Today marks the fortieth anniversary of the release of the Humanae Vitae, the document from the Catholic church that prohibits the use of artificial contraception (as opposed to birth control by abstinence during fertile periods) in marriage. Joseph Bottum over at First Things has a great article on the document.

While I do not agree with the Catholic church that artificial contraception is always wrong I do believe it is far too common in society. We have turned sex into recreation and pregnancy is simply one of the possible consequences. Contraception helps us to avoid the consequence. I believe if more married couples followed the instructions of the Humanae Vitae some of the sacredness of marriage would return. Sex would not simply be recreation but a life-giving gift. Children might even be considered a blessing.

I more or less agree with the statement at Desiring God about birth control but I strongly feel that couples practicing artificial birth control should be the exception rather than the norm. Human life is sacred. How are we demonstrating this when our marriage practices seek to prevent new human life?

If you have not read the Humanae Vitae I recommend you do so. You will not agree with everything in the document but it offers a wonderful picture of marriage and family.