F
fish90
Guest
I was curious about this. Please answer if you are willing.
Best,
fish90
Best,
fish90
Can anybody explain the Orthodox Christian belief about contraception?
- Status
A
aborodki
Guest
In the context of a marriage, sex does not have to be solely for a procreative purpose. Sex for pleasure is seen as a way to strengthen the marital bond. The only time where contraception would fall into a " sin" category would be if the couple is using contraception to prevent ANY children. A couple is allowed to use contraception to space children out or to prevent the birth of children if at that time it is not economically feasible too for example. Check out the OCA.Org website for more information on the orthodox church and its stances.
L
Luvs2Learn
Guest
- found this at an Orthodox info site*
The following excerpt was taken from the Synodal document of the Russian Orthodox bishops , the rest of the document can be found at this website:
orthodoxeurope.org/page/3/14.aspx
**At the same time, spouses are responsible before God for the comprehensive upbringing of their children. One of the ways to be responsible for their birth is to restrain themselves from sexual relations for a time. However, Christian spouses should remember the words of St. Paul addressed to them: «Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency» (1 Cor. 7:5). Clearly, spouses should make such decisions mutually on the counsel of their spiritual father. The latter should take into account, with pastoral prudence, the concrete living conditions of the couple, their age, health, degree of spiritual maturity and many other circumstances. In doing so, he should distinguish those who can hold the high demands of continence from those to whom it is not given (Mt. 19:11), taking care above all of the preservation and consolidation of the family.
The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church in its Decision of December 28, 1998, instructed the clergy serving as spiritual guides that «it is inadmissible to coerce or induce the flock to… refuse conjugal relations in marriage». It also reminded the pastors of the need «to show special chastity and special pastoral prudence in discussing with the flock the questions involved in particular aspects of their family life». **
F
fish90
Guest
Is NFP the best “contraceptive” (I do not know if the Orthodox would disagree with Catholics, hence the quotation marks) for the Orthodox? Or, does contraceptive measures include all forms other than those with abortifacient properties?
Thanks,
fish90
J
josephdaniel29
Guest
Non abortifacient contraceptives are allowed with the blessing of one’s spiritual father.
Yours in Christ
Joe
P
PeaceSerenity
Guest
The Orthodox allow the use of contraceptives, for a limited time, as long as they are not abortive and you have the blessing of your spiritual father.
It’s an iffy subject because the church doesn’t take an official stance, but most church Fathers that have written on this topic (although there isn’t extensive literature because back when they were alive, contraceptives weren’t as big) say that sex should be for the purpose of procreation with the possibility to conceive. Otherwise it is lust.
It’s an iffy subject because the church doesn’t take an official stance, but most church Fathers that have written on this topic (although there isn’t extensive literature because back when they were alive, contraceptives weren’t as big) say that sex should be for the purpose of procreation with the possibility to conceive. Otherwise it is lust.
A
aborodki
Guest
To the best of my knowledge there are two schools on the subject. One would take the approach you stated above and another allows the use of contraceptives ( non-abortive, for example condoms, birth control etc). A good book on the subject Contemporary Moral Issues in the Orthodox Church takes a stance that contraceptives are permissible. Since we do not have centralized authority, it is more of a personal issue—between you and your husband and perhaps your priest.
hope this helps.
F
fish90
Guest
What do the Patriarchs say regarding the matter? Could the Orthodox believe that NFP is the only acceptable practice for controlling births in your or anybody else’s opinion? Is contraception another obstacle in the ecumenical effort?
Best,
fish90
M
Milliardo
Guest
In the scheme of things, I don’t think contraception would be up there in the list of priorities as far as the Orthodox Church is concerned with regards to ecumenism.
P
prodromos
Guest
But only under extraordinary circumstances. It is not as if this is something which is approved of at whim.
John
R
ralphinal
Guest
Dumb question, but I have to ask: can the EO establish the use of contraception throughout the history of the Church? Has this always been the teaching of the Church or was it ever not acceptable?
A
aborodki
Guest
I will ask some older people in church about this subject but you need to tell me what you mean by Patriarchs.
Also, you need to remember that Orthodoxy functions differently than Catholicism. Just because a patriarch said it or advised, doesn’t mean it is dogma and must be followed by everyone. Orthodoxy is a much more personal faith than catholicism and does not have canons.
O
onacloudyday
Guest
the history of the church has canons of the church and certains saints have specifically spoken out against the use of contraception in the form of potions which cause infertility but in those cases the contraception was used to cause abortion or used in an attempt to hide infidelity to a womans husband. it was a problem for the church when christian women of a high social status slept with their male servants and use birth control to hid their sin. it was a sin to and is still a sin to use birth control in that manner. intimacy and the use of birth control is to be reserved for marriage only. abortion is not ok even in marriage.
R
ralphinal
Guest
Wait, so are you saying that the current teaching on birth control is an gasp innovation? When did Orthodoxy begin to teach that non-abortive birth control (that is not used for those things you listed) was acceptable?
M
mariahloves
Guest
What kind of circumstances? What if a couple already has a few kids and simply does not desire anymore (although they are mentally, physically, financially etc capable of taking care of more)?
O
onacloudyday
Guest
no i did not say that. i say that in history only time talked about was when women used in in a sinful manner to hide there adultery sin and fornication sin and when protitute women used it to kill there baby when they get pregnant from there sin.
nonabortive birth control used in marriage with father blessing always acceptable in history because private and not sinful with father blessing in marriage not mentioned in the history.
nonabortive birth control used in marriage with father blessing always acceptable in history because private and not sinful with father blessing in marriage not mentioned in the history.
J
josephdaniel29
Guest
It is certain that the practice of allowing artificial contraception is a fairly recent development. Of course an Orthodox Christian is not allowed to use it except for grave reasons and that mirrors the Catholic Church’s teaching on NFP, i.e. that it is only allowed for grave reasons and with the blessing of one’s spiritual father. It really is a pastoral concern.
BTW has the Catholic Church always allowed NFP? Seems like I read something about Pope Pius XI condemning it in the early 1900’s and that it only came into official use in the 1800’s.
Yours in Christ
Joe
O
onacloudyday
Guest
that private matter. not to discuss in public. between marriage couple. many orthodox church only father can give blessing. some orthodox church give blessing to all if marriage couple decides necessary.
why important to you what other marriage couple do? you want to let yourself have a reason to judge? think about why it matters to you. maybe your motive has sin. maybe not. think about it.
why important to you what other marriage couple do? you want to let yourself have a reason to judge? think about why it matters to you. maybe your motive has sin. maybe not. think about it.
F
fish90
Guest
Please excuse my ignorance then. I assumed that whatever a Patriarch would say about the matter would be followed.
By Patriarch, I mean someone like His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew,who is a leader of a Church.
Then again I am pretty ignorant.
Best,
fish90
F
fish90
Guest
Can you or anybody expound on this? Please PM me (I do not want to get this thread closed).
Best,
fish90
- Status