Open Embrace: A Protestant Couple Rethinks Contraception by J. Budziszewski (Foreword), Sam Torode (1-Mar-2002) Paperback

by Sam Torode

In this bold critique of modern ideas about sex, marriage, and contraception, Sam and Bethany Torode set forth a vision that is fresh for our times yet rooted in centuries of Christian tradition. Weaving together a sound theology of spousal love with honest information and personal insight, Open Embrace offers a compelling alternative to the unquestioned use of contraception. The Torodes challenge modern lifestyles and popular wisdom about how soon to have children, how many are desirable, and how to prevent them, while still recognizing that the number of children each family can best support will vary. Open Embrace is far more than a case against contraception - it is a positive affirmation of fertility, childbearing, and prudent self-control. Couples who practice Natural Family Planning, as advocated in this book, cooperate with God's design for their bodies, making wise decisions about family size without losing respect for the mystery and meaning of sex. Whether one agrees or disagrees with its conclusions, Open Embrace is a rewarding read for all engaged and married couples seeking to sharpen their moral discernment.

Genres: Religion, Family

Unknown Binding

First published March 1, 2002

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

Sam and Bethany Torode are freelance writers and graphic designers who live in rural Wisconsin with their two sons. Their essays have appeared in Christianity Today, Books & Culture, Boundless webzine, The American Enterprise, and Touchstone.

Reviews

[J Landon Light · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read that the authors have since apostatized from the faith, but the insights presented in the book are almost entirely solid and timely. It is to our shame that the Roman Catholics (at least on paper) have held the historical line while Protestants have dropped the ball on the issue of contraception. Not a very in depth book, but a good start, and frankly there is not much good material out there on this issue by Protestant authors.

[Avery Hatfield-Bender · Rating 1 out of 5]

Even though the authors were well-intentioned this book is laced with gender stereotypes and disrespectful use of language. I have many reservations and complaints about their argument. There was insensitive use of jokes on the basis of women cycles and pursuing career.

There was a point that healthy bodies were linked to fertile bodies. Which is saying that infertile bodies are unhealthy. Throughout the book they barely touched on infertility. And when they did it was insensitive.

Singleness was also rarely discussed. And when it was singleness was equated with loneliness. Which is not true of all people. For some singleness is a calling and a choice. Jesus, Paul, Mary Magdalene along with many of the apostles were single.

Parenting was also limited to physical birth. Adoption was not mentioned as a legitimate form of godly parenting.

Additionally their argument was I’ll supported. In hopes to unite physical sex to the spiritual and emotional elements, they have deconstructed sex to the exchanging of boiled fluids.

I would not recommend reading this book unless to gain perspective on another view on contraception. Since this book was written the authors have denounced its contents.

[Rachel Puckett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read for class. I do not think the argument was very sound but it was an interesting perspective nonetheless.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book despite the fact that the authors no longer stand behind the things the wrote in it. The points they make still stand, and though they might not "believe" it anymore, the Truth they write hasn't changed.

[Meg Jenista · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tad self-righteous, even slightly Bill Gothard fundy, but also refreshing to hear evangelicals thinking about contraception and taking seriously the Roman Catholic's LONG tradition into account.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent perspective from the Protestant side.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an irenic little book that can be read in about 30 minutes or so. I would highly recommend giving this to engaged couples or couples using contraception as something to consider.