The Significance of the Seed | ACW56

If masturbation isn't mentioned explicitly as a sin in the Bible, why does the Church teach that it's wrong? If my boyfriend and I feel we aren't ready for children when we get married, can we use NFP with the intention of avoiding pregnancy? I have a minor infection I'm afraid of transmitting to my pregnant wife. Can I use a condom to prevent this?

Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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 II’s beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

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Q1: I was discussing with my Protestant friend. He says masturbation isn't wrong if you can do it without lust. In the Bible, it doesn't say that masturbation is wrong, unlike clear cut homosexuality or fornication. How would you explain it to someone who doesn't exactly share the same Catholic faith as us?

Q2: Should my boyfriend and I wait to get married until we feel ready for children, or can we get married, use NFP, and simply trust that God will only give us a child when He knows we are ready? We really want to get married and begin that chapter of our lives, but the thought of having a child right now is intimidating!

Q3: We are married and we follow NFP methods. My wife is pregnant and I have a minor infection. Is it possible to use condom during pregnancy in such a situation? Thank you for your enlightenment.

Resources mentioned this week:

Our Bodies Tell God's Story: Discovering the Divine Plane for Love, Sex, and Gender

Feasting on Faith, Food, and Beauty | Italy Pilgrimage | August 9-20, 2020

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Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals.

Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

Produced by Sounder and Key.