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by Kim Siever on February 25th, 2004
Officially, the Church believes the use of birth control is the decision of the couple and the Lord.
[Added in response to SillyBird]
Actually, it is official teaching. According to the Church Handbook of Instructions, published in 1998, "the decision as to how many children to have and when to have them is extremely intimate and private and should be left between the couple and the Lord" (p. 157).
[Added in response to Michael D]
How is it incomplete? The question is stated in a way that asks for a yes or no answer. I went beyond that to state the Church's current, official position on birth control. Feel free to provide a so-called complete answer for everyone to use as a pattern.
by Alatea on November 9th, 2005
No it does not condone birth control of any kind. It does perhaps, give the deceptive appearance of condoning but look closer into the church doctrines and you might be surprised. Imagine the guilt put upon those who decide to either limit their family size or to be a family without children. Imagine choosing sterilisation as a method of birth control or having a child outside of marriage; you would no longer be welcome in LDS and in fact you would be denied heaven, priesthood, temple rights, and denied the right to rule and be a god in the planets. The whole thing is ludicrous.
Here are some examples taken from their own doctrines and books.
April 1995 General Conference
"Thus we see that in marriage, a husband and wife enter into an order of the priesthood called the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. This covenant includes a willingness to have children and to teach them the gospel. Many problems of the world today are brought about when parents do not accept the responsibilities of this covenant. It is contradictory to this covenant to prevent the birth of children if the parents are in good health.
Evidences and Reconciliations, Pg. 310-14 Elder John A. Widtsoe
Moreover, since birth control roots in a species of selfishness, the spiritual life of the user of contraceptives is also weakened. Women seem to become more masculine in thought and action; men more callous and reserved; both husband and wife become more careless of each other, and increasingly indifferent to the higher duties and joys of living.
Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 2, Pg. 85-9
BIRTH CONTROL IS WICKEDNESS. The abuse of this holy covenant has been the primary cause for the downfall of nations. When the sacred vows of marriage are broken and the real purpose of marriage abused, as we find it so prevalent in the world today, then destruction is inevitable.
When a man and a woman are married and they agree, or covenant, to limit their offspring to two or three, and practice devices to accomplish this purpose, they are guilty of iniquity which eventually must be punished. Unfortunately this evil doctrine is being taught as a virtue by many people who consider themselves cultured and highly educated. It has even crept in among members of the Church and has been advocated in some of the classes within the Church.
BIRTH CONTROL LEADS TO DAMNATION. Instructing the mothers of the Church, President Joseph F. Smith said in June, 1917: "I regret, I think it is a crying evil, that there should exist a sentiment or a feeling among any members of the Church to curtail the birth of their children.
The Abundant Life, Pg. 244
The problem of birth control and voluntary barrenness is poisoning the very fountains of life and defying God's injunction to multiply and replenish the earth.
The Way of the Master, pp. 114-15 TLDP:529-30
The Church has always advised against birth control and that is the only position the Church can take in view of our beliefs with respect to the eternity of the marriage covenant and the purpose of this divine relationship.
The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, Pg. 324-31
When you have fully complemented your husband in home life and borne the children, growing up full of faith, integrity, responsibility, and goodness, then you have achieved, your accomplishments supreme, without peer, and you will be the envy through time and eternity of your sisters who have spent themselves in selfish pursuits.
Women who are deliberately childless will regret it. I am not sorry for women who sacrifice their lives for children. I am not sorry for those women who have many children. But I am sorry ... for women who come to the Judgment Day who have never assumed the responsibility of rearing children, who have been afraid of pain, resistant to sacrifice. They are the ones whose hearts will be heavy.
How do you think that the Lord looks upon those who use the contraceptives because in their selfish life it is not the convenient moment to bear children?
How do you think the Lord feels as he views healthy parents who could have children but who deliberately close the doors by operation or by contraceptives, close the doors upon spirits eager to enter into mortal bodies?
Sterilization to avoid the inconvenience of children is sinful.
Sterilization and tying of tubes and such are sins, and except under special circumstances it cannot be approved.
http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/daily/sexuality/Birth_Control.htm#first1
by Elder Gibby on April 21st, 2004
The Church does not go in the bedroom.
by SillyBird on April 26th, 2004
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strongly encourages married couples to have children. It is against birth control. In a letter from the First Presidency to bishops and stake presidents, dated April 14, 1969, the Church’s philosophy is expressed: “We seriously regret that there should exist a sentiment or feeling among any members of the Church to curtail the birth of their children. We have been commanded to multiply and replenish the earth that we may have joy and rejoicing in our posterity.
“Where husband and wife enjoy health and vigor and are free from impurities that would be entailed upon their posterity, it is contrary to the teachings of the Church artificially to curtail or prevent the birth of children. We believe that those who practice birth control will reap disappointment by and by.”
Philip F. Low, “Realities of the Population Explosion,” Ensign, May 1971, 18
by Anonymous on January 24th, 2007
This church is manipulative. "Officially" they don't give a straight answer. In reality they are very much against the use of birth control...as evidenced by the 6+ child families.
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Comments
That is not the Official teaching of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its just an opinion.
by SillyBird on April 26th, 2004
Best possible answer.
by Anonymous on December 23rd, 2005
answer is incomplete
by Michael D on August 7th, 2004
Kim, I applaud your comments. The rest of you...get your facts straight.
by Charles Sampson on January 20th, 2005
What Charles wrote.
by Glenn Blaylock on November 12th, 2005
Good job Kim. Get the facts straight ppl before you post neutral or negative comments.
by Matt6466 on September 14th, 2005