Here is Part 4 of the series on why we are not Quiverfull. If you have not read the introduction or Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 you may wish to start with those by clicking on the respective links.
This part includes three new reasons covering the subjects of nature, as God created it; how Quiverfull can affect the sexual relationship in marriage; and the problem of poor parenting.
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Excerpt:
Psalms 104:24 O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
Various animals have a basic, God-given instinct to survive. Some will abandon their young when there isn't enough food available for them to survive - during a drought perhaps. (I'm not suggesting infanticide, so don't even go there!) Some animals will have fewer offspring when there is a shortage of food. I have heard that wolves will not even mate if there is not enough food. So we see that limiting or reducing population is a basic instinct in wild animals to ensure survival and promote healthy offspring. They cannot reason as we can and do not even have a free will as we do. How much more responsible should humans be in such decisions?
I am not talking about the typical humanist idea of reducing the world population. Generally speaking, that is promoted for self-serving and greedy reasons. However, since God built this mechanism into at least some of His creatures, it would be folly for us to deny that it has a useful place in creation! I realize this will probably rub some people the wrong way, but I have come to realize that there are things we take for granted as "good, godly" beliefs which we did not get from the Bible or the reality of how God made this world.
I appreciated the fact that you addressed the issue of sex in marriage in your post. I agree, too many people believe that it is not for enjoyment between husband and wife, which is terribly sad. I think there has been a lot of false teaching around this subject.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with Grace and Truth.
Thank you. It is a touchy subject. I agree - I also think there has been a lot of bad and false teaching on this subject.
DeleteThanks for stopping by and commenting. :-)
Thank you so much for your very thorough evaluation of this subject and for your use of Scripture! I am actually going to print this off and save it for my files! This was very articulate and well written!
ReplyDeleteSeveral years ago, I taught a "quiver full" family piano lessons. They were almost frightening people for me to be around. It made me uneasy that they held their family in SUCH a high regard that they excluded other people. They were very reluctant to invite people without large families (or any family/ widows, fatherless) into their home or spend time with them. It was very sad and unevangelistic I might add!
I have two wonderful daughters, but because of very significant health complications cannot have any more children. I have considered this the Lord's leading and direction in my life. I know this is part of His plan for me and not a punishment. It is saddening to know that many women are treated negatively for situations similar to mine.
Anyway, thanks again for your comments! You brought out some very good points!