Abstract

Contraceptives are the most common forms of birth control. Its use I widely debated from a religious point of view. This debated from philosophical, consequential, religious and human rights perspective. The paper discusses the instructions given by most common religions on the use of contraceptives along with their reasons. It also shed lights on other non religions views given by people for and against the use of contraceptives.

Contraceptives and Religious Views

Introduction

Contraceptive is a form of birth control and is very popular among all the segments of the society. However, its use is widely debated from a religious point of view. This is debated from philosophical, consequential, religious and human rights perspective. The supporters and opponents of contraceptives as a means of birth control have their reasons for holding their view points. Couples who want to use contraceptives are advised against it by the religious scholars. This presents them with a tough situation. The paper discusses the contraceptive use from the point of view of major religions across the world.

Arguments for and against

The Roman Catholic Church is against the use of contraceptives. The physical unison between a Christian couple is considered imperative for a healthy and strong bond between the husband and the wife. It is something that brings them closer in an intimate way and makes them each other's soul mate. The importance given to lovemaking between a married couple in Christianity is also rooted in the fact that it leads to procreation. To procreate means to create more followers of the Higher Power (León, p. 4). Hence, it is something beautiful and a natural result of the sexual act between any married couple. The use of contraceptives is forbidden for its possible negative impacts on the prospects of fertility in future. However, it is imperative to state that family planning is allowed in Christianity. This is perceived as the couples' discretion through the natural way.

The views of Islamic scholars on Islam are even more difficult. Any instructions in Islam on the use of contraceptives or those pertaining to sexual relations are given with the perspective of the relationship between husband and wife. Any intimate relationship between a man and a woman is strictly forbidden in Islam. In fact it is the biggest sin. Children are viewed as the blessing of the Almighty. Any form of contraceptives whether they are oral contraceptives used by the woman or condoms used by a man are considered inappropriate in Islam. Their uses forbidden on the ground because the creation of life is a divine process and man has no business meddling in it (Karadsheh, p. 91). In addition, it affects the relationship between husband and wife. Their sexual tensions lead to the devastation of emotional and mental peace. It is responsibility of each Muslim to follow the guidance given by the Almighty without reasoning and objections. It is because of this reason that the population growth rate of some of the Muslim countries is relatively high and the national efforts to control ...