Family planning with the use of contraceptives

I have some friends who say that to do family planning through the use of artificial contraceptives is to commit a sin because such practice is against God's teaching. What can you say about this? I also heard that you don't allow your members to practice the rhythm method--is this true? Do you have a biblical reason for this?

Editor's reply

Family planning through the use of artificial methods is not wrong. In fact, it is in accordance with the commandment of God. When God created the first man and woman, He commanded them to be fruitful and multiply and to fill the earth with people. In due time, though, God commands man to "subdue it" or curb the population:

"Then God blessed them, and God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and SUBDUE IT; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth'." (Gen. 1:28, New King James Version, emphasis ours)

The Church of Christ supports the use of artificial methods as legitimate means of spacing the birth of children or limiting their number as long as these methods are not abortifacients or methods inducing abortion. A married couple can agree as to what contraceptives to use after seeking adice from a medical expert.

Rhythm or the so-called "natural method" is rejected by the Church of Christ because it runs counter to apostolic teachings:

"Do not withhold sexual intercourse from one another, unless you agree to do so for a time in order to devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again. You must not let Satan tempt you through incontinence." (I Cor. 7:5, Moffatt Translation)

Aside from being an ineffective form of contraceptive and a cause of strife between couples due to the long period of abstinence, the rhythm method is against the commandment of God. For this reason, we don't advise our members to use this method. Instead, we allow them to use the artificial means of contraception.

With the widespread economic crisis these days, parents with low income will find it difficult to meet all the needs of a large family. Family palnning through the use of artifical contraceptive methods should therefore be considered as an integral part of responsible parenthood.

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