The moral and spiritual implications of birth control have long been debated. Some argue that contraception is a responsible choice that promotes individual autonomy and reduces the strain on family resources, while others maintain that it goes against the natural order of procreation and interferes with God’s divine plans.
Somehow, society has placed the burden of birth control on women; arguing that unplanned pregnancies may pose physical, emotional, and financial burdens on women and their families. Alternatively, that birth control empowers women to take control of their reproductive health, enabling them to make choices about their bodies and lifestyles.
The ability to control one’s fertility has had a significant impact on women’s empowerment and gender equality. Access to contraception has allowed women to pursue education, participate in the workforce, and take charge of their reproductive health.
However, no recourses are in place that argue for or against men. If men are to take leadership positions on anything that governs social values, it should be this. Because where it pertains to both moral and spiritual responsibility, the buck begins and ends at the feet of men. An old adage claims that women should keep their legs closed to avoid pregnancy, however, men are the ones who seek out sex the most and who more often lack a sense of self-control than women.
Biblically, the Bible says, “Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” 1 Corinthians 7:1, 2.
If this lone verse was taken to heart and applied to the moral standards of the world, then men would be held accountable for all births, not women. A man should not touch a woman in the first place. Neither should he lust after women, pursue them for sex, or force themselves on women. He should seek out a wife for any and all of his sexual desires. The bible covers this aspect also.
Further into 1 Corinthians 7, Paul explains to the men the difference between being single and having a wife. Single women were considered virgins, having not lay with any man before marriage. Paul says, “There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry. Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well. So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. 1 Corinthians 7:34-38.
This means that men should have self-control over their sexual desires toward single women and if he cannot, he should seek for a wife, or marry the single woman dear to him. But this does not absolve the woman’s responsibility of remaining a virgin and not succumbing to the desires of men. Society has strayed far from these particular concepts of biblical values and have taken it upon themselves to contrive ways to avoid pregnancy, such as birth control contraceptives, abortions, and even sterilization for men, the latter being not beyond biblical values and socially acceptable.
Jesus addresses this topic also, when his disciples asked about the decree of putting away of wives by divorce, “His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.” St. Matthew 19:10-12.
Jesus was discouraging the act of divorce but the disciples wondered what a man is supposed to do if he cannot maintain a marriage. Jesus suggested that a man voluntarily become a eunuch, in order to refrain from fornication. He said that some men were born eunuchs, some were made eunuchs by other men based on religious rituals, and some turn themselves into eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.
Though becoming a eunuch meant castration of the man’s genitalia back then, in today’s terms, a eunuch would be a man who has been sterilized, which would not be beyond the righteous scope of castration in those times. In other words, instead of women being held totally responsible for contraception, men should be the first take on the responsibility of birth control. Be it through self-control or sterilization.
One of the most significant advancements in the field of reproductive health is the development of various birth control methods. One reason being to control social population, another being to prevent unwanted pregnancies and allow individuals or couples to plan their families according to their own desires and circumstances.
At the same time, the biblical view of children is a blessing from God. In Psalm 127:3, it states, “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” This verse highlights the value and significance of children in God’s eyes. It implies that procreation is a natural and desirable aspect of married life.
Also, as a rule of natural law and the concept of the family, the scripture says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Genesis 1:27, 28.
Alternatively and symbolically, the Bible emphasizes the importance of responsible stewardship and planning in various areas of life. In Luke 14:28, Jesus encourages individuals to consider the cost before undertaking a task. This principle can be applied to family planning as well, as couples may have valid reasons to prayerfully consider when and how many children to have, taking into account their physical, emotional, and financial circumstances.
Religious beliefs play a crucial role in shaping people’s views on contraception. As mentioned earlier, Christianity comprises various perspectives on birth control. Some Christian denominations, such as the Catholic Church, oppose the use of artificial contraception based on their interpretation of biblical teachings, while others believe that responsible family planning is acceptable within the moral framework of their faith.
The idea of procreation is deeply ingrained in many religious beliefs, emphasizing the importance of having children and raising a family. Although, family planning is an essential aspect of birth control, as it also contributes to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
Birth control methods have a significant impact on various aspects of society, including religion, morality, family planning, and women’s health. Understanding and respecting different viewpoints on contraception is crucial for fostering empathy, religious freedom, and promoting holistic reproductive health.
Overall, men must take more responsibility in birth control socially and spiritually by either becoming sterilized or practicing more self-control. Leaving all the responsibility on women has caused controversial political policy changes, social unrest, and laws that have divided nations, families, and couples.
“Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence. Matthew 19:3-15.
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