Rev. Jerry J. Pokorsky: A Brief History of Our Troubles – and Some Hope

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Saint Michael Triumphs Over the Devil by Bartolomé Bermejo, c. 1440 – 1501 [National Gallery, London]

By Rev. Jerry J. Pokorsky, The Catholic Thing, October 19, 2024

Father Jerry J. Pokorsky is a priest of the Diocese of Arlington. He is pastor of St. Catherine of Siena parish in Great Falls, Virginia.

 

An honest assessment of the Church’s history over the past century reveals a good bit of moral sordidness but also surprisingly hopeful prospects. Future historians may consider this era the Age of Contraception and Homosexuality. And maybe also of Hope.

Since ancient times, the Church has condemned the use of contraception. In 1930, Pope Pius XI reaffirmed Church teaching:

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

In modern times, the practice of contraception has transitioned from shame to mainstream acceptance. The Anglican Lambeth Conference initially condemned “birth control” but tentatively allowed it for agitated consciences in 1931.  …

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