“No,” I said to my best friend in college. Then I continued, “The Church is only against forms of birth control that would kill a fertilized egg, like the Pill and the IUD. It wouldn’t be against things like a condom or spermicide.”

As I spoke to my college friend, I racked my brain to remember what I had been taught, but sadly, I didn’t remember being taught anything about what the Church really taught. No one ever seemed to talk about it.

On the other hand, I was studying a major at the University that went into much depth about contraceptives, enough depth that would allow me to teach about it in my future career. I could figure out for myself that since the IUD in its primary function and the Pill in its tertiary function would both prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg that the Church would certainly be against the ending of life. However, as I continued to think, I couldn’t understand any reason for the Church to be against something “harmless” like the condom.

My Protestant friend countered, “No, Anna. Your Church doesn’t allow any birth control.”

I was dumbfounded and although we continued to argue the point, I had to concede that I was uninformed.

Now what was I to do? I had thought that I knew my faith pretty well, but here my Protestant friend was telling me some pretty pertinent information. I wanted to know the truth. I needed more information, and I wanted it NOW! Where was I to turn? I had a brother that had just been ordained a priest, but as a young college student, I realized two things: 1. I wasn’t about to talk to my brother about sex. And 2. I wasn’t about to talk to my brother, THE PRIEST, about sex!

According to my friend, the Church was against all forms of birth control. Why?

I didn’t agree or believe.

I had one thing in my favor... I had been raised by loving parents who taught me to do what was right even when I didn’t understand. If something was truth, then understanding would come with time.

Since I didn’t agree with the Church’s teaching, I decided to go to the source. God. I prayed. In my defiant little way, I proudly challenged God, “You better convince me, ‘cause I don’t agree.”

I’d like to be able to share the one instance that changed my point of view. However, there wasn’t just one instance. God responded with an abundance of resources: people, books, circumstances, tapes and conversations all seemed to pour my way. I wrestled with this new information. However, over time, with prayer and a constant willingness to listen to what God was sending to me, my understanding of the Church’s wisdom about life and marriage was transformed. I found that not only did I now believe, but I also could explain my belief to others. I would love to go back and share with my college friend my new understanding and the wonderful joy it brings to my life.

My BEST friend, God, had broken the silence, changed my heart and taught me something new. I had finally learned from a friend.

Anna

 

Due to world wide access of these sharings, last names have been omitted from our parishioner testimonies. Please do not reprint these sharings without permission. Please request permission for additional usage by contacting the Natural Family Planning Ministry Team. Thank you.