Humanae Vitae: A Generation Later
Smith reviews the controversies preceding and following Pope Paul VI's 1968 encyclical forbidding artificial birth control, giving special attention to the views of today's Pope John Paul II. Agreeing with the Vatican's stance, he typically presents dissenting viewpoints briefly, then refutes them with lengthy reviews of the works of theologians/philosophers opposing contraception. Contemporary overpopulation concerns receive minimal attention, though other factors are thoroughly discussed. Smith includes a new annotated translation of the encyclical. His densely argued, unyielding approach probably will convert few birth control advocates. Buy where interest warrants.- Richard S. Watts, San Bernardino Cty. Lib., Cal.Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.