Singapore Moses Supporter Messenger of God, CEO in IT industry, Astronaut, Scientist

Contraception or Birth control or Family planning is of recent origin. Therefore one cannot find a direct teaching in the Bible on this subject. Considering the general principles of parenthood laid down in the Scriptures, we must evolve guidelines for today's context.

God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and to multiply to fill the earth (Gen 1:28). This was a specific command given to the first couple when the earth was empty! But today several countries like India are overcrowded! Christians like other citizens have a moral responsibility to cooperate with the government to restrict population growth and thus solve the related problems.

Christ has taught us to count the cost before "building" a tower or "battling" against an enemy (Lk 14:28-31). Should we not count the cost before "bearing" children also? There are atleast three aspects each couple must consider while deciding on the size of their family—

❶ First, health considerations. The husband should be very considerate towards the health of the wife, the weaker vessel (1 Pet 3:7). For him it is a pleasure, but for her each childbirth is an ordeal (Gen 3:16). The health of most women in modern times is permanently impaired if they bear more than two or three children. Medical advice should be respected.

❷ Next is economical considerations. Majority of us belong to middle or lower income groups. Days are very expensive. More the number of children, less the share for each child (2 Cor 12:14b). Bringing forth children beyond one's means, saying "God will somehow provide," is an act of sheer irresponsibility.

❸ Thirdly, the time considerations. Ours is a busy world. To make both ends meet, the husband as the breadwinner and the wife as the jamwinner have to work so many hours each day, outside and inside home (Prov 31:13,24). Unless both father and mother give sufficient and quality time to each child, they are failing in their parental responsibility (1 Tim 3:4,12; Tit 1:6; 2:4). No doubt children are a heritage from the Lord and are like olive plants all around the table! (Psa 127:3; 128:3). But is the man able to find time to sit leisurely with the children each day around the table? If not, let him not quote the above passage, please!

Jesus and Paul spoke of those who voluntarily remain unmarried for the sake of the Kingdom (Mt 19:12; 1 Cor 7:32-35). So also there can be those who voluntarily keep the size of their families small so they can give more time, money and energy to the Kingdom. Why not?

One of the passages used against family planning is Genesis 38:8,10. God got angry with Onan not because he emitted on the ground but he failed in his duty of a husband's brother (Dt 25:5-10). Onan played a hypocrite and cheated Tamar and Judah.

There are those who are against artificial methods of birth control but do practise natural methods. This is also family planning! Notwithstanding, the latter leads to psychological problems. Still others fight tooth and nail against family planning but become wiser after bearing more!

When we thus say that there is nothing in the Scripture against family planning, we don't condone abortion. Once the embryo is formed, it is life.

Many sincere believers and preachers hold a different view on family planning than what's presented here. I respect it. Disputes don't edify. Each couple must prayerfully decide what's best for them.

June 20 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Modern birth control methods were unknown in Bible times, and the Bible is, therefore, silent on the matter. The Bible does have quite a lot to say about children, however. The Bible presents child...

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July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

I would like to add one more thought. Some people are using birth control for serious health-related issues such as fibroids or uterine cysts. In this case, you should know that using birth control is not a sin. —Clarence L. Haynes Jr.

This would include close relatives of mine. So I believe that these relatives, Christians, would be permitted, biblically, to use birth control pills. But this is the exception. GENERALLY, remember, one of the first things God told Adam and Eve was to be fruitful and multiply (Gen. 1:28). The Bible also speaks about the blessing of children.

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3). —Haynes

August 08 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report