Continuing from my last post... Here's a good summary on how the story of Onan factors into the biblical position on life...

God slew Onan because the man contemptuously refused to fulfill his familial responsibility under the Old Covenant. This particular practice is called levirate marriage, in which a dead man's closest unmarried male relation (usually a younger brother, as in this case) married the widow to produce an heir for the dead man. This duty is spelled out in Deuteronomy 25:5-10 to preserve tribal inheritance rights (verse 6). Another, happier circumstance of levirate marriage is recorded in the book of Ruth, an event that eventually produced Israel's greatest king, David (Ruth 4:17).

Catholic doctrine uses Onan's story to prohibit the use of birth control. However, this is specious reasoning, based on an ancient and flawed notion that sexual relations between a man and his wife are only for the purpose of producing children. God's anger against Onan had everything to do with his failure to fulfill his covenantal obligation, and nothing to do with his method of birth control. Scripture does not directly contemplate the use of birth control, and thus, aside from abortion, it is a matter of personal preference within what God has revealed as proper Christian living. We can be guided by the principles of personal responsibility—stewardship of one's resources to provide for children (I Timothy 5:8)—and love toward one's mate (Ephesians 5:22-33).
Source: https://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/library/bqa/id/64/why-did-god-slay-onan-genesis-383-10.htm


The only thing I would add is that if a brother doesn't follow through with a levirate marriage then that doesn't mean he dies. Deuteronomy 25:5-10 makes no mention of that refusing such marriages amount to a capital offense. Onan may've been killed because of his deceptive way, that is, pretending to go along with a levirate marriage, while clearly not wanting it, as seen by his action of "spilling his seed".

Interesting stuff! I'd like to see a good debate on the topic between a Christian apologist and someone else.
 
The difference between menstruation and masturbation is clear; one is by choice. The sin was committed when he CHOSE to rebel against God.
 
A god like that tends to push me towards atheism: mankind does not need a vengeful god. We already have enough homicidal psychopaths without adding a supernatural one to the mix.
 
I know that it is hard to understand God sometimes; but only God knows who that "spilled seed" may have ended up being. On the other side of the coin; God is a very loving and forgiving God. I can testify to that myself. I once saw God as this big meanie holding a magnifying glass over us ants but I had it all wrong. I also thought He should give me whatever I wanted but discovered He is no a genie. No one forced me to turn to God; I didn't feel pushed. I just opened my eyes to all the good He was doing in my life, even though I was a mess, and asked Him to please help me straighten up.
 
On more than one occasion, scripture informs us that Yahweh must have slaughtered numerous babies and children as collateral damage to destroy evil adults he abhorred. It would seem that his superpowers lacked any degree of finesse. I have no desire or intent to try to weaken your faith but just let you know why it is not mine.

And it is not impossible for Yahweh to have evolved into a kinder god. Evolution is the natural way of all things, perhaps even those of a supernatural nature.
 

Jer.1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.​

 
A god like that tends to push me towards atheism: mankind does not need a vengeful god. We already have enough homicidal psychopaths without adding a supernatural one to the mix.
Trust me Bill it is Satan pushing you toward atheism. In fact he’s playing you like a fiddle.
 
A persuasive argument that Satan exists would be almost as welcome. (but as unlikely), that there is one or more gods out there. I would be able to trust you more if your case had some degree of persuasiveness about it.
 
I have presented all the evidence I intend to. You thumb your nose at all of it and then ask for more. Read the Bible if you truly want to know. Until then don’t ask for any more.
 
Quoting the bible and giving personal anecdotes does not amount to a shred of evidence. And, pray, what evidence have you ever presented that Satan exists?
 
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