Another Birth Control Question

[catharina]

Of course you didn’t ask Him to do it for you - but then again, a child doesn’t ask its mother or father to feed it, bathe it, clothe it or nurture it either.

A loving parent doesn’t do things merely because the child asks. Oftentimes the child isn’t intelligent enough to know what it needs or to ask for what it needs anyway. The parent does the things for the child because it CARES. An intelligent child knows from past experience that much, and so trusts that the parent will continue to provide for its needs.

As for ‘believing being naive’, or believing simply because I want to believe, well for years I didn’t. And I was dead wrong and naive THEN.

The fact is I AM alive, fed, nurtured, provided for and supported. And no, not merely by other people or my own efforts either. Those efforts certainly don’t account for all the help I’ve received over the course of my life.

How else do you account for the vast gap between the blessings and help you’ve been given (and every breath and every beat of your heart is another one of those blessings) and what it’s possible for a human to achieve either alone or together with other humans, except that divine providence makes up for the shortfall?

It’s far more naive to believe that you’ve achieved EVERYTHING through your own efforts or those of others - neither your own efforts nor those of other people keep your heart and lungs functioning, for starters.

Also far more naive to believe that you could not be paralyzed
tomorrow, could not be diagnosed with a deadly illness, could
not suffer an overwhelming brain injury. Now THAT’S naive.

 

[peachy10]

Pray that cocneption won’t happen. Mary will save you from parenthood in your 50s if you ask Her!!!

 

[Lost_Sheep]

Pray that cocneption won’t happen. Mary will save you from parenthood in your 50s if you ask Her!!!

Based on my previous experience with having my prayers answered, I need something a little more reliable. A prayer and a dollar will get you a cup of coffee at 7-Eleven.

 

[peachy10]

Yeah.

 

[figgie4ever]

I wanted to mention that the Couple to Couple League offers an NFP class that specifically helps women in premenopause to prevent pregnancy. Their website is ccli.org/ It may be worth it to simply attend the class & learn more. Skepticism is reasonable, but going to the class & learning may help you to better understand. There is no requirement to practice NFP after learning it. It could be worth the time to go to an NFP class simply to learn more about it.

I also hope that you will be able to find someone who is both knowledgeable in the faith and who has the compassion to know what you are going through and bring you to a deeper understanding of WHY the Church teaches what it does. The Church certainly doesn’t want you to hear something & do it without understanding the WHY behind it. Unfortunately, from some of your previous posts, it appears that you misunderstand some of the most basic parts of the faith. I doubt this is even necessarily your fault, but the perhaps the fault of those people who taught you about the faith. Perhaps they taught you wrong, or simply didn’t understand completely themselves. Or perhaps no one taught you at all.

Whichever the case, I would encourage you NOT to try to come to an open forum like this (where anyone can post) to be able to better understand the faith. You could either be told something wrong, or you could be told something right, but by a person who does not have much compassion for your not understanding what the Church teaches. I think that the reason that people are suggesting you go to a priest is that they are often the most knowledgeable about the faith. From what I can tell, you may have had a bad experience with a priest, and I apologize. Priests are not perfect and make mistakes themselves. I would encourage you to try to find someone (doesn’t have to be a priest) who both knows enough about the faith to tell you the truth and who can also understand where you are coming from. Otherwise, I think that all you will find is further frustration and misunderstanding.

At the very least, as someone else mentioned earlier on this thread, I would suggest that you stick to the sections of this website specifically answered by the Catholic answers staff apologists.

 

[kbachler]

Kbachler
**God kills Onan for contraception
Onan
Answer by Fr. John Echert on May, 3, 2008 (EWTN): **
“The sin is NOT that of adultery, which is to take the wife of another man. In fact, it was expected and eventually required that if a man died without a son to continue his posterity, his brother was to take his wife after his death as his own and raise up a family by her. So the sin was not in taking his deceased brothers wife but in spilling his seed on the ground. This action is explicit in the text–spilled his seed on the ground–and is the most obvious cause for which he was put to death by God Himself. This is an important text which supports the moral teaching of the Church – and nature – that contraception is mortally sinful.”

Egoism motivates fornication and contraception, because the goal is not self-giving, but rather the immediate pleasure of self-satisfaction. EWTN is a good source for understanding the teaching of Sacred Scripture.

Apparently its not a good source in this case, because he’s got it wrong. And I know I’ve read posts from other priests explaining this very point, perhaps even on EWTN. If you want I’ll look.

He is correct that the sin is not for adultery, for the reason given. But he is incorrect that it is for spilling seed. The “punishment” for spilling seed is ritual washing.

So now we eliminate adultery and spilling seed. What’s next?

Aha, we could guess that it was for NOT providing the son. Nope. The punishment for refusing to provide the son was that the SIL would get to publicly humilate Onan.

So what is the punishment for?

Disobediece and LYING. Onan was in the line to David and hence to Christ; his lineage is important and royal. He said he would provide an heir, and then purposely did not. In effect, lying to the tribe and to God, when he had agreed to take on the responsibility.

Good research on Onan shows quickly that the story is generally horribly misunderstood.

So what is your problem with Romans 14?

I don’t have a problem with it. I think its great. I think it is sad,however, that it isn’t often taken to heart. Differences in belief and faith are going to happen. We need to not judge each other harshly based on those differnces, instead understanding Romans 14.

 

[Abu]

kbachler
Apparently its not a good source in this case, because he’s got it wrong….The “punishment” for spilling seed is ritual washing.

Fr John Echert answering for EWTN is correct, and meticulous. God killed Onan for contraception.

THE SIN OF ONAN REVISITED, November 1996
by Fr Brian W. Harrison
rtforum.org/lt/lt67.html
“That Onan’s unnatural act as such is condemned as sinful in Gen. 38: 9-10 was an interpretation held by the Fathers and Doctors of the Catholic Church, by the Protestant Reformers, and by nearly all celibate and married theologians of all Christian denominations until the early years of this century, when some exegetes began to approach the text with preconceptions deriving from the sexual decadence of modern Western culture and its exaggerated concern for ‘over-population.’ ” [Pope Pius XI, Encyclical on Christian Marriage, *Casti Connubii (31 December 1930)].

“Wherefore it is not surprising that the Sacred Scriptures themselves also bear witness to the fact that the divine Majesty attends this unspeakable depravity with the utmost detestation, sometimes having punished it with death, as St. Augustine recalls: “For it is illicit and shameful for a man to lie with even his lawful wife in such a way as to prevent the conception of offspring. This is what Onan, son of Judah, used to do; and for that God slew him” (cf. Gen. 38: 8-10).”

Pope Pius XI in *Casti Connubii *infallibly defines contraception as a grave sin and specifically teaches what St Augustine teaches – that God killed Onan for contraception. That is the grave sin.

“54. But no reason, however grave, may be put forward by which anything intrinsically against nature may become conformable to nature and morally good. Since, therefore, the conjugal act is destined primarily by nature for the begetting of children, those who in exercising it deliberately frustrate its natural power and purpose sin against nature and commit a deed which is shameful and intrinsically vicious.

“55. Small wonder, therefore, if Holy Writ bears witness that the Divine Majesty regards with greatest detestation this horrible crime and at times has punished it with death. As St. Augustine notes, “Intercourse even with one’s legitimate wife is unlawful and wicked where the conception of the offspring is prevented. Onan, the son of Juda, did this and the Lord killed him for it.” [45]

1. St. August., De coniug. adult., lib. II, n. 12, Gen, XXXVIII, 8-10.

 

[onmyknees]

Yes, I am being facetious here. But it does back to my point. It is impossible to live up to the standards God has put forth. You cannot be perfect, but that is what God expects.

God knows that we have a fallen nature so that is why Jesus gave the apostles and their successors this sacrament. In John 20 Jesus was speaking to the apostles when He said this, “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven whose sins you retain are retained” He gave them the power forgive our sins so we can get to heaven. After sacramental confession and absolution we are forgiven. If you slip up again and again don’t give up. Fight the fight to the end.

Jesus also said this to the apostles, Matt: 16 “What you bind on earth will be bound in heaven”. He also said this to them, John 16:12 “I have many things to say to you, but they would be too much for you now. But when the spirit of Truth comes He will lead you to the complete Truth”

God does expect you to follow all the teachings of the Church because he gave the authority to Peter and his successors. They are not just men making up rules. They always guided by the Holy Spirit on all teachings of faith and morals. So they are God’s rules.
He gives these hard teachings because He loves us and knows that by having to suffer some we will grow in virtue, holiness, and closer to Him. And if we do this we will have joy and peace.

 

[AnneTeresa]

I just read through this whole thread just now and would like to ask the OP, do you tell God how angry you are? Have you told him that you feel you can’t follow all the rules, you don’t understand them, you are mad about them, you are unhappy–and asked Him to help you with that? Have you told him how resentful you are and how unreasonable you think He is and asked Him to help change your heart?

It’s clear you are depressed and angry and resentful. I am also in my 50s and have had to make some really hard choices lately about whether I would follow the “rules”. I get it, you don’t want to give up your sex life and you don’t want children at this point. You are being honest and that’s a good start. I’ve been very angry at God too and fought against Him every step of the way. But I started telling God how angry I was and how unfair it all was and I kept doing it, telling Him, telling others- like you are doing. The fact that you came here posting shows that somehow you are struggling and seeking God. God did and does continue to clarify things for me and, not without a struggle mind you, I was able to gradually start understanding some of the rules and start living by them. Maybe you can too.

I also think it’s good to keep coming here on the forums and talking about it. That’s part of the purpose of the forums- to connect with other people when we need to get help with our struggles and questions.

 

[Lost_Sheep]

I just read through this whole thread just now and would like to ask the OP, do you tell God how angry you are? Have you told him that you feel you can’t follow all the rules, you don’t understand them, you are mad about them, you are unhappy–and asked Him to help you with that? Have you told him how resentful you are and how unreasonable you think He is and asked Him to help change your heart?

I have told Him more times that I can remember. Hasn’t done much good, though.

It’s clear you are depressed and angry and resentful.

Shows that bad, does it?

I am also in my 50s and have had to make some really hard choices lately about whether I would follow the “rules”. I get it, you don’t want to give up your sex life and you don’t want children at this point.

That’s one of many things I want, but yes.

You are being honest and that’s a good start.

You want honesty? OK. Here’s honesty.

I like sex. After all, I’m a guy. I like doing it because it feels good. And for purely selfish and hedonistic reasons. I have never been unfaithful to my wife and don’t ever intend to be. But we want to make love often and not bring children into the equation at this stage of the game.

There. That’s honesty.

I’ve been very angry at God too and fought against Him every step of the way. But I started telling God how angry I was and how unfair it all was and I kept doing it, telling Him, telling others- like you are doing.

As stated above, my prayers fall on deaf ears.

The fact that you came here posting shows that somehow you are struggling and seeking God.

Actually, I came here looking for loopholes of ways to “beat the rap” as it were on a technicality; not because I am seeking some higher truth. In other words, how much sin can I get away with and still go to Heaven?

God did and does continue to clarify things for me and, not without a struggle mind you, I was able to gradually start understanding some of the rules and start living by them. Maybe you can too.

The way I see it, scripture says “Ask and you shall receive” and “With God, all things are possible”. Everything else is a waste of ink. And God has not lived up to his end of the bargain.

I also think it’s good to keep coming here on the forums and talking about it. That’s part of the purpose of the forums- to connect with other people when we need to get help with our struggles and questions.

I dunno. Some of what I see here comes from people who seem almost cult-like fundamentalists who are so wrapped up in “faith” that they have lost touch with the real world. In another thread I’ve been following, a woman who seems to have serious mental health issues is being chastised by other forumites for masturbating while they seem to be utterly oblivious to her more serious root-cause problems. She could be on the verge of suicide for all we know, and people keep telling her “Stop masturbating or you’re going to Hell!” :tsktsk:

I need to find a forum with real everyday Catholics who understand real everyday problems. Not s bunch of Holy Rollers.

 

[onmyknees]

I have told Him more times that I can remember. Hasn’t done much good, though.

Shows that bad, does it?

That’s one of many things I want, but yes.

You want honesty? OK. Here’s honesty.

I like sex. After all, I’m a guy. I like doing it because it feels good. And for purely selfish and hedonistic reasons. I have never been unfaithful to my wife and don’t ever intend to be. But we want to make love often and not bring children into the equation at this stage of the game.

There. That’s honesty.

As stated above, my prayers fall on deaf ears.

Actually, I came here looking for loopholes of ways to “beat the rap” as it were on a technicality; not because I am seeking some higher truth. In other words, how much sin can I get away with and still go to Heaven?

The way I see it, scripture says “Ask and you shall receive” and “With God, all things are possible”. Everything else is a waste of ink. And God has not lived up to his end of the bargain.

I dunno. Some of what I see here comes from people who seem almost cult-like fundamentalists who are so wrapped up in “faith” that they have lost touch with the real world. In another thread I’ve been following, a woman who seems to have serious mental health issues is being chastised by other forumites for masturbating while they seem to be utterly oblivious to her more serious root-cause problems. She could be on the verge of suicide for all we know, and people keep telling her “Stop masturbating or you’re going to Hell!” :tsktsk:

I need to find a forum with real everyday Catholics who understand real everyday problems. Not s bunch of Holy Rollers.

Well, I guess according to you Jesus was a Holly Roller. I quoted Him three times in my post above. You mean you want to find a forum with pick and choose the rules Catholics. Also known as cafeteria catholics. I don’t understand why Jesus’ own words don’t mean anything to you. Now about someone who has a mental illness and is addicted to masturbation here is what the catechism says about that;

2352 By masturbation is to be understood the deliberate stimulation of the genital organs in order to derive sexual pleasure. “Both the Magisterium of the Church, in the course of a constant tradition, and the moral sense of the faithful have been in no doubt and have firmly maintained that masturbation is an intrinsically and gravely disordered action.” “The deliberate use of the sexual faculty, for whatever reason, outside of marriage is essentially contrary to its purpose.” For here sexual pleasure is sought outside of “the sexual relationship which is demanded by the moral order and in which the total meaning of mutual self-giving and human procreation in the context of true love is achieved.”

To form an equitable judgment about the subjects’ moral responsibility and to guide pastoral action, one must take into account the affective immaturity, force of acquired habit, conditions of anxiety or other psychological or social factors that lessen, if not even reduce to a minimum, moral culpability.

All of us Catholics have everyday problems. I am 52 yrs. old and due to a autoimmune inflammatory disease my husband and I are not able to have relations except for about once every week or two. And the intercourse part is very painful for me. I also have had an autoimmune spinal disease since I was 16yrs. old so I have never been able to do many other things. Please don’t give up on God. He will help you if you surrender yourself to Him. We can do nothing without Him.

 

[AnneTeresa]

The way I see it, scripture says “Ask and you shall receive” and “With God, all things are possible”. Everything else is a waste of ink. And God has not lived up to his end of the bargain.

So you’ve asked God to change your heart, you’ve asked Him to give the strength to do HIs will, not yours? How does that fit when you also freely admit you are “looking for a loophole” so you can “see how much sin you can get away with and still go to heaven.”

God lives up to His end of the bargain. You’re not living up to yours. You say so over and over–you want what you want even if that’s sin.

I need to find a forum with real everyday Catholics who understand real everyday problems. Not s bunch of Holy Rollers.

Well there might be some Holy rollers here but there are also a LOT of people who understand everyday problems. I’m one of them…

Look, you’re probably going to have to be willing to make a change and really give God a chance. You can go on doing what you are doing, being defiant and angry and refusing to do what God says and looking for ways to keep putting yourself first, getting what YOU want foremost–or you can give God a chance on His terms. You might have to give up part of what you want. Do that and you’ll see how God “holds up to His end of the bargain.” But it’s your choice.

 

[Lost_Sheep]

So you’ve asked God to change your heart, you’ve asked Him to give the strength to do HIs will, not yours?

No, I think God should change His heart. He is in a much better position to be flexible that I am.

God lives up to His end of the bargain. You’re not living up to yours. You say so over and over–you want what you want even if that’s sin.

Just answer my prayers, on my terms and on my schedule. God has the power to do that. He just refuses to do so.

Look, you’re probably going to have to be willing to make a change and really give God a chance. You can go on doing what you are doing, being defiant and angry and refusing to do what God says and looking for ways to keep putting yourself first, getting what YOU want foremost–or you can give God a chance on His terms. You might have to give up part of what you want. Do that and you’ll see how God “holds up to His end of the bargain.” But it’s your choice.

I’ve given God plenty of chances. Yes, I am angry and defiant and I will probably remain that way. What’s He going to do? Send me to Hell? I’m already there. And besides, if my life on Earth is any indication of God’s “love” for me then why would I want to go to Heaven where He can just make it even worse for me?

Bottom line: God hates me and you cannot prove otherwise.

 

[davidv]

No, I think God should change His heart. He is in a much better position to be flexible that I am.

Just answer my prayers, on my terms and on my schedule. God has the power to do that. He just refuses to do so.

I’ve given God plenty of chances. Yes, I am angry and defiant and I will probably remain that way. What’s He going to do? Send me to Hell? I’m already there. And besides, if my life on Earth is any indication of God’s “love” for me then why would I want to go to Heaven where He can just make it even worse for me?

Bottom line: God hates me and you cannot prove otherwise.

I think you are projecting your own feelings on God. God is Love, unchanging. If you want answers on your terms and on your schedule, you have just put yourself in God’s place. This is not a good place to be.

 

[Whitacre_Girl]

I have told Him more times that I can remember. Hasn’t done much good, though.

Shows that bad, does it?

That’s one of many things I want, but yes.

You want honesty? OK. Here’s honesty.

I like sex. After all, I’m a guy. I like doing it because it feels good. And for purely selfish and hedonistic reasons. I have never been unfaithful to my wife and don’t ever intend to be. But we want to make love often and not bring children into the equation at this stage of the game.

There. That’s honesty.

I’m sorry for coming in so late, but I just saw this tirade and I had to chime in.

You’re hurt, you’re angry, and I don’t blame you. I myself am going through frustrations with God. I have a lot of unanswered questions and there are times I want to throw my hands in the air and just say to heck with all of it. But there is a small simple truth that won’t let me do that. I’ll get to it later.

1. You are not a bad person.
2. You are not alone
3. You are not the only one with these concerns on this topic.

As stated above, my prayers fall on deaf ears.

No, they don’t. I admit, I feel the same although my cries are sometimes for the opposite - I dearly want children and I am praying for God to remove our barriers. It seems like my prayers fall on deaf ears because nothing is happening, but I get the feeling that God’s plan has to be bigger than mine so he is choosing not to answer my prayers for specific reasons. Although right now, I tell God frequently that while I want to trust him, he’s utterly ticking me off. I just hope he’ll tolerate this as I am a stupid little human who doesn’t know better. You know? Be honest with God, tell him how you feel. He can handle it. And it’ll make you feel a lot better.

Actually, I came here looking for loopholes of ways to “beat the rap” as it were on a technicality; not because I am seeking some higher truth. In other words, how much sin can I get away with and still go to Heaven?

Jesus addresses this. This suggests to me that you are coming at this all from the wrong angle. You aren’t going to go to heaven based on a points system. God doesn’t tally your sins against your good deeds. There is only one question: “Do you love me with all your heart, all your mind, and all your strength?” You have to honestly be able to answer yes to that.

I say forget about this trying to dance a line. Focus on falling in love with Jesus. He wants this, and it is only in that that you can find answers.

The way I see it, scripture says “Ask and you shall receive” and “With God, all things are possible”. Everything else is a waste of ink. And God has not lived up to his end of the bargain.

I know exactly how you feel here. I need certain things for my most desparate desires here (kids) and God is neither providing very well or making miracles happen. Again, I have to trust that his true provision is what I can not seee right now.

I dunno. Some of what I see here comes from people who seem almost cult-like fundamentalists who are so wrapped up in “faith” that they have lost touch with the real world. In another thread I’ve been following, a woman who seems to have serious mental health issues is being chastised by other forumites for masturbating while they seem to be utterly oblivious to her more serious root-cause problems. She could be on the verge of suicide for all we know, and people keep telling her “Stop masturbating or you’re going to Hell!” :tsktsk:

And circle gets the square!! Or…whatever other anaolgy means you are totally right. Bingo? Yes. I’ll go with Bingo!

I’ve come on to these boards for help in my own life. I remember once instance a little less than a year ago that led me to almost take my own life. I was lost, hurt, and desparate for christian help. I was told the most awful things and when I defended myself against unfair judgment and lies I was nearly banned. That night I tried to take my own life. The last place I thought I could turn to for help chewed me up and spit me out. I now have a clearer head so I am back, but I’ve had to try very hard not to take certain people seriously. Now I am here to help other people seeking help and to try to fight off the wolves.

We need to focus on loving Jesus and one another, not trying to make sure everyone gets the “checklist” right. THere is no checklist.

I need to find a forum with real everyday Catholics who understand real everyday problems. Not s bunch of Holy Rollers.

This forum is chock-full of good sane catholics. You just have to know how to find them.

I am sorry you are facing so much. I honestly think this birth control issue is secondary. Seek God with your wife. Fall in deep and reckless love with God, who loves you so perfectly and completely. This is the first step, and all steps. As a prominent person once said (I think it was St. Augustine?) “Love God and do as you will.” Because if you love God, you won’t seek sin.

 

[onmyknees]

Quote by Lost Sheep

I’ve given God plenty of chances. Yes, I am angry and defiant and I will probably remain that way. What’s He going to do? Send me to Hell? I’m already there. And besides, if my life on Earth is any indication of God’s “love” for me then why would I want to go to Heaven where He can just make it even worse for me?

Bottom line: God hates me and you cannot prove otherwise.

Well, if God is giving you so much suffering here on earth He does not hate you. He wants you to get to heaven NOT so He can even make it worse for you but so you can have this:

Revelation 21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, and I heard a great voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God himself will be with them; He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.”

 

[crazzeto]

No, I think God should change His heart. He is in a much better position to be flexible that I am.

Just answer my prayers, on my terms and on my schedule. God has the power to do that. He just refuses to do so.

I’ve given God plenty of chances. Yes, I am angry and defiant and I will probably remain that way. What’s He going to do? Send me to Hell? I’m already there. And besides, if my life on Earth is any indication of God’s “love” for me then why would I want to go to Heaven where He can just make it even worse for me?

Bottom line: God hates me and you cannot prove otherwise.

Honestly there is little in this world I am so greatful for than my sufferings. God has used them to temper me, to teach me lessons I frankly would have not otherwise learned. I didn’t believe it at the time, and frankly for most of them I wasn’t really truely “Christian”. Sure I was in the sense that I was baptised, confirmed, and never formally left the faith (nor would I ever have formally left). I did however practically leave, by disagreeing with Holy Mother Church left and right. I created my own conception of God, as being above everything. And there for, since God was above everythign (true enough) he couldn’t be bothered with the small stuff (lie, error) and there for you were essentially free to do whatever you wished (ugh).

God used sufferings, among other things to bring me home. Perhaps he’s doing the same to you. He is not putting you in hell in this world, perhaps purgatory. But that’s a good thing, let it cleans you.

God bless,

 

[Good_Daughter]

Old Testament laws talk about what to do when seed is spilled, whether accidntally or not.

Would you give a reference for OT law on the intentional spilling of seed?

Thanks

 

[Abu]

Good Daughter
OT law on the intentional spilling of seed?

Fr John Echert is an authority on Sacred Scripture

Onan’s sin
Answer by Fr. John Echert (EWTN) on May-14-2006:
The account of Onan’s refusal to carry out the obligation to raise up children in place of his brother is found in Genesis 38:
38:4 Again she conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Onan. 38:5 Yet again she bore a son, and she called his name Shelah. She was in Chezib when she bore him. 38:6 And Judah took a wife for Er his first-born, and her name was Tamar. 38:7 But Er, Judah’s first-born, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him. 38:8 Then Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife, and perform the duty of a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother.” 38:9 But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so when he went in to his brother’s wife he spilled the semen on the ground, lest he should give offspring to his brother. 38:10 And what he did was displeasing in the sight of the LORD, and he slew him also.

By the ancient custom–later to become the law of God in the time of Moses–in order that the family name would live on through a man’s descendants, if a brother died leaving a widow and no sons, then it was the duty of his brother to take his widow as his own and produce offspring from the relationship. Onan not only failed to fulfill this command of God, but committed an additional violation of the law of God by spilling his seed on the ground, that is, withdrawal during the act of sexual intercourse. His sin was twofold and showed contempt for God and nature. Incidentally, this biblical account is important to keep in mind in the whole matter of contraception which is against the law of God and nature. Sexual intercourse is intended to be fruitful and one must have at least the openness to the possibility of new life; Onan showed contempt for life and law.

There are some who argue that the severe punishment of God upon Onan was for his failure to fulfill the Levirate law of raising up offspring; however, the punishment for this was specified by God as recorded in the book of Deuteronomy:
25:5 "If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the dead shall not be married outside the family to a stranger; her husband’s brother shall go in to her, and take her as his wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her. 25:6 And the first son whom she bears shall succeed to the name of his brother who is dead, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel. 25:7 And if the man does not wish to take his brother’s wife, then his brother’s wife shall go up to the gate to the elders, and say, —My husband’s brother refuses to perpetuate his brother’s name in Israel; he will not perform the duty of a husband’s brother to me.’ 25:8 Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak to him: and if he persists, saying, —I do not wish to take her,’ 25:9 then his brother’s wife shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, and pull his sandal off his foot, and spit in his face; and she shall answer and say, —So shall it be done to the man who does not build up his brother’s house.’ 25:10 And the name of his house shall be called in Israel, The house of him that had his sandal pulled off.

The penalty imposed by Mosaic Law was not a death sentence upon the guilty brother but public humiliation – a far cry from execution. This leads us to conclude that the death punishment upon Onan was not for his failure to raise up posterity for his deceased brother, but for the crime of wasting the seed upon the ground–a primitive and vulgar form of contraception. Incidentally, with regards to contraception, many people today are ignorant of the fact that many forms of contraception actually act as an abortifacient–they kill the newly conceived child in some manner.

See:
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