Should Christian Singles Get Contraceptives to Avoid Abortions?

[Lisa Robinson]

Read short article here first and then respond to the pro and con points raised in the article. 

[Lisa Robinson]

One question I'd like to know is why pregnancy (or stds) considered the only consequence to sexual immorality?

[E. A. Johnston]

I don't have time to listen to the link. But, it does seem obvious that Christians should simply do all they can to avoid situations that lead to premarital or extramarital sex. But IF something happens, they should confess their sin. and provide that child with a loving home (whether with them or adoptive parents).

[Daniel]

In the context of "the single people in their midst" or "christian singles", the question is complex.  Is contraception better than abortion?  Yes.  But the better of two options to not have a baby as a result of pre-marital recreational sex isn't the right question.  Avoiding the NEED for contraceptions is the best idea.  Short of that, contraception is an option.  But so is adoption.  So the morality question isn't really contraception versus abortion.  That's putting the cart before the horse.  The "horse" is the initial decision, sex or wait.  

[Lisa Robinson]

It's not a video but a short blog post that presents points on both sides.  There are points raised that I think should be read first to have a dialogue about those points.  Yes, I think it is obvious that Christians should not sin nor should we encourage them to do so.  But I wonder if the some of the reasoning on the against side is faulty, such as if they take contraceptives and don't get pregnant, they are escaping the consequence of sin.  I don't think so.    

[Lisa Robinson]

"Sex or wait" does seem to be the more logical option.  Abstinence is obviously the ideal.  But what do you say about the points raised about those who do not have this area mastered?  I think this is a challenging dilemma.

Daniel said:

In the context of "the single people in their midst" or "christian singles", the question is complex.  Is contraception better than abortion?  Yes.  But the better of two options to not have a baby as a result of pre-marital recreational sex isn't the right question.  Avoiding the NEED for contraceptions is the best idea.  Short of that, contraception is an option.  But so is adoption.  So the morality question isn't really contraception versus abortion.  That's putting the cart before the horse.  The "horse" is the initial decision, sex or wait.  

[Daniel]

I didn't find the idea that "compromise can be sacred" to be that convincing.  It was stated, but not much was given to back it up.  To me, the "ideal" of abstinence has better support.  If we start with the context of "single sexually active couples" as opposed to "Christian singles", the context changes.  Is it better to be responsible or irresponsible.  In that case, it's the first.  To me though, the idea that there can be sacred compromise is just as dangerous as the assumption that the focus should be on the alternatives to recreational sex as opposed to the *idea* of recreational sex.

[James Gibbons]

I reject the notion that Abortion is the absolute evil. Like, if we stop abortions, Jesus wins!

In this context, contraceptives provide a tool for thwarting the very sanctification that the indwelling Spirit is working to achieve, or rather removing the immediate, socially-embarrassing consequences. It seems to be symptomatic of a greater disease among our generations of evangelical Christians. One wants to improve one’s lot, by adding Jesus to the rest of one’s life. But one really doesn’t want to turn one’s life over to Him (or allow Him to interfere with the parts of one’s life that one likes). Or maybe, to be a little less harsh, we just don’t believe that He can lead us not into temptations and deliver us from evil.

Makes me sad. Imo go cry now. ttyl.

[Char]

It says a lot about us that this would even be asked. And what it's saying isn't good.

[Katie A]

I don't know the answer but I do know that a fruit of the spirit is self-control.  Can immature Christians produce the fruit of self-control? Possibly....but how long does abiding in the spirit take to produce the fruit of self-control?  What should they do while they wait for this maturity? Like I said, I don't know, but it's an interesting question. 

[Daniel]

Good point, Katie.

[Marv]

Yeah... exactly what I wanted to say yesterday... Once again, I prove myself redundant as long as there are Chars in the world.

Char said:

It says a lot about us that this would even be asked. And what it's saying isn't good.

[Dave Hostetler]

Amen Char.  Paul says remain single if you can, if you burn with passion get married.  There is no middle ground.  Sex outside of marriage is sin against God, end of discussion.

1 Corinthians 7:8-9