Episode 260: Contraception Conundrum: A Catholic Woman's Quest for Peace of Conscience

www.unchartedcatholicman.com [email protected] Craig sits down with Cristina, a Colombian native and cradle Catholic, to discuss her journey through faith, family, and the complexities of Catholic teachings on contraception and natural family planning (NFP). Cristina shares her experiences of moving to the U.S., raising a family, and navigating the challenges of traditional Catholic values in a modern context. She reflects on her upbringing in a conservative family, her husband’s evolving relationship with faith, and the impact of culture on their views about family planning. Throughout the conversation, they explore the emotional and spiritual struggles surrounding contraception, the importance of open communication in marriage, and the role of conscience in making family decisions. Cristina also shares insights from her family dynamics, including her siblings' varied approaches to NFP and contraception, and the influence of their upbringing on their choices. Topics Covered: Cristina's background and family life The impact of cultural differences on Catholic teachings The journey of faith and family planning Personal struggles with contraception and NFP Insights from family dynamics and sibling experiences Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below! 00:00:00 - Beginning 00:00:30 - Contraception Mentality and Abortion Concerns 00:01:16 - Introduction of Cristina 00:01:44 - Cristina's Background and Family Life 00:03:37 - Husband's Catholic Background 00:05:00 - Differences in Religious Upbringing 00:07:38 - Husband's Practical Approach to Faith 00:08:56 - Contraception Debate in Marriage 00:10:54 - Mother's Perspective on Family Planning 00:12:31 - Cultural Context of Marriage in Colombia 00:15:28 - Access to Contraception in Poor Communities 00:16:46 - Government Intervention in Family Planning 00:18:30 - Religious Awareness of Contraceptive Use 00:19:46 - Socioeconomic Factors in Family Size 00:20:55 - Financial Stability and Family Planning 00:23:15 - Siblings' Approaches to Family and Faith 00:24:34 - NFP and Family Dynamics 00:27:06 - Sister's Experience with NFP 00:29:05 - Brother's Attitude Towards Contraception 00:30:15 - Sister's Adoption Journey 00:32:15 - Marriage Preparation in Colombia 00:35:19 - Expectations Going into Marriage 00:36:34 - First Pregnancy Experience 00:39:24 - Struggles with Catholic Teachings on Contraception 00:41:37 - Evolution of Thoughts on Family Planning 00:45:25 - Desire for More Children 00:47:29 - Confession and NFP Guidance 00:49:47 - Conversations with Priests on Family Planning 00:52:33 - Struggles with Church Teachings 00:53:37 - Reflections on Natural Law and Church Doctrine Contraception JP II (Pope John Paul II) Colombia South America Catholic Opus Dei Regnum Christi NFP (Natural Family Planning) Paul VI Gestational diabetes C-section Couple to Couple League Turning Point (book) Confession Preeclampsia Celibate Family planning Natural law