Abstract:
ABSTRACT
The debate on whether the use of family planning methods within the Ghanaian
Christian circle is a sin or not has been going on for quite some time now. The
misunderstanding and misinterpretation of some Biblical texts like Genesis 1: 28
and Genesis 3 have led to this confusion in Ghanaian Christian circles. This paper
used both empirical and non-empirical methodology and a qualitative research
method with a case study approach to analyse some biblical texts; traditional
concepts and contextualization of the use of family planning methods in the
Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Ebenezer Congregation, Old Tafo. The findings of
this paper are that: the Bible does not condone the use of family planning methods.
Also, the Akan people of Ghana, do not frown on the use of family planning
methods. The article concluded that family planning is not a sin from both biblical
and Akan cultural perspectives. The authors recommended that: there should be
extensive family planning education by the government; public education on the
side effects of the use of some family planning methods; teaching family planning
in the church will also be beneficial to members and there should be a critical
reading of the Bible to guide the creation of church doctrines. The key findings
from this paper contribute to Christian ethics by educating Ghanaian Christians on
the concept of family planning.
Keywords: Family Planning, Akan, Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Infertility,
