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INTRODUCTION In Sierra Leone, it is evident that in spite of the efforts of family planning organizations like Planned Parenthood Association and Marie Stopes (named after Dr. Marie Stopes, a female scientist in Great Britain who propagated the idea of spacing children), a considerable portion of the inhabitants, especially in the rural areas are still unaware of or indifferent to the implications of family planning. An important consideration lies in the culture of the typical Sierra Leonean. The rebel crisis (1991-2002) did not alleviate the problem. Most families resist efforts to limit the number of their offspring as a result of "the economic value of sons in rural areas and the high death rates" (Lenski, 1970, p.485). Christian ethics, "the systematic explanation of the moral example and teaching of Jesus applied to the total life of the individual in society and actualized by the power of the Spirit" (Barnette, 1961, p.3), is misrepresented in the issue of family planning. The ethics of this voluntary limitation of human reproduction is a topic of debate. The issues should be regarded as a problem not for generation but for individual consideration, and one that couples should decide for themselves. The complexity of the issue could be seen in the fact that "all of the world's major religions endorse responsible parenthood, but when it comes to the methods, the consensus often dissolves" (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1993, p.118). DEFINITIONS A clear understanding of God's divine will for the family begins after marriage. Family planning could simply be defined as the "prevention of pregnancy following sexual intercourse" (Crystal, 1994, p.289). In other words, it is "the control of fertilization, and this is effected either by abstinence or by using some means to prevent the meeting of the ovum and the spermatozoa (Hutton, 1967, p.165). McGee (1980) did not stray from the afore-mentioned definitions when the phrase was defined as growth rates through "encouraging individual citizens to limit family size" (Everyman's Encyclopaedia, 1978, p.95). In a wider application, it could be argued that the term may be employed to mean any method of restricting or regulating the population, such as infanticide, abortion, enforced celibacy or what Malthus named 'moral restraint'. Although Malthus did not approve of family planning or birth control methods which he dismissed as improper acts, his writings encouraged others like Francis Place, Richard Carlile and Robert Owen to begin popularizing the movement or campaign to propagate family planning. Interestingly, written records of family planning survive from ancient times. The Ebers papyrus, a compilation of Egyptian medical texts dating from 1550 BC records methods of family planning. Classical writers, including Pliny the Eder, Pedanius Dioscorides and Soranus of Ephsus refer to contraception. SOME FAMILY PLANNING METHODS Before commenting on the view point of the Bible, it is worth commenting on some methods of

family planning. The 'safe period' is a biological method of family planning and is the only one sanctioned by the Roman Catholic Church. The view is that there are a few days in each monthly cycle during which a woman can be fertilized and thus conceive. This rhythm method, though attractive to the Roman Catholic Church is fallible because of the difficulty in timing ovulation and the variability of the duration of the menstrual cycle. Coitus interruptus involves withdrawal of the penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation. Formerly popular, its efficacy clearly depends on selfcontrol on the part of the male in all circumstances, and often leads to anxiety on the part of both partners. The use of the condom was first described in the sixteenth century as a protection against syphilis; it consisted of a linen sheath. The modern condom is made of silicone latex with an extended part or teat in the end. Other mechanical devices include shields, diaphragms or caps inserted into the vagina over the cervix. Their efficacy can be improved by the use of spermicidal agents. Intra-uterine devices are empirically designed spring-like foreign bodies that are inserted by a trained person into the uterus. Made of inert plastic or metal, they do not prevent ovulation and are not spermicidal, but appear to act by preventing the products of conception becoming embedded in the wall of the uterus. The most important development in contraception has been the introduction of the contraceptive pill. This contains synthetic steroids similar to the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone, either together or progesterone alone. Combined oestrogen and progesterone pills are the most effective and are taken for twenty one days followed by a seven day interval during which menstrual bleeding occurs. Post-coital contraceptives (the 'morning after pill') contain the synthetic oestrogen stilboestrol. REASONS PROPAGATED FOR FAMILY PLANNING It is necessary to plan the family on several grounds. In some cases, it is absolutely necessary to use means to ensure that pregnancy will not take place. Such a case is that of a woman whose pelvis is so deformed that the child cannot pass through it at birth. When this condition is present, an operation is imperative to remove the child by Caesarean section. It is seldom advisable for a woman to have more than two children this way. Since abstinence is frequently not considered by strong and healthy married women, measures should be considered to prevent the recurrence of pregnancy. There are other cases in which it is imperative that there should be no further pregnancies, for example, where there has been some serious debilitating illness or where the mother has a problematic heart, kidney or lung disease. It would be very wrong also to have children if they are likely to inherit insanity (Hutton, 1967). Furthermore, families regard children as a financial burden to the parents and the initial outlay involved in the birth of a child. Lack of help in the home, insecurity and fear all conspire to frustrate families from having children. A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE What then is the view of family planning according to in the light of the Holy Scripture in a third world nation where people associate social status with the number of children in the family and where disaster (the civil war) has deprived the population of a considerable portion of its productive population. Reasons indeed can be compelling and arguments logical, but these do not establish their morality. We must have a clear understanding of God's divine will for ethical decisions in the realm of marriage and family planning as in all other areas in life. Let us put

simply and within the reach of all, the basic principles that relate to this intimate and yet social problem. Paradoxically, the Bible gives no clear or definite word for or against it. There is a surprising silence on the subject. Scripture speaks strongly and unmistakably about stealing, lying, adultery, fornication and drunkenness, but not explicitly against family planning. Some refer to the sin of Onan (Genesis 38:9-10) but actually his sin was the refusal to obey the law which required him to beget a son to bear his brother's name. Planned parenthood was not involved at all. It could be argued that even Genesis 1:28 where God said unto our first parents, "Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth" was not an obligation to beget many children as much as it was a promise of offspring. God has no problem in enunciating what he considers of primary importance. There are instructions and principles relating to every marriage and family responsibility. The Bible says much about sex, the role of parents, parental responsibilities and morality, but is amazingly silent on this matter. God could have given a universal law for every family if He desired, but He chose not to. Since there are so many other factors to be considered, such as age, fertility and ability, all families cannot be poured into the same mold. No-where does the Bible indicate that every man and woman must give birth to the same number of children, nor does it teach that sex in marriage is only for procreation and every interference with this is sinful. The Bible categorically states that couples should regularly involve in sex to avoid the temptations from the devil. Scriptures affirm thus: "defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency" (I Cor.7:5). When the Scriptures do not speak clearly and positively on a definite subject, it must then be decided on the basis of scriptural principles. These must be honestly applied by each one with a desire to discover and fulfil God's will for the individual family. The Bible indeed teaches that one of the results of marriage is procreation and that children are a blessing. Psalm 127:3-5 states that "children are an heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies at the gate". A quiver is a container and the Bible does not clearly state the size of every family. One can reasonably state that family A's quiver has space for two children and family B needs family children to bring its quiver to the brim. Over and over again the Bible tells of couples who desired children, prayed for them and greatly rejoiced over them. What parent has not learned that children satisfy a normal desire, bring deep joy and help parents themselves to grow and mature. The presence of children opens up an entire new world to a couple and can be a means of bringing them closer together and discovering a fulfillment found in no other way. The matter of a family should be frankly discussed before marriage and every married couple should desire to have children. For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that the family planning movement has never advocated children marriages, but only the proper spacing of children and limiting off-spring. They have taught and continue to teach that children should be planned for and that they should bless the married couple's union. They have not advocated a selfish escape, but a wise and practical planning for children. It must be reinforced that the Bible does not say how many children a family is to have. This would be impossible simply because people or better still couples marry at very different ages.

Some women never bear even one child because they are relatively sterile. Others sustain injuries or surgery that limit their child-bearing capacity. God does not have the blueprint for every family. It is interesting to note of the Old Testament saints that while some, like Jacob, had large families, others had smaller ones. Jacob had twelve, Job (before his test) had ten and Joseph only two. The parents of Moses had three and Aaron had four sons. Michal had none. The number of children in each family followed no set pattern. Each family situation is different and each has its own resources and problems. The consideration of one family may not apply to another, and each must find God's desire and will in their personal situation. Indeed no person or law can tell a couple how many children they should have or how they should be spaced. This decision is in the area of Christian liberty. The wife of the researcher is currently thirty four years old and we got married twelve years ago (she was then twenty two). Our first child was born in April 1997, a year after our wedding. Our second child followed in December 1998. If a year and eight months separated these two children, the implication is that my wife would give birth to about fifteen children if we fail to plan our family. Christians know their entire lives, including their sex lives, belong to God. Therefore they must act with love rather than selfishness. They must observe the times and circumstance in which they are living, and through reason and the guidance of the Holy Spirit they can make a responsible decision. It must be remembered that God holds parents responsible for each child they have. Parenthood is a total responsibility, not just a biological process. We are responsible for a child's well-being and development, his spiritual growth and nurture, and his mental and social maturity. Having children is more than just giving birth to them. It is possible to sin against children already born by having others, and the preservation and maturing of life already in existence take precedence over a life that does not exist. Too many children may destroy the marriage. In such instances, the whole family suffers. The children are under clothed, undernourished, under lived, under educated and become underdeveloped emotionally; and many are thrown on society to be supported by tax money. It is most essential that a husband and wife know themselves and the amount of acre they can give to an offering. It must be noted that there is a remarkable difference between a reproducer and a parent. God encourages couples to have children and also to understand the obligations they assume when they do. The greatest tragedy today is not families that are too large, but parents who do not take their God-commanded responsibilities for the children they do have, regardless of the family's size. Throughout the Scriptures, parents are taught to give time and attention to each child. Parents are exhorted, "train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6). They are instructed to teach their children carefully in Deuteronomy 6:7-8: "thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and t hou shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and whey thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes". Teaching a child diligently requires not only time but understanding and patience. Patience is actually needed. Parents who leave the instruction of their children entirely to the schools are neither wise nor obedient. Those who are shirking these responsibilities are adding to the moral pollution problem, which is more serious than pollution of the environment. Perhaps nothing is more detrimental to children than to feel that their parents wish they had never been born. Scripture emphasizes the concept of responsible parenthood in I Timothy 5:8. It categorically states that "...if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel". It is irresponsible for a couple to bring more children into the world than they can nurture spiritually, financially, emotionally and educationally.

Many people believe in some form of family planning. Few believe a woman should bear all the children she can possible have from marriage to menopause. According to Robertson (1989), "overpopulation is one of the most pressing social problems in the contemporary world" (p.378). In China, for instance, more than half of the...people are under thirty, raising the specter of a baby boom without parallel in human history" (Macionis, 1992, p.364). Schaefer (1989) dismisses the problem aptly as "the population bomb: defused or still ticking" (p.543). No one suggests that a woman should always be pregnant. All major religious groups agree on the need for responsible parenthood, but disagree on permissible methods of attaining this objective. They all believe in planned parenthood, though they vary in technique. Some individuals and groups believe in the so-called rhythm method, a relatively safe period, and feel that any sue of other means is questionable. But rhythm is also a method of family limitation. Even those who interrupt or refrain from sex relations for fear of conception are also practicing birth control. Therefore on the principle of birth control or family planning, almost everyone agrees that some kind is necessary - the question concerns the method. Family planning must be honestly faced in Sierra Leone. Some speak with alarm regarding a method which is 'contrary to nature' or 'interfering with nature'. No one denies that scientific contraceptives are an interference with nature. Is not civilization replete with means of interfering with nature? The natural things would be for babies to drink milk that contains germs. Vaccination is an interference with nature. The physician uses an anesthetic for child birth and surgery, the farmer dehorns or emasculates his cattle - all contrary to nature. Man is constantly intervening in the course of nature. His very dignity is his God-given ability to govern nature and make it serve higher purposes in the human enterprise. Granted, some will abuse these privileges and use them for selfish ends, but this does not violate their proper use. A selfish and willful refusal to have children clearly violates the spirit of God's word. God provides wisdom to those seeking it (James 1:5) and assures us His guidance if we acknowledge Him in all our ways (Prov. 3:6) and this certainly includes such important areas like sex and family planning. Since God speaks through the prophet that He knows him in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5), it is reasonable to conclude that abortion is sinful because it takes away human life. CONCLUSION The question of control and planned parenthood in Sierra Leone belongs to the realm of Christian liberty. It is a personal matter for every family which cannot blindly follow someone else's example, neither judge another couple for its differing conviction or decision. This notwithstanding, Christian liberty is never absolute and never means irresponsible license. The conscientious Christian will always exercise that liberty in the fear of God and within the whole plan of God concerning man's purpose in life. The Christian has dedicated his whole life- his sex life- and his procreative functions to the will and glory of God. A Christian applies to all phases of life the words of the apostle, "whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (I Cor. 10:31). BIBLIOGRAPHY Barnette, H. (1961). Introducing Christian ethics. Tennessee: Broadman Press. Crystal, D. (1994). The Cambridge encyclopaedia. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Everyman's encyclopaedia (1978). London: Dent and Sons. Hutton, I.E. (1967). The sex technique in marriage. New York: Emerson Boos. Lenski, G. (1970). Human societies: a macrolevel introduction to sociology. New York: McGrawHill Book Company. McCionis, J. (1992). Society: the basic. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall. McGee, R. (1980). Sociology: an introduction. 3nd ed. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Robertson, Ian (1989). Society: a brief introduction. New York: Worth Publishers. Schaefer, R. (1989). Sociology. 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Co.

AUTHOR SIGNATURE Oliver L.T. Harding, who obtained his GCE O & A Levels from the Sierra Leone Grammar School and the Albert Academy respectively, is currently Senior & Acting Librarian of Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. He is a part time lecturer at the Institute of Library, Information & Communication Studies (INSLICS), Fourah Bay College and the Extension Programme at the Evangelical College of Theology (T.E.C.T) at Hall Street, Brookfields; Vice President of the Sierra Leone Association of Archivists, Librarians & Information Scientists (SLAALIS); a member of the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) and an associate of the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals (CILIP). His certificates, secular and sacred, include: a certificate and diploma from the Freetown Bible Training Centre; an upper second class B.A. Hons. Degree in Modern History (F.B.C.); a post-graduate diploma from the Institute of Library Studies (INSLIBS, F.B.C) a masters degree from the Institute of Library, Information & Communication Studies (INSLICS, F.B.C.) and a masters degree in Biblical Studies from West Africa Theological Seminary, affiliate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he won the prize for academic excellence as the Best Graduating Student in 2005. Oliver, a writer, musician and theologian, is married (to Francess) with two children (Olivia & Francis). Email: oltharding@yahoo.com Mobile: 232-2233-460-330

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