Be Fruitful and Multiply
How many kids is enough for a family? Five? Six? How about 19?
If you’ve been following the Duggar family, you already know that 19 Kids and Counting (originally 17 Kids and Counting) is a reality television show centered around the Jim Bob and Michelle, along with their 19 kids. Jim Bob and Michelle seem to be devoted parents who take good care of their children. They live debt-free and fully support themselves. Unlike other famous parents of multiples they do not use any type of fertility treatments.
They are also committed Christians. This led me to wonder … is this what God had in mind when He gave the command to “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it”? (Genesis 1:28) The Duggars follow the “Quiverfull” Christian movement, which teaches that “children are God’s blessing and that husbands and wives should happily welcome every child they are given.” (Source: MSNBC)
I don’t disagree that children are a blessing from God, but does that necessarily mean we should have as many children as possible? Chocolate cake is a blessing too but that doesn’t mean I should eat it every day … okay, maybe that’s not the most apt analogy.
But what do you think? Should people who have the means to support them have as many children as possible? Do you think couples should explore other options, like adoption or helping out others with their children, instead? On one hand, I’m glad these kids are being raised in a caring and God-honoring home, but on the other hand, 19 children just seems excessive to me.
What do you think?
Related:
- Superwoman or Super God?: You don’t need to be a “Superwoman”
- The Legacy of a Christian Father: How one Christian father made an immutable difference in his child’s life.
Tags: babies, baby, Bible, Christians, darren hewer, Family, family planning, Men, parents, Women
7 Responses to “Be Fruitful and Multiply”
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After rereading these postings, I don’t think anyone was judging the Duggards, just sharing their own expediences and observations. Prayers and blessings to all families who feel it is their calling to have large families, but also prayers and blessings to those who have a different calling.
I agree with Chris; The Duggars are obviously following God’s mandates and receiving God’s blessing in the process. I can’t believe you are having this discussion. God hasn’t given us all 19 kids,but he blessed the Duggars who have been faithful and thankful, and has provided for them. Possibly He has done this as a testimony to an unbelieving,questioning, condemning world who no longer values children or considers them a blessing. I’m more shocked by those Christians who say, “we’re having our last one.” What a sad report on our faith regarding His provision. We claim to live for Him and seek His will, yet we proclaim what we will tolerate. Who knows ‘what we can afford’. If we believe that He is responsible for our provision as He says, we should also trust Him for the size of our family. We are so busy reflecting the world’s views and opinions, we are no longer able to be salt and light. We should be suporting and applauding the Duggar’s testimony before the world and seeking to be more like them. It is sad to hear Christians discussing what literally sounds like a movement toward ‘population control’.I wonder how many of the Duggar children will go out into the world proclaiming Christ. If half go, it’s more than you and I have to celebrate. But I’ll bet it will be more. God know’s what he’s doing.
When we are married, we as Christians believe that a union is formed between a man, a woman, and God (our creator and father). We believe that God should be involved in every decision and action, yet when we close the bedroom door at night, we close out God. By using contraception or surgery, couples are telling God to stay out of their marriage. We are telling Him that we know better than He does. I agree with you that your chocolate cake analogy is a poor one. Chocolate cake doesn’t have an eternal soul and will not exist in heaven for eternity. We always say that children are a blessing. Who are we to say, “Thank you, God. I’ve been blessed enough. Please don’t bless me anymore.” To be unaccepting of children is unfortunately part of our selfish nature…and not truly part of God’s plan for us.
Not all people who do not use contraception have 19 children. My husband and I have two that are three years apart and we do not use contraception. We believe that children are a blessing. How they find the time to have that many children Im not sure. lol But, the children seem happy, healthy and devoted to God so I am ok with the Duggars. Is it ok for everyone, maybe not but that is why faith is not cookie cutters, there are variations some big and some small but all should have their eyes towards God and do whatever it is he calls them to do.
My question would be, are the parents raising 19 children or are they having 19 children and the older children are raising the younger ones? Is that fair for the children regardless of being raised in a loving and caring home?
That is a tough question. I suppose if they have the support of their community, whether it be the town they live in or their church community, or a large supportive family.
It would seem difficult to me to give each child all the love and attention they need with so many and have frequent one-on-one time with each child. I have four children without having extended family around. I did have a good church community when they were young, but I wish they had more adults in their lives who really cared about them. As an educator, I notice that my students who come from very large families seem to not always get the additional support from their parents when it comes to their school work for example. If the student is struggling, it is hard for the parent to make the time to help that child out. Often, they are left to struggle on their own.
On the otherhand, some parents are just very gifted when working with children, and it may work for them. I have never seen the show, so I don’t know about the couple mentioned and their parenting techniques.
I think if you are blessed to have a loving spouse that can provide for you and the children comfortable and give love, why not. The children seem to be happy, kind and healthy.