Different Christian Attitudes to Contraception Flashcards
The Roman Catholic Church (and Conservative Evangelicals)
Every sexual act should be open to the possibility of conception
Artificial methods of contraception are wrong because they prevent humans from fulfilling God’s command to “Be fruitful and multiply.” (Genesis 1:28)
Natural conception is okay to be used to limit the size of the family
These views have been upheld and affirmed by the Popes
They believe that contraception has encouraged promiscuity and the spread of STIs
The Church of England
Accepts contraception as a means of enabling a married coupe to enjoy sex and to take responsibility for the size of their family
The essence of Christianity is love - contraception can be used to protect a woman’s health
Reducing size of family can give children a better standard of living
God created sex for pleasure for married couples - contraception provides safe pleasure free from fear of pregnancy
Nothing in the Bible says it’s wrong
The Methodist Church
Responsible contraception is a welcome means towards fulfilment in marriage, the spacing of children and the need to avoid pregnancy altogether (e.g. medical reasons)
The Orthodox Church
Two different attitudes
1. Procreation is an important purpose for sex within marriage, but not the only one
Contraception is not condemned but seen as a way to maintain a stable marriage
2. Sex is only intended for the purpose of conceiving children
Contraception is unnecessary and some would say wrong
