May 26, 2006 8:40 AM
Rethinking birth control
Food for thought: Can Christians Use Birth Control?
Keeping in mind that we are not to be conformed to the world......
Posted in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink
Comments
"Therefore, Christians may make careful and discriminating use of proper technologies, but must never buy into the contraceptive mentality."
Do you think this is possible?--one can aim to avoid pregnancy and still consider children a blessing?? (truly just a question out of curiosity...not aiming for a debate.)
-A
Posted by: alison | May 26, 2006 10:25 AM
This was a great, though provoking article.
I have heard a lot of discussion about whether IUD's are actually abortive or not, and same with the pill.
For me, planning how many children I have in my family is a question of how many children can I handle. How many children can I have and still be a good mom? I know the answer to that question is different for everybody. Some of us are able to juggle many children and household tasks and jobs well and without much trepidation. Some of us do better with a little less on our plates.
Just my thoughts...but I love posts that may me think!
Posted by: sarahgrace | May 26, 2006 2:05 PM
I have wondered where people get the scriptures for not having more children. I know we are to think logically, but doesn't limiting or controlling how many children we have taking it out of God's hands? I know there is a scripture that says do not forsake one another except during prayer and fasting. Other than that, I do not know why we would see it ok to limit our family size.
And I don't say this as the happy mommy who has all the time and energy in the world. I have had times where I seriously have thought about taking measures to prevent children, but I know I would be going against God's Word (in my opinion). God got my attention about my attitude and I repented. It took a miscarriage to do so, but I saw that I had a bad attitude about conceiving again. Just wanted to share that. Sometimes we see momma's (like Mrs. Curtis!) that look like they have it all together and think that they had all their children because somehow, surely it must be easier for them. I realize now that it does not mean it is easier, just that they trusted God for everything!
Posted by: Mrs. DMG | May 26, 2006 5:59 PM
I think Alison asked a great question, and I think the answer is yes - one can aim to limit the number of children and still consider them a blessing (though this is not true for everyone!).
I say the answer is "yes" because of my own experience. My husband and I wanted a large family and we love children. But, due to hyperemisis gravidarum (very severe nausea and vomitting) as well as other serious pregnancy complications we had to stop at three. This was a VERY hard decision to make and involved some heartache. But, we had to consider the risks to my own health and the health of my babies. So, we have had to limit the size of our family, but we definitely think children are a blessing!!
I now have trouble with chronic pain and there are days when all I can do is keep my children fed and safe. I'm thankful that I was only able to have three. If my health was better I would think about adopting.
(BTW I read this article a few weeks ago and thought it was excellent)
Posted by: Amy | May 26, 2006 8:05 PM
But (!) Sarahgrace, (and I say this lovingly, not debatingly...and...I have seven children, for the record) not many of us can "handle" lots of children without much trepidation. I know in my own case, my "inability" to "handle" it all has brought me to realize my utter dependence on God. This is great (!) because if not, I might have thought it was my stellar organizational skills or mothering prowess. (Yeah, right! :) )
Barbara, as usual, Dr. Mohler gives us good food for thought...but...I think he contradicts himself several times. (Again, as usual, when he deals with this topic.) He is saying that we can use the technology to prevent children, but that children are such a blessing. Hmmm. Doesn't make sense to me.
One other thing that I struggle with regarding this topic: Even if the pill isn't abortifacient, then it is administering a chemical hormone daily into a woman's body. It is tampering with God's design for the body, and is not good for long term use. How can this be considered "good stewardship" by a Christian, even if it doesn't cause an abortion? That is the problem with a lot of the non abortifacient birth control choices...they simply aren't good for a woman or they inhibit closeness between a couple.
Posted by: Holly | May 26, 2006 8:12 PM
Great article. But I have the same question as the first commentor. I love when Protestants "rethink" birth control. At least they're not just blindly popping the Pill...but it seems to me that whenever Protestants address this issue, they get *almost* to the point (children are blessings, why are we seeking to prevent them?) and then start backpeddling madly (but it's ok to prevent them if we have the right heart, and the trouble of children outweighs thier "blessing-ness"). I was sad to see recently that even the authors of "Open Embrace", which is a book I absolutely love, have given up on thier stance that birth control and barrier contraception are not God's best for the Christian marriage. :(
How many children I can handle is up to God, and he gives the grace for each one. With the trouble I had during pregnancy (lost 35 lb in the first trimester due to sickness, then gained 65! in the second and third!)and the way I was feeling after my first was born (PPD), I really couldn't "handle" any more, all by myself. That's where God comes in. He is a gracious and generous provider, not only of food and clothing, but of strength and wisdom.
Now, I am not capable of mothering 12 children *at this moment*. That is why they do not come in litters. :D When it's time for #3 (soon, I hope!), God will give me the grace to mother 3. By the time I have #12 (Lord willing), I will have the experience and God's help to mother 12.
Posted by: Margaret | May 27, 2006 5:59 AM
Margaret,
There is much wisdom in what you wrote. Thank you for such a wonderful note!
And I am sad to hear that the authors of Open Embrace have since decided not to follow thier advice. I too have thier book, and thought it to be one of wonderful advice, especially from such a young couple. Such a shame:(
Posted by: Mrs. DMG | May 27, 2006 12:19 PM
I found the article to be very interesting, and a bit more balanced than some of the others I have read........
It is interesting to ponder that marriage was not created only for pleasure. If that were the case, a couple could be married for years just " enjoying eachother" but never being open to children that can affect the world for Christ.
Our families and our marriages affect the world for Christ.
Posted by: Lisa | October 19, 2008 12:01 PM
