Large Families

timf

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In one thread the question was asked if Quiverfull was dying. I think so for several reasons. One is that as a sort of brand or packaged requirement, it never found a place outside of a narrow denominational niche.

A larger reason is that in an age of prosperity, having children represents a cost in time, money, and aggravation that is too high compared with the comforts and indulgences one can provide oneself.

When times are hard, having children is a worthwhile investment. When times are good, why be bothered?

Sadly this rational is often played out by Christians often under the excuse that we shouldn't have children if we can't afford it as if God who gives us children would be unable to provide.

Years ago when my wife and I were dating the subject of birth control came up. I could not see any use for it as to me it would be placing our preferences or plans above God's. That today this is a very minority view is an understatement.

The world provides the technology to make life very comfortable. However, this comfort can come at a cost. God did not intend for our life to be one of ease (Gen 3:19). The reason is that in our fallen state, difficulties keep our eyes focused on our Savior.

The feminist might cry out that having children is male oppression. They are right to the extent that it is difficult, but it is difficult for both men and women. The cry to be free from difficulty is sort of shaking a fist in the face of God.

Here is a short article about why we have difficulty;

Christian Pioneer - Current blog

If illegal alien migration is prevented, perhaps we would come to understand the damage we have done to ourselves by choosing not to have children and even killing them.
 

bèlla

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People have large families for different reasons. My parents were close friends with a couple who had 11 and we had two in school I knew well with 9 and 13 children.

I’ve seen behind the scenes and know what life looks like more than most. It wasn’t something I desired for myself nor did God lay it on my heart. Though admittedly, I excelled at parenting. I have one and might have had a second but that’s it.

I was born to lead. Most of the things I do today were birthed in childhood. God fashioned me to write, speak, teach, create, and encourage. And gifted me richly in each. While the same holds true at home and I loved rearing my daughter. He needed my influence elsewhere. Beyond those walls.

It’s important we lean in and boldly pursue the path He set. Whether its parenting or something else. His plans and purposes are best. He knows our place. We must discover the same.

~bella
 
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public hermit

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Sadly this rational is often played out by Christians often under the excuse that we shouldn't have children if we can't afford it as if God who gives us children would be unable to provide

Why is this not a legitimate consideration? Counting the cost, i.e. prudence, is as Christian as wearing a cross, even more so.

The reality is, God does not limit child bearing to those who can afford it, not because God will ensure poverty does not entail for large families, but because we've been given the cognitive ability to assess and act in accordance with whatever works best. God expects us to be wise, of which prudence is a part.

Why are we helping to feed hungry children, if prudence in raising a family doesn't matter?
 
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In just the last 70 years has the majority of humankind lived in cities and towns. Most of humanity in the past lived in an agricultural society, mostly as farmers. Having many children enabled the father to have hands working the many jobs that sustaining a farm requires. Being fed was only an issue during a poor harvest or famine. A bit more complicated, but this is how it was in a nutshell.
 
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Greengardener

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This is an interesting topic that has nuances most people don't consider. For instance, why was Onan, son of Judah in Genesis, punished by death for not raising a child for his brother? (Tamar eventually connived to conceive the genetics and was commended.) Why is it that the chemical methods of birth control and IUDs don't necessarily stop conception but make an inhospitable environment for implantation and nobody considers that it might honestly and realistically be the same as causing an abortion month after month - and nobody notices? Usually bringing up information like this just stirs up an argument about "rights," which isn't my intention here. I'm simply pointing out that most people don't think very deeply beyond their own convenience and I wonder sometimes if we should be looking a little deeper before taking a path. Life is, after all, a precious gift.

And as previously posted, formerly the size of families was an asset to having help for the good of the whole family. Everyone had a position of importance for the good of all. That could be a good environment for a successful orientation into effective adulthood. The exodus from agriculture has taken a toll on families for a few generations now, and it is sad to see parents NOT teaching their children both why and how to contribute or have a view and a motivation to serve others, not just self.
Large families can be terrific and more great humans on earth, or large families can be ...well, just more related people that didn't get a good orientation in how to be an effective adults. But people can still become effective with renewed thinking - it's not all settled in childhood even though upbringing plays a big role. I'm not judging here, just sharing what comes to mind in reading the post and subsequent comments. It isn't my business to determine what other people should do. From what I read in the Bible, people were made in the image of God (which speaks volumes on potential) and regardless to how they work out that potential, each has the right to choose his or her own actions and reap the consequences of those actions.

The article was interesting and I appreciate that you shared it.
 
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