Aaron Poelker's Webassign: Key Moral Teachings of the Catholic Church OPTION Method Today
The OPTION method can be used in many real life experiences. At first one may find it hard to clearly and cohesively be able to apply the OPTION method in a real life instance. One example of a moral dilemma facing many teens today is having premarital sex. By applying the OPTION method when faced with the choice of having or not having premarital sex one can better come to a reasonable, well-thought out solution for this major choice.
Options: the first step in making a morally sound choice in the area of premarital sex. This first step requires one to think of all the pros and cons possible for the situation at hand. One pro for having sex may be that you and your partner will ultimately grow closer to each another through the magical, loving experience that is sex. One obvious con to the question of having premarital sex is the possibility of the female being impregnated. Remember to be honest with yourself. This method is hinged on honesty, you must know what you want and be able to back it up with reasonable evidence. One question to ponder is, “is premarital sex ultimately going to lead us to the goal’s we, as a couple, would like to achieve.” You must choose your goal in the relationship, is it purely for sexual gratification or is it learning to love each another for who you are and not what you could be doing in bed? Prayer: the second step in being able to make your choice. This step requires one to pray to God for guidance and moral strength to choose the path you and your partner most want, not always the easiest path. Prayer can be a powerful tool in coming to a conclusion about premarital sex. Present all the options you have thought of, whether it is having sex, not having sex, discussing the idea of sex more with your partner, seek help from a friend or authority figure, or just simply practicing the idea of chastity. Testing: the third step in coming to a conclusion in the challenging area of premarital sex. This step requires one to weigh the pros and cons that he or she came up with and test them against religion values. The act of premarital sex is against Catholic teaching. Sex is reserved for married peoples. Does that key teaching have value in your life? Information: the fourth step in facing the question of whether or not to have premarital sex. Consider the gravity of premarital sex, the consequences involved. Consult with others’ wiser and more mature than yourself and ask them their opinion on the matter at hand. You could seek out an older sibling if discussing the issue with your parents is too awkward and restricts you from being truthful. Ask someone you know who has had premarital sex and listen to their experience and the feelings they had afterwards. Obligations: the fifth step when facing premarital sex. Begin to ask yourself if premarital sex will interfere with obligations in your relationships with each another, with God, or the obligation to your parents trust. New Options: the sixth and final step in making a morally right decision on the issue of premarital sex. Ask yourself if anything new came about when practicing the aforementioned five steps. If anything new presented itself like seeking consultation from a priest or an authority figure, go back and rework this six-step method in order to better come to a morally right decision.
