- Thu, Aug 26, 2010
- Marriage and Family, Prolife
How Should Christian Couples Approach Family Planning? (video)
How Should Christian Couples Approach Family Planning? Part 5 of Pastor Mark Driscoll's 2010 interview with Randy Alcorn.
Resources: natural family planning
- Thu, Mar 25, 2010
- Prolife
I’m wondering about getting a vasectomy.
My wife and I do not feel called to have children. I’m 42, and she’s 40. We both have fulfilling career ministries and I’m wondering about getting a vasectomy.
The single biggest problem with you having a vasectomy is closing the door to the future. This is a permanent decision you will make in light of present circumstances, but your life circumstances can change. A permanent measure like this means God could never lead you otherwise and your life circumstances could never be otherwise.
James 4:13, 14 says we don’t know what tomorrow will bring ...
- Thu, Mar 18, 2010
- Prolife
Some people say the Old Testament words “children” and “seed” mean the same thing. Add that to God’s command to be fruitful and it means we shouldn’t use any kind of birth control, even barrier methods.
I have read your material on birth control, and have never used the pill. However, I have heard some people say that in the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for seed (children), and seed (sperm) mean the same thing. Therefore, if we are using a barrier method of birth control, then we are stopping the "seed" from potentially becoming a child, and potentially killing unborn children.
I have also heard people say that "be fruitful and multiply" is a command God gave us, and He still means it today.
I believe children are precious to God, and I would never use a form of birth control that could potentially kill a baby. But all of these arguments are confusing. My husband and I are praying God would give us convictions for our own family when it comes to family size. We don’t want to just follow what the world says to do (i.e. use the pill, stop having children for convenience reasons, have a vasectomy when we are “done" having children). What advice would you give me?
- Tue, Mar 16, 2010
- Prolife
Could you give me your theological understanding concerning vasectomies?
ould you give me your theological understanding concerning vasectomies? We have 7 children. I realize that my body is not my own. I have been bought with a price. Therefore I want to do what Jesus wants me to do regarding this.
Let me first say, before I speculate, what I know for sure. As I’m sure you know, Scripture teaches that it is God that opens and closes the womb, and that children are a blessing of the Lord (Psalm 127). Reproductive fruitfulness is commanded and commended by God. Scripture knows nothing of the tragic bias often demonstrated today against people with large families.
- Fri, Mar 12, 2010
- Marriage and Family, Prolife
Children: Three Views
When one of my students in an ethics class at Multnomah Bible College paraphrased Scripture on the subject of children, it inspired me to do the same. One of these statements is from God (Psalm 128:3-5), the others from a godless world. Can you choose which?
- Mon, Feb 22, 2010
- Prolife
Growing Debate About the Abortifacient Effect of the Birth Control Pill and the Principle of the Double Effect
Christians are increasingly being exposed to the medical and theological debate concerning the potential abortifacient effect of the birth control pill (the Pill).
- Sat, Feb 20, 2010
- Prolife
What about using the “pill” for other reasons?
If you are on the pill for medical reasons, then it would be wise to use a nonabortive type of birth control such as NFP, condom, and diaphragm (assuming you’re married?). But my understanding is that there are other medical concerns with the pill.
- Sat, Feb 20, 2010
- Prolife
What advice do you have for someone who has been prescribed the pill because of a medical problem?
Question from a reader:
I have been on the pill for purely therapeutic reasons (prevention of an ovarian cyst from growing), not merely for birth control, or the regulation of my cycle or the easing of cramps. The medical professionals I have consulted with have described it as necessary to “protect my fertility." I’ve recently been married and am now aware of the potential of the pill being an abortifacient. What advice do you have for me in this situation?
- Mon, Feb 15, 2010
- Culture and Worldview
What is your view on birth control?
This is a tough issue, and the toughest part is that we’ve grown up in a society forged by people like Margaret Sanger, and the church has largely bought into a selfish, anti-child, population-control mentality.
