Let's face it, the birth control issues in the Philippines really divided the Filipinos regardless of religion. It has become a very controversial topic, most especially the discussion on the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill. While the Roman Catholic Church may have a definite stand on birth control issues, her other clergies and members have their opposition to that stand. Evangelicals likewise have each an individual opinion.
For me, I choose not to write and defend my stand. This sensitive topic will cause my brethren to stumble. But just for the curious:
1. I approve of the artificial birth controls
2. I don't agree with a few provisions of the RH Bill (for one, mandating all medical facilities to cooperate; this should be optional for medical facilities organized by religious groups as we should respect their beliefs)
3. Sex education in schools is okay but only for students graduating grade school level at the very least.
And a lot more. But like I said, I won't write my defense for these.
Then what's this article all about? Haven't I been posting articles on birth control issues before? Haven't I been asking Roman Catholics about birth control? The primary reason of me writing articles involving the Church of Rome and birth control is not about birth control itself but rather the hypocrisy of certain Roman Catholic apologists criticizing the unity of Evangelicals. The birth control and RH bill issues divide Roman Catholics in the Philippines despite of a so-called infallible magisterium. Recently, President Noynoy Aquino (son of the late President and devout Roman Catholic, Cory Aquino) was criticized by some Roman Catholic faithful because of his statement that he is willing to be excommunicated over the approval of the RH bill. So if you think the Roman Catholic Church is united because they have an "infallible" pope and magisterium to decide for her members about beliefs and biblical interpretations, think again.
Another reason is that we would like to expose how people, especially those who are against the artificial birth control methods, use faulty argumentation to mislead others. While I respect their stand, they should not use faulty argumentation to convince others. We are going to tackle two misleading arguments.
One of the faulty arguments used by people against artificial birth controls is saying that God commanded all creatures to be fruitful and multiply and children are a blessing from God. Yes, both statements are true and such people quote Genesis 1:28 and Psalm 127:3. So what's wrong with this argument? If this argument is used by people supporting only abstinence or any natural family planning methods, it will also be to their demise. Why? These natural methods also prevent children from being conceived just as the artificial methods. Even those who pledged celibacy like priests and nuns are also guilty of breaking God's command of not going forth and multiply (if that's that the right interpretation).
Another faulty argument is saying that the artificial birth control (and the RH Bill) promotes irresponsible sexual activities. By justifying the use of contraceptives such as pills and condoms, people (especially the youth) can have sex all they want without fear of disease and pregnancy (so they argued). Of course this does not necessarily follow. Freedom of speech does not necessarily promote slander. Likewise, contraceptives does not necessarily promote sex. So even though a person is against contraceptives, he can still have sex if he can't avoid the temptation.
What promotes irresponsible sex, among others, are pornography (including those nude paintings in art museums) and lack of proper education on sex and reproduction as discussed in biology, anatomy, religion, and the law. Making things worse are bad company who influence our youth to be extremely liberal in giving their bodies away for sex. Business establishments using media to advertise or make films with sexual orientation (even those subtle ones) also contributes to the temptation.
In conclusion, these faulty arguments we discussed can mislead people. For those who are for and against the use artificial birth control, I would suggest the use of objective facts and principles in convincing others about your stand.
For me, I choose not to write and defend my stand. This sensitive topic will cause my brethren to stumble. But just for the curious:
1. I approve of the artificial birth controls
2. I don't agree with a few provisions of the RH Bill (for one, mandating all medical facilities to cooperate; this should be optional for medical facilities organized by religious groups as we should respect their beliefs)
3. Sex education in schools is okay but only for students graduating grade school level at the very least.
And a lot more. But like I said, I won't write my defense for these.
Then what's this article all about? Haven't I been posting articles on birth control issues before? Haven't I been asking Roman Catholics about birth control? The primary reason of me writing articles involving the Church of Rome and birth control is not about birth control itself but rather the hypocrisy of certain Roman Catholic apologists criticizing the unity of Evangelicals. The birth control and RH bill issues divide Roman Catholics in the Philippines despite of a so-called infallible magisterium. Recently, President Noynoy Aquino (son of the late President and devout Roman Catholic, Cory Aquino) was criticized by some Roman Catholic faithful because of his statement that he is willing to be excommunicated over the approval of the RH bill. So if you think the Roman Catholic Church is united because they have an "infallible" pope and magisterium to decide for her members about beliefs and biblical interpretations, think again.
Another reason is that we would like to expose how people, especially those who are against the artificial birth control methods, use faulty argumentation to mislead others. While I respect their stand, they should not use faulty argumentation to convince others. We are going to tackle two misleading arguments.
One of the faulty arguments used by people against artificial birth controls is saying that God commanded all creatures to be fruitful and multiply and children are a blessing from God. Yes, both statements are true and such people quote Genesis 1:28 and Psalm 127:3. So what's wrong with this argument? If this argument is used by people supporting only abstinence or any natural family planning methods, it will also be to their demise. Why? These natural methods also prevent children from being conceived just as the artificial methods. Even those who pledged celibacy like priests and nuns are also guilty of breaking God's command of not going forth and multiply (if that's that the right interpretation).
Another faulty argument is saying that the artificial birth control (and the RH Bill) promotes irresponsible sexual activities. By justifying the use of contraceptives such as pills and condoms, people (especially the youth) can have sex all they want without fear of disease and pregnancy (so they argued). Of course this does not necessarily follow. Freedom of speech does not necessarily promote slander. Likewise, contraceptives does not necessarily promote sex. So even though a person is against contraceptives, he can still have sex if he can't avoid the temptation.
What promotes irresponsible sex, among others, are pornography (including those nude paintings in art museums) and lack of proper education on sex and reproduction as discussed in biology, anatomy, religion, and the law. Making things worse are bad company who influence our youth to be extremely liberal in giving their bodies away for sex. Business establishments using media to advertise or make films with sexual orientation (even those subtle ones) also contributes to the temptation.
In conclusion, these faulty arguments we discussed can mislead people. For those who are for and against the use artificial birth control, I would suggest the use of objective facts and principles in convincing others about your stand.
hello, what is Frank Li's new blog url address? i cant access anymore to his blog anymore.
ReplyDeleteHi Gepalta,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, Franklin Li's blog was permanently deleted for some reason that's why you can access it anymore. He writes articles in a Facebook account.