{The Weight of Sin (1) [continued (12)] – Sexual Intercourse [continued (4)]}[29th November 1987]

[Redbook4:185][19871129:2107n]{The Weight of Sin (1) [continued (12)] – Sexual Intercourse [continued (4)]}[29th November 1987]

19871129.2107

[continued]

There are subtle distinctions and gradations, mostly in the mind. Long ago,* I think I wrote that a couple having [sexual] intercourse should ask themselves: Am I prepared** to have a baby with this person? If the answer is Yes, the chief question for Marriage has been answered, and I doubt whether sexual intercourse in these circumstances would be separatist simply because the formalities had not occurred.

This takes into account the origin of Evil within the mind of Man, so that no action or external circumstance can of itself bring about Evil. It allows pre-marital intercourse of effectively engaged couples, during a trial period (or simply a waiting period). It allows a certain kind of intensely felt (and intensely rare) brief encounter.

In theory, it even allows adultery, but other factors have to be taken into account: the effect on existing marriages and relationships; and, can the question – Am I prepared** to procreate [sic] a baby with this person? – genuinely be answered 'Yes' in those circumstances? Here I think we return to the quality of the experience, actual or anticipated: lawful impediments may be experienced as spiritual obstructions.

But the one thing it does not allow is homosexual intercourse: no sophistry over adoption can match the essential unity by fusion involved in physical procreation, and the question cannot therefore be meaningfully asked.***

*[[Redbook1:272][19721219:0111]{Pre-marital Sex}[19th December 1972], where the question is for the woman.]

**disregarding the circumstances, I think. <891003>

***[The implication of this is presumably that while the question does not allow, neither does it forbid something about which it cannot be meaningfully asked.

And what of heterosexual couples reproducing by artificial insemination?

<20170126>

And what about heterosexual adopting couples? <20170327>

& See [Redbook4:188][19871130:0920]{The Weight of Sin (2) – Sexual Intercourse and Love}[30th November 1987] <20170130>]

[continues]

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