Life issues: universal

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Life issues universal particular

• Dec. 203

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1. The meaning of life

• A code word (abortion debate)?
• Relevance of context
• Leveling of all life issues
• --DP, just-war, extraordinary means
• Radical counterpart to casuistry
• A particularly American platform?

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2. Universality of sufferingthe Roman view

• ApConst. on anointing/sick (11/30/72)
• Rite of Pastoral care/sick (12/7/72)
• Mystery solemnized / sacramentalized
• Sacred meaning anchored in the Cross
• --completing what is lacking in the sufferings
  of Christ via acceptance

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3. Humanae Vitae (1968)

• Issue overpopulation
• Answer vocation of humankind
• ? conjugal love
• ? sterilization, abortion, birth control
• Anticipated reaction resistance
• Anticipatory stance prophetic exhortation
• -- rulers scientific community

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4. Fallout

• Binding character of Encyclicals ?
• Loose construction vs. disfavor of hierarchy
• Washington Case (1971)
• --public dissent exercise of conscience
  pastoral responsibility (ch/couples)
• --the compromise findings
• Implications scientifically-informed consciences