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Contraception

Birth and Death

The Bible and Contraception

Modern forms of contraception weren't available in Biblical times, so the Bible is not often used in debates about contraception. Also, Catholics see the Church's teaching as having the same authority as scripture, so it is enough for most Catholics that the Church is against all artificial forms of contraception. However there are Bible quotes that come up in discussion about contraception.

Bible quotes used to argue AGAINST the use of contraceptives

The first thing God said to humans, according to the account given in Genesis, was "Be fruitful and increase in number" - Genesis 1:28. Many Christians see contraception as a contradiction of this commandment.

Another passage tells the story of Onan:

Judah said to Onan, "Lie with your brother's wife and fulfill your duty to her as a brother-in-law to produce offspring for your brother."But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so whenever he lay with his brother's wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to keep from producing offspring for his brother.What he did was wicked in the LORD's sight.

This passage is more commonly used against masturbation, which is also seen as wrong by the Catholic Church. It can be used to argue specifically against the withdrawal method of contraception (which is not a reliable form of contraception), or more generally against any attempt to prevent pregnancy.

Some forms of contraception are likened to early abortions, preventing a pregnancy after conception has occured. To argue against these, Christians might use any of the sanctity of life passages.

Bible quotes used to argue FOR Contraception

As with other issues where there are no specific passages in the Bible, general principles are used. For example, in Genesis humans were given 'dominion' and put in charge of the world. Using their God-given reason makes humans different from non-human animals, and this may include using contraception in family planning.

Also, there are Biblical passages that show another purpose to sex other than procreation. For example, Paul writes, in 1 Corinthians 7:

The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife.

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