In a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an
individual he has further pointed out that the 'chief and sacred purpose' of
marriage is 'the perpetuation of the human race ... and its elevation to the
true station destined for it by God.' In another letter written on his behalf
it is stated '... the fundamental purpose of marriage is to bring other souls
into this world, to serve God and love Him.'
We have not discovered any specific reference in the texts
to the problem of population explosion in its relation to birth control. This
question, of course, is a matter which is currently a subject of concern and
speculation by many. A study of our teachings, however, indicates that in the
future there will no doubt be a general improvement of standards of life and of
health, but there will also be the full exploitation of unused and as yet
unsuspected resources of the planet along with the control and tapping of its
sources of raw material, with a great increase in productivity.
You have raised the point about the time of the appearance
of the human soul. You are quite right in your deduction in this regard, as our
teachings clearly confirm that the soul of man comes into being at
conception.
As to your desire and that of your husband to avoid any
action which would permanently prevent you from bearing children, the only text
we have so far found on the subject is in a letter to an individual believer
from the beloved Guardian. The question asked was whether after a few children
it would be permissible to have a surgical operation on the wife to prevent
further conception. His reply was that such an act was inacceptable and
unworthy, and those who commit the act were responsible before God.
When the Guardian was asked whether the exercise of birth
control constitutes a sin in a case where the number of children would prevent
the father from fulfilling his obligation to educate his children, he stated
that it is the duty of Baha'is to uphold moderation in all things, and avoid
illegal methods.
- The Universal House of
Justice (From a letter to an individual believer, July 31, 1970; Compilation:
Lights of Guidance)
