On Contraceptives and Separation of Church and State

Wow, what a title. I've been hearing bits and pieces of what is going on in the States—Santorum, Limbaugh, panels made up of men deciding policies that directly affect women (could one call them death panels? Probably not, but let me tell you, childbirth FEELS like death!), and the subsequent outrage and backlash. It all seems so silly and unnecessary. I would like to calmly suggest that we use a bit of logic here and follow the lead of President Obama (I know some of my readers don't like him, but common sense is common sense, no matter who says it). He gave a speech back in 2006 about the separation of church and state. He gives a fantastic example that references Abraham and Isaac. I won't spoil his comparison, so just watch it.

Discussion, compromise, realistic expectations, allowing others the freedom to choose for themselves . . . it's so healthy! It's American! Religious freedom is why a lot of people came here in the first place! I'm of a different faith than Santorum; Latter-day Saints believe that family planning and contraceptive use is a personal matter between the wife, her spouse, and her God—and NOBODY else. Not the bishop, not the prophet, not the government, not her mother, not her friends. And certainly not Santorum. A woman is free to use contraceptives if she chooses.

Some Mormons choose to have big families because they want to, it's cultural, and/or because we believe that giving children an opportunity to have a mortal life is a good thing, even with all the accompanying sorrow that inevitably comes. (Can't have joy without knowing what sorrow feels like.) But other families don't have big families or any children at all for a variety of reasons—and there are many. And we are strongly encouraged not to judge each other one way or the other. The principle we promote is that life is good; you are then left to choose for yourself based on your circumstances and what is best for you and your family.

As we approach what will likely be an intense campaign season, I would like to share what Joseph Smith said about the separation of church and state. Are you ready for this? Mormons, are YOU ready for this? It even comes from an original source—Joseph Smith's journal, August 6, 1843 (a record of a sermon he gave that day):

I have not come to tell you to vote this way, that way, or the other in relation to National matters. I want it to [go] abroad to the whole world that every man should stand on his own merits. The Lord has not given me Revelation concerning politics. I have not asked the Lord for it. . . . I desire to see all parties protected in their rights. (Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith, ed. by Scott H. Faulring, Salt Lake: Signature Books, 1987, p. 401)

There you have it. You're free to choose contraceptives AND whatever political party you like! I sure love freedom. I love not having a baby every year—I personally couldn't handle that emotionally or physically (but props to you if you can and you choose that—no shame in that either). I also love my church. And, if you can't tell, I quite like Obama, too. But hey, those are my choices, and I fully support you in making your own.