A Study Guide to Humanae Vitae

Written by the Priests and Pastoral Associates of Priests for Life

This study guide is based on the Vatican Translation of Humanae Vitae

Table of Contents:

Forward

Introduction to the Study Guide

Summary of the Introduction to the Encyclical and Section I: New Aspects of the Problem and Competency of the Magisterium

A Summary of Section II. Doctrinal Principles

Summary of Section III. Pastoral Directives 

Essay: Finding Our Way Back Home

Essay: Life, Purity and Humanae Vitae

Essay: The Transmission of Life -- On Whose Terms?

The Contraception of Grief: A Personal Testimony

Glossary of Terms

Foreword

A Study Guide to Humanae Vitae

Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life

Forty years is not a long time in Church history. Indeed, we are still living in the moment of Humanae Vitae (issued on July 25, 1968), and of the challenge it presents to the world.

Humanae Vitae does not identify the key problem of our day in the realm of sex or birth or "the pill," but rather in the myth that we can be God. Pope Paul writes at the beginning of the document, "But the most remarkable development of all is to be seen in man's stupendous progress in the domination and rational organization of the forces of nature to the point that he is endeavoring to extend this control over every aspect of his own life -- over his body, over his mind and emotions, over his social life, and even over the laws that regulate the transmission of life” (n.2).

The Pope here is painting a wider vision of the problem. We think everything belongs to us, but the reality is that we belong to God. "Humanae Vitae" means "Of human life." Human life came from God, belongs to God, and goes back to God. "You are not your own," St. Paul declares. "You have been bought, and at a price" (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Sex and having children are aspects of a whole cluster of realities that make up our lives and activities. We suffer from the illusion that all of these activities belong to us. “This is my life, my body, my choice.

The problem we face is not that our society is obsessed with sex. Rather, it is afraid of it-- afraid of the total reality and power of what it represents, where it comes from, and where it leads. Sex properly understood requires that we acknowledge God who made it. More than that, sex can never be separated from its purpose: to insert us into this immense, powerful movement of life and love that started when God said "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3) and culminates when the Spirit and the Bride say "Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:17).

Sexual activity means so much that it is wrong to diminish its message or deny its full reality: it belongs in the context of committed love (sealed by marriage) and openness to life precisely because this is the only context great enough to hold its message and reflect the greater reality to which the gift of sexuality points us and to which it commits us.

This is a reality that is bigger than all of us. It is the self-giving which starts in the Trinity, and is revealed in a startling way on the Cross, and then challenges each of us in our daily interaction with others, with God, and with our own eternal destiny. It is so real and so big that it is scary. That's why so many today are afraid of the full reality and meaning of sex. That's why Pope Paul VI wrote Humanae Vitae.

That is also why our Priests for Life pastoral team wrote this Study Guide. We have also established a special website, www.HumanaeVitae40.com, to promote the teachings of this document. It is our daily prayer that this effort will lead many believers to understand, embrace, and proclaim the beautiful truth of human life. 

INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY GUIDE

James J. Pinto, Jr., M.E.V.Editor: A Study Guide to Humanae Vitae 

This Study Guide will be most effective if one first thoroughly familiarizes himself with its content and layout. Review the table of contents and the location of each section listed. The Study Guide is to be used by an individual or group as a side by side companion with the text  of Humanae Vitae included in this booklet. The three Essays offer unique insight with questions for further discussion. The Contraception of Grief: A Personal Testimony presents a riveting and practical witness to why Humanae Vitae is the wholesome truth.

The Glossary assists the reader in clarifying some key terms contained in the Encyclical. Glossary terms are listed by the number/paragraph in which they first appear. The terms will be marked with an *asterisk in the Humanae Vitae text as a note to the reader that the term is contained in the Glossary. 

After reading Fr. Pavone’s Foreword one should read the Summary of the Introduction and Section I, followed by the reading of the Introduction and Section I. of Humanae Vitae itself. After completing the Introduction and Section I. of Humanae Vitae; the reader answers the series of questions below the Summary of the Introduction and Section I.  The sequence followed for the Introduction and Section I is repeated for each following section: Reading the Study Guide Section Summary, reading of the corresponding Encyclical section itself and returning to the Study Guide questions for that particular section. The questions are meant to refer the reader back to particular paragraphs/numbers (n.or n.n.) of that section where he/she will find the answers. One may work on the answers to these questions while reading the paragraph/number, or, wait until he/she has read the entire section and then complete the answers. Continual returning to the text of the encyclical helps emphasize that the document itself is the primary source of instruction and the basis for individual and group applications. 

The three Essays have several questions at their conclusion to help foster reflection and discussion. A personal witness to the truth and wisdom of Humanae Vitae is presented in The Contraception of Grief: A Personal Testimony. 

This Study Guide is meant to be a “springboard” to delve more deeply into Humanae Vitae and its themes, in order to stimulate reflection, and a lifestyle of holiness. 

For those considering the possibility of facilitating a study group, this study guide lends itself to a discussion study group method of learning. While a leader/facilitator encourages the group and keeps it “on track”, it is the individual sharing and group dynamic that contribute most to the learning process. The facilitator is not a lecturer, neither is he there to give all the answers. The facilitator seeks to shepherd the group learning process and does everything possible to solicit their contributions. Members interact and learn from everyone, including the facilitator. A Facilitator’s Guide is available through Priests for Life at www.HumanaeVitae40.com. The Facilitator’s Guide seeks to assist you in leading a group and lays out suggested study sessions.

It is our hope, that on the fortieth anniversary of Humanae Vitae, this study guide will assist in promoting the Church’s clear and authoritative word on transmitting human life. May all who hear this true, prophetic and lovely word be assured that: the Church has always issued appropriate documents on the nature of marriage, the correct use of conjugal rights, and the duties of spouses. These documents have been more copious in recent times. (n.4)

Project Management Essentials

Purdue University’s online Project Management Essentials certificate provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills and a strong start on the path toward becoming a certified Project Management Professional (PMP)® through the Project Management Institute (PMI). It also fulfills PMI’s 35 hours of project management education requirement for taking the PMP® exam. Our students typically are project managers in the early stages of their careers who want to perfect their skills and are considering or planning to take the PMP exam, but any professional can benefit if efficient and effective project management is among their responsibilities.

To learn more about Purdue University’s online Project Management Essentials course and download a free brochure, fill out this form. You can also call (888) 390-0499 to speak to one of our program advisors.

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The eight-week Project Management Essentials course is 100% online and instructor-led. PME instructors use an array of Purdue-developed learning tools, including award-winning videos, to engage students in a stimulating range of activities that include:

Instructors participate in online discussions and welcome the opportunity to provide assistance to interested students on an individual basis via email or phone appointment. The online format enables you to do your work where and when you want, but there are assignments and quizzes that must be completed by weekly deadlines. Students typically spend five to seven hours on coursework each week.

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The online Project Management Essentials course prepares students to advance their project management careers by putting knowledge and skills into practice. In addition to familiarizing students with PMI’s PMBOK® Guide and basic project management concepts and terms, the course equips students to define and apply the following:

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Treadmill buying guide: Everything you need to know

If you're building out your home gym, you're likely in the market for a treadmill. But where should you start on picking one out? We spoke with fitness experts to help. Plus, shop some of the best treadmills ahead.

But before you even get to comparing features and prices, there's an even bigger factor to consider: the space you have available.

"You will need head clearance in addition to floor footprint," says personal trainer, nutrition specialist and "American Ninja Warrior" contestant Julie Lohre. "You want an additional cushion of 2 feet in either direction. 

"If space is at a premium, you can get a treadmill that is a bit smaller, or possibly one that will fold up to be stored out of the way." 

"For headspace," Lohre says, "consider who the tallest person using the treadmill will be, and aim for 10 to 12 inches above that, taking into account the loft of the base. That extra foot will give you room to run and bound without hitting your head on the ceiling."

Here's a quick look at some of the best treadmills on the market.

Check out these reviewer-loved and expert-recommended treadmills from Bowflex, Echelon and more brands.

"If you are looking for a treadmill that can help you take your running to the next level, the Bowflex line of treadmills' sturdy design and excellent tech deck are a great fit," certified personal trainer and studio owner Lauren George told CBS Essentials. "The longer cushioned belt is ideal for heavier mileage."

Bowflex treadmills boast motorized incline ranges from -5% to 20% for your cardio session, Comfort Tech deck cushioning, SoftDrop folding systems and Bluetooth capabilities. They also come with a one-year JRNY membership ($149 value), which grants you access to the JRNY app, featuring a wide range of fitness classes taught by world-class trainers. 

"One feature that the Bowflex JRNY offers that is above and beyond other workout platforms is that it adapts with you as you progress," George says. "The app suggests different workouts as your fitness improves."

Bowflex Treadmill 10, $1,999

Bowflex Treadmill 22, $2,699

This 4.3-star-rated Echelon Stride Treadmill features a 20-inch-by-55-inch deck, a 10% maximum incline and a maximum speed of 12 mph. Heart rate sensors are conveniently integrated into the handlebars. This impressively designed piece of home gym equipment includes a 30-day free trial to Echelon Premiere, which offers access to -- not a misprint -- 3,000 live and on-demand classes by fitness professionals.

Sara Dimmick, a certified personal trainer, running coach and founder of Physical Equilibrium fitness boutique, told CBS Essentials that durable Echelon treadmills may be ideal for heavier individuals versus more affordable counterparts; this Echelon treadmill has a weight limit of 300 pounds.

Echelon Stride treadmill, $1,170 (reduced from $1,300)

Consider this under-desk treadmill if you work from home and want to get more movement into your daily routine. This motorized walking and jogging treadmill offers 12 preset exercise modes, as well as the option to manually adjust the setting for your perfect workout. 

Redliro under desk treadmill, $309 after coupon (reduced from $470)

Do you work from home and don't have a ton of space? This mini walking treadmill is the perfect size to slide under a standing desk. When it's not in use, this fitness machine can be folded to almost half its size for easy storage, so it's the best treadmill for a small space. Choose from five colors.

"If your goal is to up your daily step count without compromising your house decor, the compact WalkingPad is an excellent option!" George says. "You can fit it under a standing desk to accrue more steps while answering emails, or hop on for a stroll while watching TV. The belt is also designed for maximum cushion and comfort."

WalkingPad C2 Mini foldable walking treadmill, $450 with code WPEASTERGIFT (reduced from $600)

The T7643 walking treadmill by Sunny Health & Fitness would make an excellent addition to your home gym. The treadmill boasts a 19.5-inch-wide surface for walking or running and an above-average weight capacity of 350 pounds. It's equipped with two bottle holders and a space for your tablet or phone.

A good fit for speed walkers and light joggers, the T7643 walking treadmill can reach speeds up to 6 mph. The built-in digital monitor displays your burned calories, speed and distance covered while working out. This piece of home gym equipment's deck can be folded into the frame. Plus, it's often on sale.

Sunny Health & Fitness T7643 walking treadmill, $650 (reduced from $770)

The 2-in-1 Superfit treadmill can be used as a traditional treadmill -- capable of reaching speeds of up to 7.5 mph -- or folded down and used as a walking treadmill that will max out at 2.5 mph. The sturdy frame and shock-absorbing, multi-layer design will keep your workout quiet and comfortable.

This piece of home gym equipment would make a great addition to any home office for the remote worker trying to get in their steps between (or even during) meetings. Just add a standing desk into the mix, and you're good to go.

It's available in seven colors. Prices vary by color. The price listed below is for the blue model.

Goplus 2 in 1 Superfit folding treadmill (blue), $350 (reduced from $500)

This folding treadmill has three incline options and an LED monitor that tracks your speed, distance, calories burned, time and pulse while working out. This piece of gym equipment has a shock-absorbing system that protects your knees and ankles and takes only 15 minutes to assemble.

Runow folding treadmill, $540 after coupon (reduced from $700)

"Will you be using it mainly for walking or to train for a marathon?" George asks. "You get what you pay for with treadmills, so if you are going to be logging a lot of running miles, you definitely want to opt for a treadmill that is designed for higher use. A treadmill with a larger motor and a sturdier frame will hold up for longer and give you a better running experience. 

"You also want to look for a treadmill with a larger belt to accommodate a longer stride. Ideally, look for a belt 60 or more inches long and 20 or more inches wide."

Naturally, there's the classic treadmill for your home gym, but then there are also treadmills for other needs. If you live in a small space, try a foldable walking treadmill that you can tuck away. If you want to stay active while working, check out an under-desk treadmill. 

Other factors to consider are a treadmill's weight limit, whether or not it has an incline option and its maximum speed. Also consider whether you want a basic treadmill experience or you want one that pairs with an app for fitness classes. Some treadmills accommodate tablets while others don't.

Finally, consider the treadmill's shock absorption. Treadmills that absorb more shock can be better for your joints, but they might not be necessary for everyone.

"If you are someone who usually runs outside and you just want a treadmill to be inside for the cold or bad weather, it probably doesn't matter that much since you are used to running outdoors and have that joint durability built up," Dimmick says.

We went off of shopper reviews and fitness expert advice to pick the recommended treadmills below. We chose treadmills for a variety of needs and budgets. All have a star rating of 4 or higher.

Read more about how we review products

Carolin Lehmann is an expert in health, fitness, furniture, apparel, gift guides and books for CBS Essentials. She's always testing new products to recommend. Some of her current favorites include Stanley cups, Alo Yoga workout sets and the Cuzen matcha maker.