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By Rev. Robert Fleischmann, National Director, Christian Life Resources
Source: Beginnings, February 1998, Vol. 18, No. 1
This is the first in a series of eight articles relating to the Christian and birth control. For more than a decade, the national office of Christian Life Resources has been wrestling with the issue of birth control. In summarizing letters and comments received over the years the issue is reduced to two challenging topics: (1) the appropriateness of using birth control; and (2) forms of birth control that are clearly inappropriate to use.
While it is easy to reduce years of correspondence to two topics, the topics are nevertheless complex. To make a point people often overstate their position. To meet a market demand birth control mechanisms are offered to the public with little understanding, in some circumstances, of how the mechanism works. So it is time that Christian Life Resources steps into the battle. With these articles we will attempt to simplify and clarify pertinent issues. One conclusion we have already reached is: not everyone will be happy with the results. The topic of birth control is often debated in emotional terms which means objective fact has a tendency to be overlooked, ignored, discredited or denied. Nevertheless, we offer this information so that you might be better informed on the matter and may ultimately make a decision that reflects your Christian faith. Before we can talk about the types of birth control we want to begin this series by talking about the motive a Christian has for using birth control. In other words, before talking about what birth control to use, we must ask ourselves the question, "Why would I use birth control?" The directive we have for Christian living is succinctly stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31 where we read: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." The key element in glorifying God is not a specific action or a series of actions. Rather, that element is "faith." We are told, "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6). This means that a Christian's life is devoted not to self-gratification or self-enhancement, but rather to God glorification. A Christian asks not what he can do for himself, but what he can do for God. What is striking about the 1 Corinthians 10:31 passage is that Paul spells out the mundane and routine activities of life, like eating and drinking, that are also to be done to the glory of God. Our lives as God's children are to be entirely absorbed in giving glory to God. This approach to living is a dramatic departure from the way of the world. The Apostle Paul described the change that is to take place upon converting to the Christian faith in this way: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:22-24). Perhaps one of the most challenging directives God gives to his children of faith is the one of acceptance. In Psalm 46 we read: "Be still and know that I am God." As Jesus walked this earth carrying out our plan of salvation he also is a perfect example of living the Christian faith. At one time he said, "I seek not to please myself but him who sent me" (John 5:30). When a Christian considers using birth control, his faith compels him to ask not what is most convenient for himself but what glorifies God. Scripture neither endorses nor condemns the use of birth control. Some have referenced the spilling of Onan's seed (see Genesis 38) as a Scriptural condemnation of birth control. At best that is shoddy biblical exegesis. The spilling of his semen on the ground was the result of what was truly being condemned -- his refusal to obey the Lord. Onan was instructed to impregnate his deceased brother's wife as was the custom. It was his refusal to obey that was condemned, and not how he disobeyed God. Although there is not a direct reference to the issue of birth control, there are principles that come to bear on the matter. To begin with, understand that birth control is intended to control birth. In other words, the goal is to provide for full sexual relations with a reduced or eliminated risk of becoming pregnant. Our discussion of using birth control presumes that we are talking about a decision a Christian couple must make in this regard. Scripture clearly commands against sexual relations outside of the marriage bond. For that reason, even if the mechanism of birth control is correct, if its use is intended to allow violating God's command against adultery, it is wrong (Hebrews 13:4). Subsequent comments on the matter presume we are talking about those within the marriage bond. Is there, therefore, a place within the Christian marriage for using birth control? The answer simply put is "yes" but more needs to be said about that. To begin we must remember that God is the author of human life (Deuteronomy 32:39) and man is a steward, caretaker and guardian of human life (Genesis 9:5). The caretaker of a garden may decide when to plant the seed but it is still God who makes it grow. A Christian may decide when to have children but it is still God who grants the children. A Christian's decision to use birth control is a stewardship issue. Stewardship concerns are those wonderful opportunities God gives Christians to show with their lives and actions the convictions of the heart about God. Some have argued that the words of God in Genesis 1:28 to "be fruitful and increase in number" is a divine prohibition against birth control. Please observe that the passage is the announcement of a blessing , not a command as was given in Genesis 28:1. If this passage was a command given to all people then the Apostle Paul would certainly have raised a concern with his endorsement of remaining single (1 Corinthians 7:1) What are the factors that enter in when deciding to use birth control? There are many factors to consider and only prayer and a soul-searching evaluation of your motives will reveal whether the use of birth control is right. Some issues would be out of concern for the mental or physical health of the mother. Even in a society trying to move toward a gender-blind existence, there is no denying the fact that women are the ones who bear the children. They experience the dramatic changes in their bodies and they are often the ones to assume the bulk of responsibilities for the daily caring for each child. There are limits as to what a woman can handle physically and emotionally. To pursue more children but to neglect the biblical principle of caring for your spouse and body would be wrong. Children are a blessing (Psalm 127:3) to be cherished and cared for when given. Protecting and caring for our loved ones is a command for all of us (1 Timothy 5:8, Galatians 6:10). Financial considerations do enter into this evaluation, but we must take special care. Scripture wants us to be careful that we do not become greedy (Ephesians 5:3). A Christian couple will want to carefully evaluate whether financial concerns are genuine for the essentials of raising a family or have our financial concerns begun to reflect a greed for things of the world. Couples also wrestle with timing questions. Perhaps some schooling needs to be finished, or a few years need to pass to solidify a relationship before bringing in the added dimension of children. These may be valid issues. Again, however, soul-searching needs to be done. 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 that a blessing from God reflects a motive that doesn't understand God's will on the matter. In summary, a Christian married couple can practice some form of birth control. It falls within the realm of Christian freedom and stewardship. But as with all such issues, a careful exploration of the heart and motives is necessary in order to do what truly glorifies God. In this regard it is good to talk candidly with your pastor so that he can serve as a sounding board for you as you wrestle through your motives.
Birth Control Methods:
Barrier Methods and Spermicides
Depo-Provera, Cyclo-Provera, Norplant
Emergency Contraception and the IUD
Natural Family Planning and Sterilization
RU-486, Methotrexate, Misoprostol
The Pill
Vaccines, Quinacrine, Other Methods
Relevant Websites
To Purchase "The Christian and Birth Control" BookletOther Resources
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