introduced the idea that sex is meant to be holy, a gift that mirrors the total gift of Himself that Jesus gave us.  Christ's love for us can be characterized by the 5 "F's," and every sexual act should be measured by this same standard:

Free: In this act, how much am I giving of myself, and how much am I taking from my spouse?  How much am I focused on my own desire for pleasure?  Is this act, which is supposed to communicate the gift of self, consistent with the way I am treating my spouse in other aspects of our relationship, such as the way we handle our daily responsibilities?

 

Full: Am I giving myself fully and unconditionally to my spouse, not just in the sexual act but in every aspect of our marriage?  Or are there strings attached?  Am I thinking of what I can do for my spouse, or am I thinking of what he or she can do for me?  What am I holding back?

 

Fruitful: Are my spouse and I respectful of the creative power of God which He brings to our sexual relationship?  Are we generous with respect to our fertility, or do we tend to distrust the adequacy of God's grace and our own capacity to love and care for another child?  If we are not open to having another child, do we have serious reasons for our decision in this regard?  Is my relationship with my spouse life-giving in general, in the sense that our relationship nurtures and inspires others?

 

Faithful: Do I say or think negative things about my spouse that are inconsistent with my obligation of fidelity?  Am I committing in the act of sex that I will be true to my spouse in all that I say and do?

 

Forever: Am I consciously committing in the sexual act to love my spouse and sacrifice for him or her for the rest of my life?  In what ways am I communicating to my spouse more of a "maybe" than a lifetime commitment?

Click the link below for a discussion that could change the way you think about sex - for the better!

To play the podcast click here and select "030 Birds & Bees- part 2"

Right-click here and "save as" to Download this podcast

The Birds and the Bees, Catholic Style

If you think that the Catholic Church is down on sex, this is the podcast for you.  The “restrictions” that the Church places on sex are not because we think that it is bad, but because it is so holy. 

In this podcast, Deacon Tim instructs us on the “Theology of the Body,” the series of talks and writings of Pope John Paul II on sexuality.

Download 029_birds_bees_catholic_style.mp3

Alternate link: click here and select 029 Birds & Bees, Catholic Style