Pascal's Wager and Free Bets

[RJT]

I just caught the HIV – no condoms. Well, to get technical if one follows the Church’s teaching and both partners only has sex with each other beginning with a marriage then this is not an issue. Since obviously this isn’t the case when HIV transmission takes place – that is one either had sex prior to marriage our outside of the marriage with someone else, then I doubt if said person really cares about the “no condom” rule within the marriage. Don’t blame the Church here.

World Health Organization condemns comments made by the Catholic Church (including outright lies by one of the Vatican's most senior cardinals): http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3176982.stm

Vatican: Condoms don't stop AIDS from the Guardian Newspaper (UK)
Quotes from the Church and comments by noted AIDS authorities
http://www.womensenews.org/article.c...ontext/archive


Regarding overpopulation, I agree that we currently have enough food if the world chose to distribute it. But the current reality is that countries have to stand on their own feet using their own resources. At present, overpopulation in certain countries is one of the biggest health and environmental threats facing the world today. 1/2 of all rainforest destruction is done by peasant slash and burn farmers. Parts of Africa and Brazil simply dont' have the natural resources to support their current populations, and won't in the near future. By forbidding contraception, even among married couples, the Catholic Church has and is directly contributing to overpopulation and irreversible environmental damage in some of the poorest nations of the world. This is irresponsibility on a huge scale because of some weird, 500 year old ideas this cult have about sex and procreation.

[RJT]

Formerly the LP,

How much easier it is to direct the “blame” towards the Church. They have their role in the world which is Religion. Governments of the world are the cause of world hunger and the anger as well as the solutions should be directed there. The effects of this Church teaching I have to assume is immaterial. Do you really think folk in the starving States are not using condoms because of the Church’s teachings?

Your point might have some validity theoretically and can be discussed further. I don’t think it is much of an issue though. If I am wrong and the things you suggest are caused by Church teaching, then count me in for further discussion.

In regard to your outdated quotes: I would have to see the comments in their original contexts to give an opinion on them. I don’t trust media accounts of such things.

RJT

[ QUOTE ]
The effects of this Church teaching I have to assume is immaterial. Do you really think folk in the starving States are not using condoms because of the Church’s teachings?

[/ QUOTE ]
YES!!! Wow, those two statements just blew me away.

It's late now (3am here in Oz) but I'll get back to this tomorrow. But there is much on the web about this, this is a huge issue. There are Catholic groups themselves taking up this fight because of the extreme harm it's causing. No I'm not exaggerating.

[RJT]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The effects of this Church teaching I have to assume is immaterial. Do you really think folk in the starving States are not using condoms because of the Church’s teachings?

[/ QUOTE ]
YES!!! Wow, those two statements just blew me away.

It's late now (3am here in Oz) but I'll get back to this tomorrow. But there is much on the web about this, this is a huge issue. There are Catholic groups themselves taking up this fight because of the extreme harm it's causing. No I'm not exaggerating.

[/ QUOTE ]

I believe you. Hadn't realized that. I'll google later so I am updated. To be continuerd then...

[RJT]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The effects of this Church teaching I have to assume is immaterial. Do you really think folk in the starving States are not using condoms because of the Church’s teachings?

[/ QUOTE ]
YES!!! Wow, those two statements just blew me away.

It's late now (3am here in Oz) but I'll get back to this tomorrow. But there is much on the web about this, this is a huge issue. There are Catholic groups themselves taking up this fight because of the extreme harm it's causing. No I'm not exaggerating.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry Little Prince, but I googled and found no evidence that the Church’s teaching is even being listened to let alone causing damage. I found many stories discussion the Church’s teaching. That is another issue in and of itself. That is whether or not it is and/or how it can/can’t help/harm the situation. (How about that sentence!)

You are going have to provide me with a few links.

RJT

p.s. I hope you have something better than a few Catholic groups themselves. Lay groups aren't known to have it together that much, imo. Most seem to have way too much time on their hands.

Hello RJT,

[ QUOTE ]
I googled and found no evidence that the Church’s teaching is even being listened to let alone causing damage.

[/ QUOTE ]

This link gives plenty of references that suggest that there is a link between religiosity and sexual behaviour.

In general, higher rates of belief in and worship of a creator correlate with higher rates of homicide, juvenile and early adult mortality, STD infection rates, teen pregnancy, and abortion in the prosperous democracies.

Here is the full paper from the above quote.

[RJT]

MG,

I read that before. (That paper,imo, say not much.)

We are talking about a specific notion though. I am interested if I simply have not heard of this issue or if there really is not issue.

Thanks for the reply though,

RJT