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Series 2: Is it biblical for Christians to use birth control?
As scripture must always be the final authority we turn to in matters of Christian living, we must begin by pointing out that nowhere is this issue directly mentioned or dealt with in the bible. Some people like to point to the drama between Tamar and Onan in Genesis 38:8-10 as a blueprint of God’s views on birth control. 8 Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife and fulfill your duty to her as a brother-in-law to raise up offspring for your brother.” 9 But Onan knew that the child would not be his; so whenever he slept with his brother’s wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to keep from providing offspring for his brother. 10 What he did was wicked in the LORD’s sight; so the LORD put him to death also.
However, on closer inspection, it is difficult to conclude that God’s issue with Onan here was indeed birth control. In studying the context, God’s anger was probably kindled by the breaking of His law as provided in Deuteronomy 25:5, If brothers are living together and one of them dies without a son, his widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother shall take her and marry her and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law to her. Onan was denying Tamar and directly rebelling against God’s law. This wasn’t an issue of birth control.
However, the bible is explicit in saying that we should not commit murder. Every life is precious to God and He alone reserves the right to end it. That said, is it then sinful to use abortifaecient medications? If a fertilised egg is deliberately being put to death by the effects of one’s medication then is that breaking God’s law or not?
With an increasingly difficult economic climate, it would be foolish to not plan out one’s family size with wisdom. The bible says in 1 Timothy 5:8, ‘Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever’. There is wisdom in family planning but ultimately, we must do so with reverence to God’s sovereignty on the matter.
I guess the onus is on us to research birth control methods and ensure they are within the boundaries that God permits. Romans 14:23b says …everything that does not come from faith is sin. If you are not convinced within yourself that your choice of birth control is pleasing to God then it would be advisable to prayerfully reconsider your options and seek wise counsel on the matter. Please share your views on this matter.
Related articles
- Why God Killed Onan (tenchaptersaday.wordpress.com)
I’m excited to be part of what God is using you to do, More grace. The topic of discussion is an intriguing one cos it’s so much dependent on our personal faith level. From my own context some methods of birth control is ungodly while some are Godly but it takes a personal revelation from God to know which one to imbibe. God bless us all.
Thanks so much for your comment sunny. I agree with your viewpoint on the issue that it is indeed based on our personal faith level. This walk of faith is so individual. I guess it is the reason why the bible tells each man to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. Thanks again for your fresh insight. Hope to see more of you on the blog.
Thanks for posting this. As a married woman that uses contraceptive pills. I wanted to touch on a statement you mention that is slightly errorneous. You described contraceptive pills as if it is abortifcent as oppose to stating ‘birth control’ that is abortificient (3rd paragraph). The role of the contraceptive or combined pill is to prevent the egg from being fertilised in the first place. The pill does this by increasing the lining in the uterus and in other ways such as inhibiting ovulation. The emergency pill is the one that is abortificient in nature. With regards to that ur right, cos it is killing an already fertilised feotus.
Hi tkomolafe. Thanks for pointing this out to me. I didn’t express myself correctly in that paragraph. You’re right in your assessment and I concur completely. I will make the necessary changes asap to prevent any further confusion. Thanks for letting me know
I would respectfully like to clarify the truth in regard to the statement made above. Birth control pills may, in fact, prevent the fertilization of the egg by (hormonally) creating an unfavorable environment for fertilization; however, conception may still possibly occur. The birth control pill then acts as an abortifacient by preventing the fertilized egg from implantation AFTER conception has already taken place. ( http://pfli.org/faq_oc.html)
A firm resolution in my personal life is to be an advocate for human life- from the moment of conception to natural death. GOD has a plan and a purpose for every life that HE creates. And I truly understand the sensitivity of this topic. I, too, am a married woman who has struggled with this issue. After much time in prayer and crying out to the LORD, His Word to me was ‘what profit would it be if I gain the whole world, but lose my soul.’
Agape and Prayers for all – that we will seek HIS Kingdom and HIS righteousness first……….