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The main thesis of this book is a closely reasoned theological argument to prove that Onan's sin (Gen. xxxviii. 6–11) was his disregard of the Levirate law; that he was slain by the Lord for his disobedience in refusing to raise up seed to his brother. He was not punished simply because he spilled his seed on the ground.
The author contends that the doctrine of the Catholic Church that birth control is mortal sin is based upon an incorrect interpretation of the text: i.e. that Onan was punished because he practised coitus interruptus. Alternately, the author contends, if this interpretation be accepted, the Catholic Church is still theologically unjustified in regarding contraception per se as mortal sin, since coitus reservatus (defined as coitus without orgasm) is sanctioned by the Catholic Church.
The biblical argument against contraception having been proved fallacious, the consequences are pointed out for those Anglicans and Nonconformists who base their morals on the Bible only; for those who recognize the authority of the Church of England the author intimates that