Questions to the Moralist - Personal Web Server - Boston College

conundrum of outlawing a relatively minor preventive operation which results in no loss
of life(tubal ligation), while allowing for a much more serious operation (the
hysterectomy) which would result in the loss of the fetus' life. To point out this sort of
anomaly, though, I do not think constitutes teaching something contrary to the Church's
position. In fact, it simply shows more clearly just what the Church's teaching is, and
involves, in certain areas.
5) The last point would be a response to what constitutes "infallibility." I would direct
your attention to the definition of infallibility given in Vatican I's Pastor Aeternus (which
is contained in my "Magisterial Exegesis Guidelines" I posted on the web-site. That
definition gives the criteria clearly for ascribing infallibility to magisterial teachings. I
do not see how an unsigned newspaper editorial quoting an unnamed source could
possibly confer infallibility after the fact to any previously released magisterial
document. You might also want to look at the section of Code of Canon Law which deals
with what constitutes departure from authoritatively taught magisterial teaching (e.g.,
heresy) and see how carefully the Code sets forward the criteria of what constitutes
infallibly taught matters.
I hope this helps.
Fr. Jim
Sexuality is a fundamental element in human nature which plays a foundational role in
our response to life (CCC). thus, man's sexuality is not indeed in the order of animal
sexuality- not in the same nature because animals do reproduce while man and woman is
to procreate...(is this morally correct statement?)
Familiaris Consortio speaks not only of procreation but also the unitive act of conjugal
love as man and woman becoming one in the sacrament of marriage....
now there are various relationship where not geared towards procreation and not for a
unitive act or vice versa like homosexual relationships, pre marital sex among the young
people ( which 2 months ago, a research of the university of the Philippines brought this
issue that teenagers nowadays, roughly from 13-24 years old are in this illicit practices)...
..... (please give a comment on this?)
Above question answered in class
How about INFERTILITY in marriage vis-à-vis the procreation and unitve act...? What
is the church teaching on this matter?
Fr. Bretzke replies:
Thanks for your question, and we'll try and address it in class. For some follow-up
reflections on your own you might want to look at how the various assertions contained
in the Church's magisterial teaching are proven or demonstrated, e.g., in which you state
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