Which action is listed as a sin against the 9th Commandment related to contraception?

• A. Observing silence in conflict
• B. Honoring vows openly
• C. Use of contraception
• D. Practice of charity

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is how the ninth commandment guards the proper ordering of desires within marriage, specifically opposing covetous or lustful thoughts about a neighbor’s spouse. In this framework, choosing contraception is seen as a deliberate act that separates the unitive and procreative purposes of sex and can reflect a disordered desire to control or limit the good of procreation within marriage. That violation of the right ordering of desires is why contraception is listed as a sin against the ninth commandment. The other options describe virtuous or neutral actions (silence in conflict, openly keeping vows, practicing charity) and don’t involve covetous or lustful intent toward a spouse, so they don’t fit as sins against this commandment.