Is contraception blocking grace, can condoms be moral during chemotherapy, and what does same-sex attraction mean for my masculinity? | ACW355
Questions answered this episode:As I understand it, sacraments need the correct form and matter to be valid. What about marriage? I wonder if true marital sex is part of that form and matter, and if using contraception or not being open to life disrupts the grace that flows through the sacrament. In our marriage, weāve experienced deep grace through healthy sexual intimacy and NFP, and I sense this grace comes not just from avoiding sin, but directly from the physical marital union thatās healed and unified us after years of brokenness.My husband of 25 years is battling aggressive cancer and undergoing chemo, which will lead to erectile dysfunction. His doctors say we must use condoms if we want to be intimate during treatment because the chemicals could harm me. Weāve never used contraception and donāt want to commit mortal sin. Weāre in our late 40s and still practicing NFP. Given our situation, can we morally use condoms during chemo for safety, or would that violate Church teaching?Iām a man in my early twenties whoās long experienced strong same-sex attraction, though I also feel a more romantic, non-sexual attraction toward women. Iāve tried to see the beauty of men as a reflection of Godās design, yet I feel shame and confusion, wondering if this admiration is wrong. I want to be a true man, love women rightly, and one day marry and have a family. What should I do with these feelings and desires?Ā Resources:Love & Responsibility CourseSexual Integration & Redemption CourseSetting Love in Order Bookā List of trusted counselors & psychologistsā ā ā ā Join our Patron Community!ā ā ā ---Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul IIās beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.---š„ ā ā ā Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Bodyā ā ā š ā ā ā Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beautyā ā ā ā”ļø Want to have a better chance of us answering your question and support the Theology of the Body Institute? ā ā ā Join our Patron Community!ā ā ā ---Submit you question here!---šļø Event Scheduleš ā ā Course Schedulešļø PilgrimagesIf you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: ā ā
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