Casti Connubii

Pope Pius XIPope Pius XIDecember 31, 1930December 31, 1930

Quotations from the document are from: Quotations from the document are from: http://www.vatican.va

Various titles in the slides are taken from the Daughters of St. Various titles in the slides are taken from the Daughters of St. Paul edition of the official Vatican text.Paul edition of the official Vatican text.

Casti ConnubiiIntroduction.Introduction. Chaste marriage is the foundation of domestic society.Chaste marriage is the foundation of domestic society.

oo The family is the basis of society (The family is the basis of society (Familiaris Consortio Familiaris Consortio 42).42).

The importance and dignity of marriage is raised The importance and dignity of marriage is raised immeasurably: Christ raised it to the level of a immeasurably: Christ raised it to the level of a sacrament.sacrament.

To achieve the desired fruits of a renewal of To achieve the desired fruits of a renewal of matrimony two things are necessary:matrimony two things are necessary:oo Minds illuminated with true doctrine of Christ.Minds illuminated with true doctrine of Christ.

oo Christian spouses fortified by grace shape all their waysChristian spouses fortified by grace shape all their waysof thinking and acting in conformity with the law of Christ.of thinking and acting in conformity with the law of Christ.

>> leads to true peace and happiness.leads to true peace and happiness.

Casti ConnubiiIntroduction (continued).Introduction (continued).

Causes of concern:o A great number of people are forgetful of the divine work of redemption either ignore or deny the sanctity of Christian marriage.o Rely on the false principles, pernicious errors and depraved morals.

It is the duty of the Supreme Shepherd to raise It is the duty of the Supreme Shepherd to raise his voice as Teacher to lead the flock and his voice as Teacher to lead the flock and preserve it from harm.preserve it from harm.

Casti ConnubiiI.I. Nature and Dignity of Christian MarriageNature and Dignity of Christian Marriage God is the Author of marriage.

o Man did not institute it or set the laws that govern it.

o Elevated to the level of a sacrament by Jesus Christ

o Implications?

“God is the Author of the perpetual stability of the marriage bond, its unity and its firmness” (CC 5).

Casti Connubii The role of free will.The role of free will.

oo A marriage can only arise from the free consent A marriage can only arise from the free consent of of the spouses.the spouses.

-- A person chooses whether or not he/she wants to A person chooses whether or not he/she wants to enter into marriage.enter into marriage.

oo The nature of marriage itself remains totally The nature of marriage itself remains totally outside the free will of man.outside the free will of man.

-- Nothing contrary to the true nature of marriage Nothing contrary to the true nature of marriage can can be expressed in the consent and have it remain a be expressed in the consent and have it remain a

true marriage.true marriage.

Casti Connubii The role of legitimate authority.The role of legitimate authority.

oo Legitimately constituted authority has the right Legitimately constituted authority has the right and and duty to restrict, prevent and punish base unions duty to restrict, prevent and punish base unions

contrary to reason and to nature.contrary to reason and to nature.

oo Because marriage is a natural and primeval Because marriage is a natural and primeval right, right, however, no authority can take away the right to however, no authority can take away the right to

it or to its principal ends.it or to its principal ends.

-- God commands human beings to be fruitful and God commands human beings to be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28).multiply (Gen 1:28).

Casti ConnubiiII.II. Blessings and Benefits of Matrimony.Blessings and Benefits of Matrimony. According to St. Augustine: offspring, According to St. Augustine: offspring,

conjugal faith, the sacrament.conjugal faith, the sacrament.oo Summarizes the doctrine of Christian marriage.Summarizes the doctrine of Christian marriage.

Children hold the first place.Children hold the first place.oo Man surpasses all creatures.Man surpasses all creatures.oo God wishes men to be born to share in his creation, God wishes men to be born to share in his creation,

but most of all that they worship him and share but most of all that they worship him and share in his in his divine life.divine life.oo Parents’ duties are not just to propagate, not only to Parents’ duties are not just to propagate, not only to

educate, but to raise up fellow citizens of the educate, but to raise up fellow citizens of the Saints.Saints.oo Parents are the first and Parents are the first and primary teachers of their teachers of their

children – children – a most serious and sacred duty.

Casti Connubii Conjugal Fidelity.Conjugal Fidelity.

oo From the beginning God wished marriage to exist From the beginning God wished marriage to exist between one man and one woman.between one man and one woman.

-- Not always the case, e.g., Mosaic Law.Not always the case, e.g., Mosaic Law.

-- The Gospel restores marriage to the original The Gospel restores marriage to the original and perfect unity, abrogating all dispensations.and perfect unity, abrogating all dispensations.

oo Christ condemns polygamy, polyandry and adultery.Christ condemns polygamy, polyandry and adultery.

oo Christ forbids even lustful thoughts and desires.Christ forbids even lustful thoughts and desires.

-- Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5:27-28).Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5:27-28).

-- Interiorization of the Law.Interiorization of the Law.

-- “You have already made an adulteress of her “You have already made an adulteress of her in your heart.”in your heart.”

Casti Connubii Conjugal Fidelity: Conjugal Fidelity: Love of Husband and WifeLove of Husband and Wife..

St. Augustine: “the faith of chastity blooms more freely when St. Augustine: “the faith of chastity blooms more freely when rooted in…the excellent soil of love of husband and wife which rooted in…the excellent soil of love of husband and wife which pervades all the duties of married life…”pervades all the duties of married life…”

Love of Husband and WifeLove of Husband and Wife::

oo A holy and pure love.A holy and pure love.oo As Christ loved the Church (Eph. 5:21-33).As Christ loved the Church (Eph. 5:21-33).oo Not lust of the moment, but in the deep attachment of the Not lust of the moment, but in the deep attachment of the

heart – love is always expressed in action.heart – love is always expressed in action.oo Love is shown in the mutual efforts spouses take to form Love is shown in the mutual efforts spouses take to form

and perfect each other in holiness/virtue.and perfect each other in holiness/virtue.oo Interior perfection as the chief purpose of marriage – Interior perfection as the chief purpose of marriage – blending of the whole life.blending of the whole life.

Casti Connubii Conjugal Fidelity: Conjugal Fidelity: Love of Husband and WifeLove of Husband and Wife..

St. Augustine: the “order of love.”St. Augustine: the “order of love.”oo Primacy of the husband with regard to wife andPrimacy of the husband with regard to wife and children. children.

Ready subjection of the wife and her willing obedience.Ready subjection of the wife and her willing obedience.oo Husband is the head and has the chief place inHusband is the head and has the chief place in ruling. ruling. Wife Wife is the heart and occupies the chief place in love.is the heart and occupies the chief place in love.oo Subjection does not take away from the liberty that Subjection does not take away from the liberty that belongs belongs to the woman – she is equal in dignity.to the woman – she is equal in dignity.oo Subjection does not involve placement of the wife on a Subjection does not involve placement of the wife on a

lower level than the husband – lower level than the husband – not servant but not servant but companioncompanion..oo Subjection may vary in degree and manner may vary Subjection may vary in degree and manner may vary according to different conditions of persons, place and according to different conditions of persons, place and time. If husband neglects his duty, his wife takes his place.time. If husband neglects his duty, his wife takes his place.

Casti Connubii

Divine charity is the key.Divine charity is the key.

““Let divine charity be the constant guide of their Let divine charity be the constant guide of their mutual relations, both in him who rules and her mutual relations, both in him who rules and her

who obeys, since each bears the image, the one of who obeys, since each bears the image, the one of Christ, the other of the Church” (CC 29).Christ, the other of the Church” (CC 29).

Casti Connubii Sacrament: Sacrament: IndissolubilityIndissolubility..

oo St. Augustine called marriage a sacrament which St. Augustine called marriage a sacrament which denotes denotes the indissolubility of the bond and the hallowing of the indissolubility of the bond and the hallowing of the the contract between husbands and wives by Christ.contract between husbands and wives by Christ.

-- Marriage becomes a vehicle of grace to the Marriage becomes a vehicle of grace to the spouses, the Christian community and the world.spouses, the Christian community and the world.

oo Christ restored the primeval law regarding marriage:Christ restored the primeval law regarding marriage:

-- “What God hath joined together no man can put “What God hath joined together no man can put asunder” (Mt. 19:6).asunder” (Mt. 19:6).

-- “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and the one who another commits adultery, and the one who

marries marries a woman divorced from her husband a woman divorced from her husband commits commits adultery” (Lk. 16:18).adultery” (Lk. 16:18).

Casti Connubii Sacrament: Sacrament: IndissolubilityIndissolubility..

oo Christ restored the primeval law.Christ restored the primeval law.

-- Even in the state of nature, before it was raised to Even in the state of nature, before it was raised to the level of a sacrament, marriage was divinely the level of a sacrament, marriage was divinely instituted and carried with it a perpetual and instituted and carried with it a perpetual and indissoluble bond that no civil law can remove.indissoluble bond that no civil law can remove.

>> Marriage among unbelievers.Marriage among unbelievers.

>> Rare exceptions based in divine law (Rare exceptions based in divine law (CC 35CC 35).).

oo Mystical signification of Christian marriage.Mystical signification of Christian marriage.

-- Union of Christ and the Church.Union of Christ and the Church.

-- As the bond of Christ with his Church cannot be As the bond of Christ with his Church cannot be dissolved, so the bond of spouses is likewise dissolved, so the bond of spouses is likewise inseparable.inseparable.

Casti Connubii Sacrament: Sacrament: Benefits of IndissolubilityBenefits of Indissolubility..

oo A positive guarantee of stability.A positive guarantee of stability.

oo A strong bulwark in defense of loyal chastity: an aid A strong bulwark in defense of loyal chastity: an aid against against enticements to infidelity.enticements to infidelity.

oo A calm sense of security – freedom from fear.A calm sense of security – freedom from fear.

oo The dignity of both man and wife is maintained and The dignity of both man and wife is maintained and mutual mutual aid is assured.aid is assured.

oo Training and education of children is a united effort.Training and education of children is a united effort.

oo Benefits to society: virtuous life, integrity, happiness and Benefits to society: virtuous life, integrity, happiness and well-being of the nation.well-being of the nation.

-- The family is “the first and vital cell of society” (The family is “the first and vital cell of society” (FCFC 4242).).

-- As the family goes – so goes society.As the family goes – so goes society.

Casti Connubii Sacrament: Sacrament: Sacramental GracesSacramental Graces..

oo Natural love is perfected.Natural love is perfected.oo Confirmation of the indissoluble nature of the union.Confirmation of the indissoluble nature of the union.oo Sanctifies the spouses.Sanctifies the spouses.oo Assistance in understanding, knowing intimately, Assistance in understanding, knowing intimately, adhering adhering firmly, willing effectively, and successfully putting firmly, willing effectively, and successfully putting into into practice the aims and duties of the married state.practice the aims and duties of the married state.oo Cooperating with this grace enables spouses to easily Cooperating with this grace enables spouses to easily bear bear the burdens and duties of their state in life; failure to the burdens and duties of their state in life; failure to cooperate leaves a largely unused talent in spouses.cooperate leaves a largely unused talent in spouses.oo By the graces of the sacrament, spouses are By the graces of the sacrament, spouses are strengthened, strengthened, sanctified and in a manner consecrated.sanctified and in a manner consecrated.oo Just as apostasy does not take away Baptism, adultery Just as apostasy does not take away Baptism, adultery

does not remove the sacrament of marriage and/or does not remove the sacrament of marriage and/or bond.bond.

Casti ConnubiiIII.III. False Theories.False Theories. Errors:Errors:

oo Writings, theater, novels, cinematographs: shameful Writings, theater, novels, cinematographs: shameful vices: divorce, adultery etc…vices: divorce, adultery etc…

oo Promotion of books with a veneer of science that Promotion of books with a veneer of science that advocate an emancipation from “old-fashioned advocate an emancipation from “old-fashioned

and and immature opinions” to which is relegated the immature opinions” to which is relegated the traditional doctrine of Christian traditional doctrine of Christian

marriage.marriage.oo Deceits of the enemy.Deceits of the enemy.

>> Extremes of unbridled lust.Extremes of unbridled lust.>> Those striving to ride a “middle course” Those striving to ride a “middle course”

who who advocate concessions be made advocate concessions be made regarding regarding certain precepts of the certain precepts of the divine/natural law.divine/natural law.

Casti Connubii Denial of Divine Institution.Denial of Divine Institution.

oo Lies at the source of the evils attacking Marriage.Lies at the source of the evils attacking Marriage.oo Advocates of the idea that marriage is not divinely Advocates of the idea that marriage is not divinely instituted instituted promote the following ideas:promote the following ideas:

-- Laws, institutions, customs by which marriage is Laws, institutions, customs by which marriage is governed are man-made and thus changeable.governed are man-made and thus changeable.

-- Marriage was merely a means to produce new life Marriage was merely a means to produce new life and of gratifying a vehement impulse.and of gratifying a vehement impulse.

-- The idea of permanence and procreation in The idea of permanence and procreation in marriage marriage may have been used from time to time may have been used from time to time throughout throughout history, to safeguard spouses or encourage history, to safeguard spouses or encourage

offspring, however, these elements are not offspring, however, these elements are not deemed deemed to be absolutely necessary – solely an to be absolutely necessary – solely an invention of invention of human intellect and established by the will.human intellect and established by the will.

-- “Temporary” or “experimental” unions promoted.“Temporary” or “experimental” unions promoted.

Casti ConnubiiIV.IV. Vices Opposed to Christian Marriage.Vices Opposed to Christian Marriage. Contraception: frustrating the marriage act to Contraception: frustrating the marriage act to

avoid children.avoid children.>> Weary of children.Weary of children.

>> Wish to gratify sexual desires w/o burden.Wish to gratify sexual desires w/o burden.

>> Difficulties associated with children re: the Difficulties associated with children re: the mother or family circumstances.mother or family circumstances.

** In the modern day, parents often see children In the modern day, parents often see children either as a burden or something to be idolized either as a burden or something to be idolized (their own self-worth is wrapped up in their (their own self-worth is wrapped up in their child[ren], e.g., sports, education etc…).child[ren], e.g., sports, education etc…).

Casti Connubii Contraception.Contraception.

But no reason, however grave, may be put forward by But no reason, however grave, may be put forward by which anything intrinsically against nature may which anything intrinsically against nature may become conformable to nature and morally good. become conformable to nature and morally good. Since, therefore, the conjugal act is destined primarily Since, therefore, the conjugal act is destined primarily by nature for the begetting of children, those who in by nature for the begetting of children, those who in exercising it deliberately frustrate its natural power and exercising it deliberately frustrate its natural power and purpose sin against nature and commit a deed which purpose sin against nature and commit a deed which is shameful and intrinsically vicious. (is shameful and intrinsically vicious. (CC 54CC 54).).

oo Some Christian churches depart from the Some Christian churches depart from the uninterrupted Christian tradition on contraception at this uninterrupted Christian tradition on contraception at this time.time.

-- Anglicans - Lambeth Conference 1930.Anglicans - Lambeth Conference 1930.

Casti Connubii Contraception.Contraception.

Pope Pius XI reiterates the Church’s traditional Pope Pius XI reiterates the Church’s traditional teachingteaching::

Any use whatsoever of matrimony exercised in such a Any use whatsoever of matrimony exercised in such a way that the act is deliberately frustrated in its natural way that the act is deliberately frustrated in its natural power to generate life is an offense against the law of power to generate life is an offense against the law of God and of nature, and those who indulge in such are God and of nature, and those who indulge in such are branded with the guilt of a grave sin (branded with the guilt of a grave sin (CC 56CC 56).).

Casti Connubii Contraception.Contraception.

Directive to PriestsDirective to Priests::We admonish, therefore, priests who have the care of souls, in We admonish, therefore, priests who have the care of souls, in virtue of Our supreme authority and in Our solicitude for the virtue of Our supreme authority and in Our solicitude for the salvation of souls, not to allow the faithful entrusted to them to salvation of souls, not to allow the faithful entrusted to them to err regarding the most grave law of God; much more, that they err regarding the most grave law of God; much more, that they keep themselves immune from such false opinions, in no way keep themselves immune from such false opinions, in no way conniving in them. If any confessor or pastor of souls, which conniving in them. If any confessor or pastor of souls, which may God forbid, lead the faithful entrusted to them into these may God forbid, lead the faithful entrusted to them into these errors or should at least confirm them by approval or by guilty errors or should at least confirm them by approval or by guilty silence, let him be mindful of the fact that he must render a silence, let him be mindful of the fact that he must render a strict account to God, the Supreme Judge, for the betrayal of strict account to God, the Supreme Judge, for the betrayal of his sacred trust, and let him take to himself the words of Christ: his sacred trust, and let him take to himself the words of Christ: “They are blind and leaders of the blind: and if the blind lead the “They are blind and leaders of the blind: and if the blind lead the blind, both fall into the pit” [Mt.15:14] (blind, both fall into the pit” [Mt.15:14] (CC 57CC 57).).

Casti Connubii Contraception.Contraception.

Holy Church knows well that not infrequently one of the parties Holy Church knows well that not infrequently one of the parties is sinned against rather than sinning, when for a grave cause is sinned against rather than sinning, when for a grave cause he or she reluctantly allows the perversion of the right order. In he or she reluctantly allows the perversion of the right order. In such a case, there is no sin, provided that, mindful of the law of such a case, there is no sin, provided that, mindful of the law of charity, he or she does not neglect to seek to dissuade and to charity, he or she does not neglect to seek to dissuade and to deter the partner from sin. Nor are those considered as acting deter the partner from sin. Nor are those considered as acting against nature who in the married state use their right in the against nature who in the married state use their right in the proper manner although on account of natural reasons either of proper manner although on account of natural reasons either of time or of certain defects, new life cannot be brought forth. For time or of certain defects, new life cannot be brought forth. For in matrimony as well as in the use of the matrimonial rights in matrimony as well as in the use of the matrimonial rights there are also secondary ends, such as mutual aid, the there are also secondary ends, such as mutual aid, the cultivating of mutual love, and the quieting of concupiscence cultivating of mutual love, and the quieting of concupiscence which husband and wife are not forbidden to consider so long which husband and wife are not forbidden to consider so long as they are subordinated to the primary end and so long as the as they are subordinated to the primary end and so long as the intrinsic nature of the act is preserved (intrinsic nature of the act is preserved (CC 59CC 59).).

Casti Connubii Contraception.Contraception.

oo The Holy Father acknowledges the difficulties and The Holy Father acknowledges the difficulties and sufferings experienced by couples in the rearing of their sufferings experienced by couples in the rearing of their children.children.oo ““God does not ask the impossible…do what you are able God does not ask the impossible…do what you are able to to pray for what you are not able that He may help youpray for what you are not able that He may help you.”.”

-- Counters the Jansenist heresy which believed Counters the Jansenist heresy which believed that that some commands of God were impossible of some commands of God were impossible of

fulfillment even by the just who wished to follow fulfillment even by the just who wished to follow God God completely.completely.oo In the end, the Holy Father reiterated moral precept that In the end, the Holy Father reiterated moral precept that

one cannot do an evil to achieve a good. “one cannot do an evil to achieve a good. “There are no There are no possible circumstances in which husband and wife possible circumstances in which husband and wife

cannot, cannot, strengthened by the grace of God, fulfill faithfully strengthened by the grace of God, fulfill faithfully their their dutiesduties” (CC 61).” (CC 61).

Casti Connubii Other Actions Against Offspring:Other Actions Against Offspring: Abortion.Abortion.

oo Taking the life of the offspring hidden in the mother’s Taking the life of the offspring hidden in the mother’s womb.womb.

-- Very grave crime no matter what reasons given.Very grave crime no matter what reasons given.

-- The life of mother and the life of the child are The life of mother and the life of the child are equally equally sacred.sacred.

-- It is never morally permissible to take innocent It is never morally permissible to take innocent human life.human life.

-- Some physicians (and many others) seek to Some physicians (and many others) seek to encompass the death of unborn innocents encompass the death of unborn innocents

through through misguided pity.misguided pity.

Casti Connubii Other Actions Against Offspring:Other Actions Against Offspring: Sterilization.Sterilization.

oo Sought as a means to avoid pregnancy – abortion believed Sought as a means to avoid pregnancy – abortion believed to be available if this (or other contraceptives) fails.to be available if this (or other contraceptives) fails.

-- See: Janet Smith “The Connection between See: Janet Smith “The Connection between Contraception and Abortion” in re: Planned Contraception and Abortion” in re: Planned Parenthood v. Casey.Parenthood v. Casey.

oo Spouses who “Spouses who “are party to such practices…are not are party to such practices…are not spouses at all; and if from the first they have carried on spouses at all; and if from the first they have carried on thus thus they have come together not for honest wedlock, but they have come together not for honest wedlock, but for impure for impure gratification; if both are not party to these deeds, gratification; if both are not party to these deeds, I make bold I make bold to say that either the one makes herself a to say that either the one makes herself a mistress of the mistress of the husband, or the other simply the paramour husband, or the other simply the paramour of his wife.of his wife.””

Casti Connubii Other Actions Against Offspring.Other Actions Against Offspring. Sterilization: Sterilization: EugenicsEugenics..

oo Seeking means to produce strong, healthy children is not Seeking means to produce strong, healthy children is not contrary to right reason; however, putting the aims of contrary to right reason; however, putting the aims of

eugenics before the aims of a “higher order” is morally eugenics before the aims of a “higher order” is morally problematic.problematic.

-- Public authority wishes to prevent those who Public authority wishes to prevent those who would, would, through heredity, likely produce defective through heredity, likely produce defective children children from having such children.from having such children.

-- Possibly through legislation.Possibly through legislation.-- Private individuals have no right to do this either.Private individuals have no right to do this either.

oo ““Those who act in this way are at fault of losing sight of Those who act in this way are at fault of losing sight of the the fact that the family is more sacred than the State and fact that the family is more sacred than the State and that that men are begotten not for the earth...but heaven (men are begotten not for the earth...but heaven (CC CC 6969)).”.”

Casti Connubii

Every sin committed as regards the offspring becomes in some Every sin committed as regards the offspring becomes in some way a sin against conjugal faith, since both these blessings are way a sin against conjugal faith, since both these blessings are essentially connected (essentially connected (CC 72CC 72).).

-- Move to specific focus on sins against conjugal Move to specific focus on sins against conjugal faith.faith.

Errors Concerning Conjugal Faith.Errors Concerning Conjugal Faith. Adultery.Adultery.

oo Desire to countenance modern ideas/moralities which Desire to countenance modern ideas/moralities which advocate third parties in marital relationships.advocate third parties in marital relationships.

oo Greater freedom in feeling and action promoted.Greater freedom in feeling and action promoted.oo Belief that a monogamous marriage cannot satisfy a Belief that a monogamous marriage cannot satisfy a person throughout his/her life.person throughout his/her life.oo Traditional beliefs are considered obsolete or too narrow.Traditional beliefs are considered obsolete or too narrow.

Casti Connubii Emancipation of Woman.Emancipation of Woman.

Three-fold liberation of women from a perceived inequality of Three-fold liberation of women from a perceived inequality of the sexes:the sexes:

1)1) Physiological – freedom from duties/burdens of being a Physiological – freedom from duties/burdens of being a wife and mother.wife and mother.

2)2) Social – freedom to engage in business activities and Social – freedom to engage in business activities and public affairs.public affairs.

3)3) Economic – freedom over and above or even against Economic – freedom over and above or even against the the wishes of her husband to involve herself in her own wishes of her husband to involve herself in her own affairs.affairs.

Casti Connubii Emancipation of Woman.Emancipation of Woman.

oo A false emancipation.A false emancipation.-- Exaltation of self to the detriment of the family.Exaltation of self to the detriment of the family.-- Opposed to the Christian ideal of the complete Opposed to the Christian ideal of the complete

giving of love.giving of love.oo Debasement of womanly character and motherhood.Debasement of womanly character and motherhood.

-- Husband loses a wife.Husband loses a wife.-- Children lose a mother.Children lose a mother.-- An essential element of care and watchfulness An essential element of care and watchfulness

over over the family is lost.the family is lost.>> Woman is the heart.Woman is the heart.

-- Eventual reduction to slavery: she becomes a Eventual reduction to slavery: she becomes a mere mere instrument of man.instrument of man.

Casti Connubii Emancipation of Woman.Emancipation of Woman.

This equality of rights which is so much exaggerated and This equality of rights which is so much exaggerated and distorted, must indeed be recognized in those rights which distorted, must indeed be recognized in those rights which belong to the dignity of the human soul and which are proper to belong to the dignity of the human soul and which are proper to the marriage contract and inseparably bound up with wedlock. the marriage contract and inseparably bound up with wedlock. In such things undoubtedly both parties enjoy the same rights In such things undoubtedly both parties enjoy the same rights and are bound by the same obligations; in other things there and are bound by the same obligations; in other things there must be a certain inequality and due accommodation, which is must be a certain inequality and due accommodation, which is demanded by the good of the family and the right ordering and demanded by the good of the family and the right ordering and unity and stability of home life (unity and stability of home life (CC 76CC 76).).

Casti Connubii Emancipation of Woman.Emancipation of Woman.

In accord with social and economic conditions, public authority In accord with social and economic conditions, public authority may adjust the rights of married women to the needs and may adjust the rights of married women to the needs and requirements of the time.requirements of the time.

Provided that the following considerations are taken into Provided that the following considerations are taken into account:account:

oo The essential order of the family remains intact.The essential order of the family remains intact.

oo Proper concern for the needs and dignity of women.Proper concern for the needs and dignity of women.

oo Good morality.Good morality.

oo The welfare of the family.The welfare of the family.

oo The unchangeable authority and wisdom of God.The unchangeable authority and wisdom of God.

Casti Connubii Initial Comments on Divorce.Initial Comments on Divorce.

Errors of Modern Society:Errors of Modern Society:

1.1. Based on compatibility as opposed to true and solid love.Based on compatibility as opposed to true and solid love.

-- The basis of marital and conjugal happiness is The basis of marital and conjugal happiness is reduced to a certain “vague compatibility of reduced to a certain “vague compatibility of temperament” called temperament” called sympathysympathy..

-- When the feeling “sympathy” is gone, the When the feeling “sympathy” is gone, the marriage marriage ceases.ceases.

Casti Connubii Initial Comments on Divorce.Initial Comments on Divorce.

Errors of Modern Society:Errors of Modern Society:

2.2. Denial of the sacramentality of marriage.Denial of the sacramentality of marriage.

-- Marriage belongs entirely to the profane and civil Marriage belongs entirely to the profane and civil sphere. Civil marriage should stand for the sphere. Civil marriage should stand for the

marriage marriage contract.contract.

>> Religious acts are merely an addition or a Religious acts are merely an addition or a concession to the superstitions of people.concession to the superstitions of people.

>> No reproach for mixed marriage.No reproach for mixed marriage.

-- Marriage should be freed from any indissoluble Marriage should be freed from any indissoluble bond.bond.

>> Complete divorce should be sanctioned by Complete divorce should be sanctioned by law.law.

Casti ConnubiiThis religious character of marriage, its sublime signification of This religious character of marriage, its sublime signification of grace and the union between Christ and the Church, evidently grace and the union between Christ and the Church, evidently requires that those about to marry should show a holy requires that those about to marry should show a holy reverence towards it, and zealously endeavor to make their reverence towards it, and zealously endeavor to make their marriage approach as nearly as possible to the archetype of marriage approach as nearly as possible to the archetype of Christ and the Church (Christ and the Church (CC 81CC 81).).

Mixed Marriage.Mixed Marriage.oo Canon Law (1917 Code) forbids marriage b/t a Catholic Canon Law (1917 Code) forbids marriage b/t a Catholic

and members of schismatic or heretical sects.and members of schismatic or heretical sects.oo Danger of the Catholic party falling away from the faith.Danger of the Catholic party falling away from the faith.oo Forbidden by the divine law (CCL 1060).Forbidden by the divine law (CCL 1060).oo Dispensations are possible when dangers are avoided.Dispensations are possible when dangers are avoided.oo Unlikely that the Catholic party will not suffer some Unlikely that the Catholic party will not suffer some detriment from this type of marriage.detriment from this type of marriage.

Casti Connubii Legalized Divorce.Legalized Divorce.

oo Neo-Paganism re: marriage – taken out of its true context.Neo-Paganism re: marriage – taken out of its true context.

- - Call for “new” and “humane” legislation that attacks Call for “new” and “humane” legislation that attacks the indissolubility of the marriage bond and the the indissolubility of the marriage bond and the recognition of divorce.recognition of divorce.

-- Three reasons advocating divorce legislation:Three reasons advocating divorce legislation:

1.1. The innocent party should be able to The innocent party should be able to separate separate from the guilty party.from the guilty party.

>> Even against the guilty person’s will.Even against the guilty person’s will.

2.2. The good of the children demands it.The good of the children demands it.

>> Deprived of a proper education.Deprived of a proper education.

>> Adversely affected by marital discord.Adversely affected by marital discord.

3.3. The common good of society demands it.The common good of society demands it.

Casti Connubii

Taken purely from a standpoint of human Taken purely from a standpoint of human intellectual ability, these are not completely intellectual ability, these are not completely

unreasonable demands. unreasonable demands.

Casti Connubii Legalized Divorce.Legalized Divorce.

It is believed by many in modern society that the reasons It is believed by many in modern society that the reasons given for divorce are conclusive and proof of the given for divorce are conclusive and proof of the

necessity necessity of allowing divorce.of allowing divorce.

Marriage is considered a private contract, and like other Marriage is considered a private contract, and like other contracts should be left to the decisions of both parties to contracts should be left to the decisions of both parties to dissolve it if deemed necessary.dissolve it if deemed necessary.

Casti Connubii

Despite the reasonableness of a secularly Despite the reasonableness of a secularly based understanding, however, the promotion based understanding, however, the promotion of divorce is ultimately flawed and detrimental of divorce is ultimately flawed and detrimental to the sanctity of marriage and the dignity men to the sanctity of marriage and the dignity men

and women.and women.

Casti Connubii

The Law of God.The Law of God.

oo Confirmed by Christ, divorce is forbidden; no secular Confirmed by Christ, divorce is forbidden; no secular power power can loose the bond that is indissoluble.can loose the bond that is indissoluble.

-- Even in the case of adultery.Even in the case of adultery.

-- Separation can be allowed for a just cause – this Separation can be allowed for a just cause – this does not sever the bond of a valid marriage.does not sever the bond of a valid marriage.

Casti Connubii Evils of Divorce.Evils of Divorce.

oo Where the marriage bond remains intact, marriages are Where the marriage bond remains intact, marriages are contracted with a sense of safety and security; an contracted with a sense of safety and security; an

atmosphere where divorce is easily obtained, insecurity atmosphere where divorce is easily obtained, insecurity and anxiety is present.and anxiety is present.

oo Evils of divorce:Evils of divorce:

1.1. Strength of goodwill and cooperation among Strength of goodwill and cooperation among spouses is weakened.spouses is weakened.

2.2. Infidelity is more easily accepted.Infidelity is more easily accepted.

3.3. Obstacles to the birth, rearing, education of Obstacles to the birth, rearing, education of children.children.

4.4. Seeds of jealousy, quarrels are sown.Seeds of jealousy, quarrels are sown.

5.5. The dignity of women and their position in civil and The dignity of women and their position in civil and domestic society is attacked – slaves of men’s lust.domestic society is attacked – slaves of men’s lust.

Casti Connubii Evils of Divorce.Evils of Divorce.

Leo XIIILeo XIII

……the destruction of family life…is brought about more by the the destruction of family life…is brought about more by the corruption of morals than by anything else…once divorce has corruption of morals than by anything else…once divorce has been allowed, there will be no sufficient means for keeping it in been allowed, there will be no sufficient means for keeping it in check with any definite bounds. Great is the force of example, check with any definite bounds. Great is the force of example, greater still that of lust; and with such incitements it cannot but greater still that of lust; and with such incitements it cannot but happen that divorce and its consequent setting loose of the happen that divorce and its consequent setting loose of the passions should spread daily and attack the souls of many…passions should spread daily and attack the souls of many…((Arcanum Divinae Sapientiae, 1880Arcanum Divinae Sapientiae, 1880).).

Casti ConnubiiV.V. Remedies.Remedies. Getting Back to the Divinely Ordered Plan.Getting Back to the Divinely Ordered Plan.

Whatever things have deviated from their right order, cannot Whatever things have deviated from their right order, cannot be brought back to that original state which is in harmony be brought back to that original state which is in harmony with their nature except by a return to the divine plan (with their nature except by a return to the divine plan (CCCC 9494).).

-- When you are at the brink of the precipice, the most When you are at the brink of the precipice, the most progressive direction is to back away from the progressive direction is to back away from the

chasm – Peter Kreeft.chasm – Peter Kreeft.

Casti Connubii Getting Back to the Divinely Ordered Plan.Getting Back to the Divinely Ordered Plan.

oo The chief obstacle to acknowledging and accepting the The chief obstacle to acknowledging and accepting the divine plan of God is unbridled lust.divine plan of God is unbridled lust.

……man cannot hold in check his passions, unless he first man cannot hold in check his passions, unless he first subject himself to God, this must be his primary subject himself to God, this must be his primary

endeavor, endeavor, in accordance with the plan divinely ordained. For in accordance with the plan divinely ordained. For it is a it is a sacred ordinance that who ever shall have first subjected sacred ordinance that who ever shall have first subjected

himself to God will, by the aid of divine grace, be glad to himself to God will, by the aid of divine grace, be glad to subject to himself his own passions and concupiscence; subject to himself his own passions and concupiscence; while he who is a rebel against God will, to his sorrow, while he who is a rebel against God will, to his sorrow, experience within himself the violent rebellion of his experience within himself the violent rebellion of his

worst worst passions (CC 97).passions (CC 97).

Casti Connubii Getting Back to the Divinely Ordered Plan.Getting Back to the Divinely Ordered Plan. Self Mastery.Self Mastery.

oo We are to master our passions (with the grace of the We are to master our passions (with the grace of the Holy Holy Spirit) not be mastered by them. In essence, we are Spirit) not be mastered by them. In essence, we are often often slaves of our passions. The reality of self-mastery is slaves of our passions. The reality of self-mastery is mentioned as well by Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II.mentioned as well by Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II.

Surrender/Subjection of Self to GodSurrender/Subjection of Self to God

oo First Commandment.First Commandment.

-- God is God, there is no other.God is God, there is no other.

oo First Beatitude.First Beatitude.

-- Acknowledgment of our true place before God.Acknowledgment of our true place before God.

-- Humble compliance and reverence for our Maker.Humble compliance and reverence for our Maker.

Casti Connubii Getting Back to the Divinely Ordered PlanGetting Back to the Divinely Ordered Plan

And how wisely this has been decreed St. Augustine thus And how wisely this has been decreed St. Augustine thus shows: “This indeed is fitting, that the lower be subject to the shows: “This indeed is fitting, that the lower be subject to the higher, so that he who would have subject to himself whatever higher, so that he who would have subject to himself whatever is below him, should himself submit to whatever is above him. is below him, should himself submit to whatever is above him. Acknowledge order, seek peace. Be thou subject to God, and Acknowledge order, seek peace. Be thou subject to God, and thy flesh subject to thee. What more fitting! What more fair! thy flesh subject to thee. What more fitting! What more fair! Thou art subject to the higher and the lower is subject to thee. Thou art subject to the higher and the lower is subject to thee. Do thou serve Him who made thee, so that which was made for Do thou serve Him who made thee, so that which was made for thee may serve thee. For we do not commend this order, thee may serve thee. For we do not commend this order, namely, ‘The flesh to thee and thou to God, but Thou to God, namely, ‘The flesh to thee and thou to God, but Thou to God, and the flesh to thee.’ If, however, thou despisest the subjection and the flesh to thee.’ If, however, thou despisest the subjection of thyself to God, thou shalt never bring about the subjection of of thyself to God, thou shalt never bring about the subjection of the flesh to thyself. If thou dost not obey the Lord, thou shalt be the flesh to thyself. If thou dost not obey the Lord, thou shalt be tormented by thy servant” (CC 98).tormented by thy servant” (CC 98).

Casti Connubii Getting Back to the Divinely Ordered Plan.Getting Back to the Divinely Ordered Plan.

oo It is a great mistake and an underestimation of the It is a great mistake and an underestimation of the problem problem to think that an understanding of the modern to think that an understanding of the modern sciences, e.g., sciences, e.g., biology, psychology, studies in heredity, biology, psychology, studies in heredity, etc… can curb the etc… can curb the carnal desires of human beings.carnal desires of human beings.

-- The saints consistently tell human beings to flee The saints consistently tell human beings to flee from sexual temptation because it is from sexual temptation because it is

overpowering.overpowering.

……we must all the more pay attention to those things, which we must all the more pay attention to those things, which appertain to marriage where the inordinate desire for pleasure appertain to marriage where the inordinate desire for pleasure can attack frail human nature and easily deceive it and lead it can attack frail human nature and easily deceive it and lead it astray; this is all the more true of the observance of the divine astray; this is all the more true of the observance of the divine law, which demands sometimes hard and repeated sacrifices…law, which demands sometimes hard and repeated sacrifices…(CC 102).(CC 102).

Casti Connubii Remedies.Remedies. Ask for divine assistance.Ask for divine assistance.

oo Frequent the sacraments.Frequent the sacraments.

oo Increase devotion and submission to God.Increase devotion and submission to God. Obedience to the teaching of the Church.Obedience to the teaching of the Church.

oo Not only solemn pronouncements, but also decrees of Not only solemn pronouncements, but also decrees of the the Ordinary Magisterium.Ordinary Magisterium.

Complete instruction for marriage.Complete instruction for marriage.

oo The faithful should be well instructed (words and written The faithful should be well instructed (words and written materials – using plain and strong argumentation).materials – using plain and strong argumentation).

Remote and proximate preparation for marriage starts in the Remote and proximate preparation for marriage starts in the home with the promotion of chastity.home with the promotion of chastity.

Casti Connubii Remedies.Remedies. Choose a partner who will be “a great help in leading a Choose a partner who will be “a great help in leading a

Christian life,” not one who will be “a great danger and Christian life,” not one who will be “a great danger and hindrance” (CC 115).hindrance” (CC 115).oo Ask for the prudent advice of parents.Ask for the prudent advice of parents.

The State has an obligation to do provide the system that The State has an obligation to do provide the system that allows families to prosper.allows families to prosper.oo Living (family) wage.Living (family) wage.oo Principle of subsidiarity.Principle of subsidiarity.

The State also has an obligation to enact laws that protect The State also has an obligation to enact laws that protect chastity.chastity.

Religious authority plays an important role in enlightening the Religious authority plays an important role in enlightening the minds of people to the Truth. In this sense, Church and State minds of people to the Truth. In this sense, Church and State work together. Laws of the State are in accord with morals.work together. Laws of the State are in accord with morals.