Is Birth Control Sin?

[jayem]

I know that the OP was addressed to Christians. Since I'm not a Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or any kind of religious believer, I probably have no standing to respond, but I'm just going to give an opinion. It seem to me that a position opposing birth control is one of those legalisms that derive from how one interprets certain Biblical passages. I didn't think that any of the scripture quotes clearly says that birth control is sinful. I can see how one might infer that, but to me, that's all it is, just an inference. Like the prohibitions in some denominations about alcohol, or gambling, or dancing (I never understood this one at all.) Whether they are correct or incorrect, legalisms are a huge stumbling block for many people. Let me give an off-topic example: After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, there was an interfaith memorial service in NYC. Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and various Protestant clergy among others participated. St. Louis, where I live, is the headquarters of the Missouri Synod Lutherans, one of whose pastors participated in the service. Several local Lutheran pastors here raised a stink with the national headquarters demanding that the NY pastor be disciplined because he participated in a worship service with "non-believers," such as Muslims, Catholics, and (horrors!) a minister from the other, more "liberal" Lutheran denomination. They interpret some Bible verses as implying that it is sinful to worship with non-believers. This is legalism gone amuck. It makes religious believers look totally out of touch and utterly ridiculous. End of my sermon. Sorry for going off topic, but I think there is a parallel here.

 

[sioleabha]

While I don't really care if the world thinks my adherence to Biblical principles is "out of touch and utterly ridiculous," I do agree that it is best not to get caught up in legalism. After all, "teach not the letter of the law, but the spirit, for the letter killeth."

 

[Pastor_Benjamin]

Sex before marriage is sin not birth control. God created sex for husband and wife.

 

[Kirei]

Did you really say that Pastor_Benjamin ?
That's the most fearful blend of reactionism and bigotry (since I assume that by saying that God created sex for husband and wife, you mean for man and woman) I ever read (wait, perhaps not). As far as I know, no teenagers who had sex whithout the slightest intention of marrying was ever struck by the wrath of God. And as far as I know, animals have no marriage rites, and most species try to collect as many partners as possible.
As for birth control, I believe it is our duty to ensure that any child grows in a good environment, and that mean that the child must be desired, not spring up from a moment of carelessness and ruin the lives of the parents (or rather of the mother since the father has a tendency to run away).

 

[bugg_superstar]

i don't understand how birth control could be a sin.

i see lots of verses thrown around without context, and then people drawing illogical conclusions from them.

smells like legalism to me...

 

[Christian24]

Thats just protection. Thats like saying condoms are evil!