Episode 48 - Should We Be Having More Kids?
Despite frequent doom projections about "overpopulation", most developed societies today are experiencing a growing crisis of low birth rates, with many prominent nations facing the prospect of being unable to replace their populations long-term. This problem is due not only to rising infertility rates but also to the preference of many modern couples to remain "child-free" by choice or to severely limit the number of children they think they could have. What do such attitudes tell us about the deeper roots of individualism and consumerism within our culture? What should Christians be thinking and saying about this problem? Sadly, instead of speaking up, many churches have swallowed the worldly notion that children are to be seen more as a burden than a blessing. How do we uphold the Biblical significance of child-rearing without making an idol out of parenting? How do we bear witness to godly notions of family at a time when the very concept of Christian family is being eroded? Join Andy and Aaron as (dad jokes in hand) they dive into this contentious, topical, and crucial issue with a mixture of wit and wisdom. RESOURCES: - Carle C. Zimmerman, Family and Civilization (1947) - Kevin De Young, 'The Case for Kids', First Things (Oct 2022) https://www.firstthings.com/article/2022/11/the-case-for-kids - Rosa Silverman, 'Child-free by choice: The birth rate crisis gripping the West', The Telegraph (2022) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/parenting/child-free-choice-birth-rate-crisis-gripping-west/?fbclid=IwAR2fgK-W1R_gLy7vjannBFPkCQxYlGbeLia00CssBlqVgPLGRh_T3AF4V5g - Tom Woodman, 'Having a Child is the Grandest act of Climate Destruction', The Spectator (2021) https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/having-a-child-is-the-grandest-act-of-climate-destruction