Christians and birth control

Havin' my baby, what a lovely way of sayin'

How much you love me, havin' my baby

What a lovely way of sayin', what you're thinkin' of me

I can see it, face is glowin', I can see in your eyes

I'm happy you know it, that you're havin' my baby

Having My Baby - Paul Anka

It was once established that women 'should have out their lot'. If that lot happens to be more than six children then so be it. In the early years of Christendom, birth control used to be a 'no no' as it was felt that it was a way of obstructing what should happen naturally.

Fast-track to today and it would seem that not a lot has changed. There are still some people who, including those in Christendom, feel pressured to produce children - even if they are not in a position to meet their needs.

Some express simple faith that if the children are not meant to be born, then they won't conceive.

Family and Religion reached out to Pastor Jermaine Johnson of the Spring Garden District of Seventh-day Adventist Churches, North Jamaica, who shed some light on the topic.

Pointing out that the Bible is silent on the matter of contraception, Johnson said many have, nonetheless, conjured their own philosophies on the subject, citing texts like Genesis 1:28, where God commanded man to, "Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth", as a justification to have children indefinitely, without constraint.

"But a broader analysis of Scriptures would reveal that God never intended this to be an open invitation to produce children indiscriminately, as it would be of no benefit to bring children into the world without the capacity to care for them," he said.

Citing the many verses in the Bible, which highlights God's high regard for children, he said it would be unchristian to bear children without being in a position to fulfil your responsibility toward them.

Johnson stressed that childbearing should never be a casual matter, but one that is well planned and done within the biblical ambits of marriage, to ensure a proper parenting structure and environment for the child's growth and development.

AVOIDANCE OFBIRTHCONTROL

Johnson shared that Christians also love to refer to another text in the Bible, one which they use to substantiate the avoidance of birth control and that is found in Genesis 38:3-10, concerning Er and Onan.

"Simply put, Er died without an heir; so in fulfilling the levirate law to produce a child in his dead brother's behalf, Onan went in to Er's wife. However, when he got to the point of ejaculation, he withdrew (one of the oldest forms of birth control) and spilled it on the ground; thus, the LORD killed him. Many presume this as a strong message from God against contraception," he points out, adding that a casual analysis of the passage reveals that Onan was not slain because of his decision to withdraw, but because of his wicked motivation in accepting to fulfill the levirate law, which he could have turned down, and instead fulfilled his pleasure without producing an heir for his dead brother Er.

"Thus, this has nothing to do with birth control. Finally, set aside that persons, out of respect for their body temples, should avoid any form of contraception that might bring them harm, it is more unethical and sinful to produce children without the proper means and preparations to fulfil their needs," said Johnson.

The repercussion from this kind of mindset is being felt throughout Jamaica in its many ills.

According to the pastor, it is now time for people to be more responsible in their child bearing endeavours.

"Do not have children until you can care for them holistically - "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever"

1 Timothy 5:8. So failure to take care of your children equates to sin," he said.

Johnson made the admonition for individuals to exercise safe birth control methods until they are able to fulfil the requirements of proper parenting.

"Two is better than too many; but none is better than one, if you can't afford a child and provide the necessary care and protection."

familyandreligion@gleanerjm.com