Natalism
Natalism:
Let's do the math:
Christians have large families and raise their children according to God's commands.
Non-Christians have one child or none at all.
Soon we will greatly outnumber them. And they wonder why there are so many red states.
This article at CBN tells about the growing (Is that a pun?)trend of natalism. I have two children but I'm a natalist at heart.It's an attitude, it's a sensibility where families are open to life, open to children, open to large families.
Let's do the math:
Christians have large families and raise their children according to God's commands.
Non-Christians have one child or none at all.
Soon we will greatly outnumber them. And they wonder why there are so many red states.
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:3-5
posted by Mrs. Happy Housewife at 9:25 AM
9 Comments:
I didn't know to be a Christian you had to be a republican :::rolls eyes:::
You don't but there aren't too many other options and for most Christians being Democrat isn't one of them. Also, posting anonymously leads others to believe you are a troll.
I know a lot of Christian democrats
So do I. The article was about Natalism - not whether Christians should be Republican or Democrat. Most of the Christians I know online aren't either one. How do you feel about Natalism?
Natalism, like any indoc. is a choice. Children are suited for those who feel they are in a loving and qualified position to do so. There are certainly a great many people (including Christians) who have realized that they don't have the capacity and ability to care for children. It's a skill not all have, and not everyone is cut out for parenthood.
Your response though, presents your opinions as fact. Not all Christians have huge families and raise their children according to God's commands. Although that may be the norm for your particular group, it's an encompassing statement. Not all non-Christians have small or no family including children. I am the product of a non-Christian home and there are three children in our home. I also know many Islamic families who take the view of having many children. Overall, Defining the validity and worth of a Christian by how many children they have is unfair. You do the best with what you have.
It is clear you are presenting this politically. You said "soon we will greatly outnumber them. And they wonder why there are so many red states."
It just seems you have your motives skewed, and it ruins the true beauty that is found in scripture about children. It comes across as a red state vs blue state baby popping match to dominate the non-christians.
What's your plan once you "greatly outnumber us?"
Jessica,
The article was merely commenting on a trend in the Christian community. I support those who have large families - be they Christian or not. Children are a blessing and I do believe there is a biblical mandate to "be fruitful and multiply." My husband and I, however, have only two children by choice. It was a decision we made on our own without looking to God and His will for us, as written in the Bible.
Many "large" families (even those with just three children) are often subjected to ridicule and derision simply because they have chosen to have more than one or two children.
I have read perhaps too many articles regarding the growing problem world-wide of diminished population replacement (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sub-replacement_fertility) and clubs against having children (http://www.boston.com/news/globe/magazine/articles/2004/02/22/no_kids_please/) but I see a real problem both economically and idealogically with those who are against large families - not those who do not choose to have one themselves.
I was presenting a simple math equation: if one group has sub- replacement fertility and another group has hyper-replacement fertility, in time, one group will greatly outnumber the other. It's not a competition - just math. There's no grand plan. People make choices and those choices have repercussions.
Maybe it could have been presented better is all. It felt threatening, and condusive to only one solution. Too often I think people use extreme either or ultimatums, like to have clean air you need to get rid of your car. Nature has natural cycles. Millions of couples experience infertility or difficulty in conceiving, many permanately. My mom's limit was three and she lost her uterus, I have the same defect.
All in all parenting and the amount of children has to be suited to the individual. I'll probably have one or two. I set my standard a long time ago that I would have only what I could financially support adequately. Adequately means that all my children eat the best food (organic, hormone chemical free, often more expensive), and have the best education possible and aren't shorted, and for me my capabilties will be 1-2, maybe even adopted.
I think the biblical indoc to 'be fruitful and multiply' can be expanded to more than pregnantx12. If you can't have kids or choose not to have a lot of kids, maybe you teach, or provide service to children and families. Maybe you adopt or financially support, there are millions of adoptable children in this world. Having an abundance and large number of biological children doesn't equate to the only or best way you can serve both god and man, and I think that has to be presented as well.
An important thing to remember in looking at history is that it has a way of changing. No one group is ever in power or predominance forever which is why the ideal of democracy is so good. Giving equal voice and equal representation
to all groups, no matter the size is important. Not only does it perpetuate peace and open communication, but it allows all groups to exercise their rights and freedoms without feeling threatened by the size of another group. This ideal, if the world intents to flourish, needs global expansion. Currently the muslim birth rate in Europe alone is three times higher than non-muslims. That trend will mean that population will double by 2015, while non-muslim populations will shrink by up to 3.5%. Forming relationships and understanding will be vital if Christians and other religions wish not to be at war or odds all the time.
I tend to speak off the cuff. My husband tells me that sometimes my comments sound different than I mean them. I do like my soapbox and the freedom to voice my opinions.I also enjoy intellectual debate. Thanks for providing that on natalism. If I might ask, how did you end up on my blog?
I like to talk to people with different views in general, to try to encourage discourse and discussion rather than the "stomping off to separate corners" rhetoric I see so often played out in our country currently. I think it's important to know and communicate with all types of people, and I think all sides can see that there is compromise and commonalities to be found. I read Doug Phillip's blog and Crystal Paine's blog and ladiesagainstfeminism.com, and I pop up now and then. I am renting my first house, and it's nice to have tips and suggestions on cooking and gardening. I'm also getting towards the marriage and child bit, and trying to figure out how I want to go about that. I'm not a Christian, but the tips and conversation is always nice.
Jes
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