(Golden Rule)
The above title is a common English proverb that signifies a respect, not only for our own, but also our neighbor’s life and rights. It somehow agrees with what the Lord Jesus indicates as the meaning of the prophetic messages and substance of the divine Law. Thus Jesus considers the following a golden rule: “So always treat others as you would like them to treat you; that is the meaning of the Law and the Prophets” (Mt. 7:12).
Presumably respect for life implies also not obstructing the oncoming life that is the normal result of sexual union of man and woman. Hence God’s word is the first book of the Bible. Gen. 1:28 expresses it this way: “God blessed them, saying to them, ‘Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and conquer it.’” What happens in our world is the desire for pleasure, power, money or other forms of greed that make people resort to the use of artificial methods to limit the birth rate.
So too the Catholic position is consistent in its respect for life and the rights of human beings, from infancy till adulthood, even till death itself. The Church stands against the abortifacient pills or injections, and against abortion. Also in its morality, as derived from the very traditions and earliest teachings, the Church stands against fornication and masturbation, following the 6th commandment – “Thou shall not commit adultery.” (See also Bible texts in Ex. 20:12-16, Deut. 5:16-20).
The concomitant moral rules are intended to build up a faithful, solid and loving family where the child can grow to maturity, both physically and spiritually. Thus stable, God-fearing families make also a strong society.
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