CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Endnotes

CHAPTER ONE

NON-NUPTIAL LIVING TOGETHER

1. Critique of Arguments in Favor of

Non-nuptial Intercourse

1.1. “Sex as a Personal Matter” Argument

1.2. “If There is Love, Why Not?” Argument

1.3. “If Nobody Gets Hurt, Why Not?” Argument

1.4. “Everybody is Doing it” Argument

1.5. “Sex is Natural and Inevitable” Argument.

1.6.1. Sexual Restraint in Itself Has

No Harmful Effects

1.6.2. Harmful Effects of Sexual Indulgence

1.7. “Non-nuptial Intercourse is

Conducive to Marriage” Argument

1.8. “Try Before You Buy” Argument.

2. Defense of Arguments against

Non-Nuptial Intercourse
.
2.1. Positive Theological Defense

2.1.1. Data from the Bible

2.1.2. Data from the Magisterium

2.1.3. Data from Tradition

2.1.4. Data from Secular Opinion

2.2. Systematic Theological Defense

2.2.1. Marriage as the Sole Context

for the Ideal Activation of Genital Sexuality

2.2.2. Untruthfulness Implied in

Non-nuptial Intercourse.

2.2.3. Other Deficiencies of Non-nuptial Intercourse

2.2.4. Benefits of Abstaining from

Non-nuptial Intercourse

2.2.5. Harmful Effects of Non-nuptial Intercourse

2.2.5.1. More Pain than Pleasure

2.2.5.2. Risk of Pregnancy.

2.2.5.3. Threat of Venereal Disease.

3. Pastoral Reflections on Non-nuptial Intercourse

3.1. Need of Pastoral Approach.

3.2. Subjective Moral Evaluation of

Non-nuptial Intercourse

3.2.1. Obstacles to Knowledge

3.2.2. Obstacles to Freedom.

3.2.2.1. Intensity of the Sexual Urge

3.2.2.2. Sexualization of Modern Life
3.2.2.3. Influence of the Unconscious

3.2.2.4. Our Complicity

3.3. Pastoral Evaluation of Non-nuptial Intercourse

CHAPTER TWO

PRE-NUPTIAL LIVING TOGETHER

1. Preliminary Considerations

1.1. Distinction between Norms and Rules

1.2. The Difference between Value and

Mediation of Value

1.3. Relativity of Moral Prohibitions.

1.4. Meaning of Fidelity to Tradition.

1.5. A Dynamic Understanding of the

Moral Magisterium of the Church

Castration of Choir Boys

Moral Teaching concerning the Rights of the Accused

Condemnation of Interest Taking.

War and Peace

Slavery

Religious Liberty

Church’s Attitude to Sex.

Chufch’s Teaching on Sexual Ethics

Magisterial Teaching on Contraception

Ecumenical Worship

1.6. Mature Conscience as Final Arbiter in Moral

Decisions
2. A Re-evaluation of the Catholic Position on Pre-nuptial Sex

2.1. Support from the Bible

2.2. Support from the Magisterium

2.3. Support from Tradition.

2.3.1. Support from Jewish Tradition.

2.3.2. Support from Roman Tradition.

2.3.3. Support from Christian Tradition.

2.4. Support from Canon Law

2.5- Support from Protestant Churches

2.6. Support from Theologians

2.7. Support from Theological Reasons.

2.8. Support from the Testimony of Cohabitors

2.9. Answer to Objections.

CHAPTER THREE

TOWARDS A PASTORAL SOLUTION.

1. Whatever Happened to Betrothal?

2. A Plea for the Restoration of Betrothal.

3. The Ritual of a Possible Restored Betrothal..

4. The Sacramentality of a Restored Betrothal.

5. Extending the Marital Norm45
CONCLUSION

APPENDIX:

BIBLIOGRAPHY

index .