A few months ago, a friend of mine loaned me a few of her books, including Open Embrace by Sam and Bethany Torode. She told me that it was a really interesting book on Christians and birth control. We’ve been using FAM for the past year or so, so I was happy to borrow the book and see what it said.
As I started reading the book, I was a little put off because the authors seemed a little, well, starry-eyed. They wrote this book as newleyweds, and very young ones at that, and it reads like a book written by young newleyweds. 
I can say that in pure love, because I too was a young newleywed 5 years ago (when they wrote this book) and I can relate my feelings at the time to their feelings at the time.
So, all-in-all, I liked what they had to say, but wasn’t sure that it was completely applicable.
Today I was speaking to the friend who loaned me the book, and she let me know that Bethany and Sam Torode had published an open letter about the book and their new position. I’ve now seen their letter discussed several places on the internet, and I must say that I am pleased to see Christians out there growing, sharing, and willing to discuss where God is leading them. I know that my views on many important issues of faith have evolved, and I am sure that it is difficult to admit that your views have changed when you’ve published a book that holds a position so strongly.
It sounds as though they have now experienced some of the difficulties that come through NFP and have adjusted their stance as their life has changed. I think this is not only understandable, but shows their willingness to learn and evaluate their beliefs. I hope that they are well-supported and that this renewed discussion of NFP/FAM will lead more Christian men and women to investigate, research, and pray about their decisions to use (or not use) birth control. Their letter has not made me doubt their message in Open Embrace, but has instead given me more confidence in them
just to let you know- they divorced. My husband and I are still starry eyed NFPers.
Wow, I haven’t even thought of this post in such a long time, LOL. It is kind of funny to read what I wrote back then.
I still think that they were very starry-eyed when they first wrote the book, but I definitely don’t think that anyone who uses NFP is starry-eyed. As a matter of fact, we’ve used NFP for years, and I wouldn’t call us that… not anymore, at least, LOL.
On the contrary, I think that most who practice NFP have lived through the challenges, and are well aware of them. I think it is good for new couples to be able to read about the good and the difficulties in any choices. It helps to make an educated decision.
Thanks for your comment!
ETA: I would like to add that the authors of this book contacted me when they came across this post (years ago) and wrote me an incredibly gracious email. I knew about their divorce, but it doesn’t change my thoughts about their open letter. I know that the Christian community can sometimes “eat their own” when we see our brothers and sisters in Christ going through hard times. I really hope that hasn’t happened to them. God hates gossip just like he hates divorce, and I hope that they are being shown grace.