Outer Rim Territories

Synod's position on procreation

For the record, here's an excerpt from the just-released Bible study from CPH on stem cell research. This passed doctrinal review (although was not officially adopted at convention so is not binding.) In any case this may be helpful in light of the ongoing family planning discussion. For a limited time you can download it for free: Concordia Publishing House: Changing Currents: Embryonic Stem Cell Research (Downloadable)

Children are a heritage Western society tends to view procreation (literally, to “create forth”) as an optional pursuit for couples (we see this in declining birth rates in both North America and Europe). But our culture also seems to have taken a “factory view” of children: they are products manufactured according to budgets (“We can’t afford a child right now!”), timetables (“We’ll have another in three years.”), or in view of competing interests (“What about completing your degree?”). In contrast, Scripture uses “gift” language when speaking about the procreation of children. If unimpeded, children are the natural, fruitful result of consummated human love. When He wills and through the means of man and woman, God creates new life—the gift of new human beings— capable of both enjoying and contributing to His creation (Psalm 127:3–5): Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Q. What is the LCMS stance on voluntary contraception? A. The LCMS does not have an official position on "voluntary contraception" or voluntary childlessness. However, in its 1981 report on Human Sexuality: A Theological Perspective (which has been "commended to the Synod for study and guidance"--1983 Res. 3-15), the Synod's Commission on Theology and Church Relations makes the following statement: In view of the Biblical command and the blessing to "be fruitful and multiply," it is to be expected that marriage will not ordinarily be voluntarily childless. But, in the absence of Scriptural prohibition, there need be no objection to contraception within a marital union which is, as a whole, fruitful. Moreover, once we grant the appropriateness of contraception, we will also recognize that sterilization may under some circumstances be an acceptable form of contraception. Because of its relatively permanent nature, sterilization is perhaps less desirable than less-far reaching forms of contraception. However, there should be no moral objection to it, especially for couples who already have children and who now seek to devote themselves to the rearing of those children, for those who have been advised by a physician that the birth of another child would be hazardous to the health of the mother, or for those who for reasons of age, physical disability, or illness are not able to care for additional children. Indeed, there may be special circumstances which would persuade a Christian husband and wife that it would be more responsible and helpful to all concerned, under God, not to have children. Whatever the particular circumstances, Christians dare not take lightly decisions in this area of their life together. They should examine their motives thoroughly and honestly and take care lest their decisions be informed by a desire merely to satisfy selfish interests. With respect to voluntary childlessness in general, we should say that while there may be special reasons which would persuade a Christian husband and wife to limit the size of their family, they should remember at all times how easy it is for them simply to permit their union to turn inward and refuse to take up the task of sharing in God's creative activity. Certainly Christians will not give as a reason for childlessness the sorry state of the world and the fear of bringing a child into such a world. We are not to forget the natural promise embedded in the fruitfulness of marriage. To bear and rear children can be done, finally, as an act of faith and hope in God who has promised to supply us with all that we "need to support this body and life."