Comments on: The Pope Suggests Abstinence, I Suggest a Reality Check

By: Gail

Gail — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:56:58 +0000

There are some burning sexual issues that the Pope might address. Granted these are very controversal and in some societies could draw blood–I am very serious. Absentence implies a woman’s role to make a choice.

Does a wife ever, under any circumstances have the right to say no to her husband?

Why isn’t rape a crime against humanity?

By: tcmom

tcmom — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 22:15:02 +0000

Excellent points made by everyone. Thank you for posting them. I read this article about the church’s issues with abstinence even with priests. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29777984/
The issue is so complex but one thing is very clear: abstinence is simply unrealistic and condoms save lives.

By: Cami

Cami — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 22:02:50 +0000

I'm a Catholic, too (well, Catholic Lite) but still- we need to be realistic. IF the pope is celibate, he has no idea how compelling sex can be. Yes, abstinence will stop the spread of AIDS. In fact, it's the only 100% effective method of birth and STD control, HOWEVER... GET A CLUE, POPE! The statistics alone should be enough to show any reasonably intelligent person that a problem exists, and we need to treat that problem as effectively as we can. Preventative care is the only way to go, and abstinence will just not cut it. I don't expect the people of Africa to be celibate and neither should the pope. What is needed is a clear, effective, culturally sensitive education and condom distribution program. Abstinence can be a part of it, but pretending the problem isn't there never helps! If I were a priest, I would give a sermon preaching common sense. Choices. Maybe I would encourage abstinence, but people, protect yourselves! Not just in Africa, but everywhere. Jeez! Cami’s last blog post... Pardon Me (I Didn't Knit That For You)

By: Midwest Mom

Midwest Mom — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:21:21 +0000

You know, the current Pope could learn a lot from his predecessor. Africa is a continent with its own cultural heritage, and sadly, a place where rape is commonly used as a weapon. I'm not saying that is the only, or even most prevalent way AIDS is spread, just that there are more issues involved than preaching abstinence will address. Yes, there is an ideal he would like to promote. But we live in the real world -- it doesn't get more real than when you're talking about AIDS. I'm Catholic. I just think there are worse sins than condoms. Midwest Mom’s last blog post... JumpStart World Review & Giveaway

By: Jessica Gottlieb

Jessica Gottlieb — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 04:57:32 +0000

I respect the Catholic faith and all it's traditions, but even the Pope can't offer absolution from AIDS. I know how to plan a funeral, it's a horrible talent. Jessica Gottlieb’s last blog post... The Day She Tossed Derek Markham Under The Bus For Problogger

By: Joy

Joy — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:28:52 +0000

Wonderful Post! I say this with huge respect for all religions but it is time that we take a reality check? Sometimes wishing on a prayer isn’t going to fix things. Taking action does.

I think the answer to our prayers to put a stop to all the deaths is by passing out condoms and then education. Prayer alone isn’t the answer unless it’s praying for more people to step up and take action.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:20:15 +0000

Thank you for sharing your opinion and I agree that people will continue to have sex. With that in mind it is irresponsible to do away with condoms. However the Pope does have a point. If people did not have sex, the disease would not spread. This isn’t an opinion based on any religious philosophy (for the record, I am not Catholic), but a fact based on science. The point that I am making is that human nature and responsibility need to meet in the middle and use better judgement.

By: Amy in OHio

Amy in OHio — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:11:09 +0000

Excellent post. I’m Catholic (and continually conflicted). Your respect for the Pope is more than I can muster right about now in light of recent events.

We (collectively as a faith) need to pull our heads out of our “sands” and help to solve problems and ease burdens. Not confuse people and add to the dilemma.

O to the oy…I just want to scream

By: AMomTwoBoys

AMomTwoBoys — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:03:40 +0000

GREAT post! Thank you for writing it. As an EX-Catholic (long ago & far away) I wouldn't be able to write anything about this (or the situation in Brazil) without a lot of swearing & certainly ticking off a lot of people. Nice work. AMomTwoBoys’s last blog post... SCARECROWS

By: ilinap

ilinap — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:50:54 +0000

Right on, girl! You provide an excellent insight since you have experienced Africa and its many traditions and riches first hand. These are PEOPLE we are talking about here. It is ridiculous to take human nature out of the equation. This Pope is erring on the extreme side and is putting women in danger. Case in point, excommunicating the pregnant 9-year old girl who was raped. I am infuriated over this issue.