Recent Contraception Rules
In light of the Obama administration's rule for religious entities to provide contraception through their insurance, what does the Bible say about personal use of contraception in general? Is it even proper for married couples to use contraception?
In the 1968, Volume 65 issue of the Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, in an article entitled, "Birth Control as Ethical and Pastoral Problem" the author, Hans Kirsten, writes: "According to the reformers, then, sex is something of positive value, given to man to be enjoyed within the prescribed limits, that is, within marriage and in obedience to God's command. It is to be received in the sense of Paul's word to Timothy: 'Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, "(For) every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving"' (1 Timothy 4:1-5).
"With this view, then, also birth control will be seen in a different light, namely, as a responsible manner of meeting the problem of the limits to be set on marital relations. Methods, too, of forestalling conception like the "rhythm method" will not be seen as violations of the essence of marriage or as mere concessions to human weakness."
Kirsten also referenced a valid cause for using some form of birth control, that is, in consideration of a woman's frailty. He was acknowledging that the life of the mother and/or the child would be in peril with additional pregnancies.
Kirsten's presentation on birth control is essentially reflected in the Christian Life Resources booklet entitled, "The Christian and Birth Control" (1999) where, in chapter 1, it is written: "What is important to remember is that children, regardless of timing, health or convenience, have the simple title of being blessings from God. Decisions rooted in an attitude that children are anything less than a blessing from God reflect a motive that doesn't understand God's will on the matter."
You can learn more about a Christian outlook on birth control by visiting the website of Christian Life Resources at www.christianliferesources.com and searching for "birth control."
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