Contraception Perspectives
Clarice Goetz
HRT 3MI
Mrs. Coates
April 20, 2012
Contraception Perspectives in World Religions
Part 1: Introduction
Many topics that pertain to the sanctity of the human life are very controversial issues in religions all over the world. It is often debated whether or not humans should have the authority to control the rate of birth of our own species, based on our ability to stop fertilization from happening without abstaining from sexual conduct. Contraception is defined as the prevention of fertilization, during or after sexual activity. It refers to the use of contraceptives including (but not limited to) birth control, condoms, cervical caps, spermicide, IUD, diaphragm, oral contraceptive pills and the “morning after” pill. These …show more content…
Buddha’s teachings don’t directly address non-productive sexual activity, as it was not relevant at the time, but he did object the idea of lust and sexual desire which stood upon the foundation of the four noble truths, particularly the second one which states that all suffering is a result of attachment and negative desire (BBC). Buddhism is not known to be strongly pro-family, and therefore marrying and having children is not a religious duty, and sexual pleasure is not encouraged. The following is stated in Buddhist scripture: “to purify one’s mind, this is the teaching of the Buddhas” (Dhammapada, 183). This refers to detaching oneself from any lustful desires which relates to having intercourse without intentions of having children. It also mentions not increasing population and teaches ways of keeping the mind free from lust (NCBI). It is evident in the principle teachings of the Buddha that the ultimate goal in life is to end suffering. If procreating and populating the Earth makes it difficult to provide the basic needs for all human life then procreation is against the Buddha’s beliefs (NCBI). This idea is strongly supported by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama who said that instead of contraception, “family planning is crucial, especially in the developing world” (MHS). In general, Buddhism is against contraception …show more content…
Both religions seemed to share the opinion that because it is unnatural to use contraceptives, it makes the union between a man and a woman impure, and therefore should not be allowed. The two religions both have one main scripture in which the teachings on sexual conduct both discourage the use of contraceptives. The Bible, which is the main Roman Catholic scripture, instructs us to practice procreation when married to keep the creation of human beings sacred. The Dhammapada, the main Buddhist scripture, promotes ideas of purification of the mind, and detachment from sexual desire. Buddhism is much less family orientated and doesn’t see the need to fulfill sexual pleasure on the path to enlightenment. However, both Roman Catholics and Buddhists believe that contraception is unnecessary and doesn’t provide the morally correct solution for
HRT 3MI
Mrs. Coates
April 20, 2012
Contraception Perspectives in World Religions
Part 1: Introduction
Many topics that pertain to the sanctity of the human life are very controversial issues in religions all over the world. It is often debated whether or not humans should have the authority to control the rate of birth of our own species, based on our ability to stop fertilization from happening without abstaining from sexual conduct. Contraception is defined as the prevention of fertilization, during or after sexual activity. It refers to the use of contraceptives including (but not limited to) birth control, condoms, cervical caps, spermicide, IUD, diaphragm, oral contraceptive pills and the “morning after” pill. These …show more content…
Buddha’s teachings don’t directly address non-productive sexual activity, as it was not relevant at the time, but he did object the idea of lust and sexual desire which stood upon the foundation of the four noble truths, particularly the second one which states that all suffering is a result of attachment and negative desire (BBC). Buddhism is not known to be strongly pro-family, and therefore marrying and having children is not a religious duty, and sexual pleasure is not encouraged. The following is stated in Buddhist scripture: “to purify one’s mind, this is the teaching of the Buddhas” (Dhammapada, 183). This refers to detaching oneself from any lustful desires which relates to having intercourse without intentions of having children. It also mentions not increasing population and teaches ways of keeping the mind free from lust (NCBI). It is evident in the principle teachings of the Buddha that the ultimate goal in life is to end suffering. If procreating and populating the Earth makes it difficult to provide the basic needs for all human life then procreation is against the Buddha’s beliefs (NCBI). This idea is strongly supported by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama who said that instead of contraception, “family planning is crucial, especially in the developing world” (MHS). In general, Buddhism is against contraception …show more content…
Both religions seemed to share the opinion that because it is unnatural to use contraceptives, it makes the union between a man and a woman impure, and therefore should not be allowed. The two religions both have one main scripture in which the teachings on sexual conduct both discourage the use of contraceptives. The Bible, which is the main Roman Catholic scripture, instructs us to practice procreation when married to keep the creation of human beings sacred. The Dhammapada, the main Buddhist scripture, promotes ideas of purification of the mind, and detachment from sexual desire. Buddhism is much less family orientated and doesn’t see the need to fulfill sexual pleasure on the path to enlightenment. However, both Roman Catholics and Buddhists believe that contraception is unnecessary and doesn’t provide the morally correct solution for