Subject: Is any type of contraception allowed? |
Bible Note: Hi iktoose, Would Onan, as a grown man, be subject to the law of the stubborn and rebellious child? Now, don't get me wrong, Onan strikes me just as stubborn and rebellious as he strikes you! :-) To me, contraception is about not wanting to take on the responsibility of raising a child, for whatever reason. Maybe because I don't have a secure income, or don't feel psychologically able. As I understand the situation regarding Onan, he did not want to father and raise a son who would not be his heir. If I understand you correctly, Onan wanted to present the outward show of obedience without the responsibility of a child, especially one who would not ultimately be his. Or perhaps more succinctly, Onan wanted the outward show of obedience without the cost of true obedience. Is this correct? To my understanding, contraceptives are commonly used to allow the pleasure and benefit (between a husband and wife, of course! :-) ...otherwise, no benefit!) of a sexual relationship, without the consequence of childbirth, and responsibility of child-rearing. Contraceptives are commonly mis-used by the unmarried for much the same reason, to allow the pleasure of sex without its consequences of childbirth or STD. So, is it disobedient and selfish for a married couple to have a sexual relationship, and yet intentionally not produce children? Paul, in 1 Cor 7, speaks of the married sexual relationship carrying with it the purpose of being a proper place for our passions. Does this carry with it the automatic responsibility to bear children? Is there a commamdment of God, given for us today, which commands us to bear children? Obviously, the command that Onan broke does not apply to us. The command to Adam and Eve, and also to Noah, to fill the earth with people, well, we've done that. Or what do you think? Let me know your thoughts! Love in Christ, Mark |