www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Contraception

Dear Friends:

I've had this discussion with members from different Orthodox churches in the past. I would like to discuss this with you in this Byzantine forum.

Orthodox churches are renown for standing firm throughout the ages with regard to traditional liturgical practices. I applaud that. I'm a historian by trade. However, when it comes to the question of procreation between a husband and his wife, many Orthodox do not stand firm to the biblical and traditional Christian teachings that have not waivered in Christian history until the 20th century (that is my understanding). In fact, even the Protestant churches condemned the use of contraception before the 1930s. In modern times, it is only the Catholic Church, in it official capacity, that continues to teach the faithful the beauty and power of the marital act, and why it is so contrary to God's love, and to God's design, to purposely frustrate the transmission of life. Why is there such a contradiction in the Orthodox churches (or am I misled)? I know that many Catholics use contraception; however, that is a choice contrary to the Church, and her teachings, that the individual claims membership of. It is a grave sin. Catholics that use contraception have no excuse (unless they live in a vacuum and have never opened the Catechism of the Catholic Church, or never heard of a man named Pope John Paul II and his message of life). To my understanding, the Orthodox, as a body, have not remained faithful to this teaching. I know that the teachings of the Fathers condemn contraception. Do I have the story straight with the Orthodox churches?

Solanus

PS. I do know of one group made up of Orthodox churchgoers who are trying to promote alternatives to contraception. There may be more. I don't know.

I'm afraid I can't really answer your question, as I'm not Orthodox...but I did want to put in a good word for Natural Family Planning We have been using it for a year and a half now, and it is both effective and a blessing to our marriage. I always thought it was the old "rhythm method" until we had to take a class for our marriage prep. I am so glad we did!

Solanus wrote:
I know that many Catholics use contraception; however, that is a choice contrary to the Church, and her teachings, that the individual claims membership of. It is a grave sin. Catholics that use contraception have no excuse (unless they live in a vacuum and have never opened the Catechism of the Catholic Church, or never heard of a man named Pope John Paul II and his message of life). To my understanding, the Orthodox, as a body, have not remained faithful to this teaching. I know that the teachings of the Fathers condemn contraception.

I believe that most Catholics and Orthodox are blind too and truly don't understand that action of the birth control pill is an abortifacient. Once the truth comes out they can not longer use it. It is so hidden from site that a fertilize egg cannot implant in the uterus, that people fail to realize they are causing it to self abort. Thereby, and if they do know, they are not taking any part in it so they have no responciblity. Definately a wrong attitude.

There are times when the pill is used for women to help their systems straighten out so they can become pregnant. In that case the Church say it is ok. But, during that time they are pretty sure an egg is not being fertilize to be aborted. So it is not a contradiction.

I spent many years repenting, though I was a very young woman and I only used them a year, I have often wondered how many children, if any that I lost. I only wish I could have understood at 20 what I know now as a woman of 55. Also, I was not a Catholic then, I was not practicing my faith anywhere, it was on the hold. I thank God that he opened our eyes, and even though it was long after the time when I took them, that he brought us into the Church and gave me wisdom to understand. Once woman realize what the pill does, most women that are faithful to God, Church, and family, will no longer take them.

As a mom though, I have made it very clear to my girls. Don't know if I did as good a job with the boys, I would like to think through God's grace I did. However, the girls truly understand the actions that take place. And are determined not to never use them. Thank God!

Pani Rose