Sir, - In a recent letter Thomas Brodie drew attention to the context of Onan's sin and subsequent judgment recorded in Genesis, Chapter 38. He highlighted that Onan's sin was to selfishly disregard an important responsibility to his widowed sister-in-law, which was to perpetuate the family line of his deceased brother. This custom, which may seem strange to us, was later incorporated into the Old Covenant law given by Moses.
Significantly, this law anticipates that some men might wish to avoid the duty which was required, as Onan had, in which case the offender was subject to a form of censure from the community.
It is a basic rule of biblical interpretation that careful consideration must be given to context. Similarly, it is well accepted that caution is required when seeking to apply narrative portions of scripture. Have we really understood the principle which the narrative is illustrating? Failure to observe such basic hermeneutical principles has often led to wrong interpretation of scripture.
Though the subject of contraception is not directly addressed in scripture, at least two strands of biblical teaching bear on it. Firstly, throughout scripture children are seen as a blessing from God. There are also positive encouragements to Christian couples to have families. Secondly however, the New Testament teaching regarding freedom of conscience is clearly relevant. There were legalists infiltrating the early church who taught rules and traditions which were not from Christ.
Since the scriptures do not pronounce upon family size and contraception, Christians are free to come to their own conclusions on such matters. We are not permitted to allow others to bind our consciences where scripture is silent, but should seek wisdom and guidance from the Lord Himself.
The real issue here is authority. Like the religious leaders of New Testament times, the Roman Catholic Church has put its own rules and traditions on an equal footing with scripture. Jesus rebuked those leaders for placing heavy burdens on people. It is tragic that Roman Catholics have been made to feel guilty by men such as Dr Connell and that many may have been hindered from coming closer to God because of false guilt. - Yours, etc.,
Ian Kennedy, Rockenham, Ferryblank, Waterford.