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brian
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Chicago South Burbs, Illinois USA |
| Posts: | 809 |
| First Name: | brian | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | methodist, evangelical, anglican, catholic |
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Posted: Thu Jun 5th, 2008 05:58 pm |
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I feel some sort of desire to attempt to present idea about the pill to non Catholics. I have drafted a letter that I think may be a good idea to send to Pastors of Christian churches in hopes that they will consider discouraging their members from artificial birth control or at least using against the pill. I believe the pill potentially causes abortions and that this should not be a Catholic protestant issue, but one that most pro life Christians should be able to agree on.
I do not think the information is really out there or well presented and that there may be many non-Catholics using the pill who should have known more about it before making this decision. I am hoping that the reason a lot of Christian couples use the pill is simply that they are not aware of all the options. I am hoping to convince even just one pastor (or at least try) to teach couples these things in hopes that the evil of the pill will be minimized and less abortions ignorantly caused especially amongst Christians.
I am asking you my friends to advise me if my letter is good or how I can improve it or any of the punctuation/grammar. I do not want to come across to preachy and really do not want the Catholic thing to be an obstacle as I do not want them to write me off based on that. So I try to avoid referencing anything too specifically Catholic. Also, I appeal to Randy Alcorn who (I think) is a somewhat trusted evangelical source. I kind of want to appeal to a Catholic reference or humanae vitae, but I do not want to lose anyone. If anyone wants to suggest corrections or ways to be more diplomatic or encourage me or discourage me from sending this please let me know. Maybe it is something I should talk to with my spiritual director first as well? Seems like I have nothing to lose though. Either people will listen or they won't. But if I convince even one person I think it is good. And if anyone else wants to use it or do something similar seems like a good idea to me. I include an e-mail in case anybody wants to dialogue in a friendly manner on the topic. I was hoping to remain anonymous so I hope it is not illegal or wrong to have an e-mail account that does not reveal my true information.
Here is the draft:
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Glory to Jesus Christ!
Dear Christian friend,
I am writing you to ask to prayerfully consider an important issue. That of birth control and especially the pill. I do not know if your church teaches couples about these options or what you recommend but I hope and pray you will consider a few things if you have not already done so.
Namely, that there is a good possibility that the birth control pill causes abortion in some cases. I think that many Christian people use this means of contraception not aware of this possibility. I would like to think that any Christian couple would not consider this a good option if they knew that it meant they were potentially causing even a single abortion in their lifetime.
Consider the following from an article by Randy Alcorn:
"there are not one but three mechanisms of birth control pills:
1. inhibiting ovulation (the primary mechanism),
2. thickening the cervical mucus, thereby making it more difficult for sperm to travel to the egg, and
3. thinning and shriveling the lining of the uterus to the point that it is unable or less able to facilitate the implantation of the newly fertilized egg.
The first two mechanisms are contraceptive. The third is abortive.
When a woman taking the Pill discovers she is pregnant (according to The Physician's Desk Reference's efficacy rate tables, this is 3 percent of pill-takers each year), it means that all three of these mechanisms have failed. The third mechanism sometimes fails in its role as backup, just as the first and second mechanisms sometimes fail. Each and every time the third mechanism succeeds, however, it causes an abortion."
Please feel free to read the rest of the article here http://www.epm.org/articles/bcp3300.html.
So if it is established that there is even a remote possibility that the pill causes even a small amount of abortions each year, wouldn't it make sense as Christian people to warn each other about this and discourage Christian pro-life couples from using the pill?
In fact, all Christian denominations were against birth control until around 1930 when the Anglican church approved of it and eventually more churches followed.
I believe the marriage act is meant to be the complete sharing of one another as gift. Artificial contraception of any kind is a means of offering most of oneself to their partner while still holding something back. It is not what I believe God wants for us not how He designed sex to function.
Lastly, please consider making more couples aware of Natural Family Planning. Some studies have shown this to be 99% effective for spacing pregnancies, and others affirm it at over 90%. It is just as effective as any method of spacing pregnancies when used correctly.
There is a way for couples who are not ready to have children to space pregnancies while not having to contracept or worry about causing abortions. This method is scientific and has many benefits. It does call for a period of abstinence from sexual activity each month in order to delay pregnancy, but this can also strengthen a marriage and fulfill the Apostle Paul's teaching that couples not neglect one another except for periods of time devoted to prayer. In fact, the divorce rate among couples who practice NFP is extremely low by comparison to couples who use contraception.
NFP is not the same thing as what was known as the rhythm method, and I am not saying that all couples should be forced to have large families or that sex should be only for procreation and not also for pleasure and building intimacy in marriage. These are some misconceptions people have. Also, one does not have to be Catholic to want to know and defend these teachings. I would strongly encourage you to research NFP and consider making your married couples aware of these things so they can make a more informed decision.
I only write as a concerned Christian because I believe that birth control is a one of the issues that is leading to the divorce rate we see. I also write in hopes that more teaching and guidance will spread that will diminish the amount of unknown abortions and protect couples from unknowingly entering this territory.
Though it is not 100% proven that these abortions take place I think even knowing that there is a chance it is happening should be enough to scare away couples from using this method.
I write not to offend but to share information that I think is often easily overlooked in the battle for our culture and families. I am not trying to sell anything and am not writing this in any official capacity as a representative of any organization, but only out of love and respect and a desire to spread important truths. I prefer to remain anonymous, but if you would like to discuss these issues further feel free to write to me at: defendlifeandmarriage@lycos.com
Sincerely,
Your friend in Christ our LordLast edited on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 05:59 pm by brian
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Credo Catholic
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| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
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| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Jun 6th, 2008 07:25 pm |
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| Brian, I think your intention is good and you are probably being led by the Holy Spirit to take an action on something you feel strongly about. I see nothing wrong with the letter or with you sending it to pastors in your area. I think if I were doing it, I would show it to my pastor or one of the priests or deacons at our parish first. I don't know if they have to approve something like this or not, but I would feel better having their blessing. I hope you have some good feedback with it, let us know if you do. God bless
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Ali
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| Joined: | Sat Jan 6th, 2007 |
| Location: | Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 663 |
| First Name: | Ali | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | JW, finally fully Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Jun 9th, 2008 11:19 am |
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 Some proofreading thoughts
It is not what I believe God wants for us not how He designed sex to function.
This sentence doesn't make sense for me  Maybe I'm not reading ti right, but is there an extra "not" in there or something, or maybe a comma is needed after "us".
Lastly, please consider making more couples aware of Natural Family Planning. Some studies have shown this to be 99% effective for spacing pregnancies, and others affirm it at over 90%. It is just as effective as any method of spacing pregnancies when used correctly.
There is a way for couples who are not ready to have children to space pregnancies while not having to contracept or worry about causing abortions. This method is scientific and has many benefits. It does call for a period of abstinence from sexual activity each month in order to delay pregnancy, but this can also strengthen a marriage and fulfill the Apostle Paul's teaching that couples not neglect one another except for periods of time devoted to prayer. In fact, the divorce rate among couples who practice NFP is extremely low by comparison to couples who use contraception.
NFP is not the same thing as what was known as the rhythm method, and I am not saying that all couples should be forced to have large families or that sex should be only for procreation and not also for pleasure and building intimacy in marriage. These are some misconceptions people have. Also, one does not have to be Catholic to want to know and defend these teachings. I would strongly encourage you to research NFP and consider making your married couples aware of these things so they can make a more informed decision.
I think these paragraphs need to be switched around. Tell them there is a way, then talk about that way and it's benefits.
Maybe like this . . .
There is a way for couples who are not ready to have children to space pregnancies while not having to contracept or worry about causing abortions. This method is scientific and has many benefits. It does call for a period of abstinence from sexual activity each month in order to delay pregnancy, but this can also strengthen a marriage and fulfill the Apostle Paul's teaching that couples not neglect one another except for periods of time devoted to prayer. In fact, the divorce rate among couples who practice NFP is extremely low by comparison to couples who use contraception. then . . .
NFP is not the same thing as what was known as the rhythm method, and I am not saying that all couples should be forced to have large families or that sex should be only for procreation and not also for pleasure and building intimacy in marriage. These are some misconceptions people have. Also, one does not have to be Catholic to want to know and defend these teachings. I would strongly encourage you to research NFP and consider making your married couples aware of these things so they can make a more informed decision. and . . .
Lastly, please consider making more couples aware of Natural Family Planning. Some studies have shown this to be 99% effective for spacing pregnancies, and others affirm it at over 90%. It is just as effective as any method of spacing pregnancies when used correctly. I think the letter flows better with the paragraphs in this order.
Also in this sentence while not having to contracept or worry about causing abortions. Maybe should be not having to use contraception . . . .
Just remember, though, I am not an editor. I only play one on the internet  So take these suggestions with a grain of salt! LOL
Oh, and let us know how they are received! Are you going to include NFP pamphlets or anything as well?
Ali
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Dave Armstrong
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| Joined: | Fri Nov 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Melvindale, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 1665 |
| First Name: | Dave | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Evangelical (1977): Diverse Protestant Influences / Catholic in 1990 |
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Posted: Mon Jun 9th, 2008 04:14 pm |
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Hi Brian,
Great job. I have many articles about contraception, if you or anyone else is interested in learning more about some of the arguments Catholics make against it:
Life Issues: Abortion, Contraception, and Euthanasia
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I'm happy to offer whatever theological & personal assistance I can. My blog, Biblical Evidence for Catholicism, contains 2000+ papers & web pages (absolutely free) & 16 apologetic books (for sale):
http://www.biblicalcatholic.com/
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abbycat
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| Joined: | Thu Jan 17th, 2008 |
| Location: | Maryland USA |
| Posts: | 147 |
| First Name: | abby | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Non-Denomational Charismatic, Lutheran |
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Posted: Mon Jun 16th, 2008 02:07 am |
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Hi there .... As a present non-Catholic, 60-something year old woman, I do admire your intentions and believe them to be from a good heart. But, having said this, I think you will meet with absolutely no success. I know God can break through all walls, but this is so entrenched in Protestant mindset as something that is not even up for debate, that I honestly don't think it will bear fruit.
And, I must admit, just speaking as a woman whose had 3 precious children, and who, together with her husband, determined that 3 was all we could responsibly both care for and raise, I must admit that I would be counted as one of the folks who would disagree with you.
I know I will probably hear much against this, and probably me, but that is the way it was and is for most folks, including those that are Christian.
abby
____________________
<*)))><
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brian
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Chicago South Burbs, Illinois USA |
| Posts: | 809 |
| First Name: | brian | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | methodist, evangelical, anglican, catholic |
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Posted: Tue Jun 17th, 2008 06:44 am |
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Abby,
As a non Catholic you are free to express your views or disagree politely with ours. I just hope that you are willing to consider why we believe what we believe and see if it makes sense to you.
I would hate to think that you would believe contraception was okay if you were convinced that it was not what God intended for us to be able to do.
Also, I would hope that if you became convinced that the pill may cause abortions, that you would think it better for a couple to accidentally have a child they were not ready for than for it to have not survived; or at least to have used a different form of birth control.
Also, NFP used accurately supposedly can give the success that you wanted in avoiding future pregnancy, and when it fails, a couple may know that God was giving them something that He wanted them to have, even had they not known that they wanted it.
Anyway, forgive me if I am not wording this well or getting personal, but my point is that I think that if one is to be for or against contraception it should not be because of personal reason. I think that it is either objectively right or wrong and one should figure out what they think and why and then adjust accordingly. Would you not agree that if it were objectively wrong than the average couple is not justified in using it?
Or if you think that it is okay, can you make your case not on a personal level but on a level that actually refutes the Catholic position or philisophically/spiritually/biblically demonstrates that contraception is acceptable to God?
I respect your opinion, I just wonder how much you have read any articles that Dave cited from his site or any others to consider why Catholics believe what they believe and what you find lacking in them.
It seems that your point is that couples need to be able to avoid pregnancy for various reasons therefore contraception is helpful to man. But I contend that NFP can be as accurate as contraception and that sex is meant to be open to life as much as possible therefore contraception is against what God intended sex to be about and robs it of its full dignity.
thanks for listening
Brian
also, I think that there are many protestants who have or will come around on this issue. I at least want them to have more information before deciding. You may be right that most will ignore it, but I think that even if 5% learned about it and accepted it that that would be a great difference. I have met someone who learned more about Catholicism somewhat because he fell in love with this teaching before he was Catholic.
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mrsbmoo
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 311 |
| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | former Methodist. RCA, Presbyterian, Holiness, Wesleyan... Catholic as of June ... |
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Posted: Wed Jun 18th, 2008 01:26 am |
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I think the point you are missing, Abby, is that by not using contraception the church is in no way implying that we should have more children than we can care for. That would be irresponsible. I have 5 kids because from the time I was 27 and Presbyterian, I wanted 5 kids. There are days I am tempted to go for 6, I just enjoy my kids that much. A person who is driven absolutely nuts by their 2 kids or is living on 2 minimum wage jobs and fallling behind, should definitely not have more.
I think my friend's comment about NFP pretty much summed up many people's attitude. She was complaining how every form of birth control was making her migraines worse, and making her fat, and making her blood sugar go wild, etc. I suggested NFP as a solution to her health issues being made worse by birth control. Her answer was "Well, I am sure not going to put a penny between my knees" She felt she was owed sex by life and nothing should interfere with her having it whenever she wanted. I wonder how she would deal with a situation where her husband became too old or disabled to participate. The attitude that "I want to enjoy myself with no strings" is the attitude that is hard for Christians to justify. Please don't take this as an attack on you or your marriage. I cannot possibly know your motives or attitudes and I realize the Catholic view on contraception requires a huge paradigm shift about the nature or marriage and sex. I know I still struggle with it.
____________________
Becky
Wife of Michael(called Moo) and stay at home mom to 5 daughters between 10 months and 17
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Gamaliel
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| Joined: | Mon Jul 7th, 2008 |
| Location: | Houston, Texas USA |
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| First Name: | Pete | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Jul 30th, 2008 05:18 pm |
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I just read this article on the connection b/t abortion and contraception. http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2002/0203fea4.asp
Contraception is the Achilles’ heel of the pro-life movement. If we do not take clear steps against contraception, it will destroy the pro-life movement just as assuredly as it destroys the smallest life."
Not to recognize the evil of contraception while fighting abortion is like working to kill the termites on the roof of a house while the whole structure below is being eaten away. It is not enough to soft-pedal contraception in the interests of a so-called pro-life ecumenism. This is not a denominational issue pertaining to Catholics alone: The prohibition of contraception is founded on divine natural law.
So, if one does not conjoin the two aims or purposes, procreative and unitive, then is he or she considered NOT "really pro-life", not pro-life at all or just "partly pro-life" (which means little).? Do you see it as ALL or NONE? Because, if you do, then those not in full agreement with the Catholic Church would be categorized with the abortionists, which would seem to be absurd.
Thanks for the help.
Last edited on Wed Jul 30th, 2008 08:42 pm by Gamaliel
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Dave Armstrong
Network Apologist
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| First Name: | Dave | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Evangelical (1977): Diverse Protestant Influences / Catholic in 1990 |
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Posted: Wed Jul 30th, 2008 08:15 pm |
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Hi Pete,
A Protestant who contracepts, if he or she opposes abortion is anti-abortion, and "pro-life" in that sense. There are millions of such people. I was in the rescue movement as a Protestant who contracepted. I was arrested and went to jail, trying to save babies. That is certainly pro-life!
The Catholic "culture of life" and "openness to life" concept takes it deeper. It is an "anti-child" mentality to limit children beyond what is reasonable and to separate the act of love from openness to life, that is the very essence of the act of love.
There is no question that there is an ethical and legal connection between contraception and abortion. There is even a chemical/medical connection with the birth control pill, because most of them are abortifacients.
The discussion can get very complicated, but it is extremely important. As is my wont, I will refer those who want to pursue it further, to papers of mine. I've written quite a bit about it:
The Biblical Evidence Against Contraception
Dialogue: Why Did God Kill Onan? Why is Contraception Condemned by the Catholic Church?
Dialogue on Contraception
Dialogue on the Ethical Distinction Between Artificial Contraception and Natural Family Planning (NFP)
Dialogue on Contraception and Natural Family Planning (NFP)
Replies to Questions on Catholic Teaching Regarding Contraception and Sexual Morality
The 1968 Papal Encyclical Humanae Vitae: Infallible Teaching Prohibiting Contraception
Contraception and the "Fewer Children is Better" Mentality: the Opposition of Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Other Protestants
Baptist John R. Rice's Opposition to Contraception (From 1946)
Does Orthodoxy Allow Contraception Or Not?
Contraception: Early Church Teaching (William Klimon)
Mounting Scientific Evidence of the Link Between Oral Contraceptives and Breast Cancer
Secular Social Science Vindicates Catholic Moral Teaching / Important Evangelical Protestants Rethinking Contraception (W. Bradford Wilcox)
The Four Catholic Bishops in Connecticut Approve "Morning After" Abortifacient Pill Based on Erroneous Ethical Reasoning
Protestant Compromise, Radical Secularism, and Racist Eugenics: The Contraception Debate: 1900-1940
____________________
I'm happy to offer whatever theological & personal assistance I can. My blog, Biblical Evidence for Catholicism, contains 2000+ papers & web pages (absolutely free) & 16 apologetic books (for sale):
http://www.biblicalcatholic.com/
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