Catholic theologians appeal to natural law and divine revelation when constructing their ethic of life. Natural law refers to what human reason can discover about human nature and its moral duties apart from divine revelation. However, since everything has God as the ultimate source of being, natural law actually declares the will of God. In other words, the same Spirit who gives divine revelation through scripture also reveals truth through natural law.
According to the Roman Catholic view of natural law, the purpose of human sexuality is both reproductive and unitive. Thus, every sexual act should embody both aspects. So while a couple is not expected to reject the pleasure and intimacy of a sexual act, every sexual act must be open to the possibility of reproduction.
Early this century more was being understood about the female reproductive cycle and the process of ovulation. In 1952 Pope Pius XII (12th) and again in 1968 Pope Paul VI (6th) allowed the use of rhythm and other natural methods and abstinence for their followers. It was taught that artificial contraception, which separates the unitive and procreative aspects of intercourse, breaks moral law. These views still stand official today. Therefore it is obvious that much of Christian tradition was opposed to the use of birth control.
There is said to be biblical text that is opposed to the use of contraception. It is believed that in as early as the book of Genesis, contraception was addressed. In Genesis 1:28 God tells his creations to be fruitful and multiply. This is interpreted in the light that God s moral will is for humans to procreate. The most abundantly documented truth in the Bible concerning children is that they come from God as his gift and that he, and he alone, has the privilege of giving and with holding children. This choice is God s choice not a choice to be made by humans.
Although some Christians believe that contraception is wrong, some Christians feel it is acceptable to use some forms of birth control. Contraception or birth control may be accepted in other Christian churches because pregnancy or childbirth might harm the mental or physical condition of the mother. To limit the number of children which people have in order not to damage their living standards and perhaps affect other children. By people who have sexual relationships but who do not want to have children at this stage in their relationship. Not only this but some Christians believed birth control lead to stronger families and better marriages, some churches let believers use birth control as their own consciences dictated. Although the morning after pill is only accepted by few Christian churches as they consider it to be a form of abortion and all life is sacred so some Christians may class it as murder.
There are many factors to consider as a Christian when making the personal decision whether to use contraceptive devices in your relationship. Most traditional views and interpretation of Christianity condemned the use of any sort of birth control with the thought that god put humanity on earth to pro-create, therefore we must do as He wishes. Finally, more contemporary views and newer interpretation of Biblical Scripture show us that in fact God has empowered us to make our own decisions about the choices concerning whether to use birth control or not. Like all areas of life, sexual activities must be placed in the context of the stewardship of God's creation. We should enjoy God's creation while at the same time making God's creation more enjoyable for all people.
By Amy Pope 10 KJ