There are two types of contraception: artificial (condoms, birth control pills, and other drugs) and natural (no physical barriers or drugs are used during sex, or abstinence).
Christian history shows that artificial contraception has only been accepted by churches during the past 70 years. Prior to 1930, there was not a single Christian church that accepted condoms and pills as a way to thwart pregnancy. In today’s world, artificial contraception is mostly encouraged and readily available. For example, the number of condoms produced each year in the United States has risen from 548 million in 1935 to over 8.5 billion today (AVERT, 2000).
What does the Lord say about artificial contraception?
The purpose of sex is for procreation. The Lord commands us to “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it…” (Genesis 1:28).
Children are viewed as a gift from God in the Bible. Abraham cries out to God, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” (Genesis 15:2). Even more, when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister; and she said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I shall die!” (Genesis 30:1).
In Genesis 38:9-10, Onan intentionally spills his semen on the ground while having sex with his deceased brother’s wife, which fulfills the command of Levirate marriage. Onan’s action was “displeasing in the sight of the Lord” and he was slain.
Onan used sex for self-gratification while refusing an attempt to procreate. Condoms and birth control pills are no different. They reduce sex to selfish pleasure and a biological act. The couple is intentionally saying to the Lord, “We are more concerned about our own desires than placing our trust in You to determine how many children we should have.”
Even more, artificial birth control is a short leap to abortion. Intrauterine Devices (IUD) and other chemicals used in birth control pills sometimes work as abortifacients, which means they prevent the implantation of the fertilized ovum (causing a “chemical abortion”). Life begins at conception, and most women may not realize the birth control pills they are using are causing early term abortions in the womb.
On the other hand…natural contraception is acceptable to the Lord. Unlike with condoms and birth control pills, natural contraception means you are (a) having sex in the natural way that God intends and (b) able to determine on which days a woman is most likely to conceive – condoms and pills are only for thwarting and destroying life. Natural methods help the couple plan their family while not attempting to selfishly keep God out of the process.
Natural contraception has proven itself to be superior to artificial methods. The Sympto-Thermal Method (a natural method) is more effective (99%) in preventing pregnancy than condoms and birth control pills if the rules are followed (USC Health Sciences Campus, 2000).
There is no doubt that condoms and birth control pills have weakened our sexual morality as Christians. We have contributed to massive rates of abortion, premarital sex, AIDS, and destruction of the family. As followers of Christ, we must reject artificial contraception!
Keith and Dennis