Quote Originally Posted by Seamus Fermanagh
The Church does preach against many of these ills. Incest is condemned as a sin as is rape. These are crimes against others and a sin before God. The Church does not -- and as far as I am aware has not -- "actively promotes keeping a society that repeatedly and often gives rise to these phenomena."

The Church has long taught that abstinence before marriage is the correct way to emphasize both the sanctity of that sacrament and, in addition, prevent unhoped for pregnancies etc. Since this fits the larger model of self-discipline through faith, the position is not intellectually inconsistent.

Throughout history, and across many cultures, the record of human behavior tells us that a significant number do not "wait for marriage" before becoming sexually active. Recognizing this, a significant number of Catholics would agree to the use of a condom, since this barrier method prevents conception.

It would be difficult for the Church, however, to favor this. "Do not sin and do not cheapen a sacrament that brings you closer to God" is a consistent point. Replacing it with "Do not sin and do not cheapen a sacrament that brings you closer to God -- but if you do, please take enabling steps to minimize the personal consequences of your actions and make it easier for you." would not follow the basic approach advocated for the faithful.
that is if you consider sex as a sin. Regarding that btw, which I thought was quite uncommon these days - where would you rank the sin of sex compared to other sins? Worse or better than: lying, killing, raping (is raping a special sin according to the church btw, or does it classify the same as any form of sex?), being forced to steal because you're poor, starting unprovoked war (or is this really a sin according to the church?), or praying to other God's than God etc?