Catholics, if you absolutely don't want children, does that mean you can never marry?

Question

This sort of rose from an answer to my last question.

remember, a marriage isn't considered valid until it's consumated

Answer 1

--Is Catholic--

Actually the validity of a marriage is not dependent on the consummation. Remember that Joseph and Mary were married but the marriage was never consummated. For what makes a marriage valid see The Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma by Ott.

To answer your question, an "absolutely don't want children" invalidates the marriage of a Christian. The Church would not recognize such a marriage and would refuse to marry such an individual. If this is kept secret from the Church, the Church will invalidate the marriage if this is found out later. (again see Ott).

Now let me say that there is a complete difference between "No never not ever" and "that is not something that I'd like but it would be ok if it happened and I am not going to try to prevent my getting pregnant". All the Church requires is being open to having children not a feeling of "make me pregnant NOW."

Answer 2

No, I don't think the modern Church would dictate that you absolutely could not marry. I think Church leaders are wise enough to understand that if there were such a dictate, Catholics would be flocking to the courthouse for civil marriages. That being said, however, the official stance remains that marriage should be an avenue leading to reproduction; to have children in the bounds of marriage is considered to be both a Heavenly duty and privilege. The official stance on marriage goes further to say that if childbearing is not desired, one might consider being in a celibate marriage, where the primary duty/privilege of both spouses would be to devote oneself to God (much like being a monk or nun) while enjoying a celibate companionship with one another.

Answer 3

Read your prior question; here's a couple extra points to consider (FWIW). The birth control pill is NOT medically considered an abortifacient device; it only prevents ovulation. There is _no egg_ sent down for the sperm to fertilize; therefore, the uterine lining is not needed and is discharged in the course of time.
I believe there are mixed feelings amongst Roman Catholic theologians concerning the legitimacy of natural family planning (whether continued use is contrary to the Eternal's plan). IMHO, if the Eternal really feels you should have a child, you're _going_ to have one.....No insult to devout persons, but always thought Mary sounded a little blindsided when Gabriel came to visit her.....

This is a topic requiring careful consideration, talk, and meditation. Personally, I find it difficult to believe that the Eternal would deny us the chance to pair up with a beloved one for a lifetime. I'm one of those people who should NOT have children--they're too precious and valuable to gamble with---does this mean that my marriage of nearly 30 years is a mistake?

Answer 4

If you truly love the other person, yes, you can, but you never know, what if whoever you marry *does* plan to have children? The main purpose of marriage is to join two people who love each other as one, but most of us beleive that it's also the responsability of those two to start a family. You should also know that it's also Catholic teaching that birth control is morally wrong.

What's your reason for not wanting kids? The church teaches that as long as your reason is not purely selfish, you don't have to have kids.

Answer 5

So you have all answered to this question that it doesnt matter if they dont want to have children.. Yet I guarantee you would all say homosexual marriage is wrong as marriage is about family and creating children... So is it that in a situation like this you are AGAIN discriminating against homosexuals?

Answer 6

HHHhhhhmmmmm. I think you have a point. But think about it for a moment. How many professing Catholics actually follow the teachings of their faith? Want a little help? Maybe 5% (in the USA).

Answer 7

They just dodge the cycle. Or as most of the Catholics that I knew, **** whoever you want and confess it later. Or better yet go ahead and slip the priest a 20 and say "I'm planning on doing a lot of sinning this weekend."

Answer 8

I am not catholic, but I would imagine that there is no such thing.
You also have to accept that catholisism allows for its followers to decide to what degreee the rules are adhered to. At least, that's what most business-based religions enable.

Answer 9

What ? if you don't want children make sure husband agrees before marriage

Answer 10

No, the catholic church has changed alot in the past century, people have a misconscrued look on catholics, it has changed alot.