Expert: Rev. Stuart Woodward - 6/22/2004

Question
Good morning, Rev. Woodward.

Please, would you explain me about the verses about Onan, son of Judah, who was killed by God as the penalty (Gen 38), it was because of not maintaining the Levirate Law or offspringing his sperm on the ground? I am the former Catholic who does not accept the Church doctrine of birth control for instance this Church condemns the interrupted coitus in marriage and what about your opinion on this contraception? Thank you very much.    Buzrla from Czech Republic

Answer
Hello Buzria,
Thank you for your question. It is clear to me that Onan was punished for his refusal to fulfil his responsibilities under the levirate law. It is also worth remembering that his manner of refusal was not open and honest but deceitful. The story does not, I believe, have anything to say about the matter of birth control.
I try to root my own views on contraception in biblical teaching. There is no biblical prohibition on contraception. However, I do believe that life begins at the moment of conception (though I understand those who claim it is the moment of implantation that is key). It is wrong to kill. Certainly there are some exceptional circumstances where the mother's life is at serious risk where hard choices have to made. I am against any form of birth control that ends life, however early that form of life may be. Therefore I am against abortion except in the most extreme of circumstances. Other birth control possibilities are therefore for husband and wife to decide upon together. They are not to be used to justify or get away with sex outside of marriage. Interrupted coitus in marriage is fine as far as I am concerned, though it must be by agreement of both husband and wife, can be very frustrating and is neither easy to carry out or particularly reliable. Catholic teaching believes that sex is for procreation only. I believe God also gives it for pleasure and intimacy between husband and wife.
I hope my comments are of some help to you.
Stuart Woodward