2.5 Contraception

Question 1

Do the Catholic Church and more traditional Protestant Churches accept artificial contraception and why?

Answer 1

The use of artificial contraception is wrong, as it goes against God’s command to ‘be fruitful and Increase in number’ (Genesis 1:28 (NIV). Sex should always be open to the possibility of conception, and artificial contraception prevents this.

Question 2

SOW- fruit

Answer 2

‘be fruitful and Increase in number’ (Genesis 1:28 (NIV)

Question 3

Do the Catholic Church and more traditional Protestant Churches accept natural contraception and why?

Answer 3

Natural methods (such as the rhythm method) are acceptable to the Catholic Church and most Protestants, as a way of helping a couple control when they have children.

Question 4

Where does the teachings of contraception originate from?

Answer 4

For Catholics, these teachings are confirmed in the Papal Encyclical Humane Vitae, issued by Pope Paul VI in 1968.

Question 5

What denomination accept Contraception and why?

Answer 5

The Anglican Church approved the use of artificial contraception at the Lambeth Conference in 1930, provided it is used in the light of Christian principles. Many Christians approve of the use of contraception to aid responsible family planning, but not to encourage promiscuous behaviour.

Question 6

What are the preferred methods of artificial contraception in Christianity?

Answer 6

Some Christians only accept contraception that prevents conception from taking place (such as the condom or contraceptive pill). They oppose methods that work after conception has or may have happened, by preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the womb (such as the morning-after pill), as this is considered to be a form of abortion.

Question 7

Why do non-religious people accept contraceptions?

Answer 7

Most non-religious people, including Humanists and atheists, accept the use of contraception. Many argue that deciding whether or not to use contraception is a personal choice, provided it does not cause any harm to those involved. Many argue that contraception leads to fewer unwanted pregnancies, and allows women to have greater control over their lives.

Question 8

Define Joseph Fletcher’s Theory of Situational Ethics? What did Jesus think?

Answer 8

Situation ethics is an ethical theory that states that moral decisions (decisions about what is right and what is wrong) should be based on what is the most loving thing to do in any particular situation.

Jesus’ supported this- “This is my
commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”