S2 Ep1119: The (Im)morality of Birth Control and Potential Problems with Adoption: Dr. Matthew Lee Anderson
Oct 12, 2023
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Dr. Matthew Lee Anderson, an Assistant Research Professor of Ethics and Theology, discusses the (im)morality of birth control and potential problems with adoption. They explore the moral implications of contraception, the role of women in ministry, and the complexities surrounding adoption, including financial costs and challenges in the foster care system.
Birth control contradicts the natural rhythms and purpose of sexual activity in marriage, and abstention during fertile periods can be a morally acceptable alternative.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) undermines the natural order of procreation and raises ethical concerns beyond embryo destruction.
Adoption practices should prioritize supporting and maintaining the child's relationship with their biological family, challenging the prevailing narrative and raising questions about adoptive parents' obligations.
Deep dives
The Controversy around Contraception
The speaker argues against contraception in the context of marriage, asserting that it contradicts the natural rhythms and purpose of sexual activity. They emphasize the importance of honoring time and recognizing the procreative end of sex. They propose that abstention during fertile periods can be a morally acceptable alternative to contraception, as it still upholds the procreative aspect of sex.
Critiques of In Vitro Fertilization
The speaker expresses opposition to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and highlights the ethical concerns surrounding the practice. They question the creation of human life without sexual intercourse and argue that IVF undermines the natural order of procreation. The speaker suggests that the negative implications of IVF extend beyond the potential destruction of embryos and calls for a more critical examination of the ethics surrounding the practice.
Revisiting Adoption from a Different Perspective
The speaker challenges the prevailing narrative regarding adoption, urging a reevaluation of its moral complexities. They contend that the primary focus of the church's adoption efforts should be on supporting and maintaining the child's relationship with their biological family, particularly the mother. The speaker poses thought-provoking questions about the obligations adoptive parents owe to birth parents and the importance of prioritizing the child's connections to their biological relatives.
Marriage is about self-giving, not demanding
The speaker emphasizes that marriage should be seen as an act of giving oneself to another as a gift, rather than demanding certain privileges or pleasures from one's spouse. It is highlighted that within the context of marriage, the focus should be on self-giving and meeting each other's needs, rather than placing a heavy emphasis on individual desires or perceived needs. The idea of self-giving is further emphasized by drawing a parallel with the concept of giving in regards to finances, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 10.
The importance of distinguishing between needs and wants
The speaker expresses criticism towards the idea that sexual activity within marriage should be considered a 'need' instead of a 'want'. It is argued that aside from the period needed for procreation, genuine necessity for sexual activity is limited. The speaker questions the popular ideology that emphasizes sexual activity as one of the essential needs in a marriage relationship. Additionally, the discussion touches on the evangelical marriage culture, the misunderstanding of the use of the term 'virgins' in 1 Corinthians 7, and the need to reconsider adoption practices to focus more on supporting and empowering birth families.
Matthew Lee Anderson is an Assistant Research Professor of Ethics and Theology at Baylor University’s Institute for Studies of Religion and the Associate Director of Baylor in Washington. He is an Associate Fellow at the McDonald Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Life at Oxford University, where he completed a D.Phil. in Christian Ethics. His latest book is Called into Questions: Cultivating the Love of Learning Within the Life of Faith. In this podcast conversation, Matthew makes his case against birth control and raises some questions about certain kinds of adoption.
