As a Christian, our faith has always been deeply rooted in the sanctity of life and the divine plan laid out by the Almighty. One subject that often stirs debate among us is birth control – its use, efficacy, and more critically, its morality. In this humble reflection, I aim to delve into the moral evils inherent in the practice of birth control and provide an alternative perspective grounded in our sacred teachings.
The Divine Plan for Procreation and Marriage
Birth control, by its very nature, interferes with the natural process of procreation and marriage ordained by God. In Genesis, we learn that “And God blessed them, saying: Increase and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule over the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the air, and all living creatures that move upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:28). This divine commandment lays the foundation for our understanding of the sacramental bond between husband and wife – a union designed for love and companionship as well as procreation.
By using contraceptives, we subvert this plan by choosing to artificially control the number and timing of children rather than entrusting it to divine providence and faithful prudential judgement. This act of defiance disrupts the harmony established by God Himself, thus causing a disconnect with His will.
The Sinful Nature of Contraception
To further emphasize this point, let us consider Pope Paul VI’s encyclical ‘Humanae Vitae.’ In it, he states that “each and every marriage act must remain open to the transmission of human life.” Contraception, therefore, constitutes a sinful action since it deliberately prevents conception – an integral part of marital intercourse.
Moreover, some forms of contraceptives can have negative side effects on women’s reproductive health. By using them, we may unwittingly inflict harm upon ourselves and each other, contradicting the very love and care we wish to express through our intimate acts.
The Deceptive Allure of Convenience
Modern society often justifies birth control as a means for ‘family planning,’ asserting that it allows couples to manage their responsibilities better. While this argument carries some weight, it oversimplifies the complexity of human life. Our decisions should not be dictated solely by convenience but rather guided by our moral compass and faith.
The allure of convenience can cloud our judgment, leading us astray from the path set forth by God. We must remember that adhering to His commandments may sometimes require sacrifices – even in matters related to family planning.
An Alternative Approach to Family Planning
Rather than relying on artificial methods, Christians can turn towards natural family planning (NFP) as a holistic alternative. NFP involves tracking fertility signs and abstaining from intercourse during potential conception periods (all the while ackowledging that the entire cycle has the potential for life!). This method respects the inherent dignity of sexuality while still providing some prudential judgment and discernment over family size.
Not only does it align with our religious beliefs, but it also fosters mutual respect, understanding, and communication between spouses – qualities that form the bedrock of a healthy marriage. If you’re not sure, then your spiritual director can certainly help!
Be Strong – You Are Worth It!
Birth control, despite its popular appeal, carries moral evils that contradict core Christian teachings about life, love, and sacrifice. As believers, we must strive to realign our actions with His divine plan, embracing the beauty of His will even when it seems challenging.
Remember, “There are many thoughts in the heart of a man: but the will of the Lord shall stand firm.” (Proverbs 19:21). Let us trust in Him and seek wisdom from our faith to guide us through life’s most important decisions.
Yours in faith, Bojangles.