CONTRACEPTION IS INTRINSICALLY EVIL – It is a LIE!
1. A little historical Background may be helpful:
a. Children are blessing from God
Most cultures in the past regarded children as blessing from God and took pride in bringing into life as many as the Creator would give them. Instances abound in the Scriptures where God specifically gave his blessing to Men in form of children. [Gen 1:28, 4:1, 22:17, Lk 2:10-11, 112(113):9]. “Happy the man who has filled his quiver with these arrows” proclaims the Psalmist [Psalm 126:5]. Even in our different African and Nigerian cultures, the childless couple still appear to many (wrongly though) as unfortunate; that is, not blessed by God!
Also, along with the human inclination to preserve life in Natural Law, is the good of marriage – procreation, to preserve the species.
Most cultures also believed that the raising of children is such an important and serious duty that it is best done within a family setting – a stable structure founded on marriage between a man and a woman where love and other family values are established, nurtured and passed on.
Within the Catholic Church, the Church (Patristic) Fathers and the Teaching Authority of the Church (Magisterium) have always taught that children are blessings of marriage and contribute very substantially to the welfare of their parents who are encouraged to welcome them as gifts.
This was the world scenario for many centuries. Concerns about population out-growing resources began slowly towards the end of the 18th century. Malthus, an Anglican clergyman and economist published his ‘essay on the Principles of Population’ in 1798 expressing his personal concern over population and economy. Even he then did not recommend limitation of children [at least not by contraception].
Fears of population explosion along with expanded role for women and scarce resources for supporting large families became openly expressed towards the end of 19th century. Here in Nigeria concern about population began seriously with the economic downturn. It is erroneous to blame the hardship in Nigeria today on overpopulation rather than bad leadership, massive corruption as well as the “get rich quick” syndrome that has become endemic in the country. The Church as Mother and Teacher was not (and will never be) insensitive to the various concerns as expressed by the Popes who nevertheless insisted that contraception is morally wrong, and indeed it is a sin! It is not possible resolve a problem through a sinful means. The end does not and cannot justify the means! Today, the Church continues to care by proclaiming the Truth that is Life and offering to married couples, the services for living that Life to the Full! Decide dear Catholic Couple, this Advent and as today, we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of Mary, what would you do as Responsible Parents, to receive the Christ Child into your home come Christmas 2019?