tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128886108931875304.post5744560028774215096..comments2024-01-07T17:02:41.122-07:00Comments on Giblets: Vasectomy vs. Tubal LigationJeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585706129106632054noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128886108931875304.post-9784938485761437812011-06-08T20:15:32.340-06:002011-06-08T20:15:32.340-06:00Kevin,
I think I need to take you to task just a...Kevin, <br /><br />I think I need to take you to task just a little on your comment for a couple of reasons. First, when you said "The church believes . . .", you seem to have inserted it -- at least as far as I can tell -- because you are implying that the church's beliefs are different than those of Jeff. Without getting into the debate of the beliefs of the church vs. the beliefs of God(s) vs. the beliefs of the church's members (assuming, of course, that God(s) exists), I don't think that any of us are qualified to interpret another person's relationship with his or her God(s). At least, I feel that I am not qualified to do so. <br /><br />Second, I think that an appeal to authority is always a somewhat poor way to make a convincing argument, especially in cases like this one where (as Jeff demonstrated in his reply) a case could be made for or against sterilization, depending on circumstances. I have known Jeff to be an active Mormon for several years, and I doubt very much that he would make a serious life decision without studying out the consequences of that decision and it's implications on his religious world view very carefully. To point out the views of the Mormon church's Handbook of Instructions on this matter seems to me to imply that he is not aware of them already, a position I would not be presumptuous enough to take. <br /><br />As a side note, considering the two points I have made above, I can think of no reason to make the statement that you made above other than to be somewhat, in however subtle of a way, demeaning to the religious views of Jeff and imposing of a certain level of arbitrary moral certitude on your comparative positions in favor of your position. <br /><br />But, if I have misjudged your intentions, by all means reply and let me know that such is the case. Thank you.JChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08989536275152150636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128886108931875304.post-12012735311940858572011-05-25T23:19:17.692-06:002011-05-25T23:19:17.692-06:00You are correct. The church (The Church of Jesus ...You are correct. The church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) strongly discourages vasectomies and tubal ligations, except in some circumstances. Here is the paragraph: <br /><br />21.4.15 Surgical Sterilization (Including Vasectomy)<br />The Church strongly discourages surgical sterilization as an elective form of birth control. Surgical sterilization should be considered only if (1) medical conditions seriously jeopardize life or health or (2) birth defects or serious trauma have rendered a person mentally incompetent and not responsible for his or her actions. Such conditions must be determined by competent medical judgment and in accordance with law. Even then, the persons responsible for this decision should consult with each other and with their bishop and should receive divine confirmation of their decision through prayer.<br /> <br />It's great that all of this is now online for anyone to see. I think it takes away this air of secrecy around the church's practices and beliefs. <br /><br />It's an interesting topic. Here's the church's view on birth control: <br /><br />21.4.4 Birth Control<br />It is the privilege of married couples who are able to bear children to provide mortal bodies for the spirit children of God, whom they are then responsible to nurture and rear. The decision as to how many children to have and when to have them is extremely intimate and private and should be left between the couple and the Lord. Church members should not judge one another in this matter.<br /><br />Married couples should also understand that sexual relations within marriage are divinely approved not only for the purpose of procreation, but also as a way of expressing love and strengthening emotional and spiritual bonds between husband and wife.<br /> <br />Islena and I feel like our decision to have a vasectomy was a question of her health difficulties during pregnancy. But even if it wasn't, I find it difficult to differentiate how it's ok to permanently use birth control if you're done having kids, and just having a surgery. I guess it's a question of "you never really know," you know?Jeffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03585706129106632054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128886108931875304.post-1078849697350541662011-05-14T10:41:26.488-06:002011-05-14T10:41:26.488-06:00The church handbook also discourages vasectomies.The church handbook also discourages vasectomies.keevinwhonoreply@blogger.com