Episode 1 - What is NFP?

This episode is a primer on natural family planning (NFP) as fertility intelligence (FI) and faithful parenting (FP) useful for self-knowledge, achieving, and postponing pregnancy. Fertility Intelligence (literally “to read within”; ‘intus’ – within, ‘legere’ – to read) is the knowledge to read the sexual powers of fertility. Faithful Parenting is the moral framework for the right use of FI as defined by the Church. We begin with a definition and overview, the effectiveness, the benefits, an introduction to the science, an introduction to the theology, its moral use, and the major methods and organizations, and, perhaps, some testimonials. We will compare and contrast NFP with contraception, address common objections, myths and misconceptions, and establish a working language to understand NFP. We will also set-up the series by introducing the thematic outline/map of the subsequent episodes.

Episode 2 - NFP and the Physician

Introduce the “trinity” concept (priests, docs, instructors) as the ideal support structure for NFP to flourish. Feature some dynamic NFP-only physicians and their conversion stories. Choose the best stories from the NFP-Only doc interview project I conducted in 2005. What does it take to reach our Catholic physicians? The case will be made for NFP as better women’s healthcare. Discuss national NFP physician clinic concept “Renewing Authentic Catholic Healthcare”.

Episode 3 - The Church and NFP

There is a fascinating historical timeline comparison of the scientific developments and the theological understanding of NFP. Over 150 years of coherent and consistent Church teaching tracks, not only, the development of the scientific discoveries of fertility and human procreation, but also, massive shifts in sociological behavior with sex, marriage, and children. From a Vatican dubium answered in 1853, Castii Cannubii in 1930, Humanae Vitae in 1968, Familiaris Consortio in 1981, theology of the body in 1984, through a recent declaration from the Pontifical Council of the Family, there is an illuminating story of consistent doctrinal development concerning the proper knowledge and use of NFP. We will include a discussion on the standing debate over what constitutes “serious”, “just”, or “grave” reasons to postpone birth as put forth in Humanae Vitae. We will also reflect on the enormity of the break in Christianity over contraception at the Anglican 1930 Lambeth Conference. Potential other SME include Dr. Janet Smith, Fr. Brian Harrison and Fr. Richard Hogan.

Episode 4 - NFP as a Theology

For many reasons that we will discuss, NFP is equated to postponing pregnancy (e.g. “You can only use NFP for grave reasons”). Others may acknowledge its proven benefit in helping couples achieve pregnancy. However, there is an even more profound element to NFP than simply using it to achieve or postpone pregnancy. It is a theology. It is a study of God by studying a human person as imaging God in the body. We will apply Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and Pope Benedict’s theology of personhood to make the case for living NFP as a study of God by learning, reading, and living the language of the body as God’s image. A person is a body. Personhood is relational: To be is to be for. Self-gift (agape love) requires self-possession (chastity). NFP offers an experience (consciousness) of self. The progression from understanding, realization, gratitude, love, generosity, to life is the witness of thousands of NFP couples. Knowledge is the pre-requisite to love. We only love what we first know, and knowledge deepens with love. NFP ultimately leads us to a deeper knowing of the God in whose image and likeness we are made.

Episode 5 - NFP and the Priest

Re-introduce the “trinity” concept (priests, docs, instructors) as the ideal support structure for NFP to flourish. Feature some dynamic NFP-promoting priests and their conversion stories. NFP Outreach is a great resource (Frs. McCaffrey, Habiger, or Hogan). What does it take to raise the interest of our priests? Why should a priest delve into such a contentious issue in his parish? Discuss concrete suggestions to increase the participation and urgency with our parish priests.

Episode 6 - NFP and Marriage

NFP has a reparative effect in marriage. Healing past sexual sin, brokenness requires Reconciliation, then a plan of life to heal. NFP is a powerful tool in that plan. Modernity teaches a disintegration of love, sex, marriage, and children that most bring into marriage. Reintegrating love, sex, marriage, children into their singular reality is the practice and struggle of NFP. The depth of the struggle with NFP is proportional to the sexual wounded-ness of the couple. Ultimately, NFP is a marriage builder as we struggle to live Faithful Parenting (FP). We will explore love (eros, philia, agape) viz. Deus Caritas Est and NFP as a practicum of love. NFP draws the husband into a deeper knowledge of his wife since her fertility is not some biological add-on – but her. They learn to live a shared fertility and be active moral agents with generous stewardship over this power of procreation. Sacrifice, generosity, discerning God’s call, and maturing of faith is the development of heroic virtue. We will also review the latest on NFP and divorce.

Episode 7 - Contraception, Sterilization, and IVF

In the light of the experience of many couples and of the data provided by the different human sciences, theological reflection is able to perceive and is called to study further the difference, both anthropological and moral, between contraception and recourse to the rhythm of the cycle: it is a difference which is much wider and deeper than is usually thought, one which involves in the final analysis two irreconcilable concepts of the human person and of human sexuality [FC 32]   This episode explores contrasts between contraception, sterilization, artificial reproductive technologies (ART), and NFP. Precise definitions begin our understanding of the “why” behind the “what” of the moral truths. Conversion and reversal stories are powerful and moving. Understanding the purpose and meaning of the marital embrace helps us recognize the evil roots of these attacks on marriage. As Pope JPII stated in Familiaris Consortio, contraception and NFP involves essentially “two irreconcilable concepts of the human person and of human sexuality.” The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed hormonal contraception as a Level 1 carcinogen. We will discuss the impact of the Anglican Lambeth conference 1930 and its effect on the popular Christians’ view.   The suffering of spouses who cannot have children or who are afraid of bringing a handicapped child into the world is a suffering that everyone must understand and properly evaluate [DV 8]. This profound anguish of couples struggling with infertility has led to wide acceptance of IVF even among Catholics. In many ways, the immorality of ART is more difficult to defend than contraception. This is a large, unregulated, and growing industry. We will detail the latest ART procedures, and clarify the moral, theological, physiological, and genetic problems associated with ART. It has been estimated that only 8-10% of IVF clients have a physical impediment requiring a “high-tech” solution. We will show that ART is not the only choice - surgical and non-surgical NFP therapies (including NaProTechnology) can be a significant help and should be the first recourse in overcoming infertility.

Episode 8 - Raising an NFP Family

NFP is a powerful tool pass on the beautiful truth and meaning of sexuality. The vision of the ideal NFP world is a mother who proudly teaches her daughter as part of her development. Daughter learns the mystery, wonder, and awe of her feminine gift from God, not as a ‘curse’ to visit every month. She will protect this powerful gift responsibly. Later, she will teach her husband as part of the knowledge of matrimony. This will form her view of herself, his view of her, their view of sexual desire and the marital act, and their subsequent faithful parenting. Fathers will also teach their sons about this purpose and meaningful cycle and their roles in respecting and protecting the feminine. This specific knowledge of Fertility Intelligence (FI) is combined with what these kids have witnessed in their home, from their mother and father living Faithful Parenting (FP).

Episode 9 - NFP in the Public Square

NFP is battling competing underlying philosophies in the public square. Ultimately, it is a disordered view of the human person. We will explore the roots of the modern view of sexuality and the influence it holds even on most Christians. Marriages are down, but divorce is up. Two-parent homes are down, yet cohabitation is up. The world treats sex like money and trades it as a commodity while treating money like sex expecting it to reproduce. By recognizing the underlying philosophies, we can understand the root of the resistance to truth and how best to combat it.

Episode 10 - Teaching and Learning NFP

Effective lay NFP instructors round out the “trinity” concept (priests, docs, instructors) describing the ideal NFP support structure. Over the years, I have heard horror stories of instructors who are either too clinical (appearing closed to life) or too casual (appearing unprofessional and without credibility). The instructor must effectively combine Fertility Intelligence (FI) and Faithful Parenting (FP). This proper instruction includes methodology, pedagogy, professional and personal credibility, living the truths taught, while explicitly and implicitly teaching openness to life. Whatever method is employed, it must teach the fullness of truth regarding sex, love, marriage, and children, yet scientifically and practically effective. We will explore how each of the major methods of NFP accomplishes this task. The instructors must also learn to meet the woman or couple where they are and inspire them to live the procreative gift/power/responsibility well. Instructors enjoy a privileged place in the lives of each couple - building friendship, dealing with their fears, sexual brokenness, and hardness of heart. It can be tricky knowing when to appeal to their heads or their hearts. NFP is a greater good regardless of how the couple comes to you.

Episode 11 - Living NFP in the Real World

Living NFP can be very hard. How does a couple discern God’s call amidst life in the ‘real world?’ Do couples use NFP as ‘Catholic birth control?’ Does fertility knowledge make it more, or less, difficult to be generous and open to life? Some claim that the struggle with abstinence is a sign that NFP is unnatural. HV speaks of grave, just, and serious reasons to postpone pregnancy. How does a couple know what those are? We will hear from real couples who have (and are) living these issues. This episode will not be sugar-coated, but “real” in its showing what couples struggle with, how they overcome, and the blessings received in their marriage and families through the struggle.

Episode 12 - Urgent and Necessary: The Case for NFP

Gleaning the major conclusions of the previous episodes, the case will be made that NFP instruction is an effective, and overlooked, tool in the work of marital and family sanctity. It is not just a moral or acceptable way for some couples to postpone or achieve pregnancy. It is not the remnant of a 1960’s Church bending or capitulating to a popular sexual revolution. It is a tool of marital sanctification for all – devout, nominal, cradle, or convert. NFP is by no means a substitute for virtues, faith, and Sacraments, but a complement, a means, a daily norm to re-experience the good, the truth, and beauty of sex. We cannot be intimidated by the overwhelming numbers who practice contraception and IVF, or fearful of their reproach. We can no longer afford to marginalize NFP within our parishes if we are serious about marital and family sanctification. NFP is credible, effective, and a necessary apostolic tool for the Church in this modern world. NFP instruction and support is an urgently needed part of every community.